The most notable aspect of this year’s celebrations will be firework displays at 30 venues as a way of welcoming in Year of the Rat. In total, six venues will host high-altitude fireworks displays, with the rest coming at lower heights.

Bui Thi Thu Hien, deputy director of Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, said the six high-altitude venues will be the same as in previous years. The locations include Sword lake in Hoan Kiem district, the Lac Long Quan Flower Garden in Tay Ho district, the My Dinh stadium in Nam Tu Liem district, Thong Nhat park in Hai Ba Trung district, Van Quan lake in Ha Dong district, and Son Tay Ancient Citadel on the outskirts Son Tay district. 

Each display will last for 15 minutes and will start as soon as the clock hits midnight on January 25. As well as spectacular fireworks, members of the public will also be treated to music galas to mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year.

In addition, a calligraphy festival is set to transpire at the Temple of Literature whilst many movie screenings will be organised across the capital to serve customers throughout the Tet period.

As usual Hanoi’s traditional dragon boat race is scheduled to take place on the first weekend following Tet.

Moreover, Thach That district will host an annual wrestling festival to mark the arrival of spring.

Hanoi authorities have requested that relevant agencies tighten security and ensure that traffic safety is maintained for residents and tourists during the festive period.

Tet represents the most important and largest holiday nationally, with people set to enjoy seven days off work between January 23 and 29 to celebrate the New Year. VOV