Wrapped neatly in layers of green bamboo leaves, emitting the fragrance of freshly harvested rice, rice dumplings (banh u) stand as a simple yet indispensable delicacy during the Doan Ngo festival.

For years, Tiet Thanh Minh (Tomb-sweeping festival) which comes in the early days of spring has become a familiar custom of Vietnamese people. This day has a humane meaning and is imbued with cultural and spiritual values.

According to ancient traditions, on the last day of a lunar year, a typical Vietnamese family puts aside everything to prepare a feast to worship their grandparents and ancestors, praying for a brighter year ahead.

During Tet, Vietnam’s biggest holiday of the year, families from all around the world try to return home for a special reunion and to welcome in the Lunar New Year together. 

The breaking news that American billionaire Bill Gates and his wife have plans to divorce after 27 years of living together has flooded local media and social networks in Vietnam over the past few days, overwhelming other hot issues.

Marriage and children have been hot topics in Vietnam of late, thanks to the Government’s announcement that it wants people to marry before 30 and have two kids before 35, with tax breaks and other policies on offer to encourage procreation.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCES‘

MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) will broadcast a special two-hour programme on Lunar New Year's Eve (January 23) showing celebrations around the city and in neighbouring provinces.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just announced the top 10 culture, sports and tourism events of 2019.

The Kho Mu are one of 5 ethnic groups in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau. Despite physical hardships, they have developed strong cultural traditions and customs.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

When HBSO staged their Rock Symphony event almost a year ago it wasn’t so much a concert as a party. 

Painter Phuong Hong is famous for his works relating to Buddhism. His paintings are highly appreciated by experts for utilising many materials from water colours, lacquer to oil-painting and others.

In the old days, Dong Ho paintings were used as decorations at every home during the Lunar New Year festival (Tet). The folk paintings have become part of Vietnamese life through generations.

Outstanding music talents from Europe and Vietnam will perform at a music festival in Hanoi and HCMC from November 18 to 30, according to the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese-Polish winner of MasterChef in Poland, Ms. Ola Nguyen, will headline a special “Polish Gastronomy Week” on November 8-15 in Hanoi.

Big hits by Vietnamese and international musicians from the 90s will be performed at a concert on November 9 in Hanoi.