The joy of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in the community at Salatel.

This year's Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year celebration in Khánh Lâm commune by the Khmer people has a special character. Instead of gathering in their homes, the people come together at Salatel – a community space – to celebrate the New Year in shared joy, warmth, and a spirit of sharing.

Báo Cà Mau•15/04/2026

The Salatel project is being used quite effectively.
Visiting and giving gifts at salatels on the occasion of Sene Dolta festival.
The Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs visited and presented gifts to Salatel on the occasion of the Sene Dolta festival.

On the evening of April 14th, the Khanh Lam Commune Youth Union, in coordination with the Khanh Hoi Border Guard Station and various benefactors, organized a Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration at Salatel. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was lively with the free making of Vietnamese savory pancakes (banh xeo). Hot, fragrant pancakes were handed out to the people, carrying the familiar flavors of Tet and bringing everyone together in joyful laughter.

Ms. Mai Hong Siem, Secretary of the Khanh Lam Commune Youth Union, distributed cakes and milk to the children.

Ms. Pham Hong Ngay, a benefactor in Hamlet 4, shared: “We are truly happy to be here and see the villagers gathered together, joyfully celebrating Tet. I feel very moved, remembering the poverty I experienced in the past and feeling sorry for the children, so we decided to organize this for them. Our gifts may not be large, but we hope they can contribute to bringing a warmer Tet to the villagers. Seeing everyone's smiles, we feel that what we are doing is very meaningful. If we have the means and the opportunity, we will continue to accompany and support the villagers in the coming years, so that everyone can have a warmer and more fulfilling Tet.”

Ms. Pham Hong Ngay, from Hamlet 4, Khanh Lam Commune (second from the right), along with benefactors, prepares hot and crispy Vietnamese pancakes for the local people.

Besides banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), many stalls offering free food, porridge, cakes, drinks, etc., were also thoughtfully prepared. Activities such as giving gifts, distributing rice, and providing free haircuts for people, especially those in need, contributed to a more fulfilling Tet holiday, simple yet full of compassion.

The sponsors enjoyed hot, freshly made Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo) with the locals.

Ms. Mai Hong Siem, Secretary of the Khanh Lam Commune Youth Union, said: “Organizing the Tet celebration at Salatel not only creates a shared space but also strengthens solidarity within the community. This year, the program is organized on a larger scale with many diverse activities, from food and entertainment to welfare care, helping people clearly feel the concern of the local authorities and society.”

The young people were very excited to watch the lion dance in the festive atmosphere of the community New Year celebration.

Joy was evident on every face. Ms. Tran Thi Sanh from Hamlet 16, experiencing the community Tet atmosphere for the first time, couldn't hide her emotion as she enjoyed hot banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) and cool drinks with attentive service. For the children, Tet was even more complete as they received cakes and milk, watched lion dances, and played to their heart's content. Their innocent smiles brightened the entire festive atmosphere.

People receive rice and clothes at the "zero-cost" stall.

Beyond simply celebrating the Lunar New Year, the program also incorporates the dissemination of policies and guidelines, raising awareness of cultural preservation, environmental protection, and public order and security. The cultural performances and lion dances contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Tet (Lunar New Year), while also providing opportunities for youth union members to connect more closely with the local community.

Children and locals happily enjoyed free food and drinks at the stalls.