More than 400 young people donning traditional Vietnamese outfits participated in a parade through the Old Quarter in Hanoi on Sunday morning, opening the 'Tet Viet - Tet Pho 2025' program.

After five years, the parade has become an essential cultural activity ahead of the new lunar year, helping to recreate the atmosphere of the traditional Tet holiday and strengthening community bonds.

The procession started at 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, passing through Cho Gao, Tran Nhat Duat, and Hang Buom Streets, O Quan Chuong (the last existing gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel), Bach Ma Temple, Hang Ngang and Hang Dao Streets and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square before ending at Kim Ngan Temple.

Drumbeats and music filled the air. Local residents and tourists warmly welcomed the procession. Some people followed the parade throughout its journey.

Participants in the parade wore Vietnam's traditional costumes, such as ao tac (a variant of ao dai with loose and large sleeves), ao ngu than (five-paneled aristocratic gown), ao nhat binh (square-collared garb), and ao giao linh (four-long-flap dress with a cross neck). 

The procession included a lion dance team, a group carrying ceremonial objects, a xoan singing group, groups in ao ngu than, ao giao linh, and ao nhat binh, and a group in modern ao dai, among others.

Compared to previous years, this year’s costumes were more strictly regulated, and the number of young people participating in the traditional ritual was higher.

Nguyen Nga, a member of the organizing board of the event, said young people had paid more attention to Vietnamese culture, especially traditional clothing, over the past few years.

Nga added that participating in rituals also helps young people love and understand more about the nation’s culture.

Alex, a British tourist, shared that he felt fortunate to watch the parade as it passed through Cau Go Street. He chose Vietnam as his travel destination specifically to learn about the Vietnamese Tet holiday.

After important ceremonies such as offerings to the local deity, a ceremony honoring craftsmen, and raising cay neu (a tall bamboo tree believed to ward off ghosts and monsters from entering the community during Tet in Vietnam) at a temple, artisans wrote calligraphy and performed folk music, recreating a traditional Tet atmosphere.

In the coming days, many activities reflecting Tet customs will be held in the Old Quarter area. 

The spaces at Kim Ngan Temple at 42-44 Hang Bac Street, a heritage house at 87 Ma May Street, and the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center at 50 Dao Duy Tu will be decorated and set up to recreate the traditional Tet atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to experience the old Hanoi Tet.

There will be exhibitions and spaces for artists and the public to interact over Vietnamese paintings and calligraphy, encouraging learning and deepening their love for traditional culture.

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