Hanoi (VNA) – As the Lunar New Year 2025 (Tet) approaches, vibrant cultural, artistic, and recreational activities are taking place nationwide, showcasing traditional customs and creating festive vibes for locals and tourists alike.
The capital city of Hanoi is alive with Tet celebrations, offering rich cultural experiences.
At its iconic Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam), the annual “Spring Calligraphy Festival (Hoi chu Xuan) continues to captivate visitors who seek calligraphy for good luck and prosperity for the new year.
Nearly 50 calligraphy artists from across the country are showcasing their talents, while additional activities, including traditional music performances and craft exhibitions, create a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
In the city’s Old Quarter, Phung Hung street immerses visitors in a traditional Tet setting. With Dong Ho paintings and vintage tram cars of the 1970s, the street brings together the old and the new, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in cultural heritage while enjoying colourful flower markets and artistic displays.
At the UNESCO-recognised Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a special exhibition titled “Tet during the Subsidised Economy Period” brings the traditions of the 1970s and 1980s back to life.
Royal court rituals are also on display. From January 30 to February 2 (the second to fifth days of the lunar new year), water puppet shows will delight audiences.
Hanoi’s museums have also joined the festivities. The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum holds an exhibition featuring 36 artifacts from the Dong Son era dating back 2,000 to 2,500 years, including three nationally-recognised bronze drums. Meanwhile, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum are hosting a variety of cultural activities and exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
Beyond the capital, celebrations are in full swing across localities.
In the northern province of Ha Nam, Tet festivities are marked by a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, followed by art performances, exhibitions, and traditional wrestling competitions.
Meanwhile, Da Lat city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, is hosting its annual “Spring Flower Festival” at the city’s Flower Garden.
Over 70,000 potted flowers, including orchids and bonsai, are on display. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances such as gong music and lion dances, as well as participate in traditional games./.
