Recalling Tet in the countryside

First held during the Lunar New Year of the Rat in 2020, the traditional Tet (Vietnamese New Year) themed space at the Provincial Museum (16 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang Ward) has become a popular destination for locals and tourists. For the Lunar New Year of the Horse in 2026, this activity will be maintained with the theme "Vietnamese Village Tet," taking place from February 9th to 21st (from the 22nd of the 12th lunar month to the 5th of the 1st lunar month). Here, visitors will be introduced to images that evoke cultural and historical values through traditional decorations such as village gates, New Year's poles, and red couplets. Visitors will also learn about beautiful customs of the traditional Tet holiday through simple items such as salt packets, lighters, lucky money trees, and lucky charm bracelets. In addition, there will be popular dishes symbolizing togetherness, warmth, and joy, including cakes, jams, tea, fruits, and betel nuts. Specifically, within the "Vietnamese Village Tet" space, on the 22nd day of the 12th lunar month, there will be a rice cake wrapping activity. This activity not only brings people the distinctive cultural features of the traditional Vietnamese Tet holiday through the experience of wrapping rice cakes, but also aims to promote humanitarian values during Tet by donating 1,200 cakes to underprivileged individuals being cared for in shelters and protection centers in the province, as well as people in difficult circumstances in some localities severely affected by floods.

The activity of wrapping banh chung and banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) will continue to be maintained by the Provincial Museum during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

To enhance the festive atmosphere of the traditional Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebration, the Provincial Museum also organizes experiential activities for visitors such as calligraphy writing; giving and receiving calligraphy; folk games, clay modeling, card games, tug-of-war, sack racing, making lucky money envelopes, making lanterns, etc. According to Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Binh - Deputy Head of the Exhibition, Communication and Education Department (of the Provincial Museum), organizing the "Vietnamese Village Tet" space with many activities introducing beautiful traditional cultural features and customs aims to contribute to providing people, tourists, especially young people, with experiences that will help them appreciate and be more aware of preserving the material and spiritual values of the nation. This activity also aims to connect the Provincial Museum with organizations and businesses to bring humane and noble deeds to the community. This is also a way to bring the museum space closer to everyone. Contributing to the education and raising awareness of the cultural traditions and historical values of Khanh Hoa province in particular and Vietnam in general.

From February 15th to 22nd (28th of the 12th lunar month to the 6th of the 1st lunar month), locals and tourists can visit a recreated Tet market area in the coastal park opposite 50 Tran Phu Street (Nha Trang Ward), organized by the Provincial Cultural Center. There, visitors can take photos at the miniature scenes decorated with typical Tet images, including banh chung (traditional rice cakes), apricot and peach blossoms, couplets, lucky money envelopes, and Tet-themed publications. The highlight of the space is the eight stalls constructed from rattan, bamboo, and leaves, mimicking traditional rural market stalls. There will be stalls showcasing products from the Bau Truc pottery village and demonstrating pottery-making techniques of the Cham people; stalls offering traditional cakes and jams for visitors to sample, experience, and purchase; and stalls focusing on clay figurine making and calligraphy, expected to attract many children. In addition, there is a horticultural stall showcasing ornamental plants, driftwood, and bonsai with unique and creative artistic shapes.

The calligraphy writing activity at the beginning of spring will be organized by the Provincial Cultural Center during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

To enhance the appeal of the stalls and help visitors better understand the products on display, the Provincial Cultural Center invites artisans to directly participate in making the products; they also guide and share the techniques and significance of these products during the traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Based on previous years' experiences organizing the Lunar New Year market, this space has consistently attracted visitors, especially foreign tourists. “Organizing the Tet market space is one of the many key activities of the Provincial Cultural Center during the celebration of the Party and the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. Through this, we aim to introduce and promote the traditional beauty of Vietnamese Tet to the people and tourists; at the same time, strengthen the spirit of solidarity and national affection, awaken and promote the tradition of patriotism and pride in our homeland. From the Tet market space, we hope that everyone will have the opportunity to capture beautiful moments, as well as learn about and further appreciate the beautiful values of the traditional Tet holiday of our nation,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Viet - Director of the Provincial Cultural Center.

Amidst the bustling city streets, there are spaces that evoke the atmosphere of Tet in the countryside, bringing a touch of nostalgia and spreading traditional beauty. Hopefully, with the attention of the organizers, locals and tourists will continue to receive beautiful values from these activities.

GIANG DINH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202601/goi-ve-tet-que-94d7ed9/