Tết Xưa Làng Cổ aims to promote the history, culture, and tourism of Đông Sơn ancient village. VNA/VNS Photo Hoa Mai

They are held within the Tết Xưa Làng Cổ (Traditional Tết in the Ancient Village) Programme, which was celebrated for a second time by Thanh Hóa City.

The highlight of the programme is the re-enactment of the traditional Tết market showcasing the local agriculture and food delicacies like cháo lươn (eel porridge), xôi ngũ sắc (five-colour sticky rice) and bánh đúc (Vietnamese steamed rice cake).

Festival-goers can also join in many folk games such as blindfolded pot hitting, bamboo pole dance, cockfighting, blindfolded duck catching and tug of war.

Those who are interested in photography and history can take photos at check-in points set up along the historical sites and alleys within the ancient village, as well as visit Đông Sơn Cultural Relic Site, Tiên Sơn Cave and a 2,000-year-old well.

According to Lê Thị Thanh, the chairwoman of the People's Committee of Hàm Rồng Ward, where the village is located, Tết Xưa Làng Cổ aims to promote the history, culture, and tourism of the locality to domestic and international visitors.

“Through this event, the organisers also aim to educate future generations about the traditional Tết customs passed down from our ancestors. We hope to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in preserving and promoting the cultural values of Đông Sơn Ancient Village,” she added.

Located about 148km from Hà Nội, Đông Sơn Ancient Village has a history spanning thousands of years and is closely associated with archaeological sites where the renowned Đông Sơn Culture, a significant cultural and civilised society in Southeast Asia and the world, was discovered.

Despite ups and downs throughout history, the village has managed to preserve its cultural values with the distinct characteristics of a rural village in the north central region of Việt Nam.

It is attractive to visitors for its peaceful beauty, historical architecture, and archaeological relics.

In 2013, the Government approved a decision on the overall planning for preserving, restoring and promoting the value of Hàm Rồng historical and cultural relic complex, including the ancient village of Đông Sơn in Thanh Hóa.

In June 2020, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Hóa Province approved the outline of the Project for Researching the Conservation and Promotion of the Value of Đông Sơn Ancient Village. This project provides directions and expectations for developing the village into an attractive destination for Thanh Hóa City specifically and the province as a whole in the future.

Tết Xưa Làng Cổ will run until February 14 or the fifth day of the first lunar month. VNS