The vibrant spring in my homeland

The festive atmosphere leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse has spread to Vietnamese communities across many continents. Whether in Asia, Europe, or North America, the spirit of unity and preservation of national identity remains present in warm and heartfelt traditional New Year celebrations.

Vietnamese Tet is fully present.

The 2026 Spring Festival - Vietnamese Tet in Fukuoka transformed Tenjin-Kihinkan Central Park (Japan) into a vibrant cultural space, adorned with the red of couplets, the yellow of apricot blossoms, and the graceful charm of traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses.

The 7th Homeland Spring Festival 2026 – Vietnamese Tet in Fukuoka

Approximately 30 food stalls, folk games, and a cultural exhibition area provided a traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) experience. Images of children excitedly receiving lucky money envelopes, adults seeking auspicious calligraphy for the new year, and families gathering around trays of banh chung (traditional rice cakes) and nem ran (fried spring rolls) further strengthened solidarity and provided motivation for the Vietnamese community abroad. Mr. Nguyen Duy Anh, Member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Honorary President of the Association of Vietnamese People in Fukuoka, shared: "The greatest value of the event is the community bonding, helping overseas Vietnamese feel the full presence of Vietnamese Tet even while far from their homeland."

In Seoul, South Korea, Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea Vu Ho presided over the "Homeland Spring" program, attended by over 500 people. A warm atmosphere permeated the air with traditional dishes and songs reflecting the spirit of the homeland. This was not only a gathering for Vietnamese people but also a platform for interaction between international friends and Korean businesses, sharing hopes for a bright new future for the nation.

Meanwhile, in Thailand, the Vietnamese Embassy organized a community Tet (Lunar New Year) program called "Radiant Vietnam," with the participation of intangible cultural heritage artisans, offering authentic experiences such as bamboo pole dancing, calligraphy, and Dong Ho folk painting. In the heart of Bangkok, the melodious folk songs of Vietnamese students blended with the sweet and savory flavors of peanut candy and sticky rice cake, evoking profound childhood memories in the hearts of those living abroad.

In China, more than 200 Vietnamese expatriates studying and working in Hebei, Tianjin, Shandong, and other provinces gathered in Beijing for the "Homeland Spring" program. The event took place in a solemn atmosphere, contributing to strengthening the spirit of mutual support and solidarity within the Vietnamese community in China.

Continuing the vibrant atmosphere in neighboring countries, the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse also spread strongly to Vietnamese communities in Laos, India, Cambodia, and Myanmar, creating unique cultural imprints in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The picture of integration

On the West Atlantic coast, the festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) permeates the cold winter months. In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (including the capital and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia), Vietnamese homes are filled with laughter around pots of steaming banh chung and banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes). Gathering to make these cakes is not only about rediscovering the flavors of home, but also a vivid lesson about roots for the younger generation born and raised in America. The "Spring in the Homeland 2026" program, organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.S., clearly demonstrates a strong, distinctive, and deeply integrated community, earning the respect of international friends.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, became a warm cultural melting pot. The community Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration, organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which also serves as the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union (EU), attracted a large number of multicultural families across Europe. The Tet celebrations continued in the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Canada, and Latin America, including Mexico and Argentina. These vibrant spring festivities helped strengthen ties with the homeland and enhance understanding and goodwill towards Vietnam among international friends.

THANH HANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ron-rang-xuan-que-huong-post838557.html