Festivals in Ho Chi Minh City

Festivals in Ho Chi Minh City

Just as this implicit new/old opposition suggests, Tet celebration rituals symbolize a number of similar contrasts, originating from Vietnamese culture: the connection between past and present, the living and the dead, the natural and spiritual worlds. Preparation before the celebrations traditionally takes up to a whole week, consisting of gift-giving, family gatherings, decoration, special food preparation, drinks and social activities. The festival is held right in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, and beautiful flower displays - peach and apricot blossom, can be seen everywhere, along with dragon images. Oftentimes hotels even hold flower competitions, determining who can make the best flower arrangement.
The Tet Vietnamese New Year festival is held late January or early February, depending on the Lunar calendar.

Celebrating Tet in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Wear your newest clothes or most beautiful clothes
• Look for the New Year's tree
  A bamboo tree with a kerosene light hanging on top will beam the way for the ancestor’s spirits.
• Be prepared for food shortage
  Although this is the time of the year when the most special food is prepared, most restaurants will be closed. Tet is a family festive and shops slam their shutter for people reunite with their relatives.