Tet is in the air across various locations in HCMC, with crowds flocking to iconic spots in downtown districts to take photos in traditional ao dai outfits.
This year, young urbanites are embracing the trend of capturing Tet-themed photos in ao dai. Despite the holiday being nearly a month away, renowned locations like Ho Con Rua (turtle lake), Ben Thanh Market, HCMC Post Office, and the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine have become more bustling than ever, with large crowds of photography enthusiasts over the weekends.
Many shopping centers in the heart of HCMC have also been decorated with miniature landscapes representing all three regions to welcome Tet. Le Phan Diep Trinh, a 30-year-old resident of Thu Duc City, bringing along a branch of yellow apricot blossoms for a photoshoot in ao dai, told the VnExpress news site that these destinations were bustling with crowds, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
Book Street Festival at Tet
The Book Street Festival at Tet 2024 will be inaugurated on 5 p.m. on February 7 (the 28th day of the 12th lunar month) and will last to the end of February 14 (the 5th day of the first lunar month).
This year’s festival will cover 11,200 square meters on Le Loi Boulevard in HCMC and be divided into three areas: Area A, from Nguyen Hue Boulevard to Pasteur Street, will have a main stage for the opening ceremony, and for displaying valuable publications, pictures and documents. Area B, from Pasteur Street to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, is for audiobooks, e-books, and publishing houses. This is also a place to present books to visitors. Area C, from Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street to Quach Thi Trang Roundabout, is for children with bookstores and a playground. It is also a place for visitors to take a rest.
QR codes for non-cash payment are also available at the Book Street Festival 2024 after having been held annually over the past 13 years, nld.com.vn reported.
Marriage after four decades in love
On January 14, a wedding was held in Hoc Mon District, HCMC. The wedding attracted the attention of quite a few people in the neighborhood, as both bride and groom were in their 60s.
Kim Nhan, the 62-year-old bride, lives in Binh Chanh District. Meanwhile, Van Tuan, the 65-year-old groom, is an overseas Vietnamese residing in the U.S. They fell in love with each other some 40 years ago when both were in their 20s. Tuan then had to move to the U.S. with his family to live and work there. Nhan stayed in the country and decided not to get married because of her love for Tuan.
Reuniting with his sweetheart back home after 40 years residing in the U.S., Tuan was moved by Nhan’s love and he decided to ask to get married to his greatest love. Getting the nod of Nhan, the couple’s wedding was then held at the house of Tuan’s family in Hoc Mon District to the great joy of both families of the bride and groom, dantri.com.vn reported.
Fund-raising walk benefits needy people
Over 1,500 individuals participated in a fundraising walk along Truong Sa Street in District 3, HCMC, on the morning of January 14 to support underprivileged communities during the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
The charity walk was organized by the People’s Committee, the Vietnamese Fatherland Front Committee, and the Business Association in District 3, HCMC.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pham Thi Thuy Hang, vice chairwoman of the People’s Committee of District 3, said despite economic challenges in 2023, the authority and businesses always stand side by side with the citizens and support people in difficult circumstances, especially during the Tet holiday.
The walking event successfully raised over VND3.3 billion to assist those in need, reported the Tuoi Tre news site.
