Culture - Sports

Vietnam's construction of the Trong Dong (Bronze Drum) Stadium, set to accommodate 135,000 spectators, has garnered significant attention from global media. Once completed, it will be the world's largest stadium.

In the vast treasure trove of Vietnamese folk art, Xoan singing stands as a unique jewel, inextricably linked to the worship of the Hung Kings — the nation's legendary founders.

While fireworks and countdown celebrations light up much of the country, New Year’s Eve on Con Dao is markedly subdued. At midnight, the island becomes an “island of candles” as locals gather at Hang Duong Cemetery to pay tribute to national heroes.

A series of exhibitions, diverse in materials and perspectives, not only celebrate the zodiac animal of the year but also invite visitors on a journey into the cultural, historical and artistic depth associated with this familiar motif.

Starting from the third day of Tet, locals and travellers from all over the country heading to the North can check out a variety of unique festivals in different areas to enjoy spring trips, go on pilgrimages, and experience the vibrant cultural traditions that are part of Vietnam’s rich heritage.

The ritual has long formed part of Vietnam’s spiritual tradition, reflecting a shared wish for a year of good fortune.

Each dish embodies not only taste but also memories and cultural values nurtured over generations. Sustaining this heritage ensures that Vietnamese cuisine is not eroded by time, but continues to be cherished, renewed and shared with care and respect.

The Nguyen Hue Flower Street in Ho Chi Minh City presents a symphony of vivid colours under the southern spring sunshine, featuring more than 100,000 baskets of diverse flowers.

Over more than a decade, the 2026 Lunar New Year Book Street Festival has become a distinctive cultural hallmark of Ho Chi Minh City, promoting and spreading reading culture.

In recent years, Vietnamese social media has witnessed the rise of a content stream that feels old-fashioned yet resonates strongly with young audiences in the digital age: documenting rural life, especially kitchen scenes, Tet preparations, and everyday family routines.

The Vietnamese team claimed 18 gold medals on their debut at the sixth World Kun Khmer Championships in Cambodia, edging hosts Cambodia to finish first overall and strengthening their push for Olympic recognition of the sport.

Last year, Hanoi saw a surge in both quantity and quality of public art endeavours, a leap forward in the art of breathing new life into urban landscapes

In the ever-evolving landscape of Vietnamese art, the "Ngua hoa mai" (Apricot blossom horse) project stands as a testament to how folk motifs can find new life.

According to the State Records and Archives Department, part of the archives from the French colonial period (1858–1954) is preserved in Vietnam, while the remainder is kept in France.

Horses have long been embedded in Vietnamese culture, carrying layered symbolism in language and belief while remaining part of daily life in many ethnic minority communities.

A major attraction is a unique “Eight galloping horses” (Bat Ma) sculpture displayed at the To Trinh gemstone booth. Carved from a rare monolithic jade block, the artwork features eight spirited horses racing across golden rice fields. The harmonious blend of pure jade veins and natural golden tones enhances both its aesthetic depth and symbolic meaning, evoking prosperity and abundance associated with Vietnam’s rice civilisation.

The ceremonial part will proceed with full solemnity under traditional rites, including commemorative orations, incense offerings to the Tran Kings, water and land processions, and other ritual observances.

A vibrant array of cultural and media events has been launched across Vietnam to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, highlighting both the country’s enduring traditions and its dynamic socio-economic progress.

Since the mid-point of the 12th lunar month, Hang Luoc street has assumed a celebratory guise. Soft and vivid pink peach blossoms, golden kumquat trees bowed under the weight of ripe fruit, and crisp white apricot blooms herald the onset of spring.

Each culinary stall at the Spring Fair 2026 presents its own regional specialities, meeting on-site dining needs while promoting the richness of Vietnamese culinary culture.