UVTW Party, Secretary of the City Party Committee Nguyen Dinh Trung (third from the left) visits the "Phu Xuan Tet - Flavors of the Imperial City" program in Phu Xuan ward.

Identity is a resource for development.

In the first year of operating the two-tiered local government model with 40 communes and wards after administrative unit reorganization, the city's apparatus operated smoothly and proactively. From urban areas to suburban and mountainous regions, localities flexibly organized activities to celebrate the Party and the Lunar New Year, creating a synchronized yet unique atmosphere for the Tet holiday.

In the city center, New Year's Eve celebrations at Ngo Mon Square featured high-altitude fireworks, cannon displays, and the illumination of the Citadel, all organized in a systematic and safe manner, attracting large crowds of locals and tourists. In various localities, traditional festivals such as the wrestling festival in Thu Le village, the wrestling festival in Sinh village, the Huyen Tran Temple festival, and the Hoang Mai festival were restored and organized in an orderly fashion, enriching the cultural atmosphere at the beginning of the year.

A highlight is the "Tet Phu Xuan - Flavors of the Imperial City" space located in the Quoc Tu Giam area and Ham Nghi courtyard, Phu Xuan ward. At the center is a giant lotus flower made from over 50,000 potted flowers, a powerful visual image that is both traditional and modern. The Five Elements culinary space, activities such as making traditional cakes and jams, calligraphy, and martial arts performances provide opportunities for locals and tourists to not only admire but also directly experience the festivities.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, who has been involved in the traditional cake-making craft in Phu Xuan ward for many years, shared: “I am deeply moved that the ancient craft of our ancestors is being respected in such a dignified setting. Tourists can not only watch but also directly experience it. This makes us feel that traditional crafts truly have a place in the world.”

Ms. Le Thi Minh Thi, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said: “I have been to Hue many times, but this year I feel the traditional Tet atmosphere much more clearly. The space is professionally organized, still very Hue but not outdated.”

During a field survey of festival spaces, Party Secretary Nguyen Dinh Trung emphasized: “The activities and festivals organized during Tet are not only places for entertainment, but also spaces for preserving and recreating cultural values. This is how we redefine our heritage, transforming the traditional Tet into a distinctive cultural tourism product of Hue.”

According to City Party Secretary Nguyen Dinh Trung, cultural activities must be invested in systematically and professionally, while ensuring security and safety, so that each festival truly becomes an opportunity to promote the image of Hue.

In reality, when heritage is organized with a modern mindset, cultural values ​​can be transformed into economic resources. In the nine days from the 27th of the 12th lunar month to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, Hue welcomed over 523,000 visitors, a 245% increase compared to the same period last year; estimated revenue reached 1,121 billion VND. These figures not only reflect the vibrancy of tourism but also demonstrate the correct direction in developing a cultural economy based on cultural identity.

Children enjoyed the art program organized during Tet in Huong An ward.

Identity is built upon a spirit of solidarity.

While festivals create a vibrant appearance, the spirit of solidarity forges the enduring depth of Hue. During the Lunar New Year of 2026 (Year of the Horse), the "Tet of Solidarity" and "Spring of Love" programs were simultaneously implemented in 40 communes and wards. The entire city distributed 70,241 gift packages with a total cost of nearly 29 billion VND; received 68 billion VND in support for disaster relief, bringing the total resources for social welfare during Tet to approximately 97 billion VND.

In Huong An ward, Mr. Tran Dao Quang Vu, Vice Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, said: "Beyond just giving gifts, we want to create a space for people to meet and celebrate the Lunar New Year together. When people prepare gifts and cultural performances together, Tet becomes a bond that connects the community."

Ms. Tran Thi Vui, a near-poor household in the area, was moved to tears: “This Tet, besides receiving gifts, my family also received care and concern. The feeling of being shared made us feel much warmer inside.”

In Phu Xuan ward, Mr. Vo Le Nhat, Secretary of the Ward Party Committee, affirmed: "When people work together to create a festive atmosphere for Tet and care for disadvantaged households, the spirit of sharing is awakened. This solidarity is the foundation for building a civilized and culturally rich locality."

Through these specific activities, it is evident that Hue's identity lies not only in its festivals, architecture, or cuisine, but also in its compassionate way of life and strong community bonds. When each citizen recognizes themselves as a subject of heritage and a component of development, that identity is sustainably nurtured from within.

The Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 concluded with many positive achievements. From the organization of the festival, ensuring security and social welfare, to the coordinated efforts between different levels and sectors, all demonstrated increasingly professional and effective governance under the new model of government.

Development based on identity is not about returning to the past, but about keeping tradition alive in the present through modern governance. When culture becomes the foundation, solidarity becomes strength, and organization becomes the driving force, Hue will not only preserve its core values ​​but also confidently break through, asserting its position as a unique cultural and tourism center of the country, a heritage city developing based on its own inherent values.


Text and photos: DUC QUANG

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/theo-dong-thoi-su/hue-diem-den-giau-ban-sac-163290.html