The festival will run from February 11 to March 1, or from the 24th day of the last lunar month to the 13th day of the first lunar month.

This year’s festival features a number of innovations in both spatial design and programme content. Ho Van has undergone comprehensive renovation and landscaping, creating an elegant springtime cultural setting that harmoniously blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary elements.

Functional areas have been carefully planned, including art exhibition zones, heritage experience spaces, traditional craft village showcases, a calligraphy-request area, and a culinary culture introduction space.

The custom of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year, a long-standing cultural tradition symbolising wishes for wisdom, success and good fortune, remains a central highlight of the festival. A total of 35 calligraphy booths will be set up in the Van Lake area, with calligraphers donning Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress), sitting in bamboo tents and writing from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the festival.

On red or yellow dó (poonah) papers, calligraphers will write words in Chinese and Nom scripts intended to bring good health, luck, and prosperity for those in attendance.

Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy a festive atmosphere through various art performances like chèo (traditional operetta), quan họ (duet singing), and ca trù (ceremonial singing). Folk games will be available for children to explore the traditional culture of the country.

Activities will take place across the Inner Sanctuary, Giam Garden and Ho Van, helping to recreate a vibrant spring atmosphere, honour Vietnam’s traditional cultural values, and promote the spirit of learning closely associated with the historic Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university.

Royal Tet celebration re-enacted at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

VOV.VN - The Thang Long–Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre on February 10 hosted a re-enactment of the traditional “Tống cựu, nghinh tân” (farewell to the old, welcome the new) ritual at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, offering visitors a glimpse into royal Tet festivities of the past.