Major tourism cities across central Viet Nam have announced plans for a wide range of festive activities to welcome Tet, the Lunar New Year, scheduled to fall in mid-February.
The erection of cay neu at the Hue Imperial Citadel
In Hue City, there is a ceremony on February 12 to erect cay neu – a tall tree used to dispel evil spirits – at the Imperial Ancestral Temple and Long An Palace inside the Hue Imperial Citadel.
On February 19 and 20, visitors to the UNESCO-listed site will have the opportunity to watch the changing of the guard, royal music performances, games, dragon and lion dance and traditional martial arts.
In the old town of Hoi An, the erection of cay neu will also take place at historical and cultural sites ahead of the Lunar New Year festival.
Meanwhile at Song Hoai Square and Hoi An Sculpture Garden, a fireworks display is scheduled for Lunar New Year’s Eve and other activities such as calligraphy shows and boat races the following days.
In Da Nang City, the authorities have planned to set off fireworks at four venues including Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Ngu Hanh Son Stadium, Lien Chieu administrative building and Hoa Vang district.
The city will also organise a Tet flower festival and art programme on the east side of the Han River Bridge on the eve of the Lunar New Year.