Foreign diplomats enjoy Lunar New Year program in Ho Chi Minh City

Representing diplomatic missions in the city, participants from Switzerland, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, and other countries took part in a spring friendship program organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO).

Entitled 'Diplomatic families celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year – the Year of the Horse,' the event offered an opportunity to learn more about Vietnam's upcoming Tet, which falls on February 17, contributing to stronger cultural connections between Vietnam and the international community.

'Ao dai' elegance, spring flavors

As part of the program, the delegation visited the Ao Dai Museum in Long Phuoc Ward, where they explored the historical evolution of the 'ao dai,' Vietnam's traditional long gown, across different periods. 

Founded by renowned designer Si Hoang, the museum offered delegates insights into the stories behind the iconic attire, while many eagerly tried on 'ao dai' and took part in hands-on cultural activities in a festive Tet setting.

At the venue, lion and dragon dances, folk music performances, calligraphy writing, and folk painting further enriched the immersive Lunar New Year atmosphere, alongside stalls for wrapping 'banh chung'—a Tet staple made from glutinous rice, mung beans and pork, wrapped in dong (phrynium) leaves.

Malaysian Consul General Firdauz Bin Othman said he was struck by the vibrant and colorful Tet atmosphere in Vietnam, noting that wearing the 'ao dai' made him feel 'very special.' 

Calling it a beautiful Vietnamese tradition, he added that this was his first visit to the museum and expressed his delight at seeing many young people taking photos there ahead of Tet.

He also remarked that Vietnam's Tet shares similarities with Lunar New Year celebrations among the Chinese community in Malaysia, especially the strong emphasis on family gatherings, and praised the friendliness and hospitality of Vietnamese people.

Cinzia Grieco, cultural attaché at the Italian Consulate General, took time to learn about the formation and transformation of the 'ao dai' through various historical stages.

Meanwhile, Singaporean Consul General Pang Te Cheng said he was impressed by the historical depth and creativity reflected in 'ao dai' designs across different eras, noting that each period carries its own aesthetic identity and reveals layers of Vietnamese culture.

In addition to the museum visit, delegates toured the Long Thuan apricot garden, home to a model of apricot cultivation meeting bonsai standards for the Asia-Pacific region. 

Lao Consul General Phonesy Bounmixay shared his fondness for the yellow apricot blossoms, saying their brilliant color left a strong impression as a symbol of spring and prosperity.

Bridge for friendship, cultural exchange

Speaking at the event, HUFO president Ha Thanh described Tet as one of Vietnam's most sacred cultural traditions. 

Beyond marking the arrival of a new year, she said, Tet is a time for family reunions and for honoring enduring human values. 

According to Thanh, the program was designed to introduce the beauty of Tet culture to international friends while creating opportunities for diplomats and their families to connect and strengthen bonds of friendship. 

She added that 2026, the Year of the Horse, symbolizes dynamism and strength, reflecting hopes for a new stage of development in cooperative and friendly relations between the city's friendship organizations and foreign diplomatic missions.

"We hope every member of the diplomatic family, especially the children, will take home beautiful memories of Vietnam's traditional Tet in a civilized, modern, and compassionate Ho Chi Minh City," Thanh said.

Echoing this sentiment, Singaporean Consul General Pang noted that the Tet atmosphere in Vietnam is especially lively, with streets filled with flowers and young people traveling to enjoy spring.

"Vietnam is a dynamic country with rich cultural diversity, and Tet is an especially inspiring highlight," he said.

Similarly, Malaysian Consul General Othman described the program as a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange, adding that after three years working in Vietnam, he now considers the country his second home.