Vietnamese Tet Festival 2023
EVENT INTRODUCTION
As we gather to welcome the beginning of Lunar New Year, AVFA’s Tet Celebration encapsulates the spirit of renewal, hope, and cultural pride. The event is designed to showcase the diversity of Vietnamese traditions through a range of activities, performances, and culinary delights. From the vibrant lion dances to the melodious tunes of traditional music, the Tet Celebration is a sensory journey that transports attendees to the heart of Vietnamese heritage. Through this event, AVFA aims to strengthen the bonds of the community, providing a platform for both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese residents to come together and share in the joy of Tet.
This event was sponsored by the Northern Territory Government, the city of Palmerston, and Charles Darwin University.
EVENT AGENDA
- Lucky New Year games: During the Lunar New Year, various traditional games are played to bring luck and joy to the household. These games often include activities like “Bai Choi” (a Vietnamese form of bingo), “Bau Cua Ca Cop” (a dice game), or “Treo Coc” (a game involving hanging objects to represent good luck symbols).
- Calligraphy: Calligraphy holds significant cultural value during Tet (Vietnamese New Year). It involves the art of beautiful writing, typically using brush and ink. People often practice calligraphy to write auspicious phrases or well wishes on red paper or banners to decorate their homes.
- Decorate Tet postcards: Making or decorating Tet postcards is a beloved tradition during the Lunar New Year. Families gather to create beautiful postcards with traditional symbols such as cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, or Vietnamese characters conveying good fortune and happiness.
- Make banh chung with the family: Banh Chung is a traditional Vietnamese rice cake made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. Making Banh Chung is a communal activity during Tet, often involving multiple generations of family members. It’s a time-consuming process that requires careful preparation and cooking over many hours, but it’s a cherished tradition that brings families together.
- Enjoy traditional Tet dishes: Tet is a time for feasting and enjoying traditional Vietnamese cuisines such as sweetened dried fruit, snacks, pho, banh mi….
