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Experiencing Tet New Year in Hanoi
A personal Journey
Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is an extraordinary celebration that embodies the spirit of Vietnamese culture. Last year, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the festivities in Hanoi from February 9th to 10th, 2024. It was an experience that allowed me to witness firsthand the beauty, traditions, and community spirit that define this holiday.
Arrival and Preperations
Arriving in Hanoi 10 days before Tet, the city’s energy was palpable. The streets were full of activities as families prepared for the upcoming celebrations. Markets were alive with vendors selling everything from “hoa dao” (peach blossoms) to “hoa mai” (apricot blossoms), symbolic flowers that bring good luck. The aroma of freshly made “bánh chúng” and “bánh tét” filled the air, and colorful decorations adorned homes and businesses.
New Year’s Eve Festivities
On the evening of February 9th, the excitement reached its peak. Families gathered for the traditional end-of-year feast, “cúng Tât niên,” to honor their ancestors. However, my experience took a slightly different yet equally memorable turn. I had met a local woman in a bar a few days earlier, and she invited me to join her and her friend for the New Year’s Eve celebrations by Hoan Kiem Lake. Neither of…
