Over 400 Hanoians join street parade in Old Quarter to celebrate Tet

The programme taking place at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center at 50 Dao Duy Tu street on January 19 aims to help young people gain a better understanding of traditional cultural values.

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Immediately after the opening ceremony, over 400 young people in traditional costumes join in a street parade in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

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Participants travel across Hang Chieu, Hang Giay, Hang Buom, Ta Hien, and Hang Bac streets before stopping at Kim Ngan Temple.

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The programme is held annually every Tet and this year marks the sixth edition of the programme.

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Through the parade ancient outfits of Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties are introduced to locals and tourists.

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Hundreds of people parade through many streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, carrying typical Tet offerings such as Banh Chung (glutinous rice cake) and peach blossoms in order to re-enact festive atmosphere in the old times.

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Many locals and tourists are impressed with the bright colours of the traditional costumes worn by young people.

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Linh Ngoc shares that this is the first time she has participated in the procession, and she feels happy to have the chance to introduce the ancient outfit to many people.

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Many traditional music and dance performances also take place during the occasion.

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After the parade, a ritual of erecting a “Neu” tree gets underway at Kim Ngan Temple. “Neu” is a tall bamboo pole believed to ward off evil so that the souls of the ancestors can enjoy Tet with their family members, the most important festival held in the Vietnamese calendar.

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Artisans perform a calligraphic piece of work featuring the words "Kỷ Nguyên Vươn Mình" (new era). The annual “Tết Việt tết phố” programme will last through to January 25, featuring many other important rituals and cultural activities.