A meeting place at the beginning of spring.

On the third day of Tet (Lunar New Year), as the atmosphere of family reunions gradually subsides, cafes become familiar meeting places for many people. These early-year gatherings are not only for exchanging New Year greetings and catching up after a long separation, but also an opportunity to share business stories and new plans, contributing to the close-knit and heartfelt atmosphere of springtime activities.

On the third day of Tet (Lunar New Year), as the atmosphere of family reunions gradually subsides, cafes become familiar meeting places for many people. These early-year gatherings are not only for exchanging New Year greetings and catching up after a long separation, but also an opportunity to share business stories and new plans, contributing to the close-knit and heartfelt atmosphere of springtime activities.

Many families with young children enjoy the experience of making handmade pottery at the May Yeu Thuong Pottery shop.

During the Lunar New Year holidays, the May Yeu Thuong Pottery Shop (Thong Nhat Alley, An Hoi Ward) becomes more bustling than usual. From early morning, groups of young people, families, and even those returning from afar visit the shop to find a quiet corner to chat at the beginning of the year. Laughter and conversation mingle with the gentle clinking of cups and saucers, the aroma of coffee blends with the spring atmosphere, making the space even warmer.

More than just a meeting place, the cafe also creates a new experiential space – handcrafted pottery making – to attract customers. In the rustic setting, pottery wheels are placed close together, and laughter and excitement mingle with the anticipation of customers trying their hand at creating their own unique cups and bowls.

The children watched attentively as each step was taken. The adults were equally enthusiastic as they tried their hand at shaping the products under the guidance of the staff. Little Le Gia An, a young participant in the fun experience, said: “My parents brought me here for drinks and pottery making, and it was very meaningful. It was fun and I have a memorable experience to take home.”

Customers dry their pottery products by hand.

According to Truc, a pottery instructor at the shop, the shop opens from the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year) and welcomes many families with young children. During these days, the number of customers increases significantly, especially families looking for relaxing activities to bond. The atmosphere at the shop at the beginning of the year becomes more intimate and warm.

Amidst the scent of clay and the rhythmic hum of the potter's wheel, early spring conversations unfold naturally and leisurely. A cup of coffee, a small cake, and a handmade pottery item become special mementos of this first meeting of the year.

Besides enjoying coffee and experiencing pottery making, many customers also take the opportunity to capture memorable moments of the new year through spring-themed check-in photos. The rustic decor with warm yellow lights, simple apricot blossom branches, and other decorative flowers has become a familiar photo spot for many families. Images of children in vibrant outfits, with innocent smiles alongside their parents, contribute to a warm and intimate spring atmosphere.

Meeting up at the beginning of the year and experiencing pottery making is a new tradition for many people during the Lunar New Year of the Horse.

Not only does the experience at the shop attract locals, but it also appeals to foreign tourists who come to explore the local culture. Many visitors enthusiastically sit at the potter's wheel, meticulously shaping each ceramic product under the guidance of the staff. One visitor shared that this was their first time trying their hand at pottery making and found it very interesting. Through this experience, they gained a better understanding of the skill and cultural life of the local people.

At many other cafes in the area, such as those along the East-West Boulevard (Phu Khuong ward) or in the Hung Phu urban area (Phu Tan ward), the atmosphere of New Year's gatherings was also warm. Groups of friends who had studied together for many years finally had the chance to sit down together. Mr. Le Chi Mung (My Chanh Hoa commune), currently working in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: "Everyone is busy all year, only during Tet can we get together. Sitting down for coffee at the beginning of the year, reminiscing about old times feels so close, like we've never been apart."

Mr. Le Chi Mung's family checks in at a New Year's gathering with friends.

The atmosphere at the cafe during Tet (Lunar New Year) is not noisy but lively in its own unique way. Older people chat leisurely, while younger people take the opportunity to capture some memorable photos. Ms. Ngoc Hanh, a customer at Moc Coffee, said that every year she makes time to meet friends before returning to work. "Meeting at the beginning of the year to wish each other good luck, everyone hopes for a more prosperous new year. The first cup of coffee of the year is like bringing good fortune," Ms. Hanh said.

These simple moments transform Tet holiday cafes from just places to meet friends into havens imbued with the spirit of spring in the countryside. Here, everyone finds connection, sharing, and faith in a new year filled with hope.

Text and photos: PHAN HAN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/202602/diem-hen-dau-xuan-8742486/