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| Students eagerly enjoy the food stalls |
From early morning, excitement was evident on the students’ faces. The once-familiar schoolyard took on a festive look with the appearance of a series of food stalls decorated in brilliant colors. Each stall represented a small corner imbued with the flavors of Tet, where students and teachers prepared and displayed traditional dishes of the A Luoi highland area, such as banh nep (glutinous rice cakes), buffalo horn-shaped cakes, grilled meat, xoi nep (steamed glutinous rice), and various kinds of candied fruits.
The lively chatter, friendly invitations, and the aroma of food spreading throughout the schoolyard turned the festival into a “mini Tet market” in the highlands. In addition to selling food, students directly experienced the preparation process, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of their homeland’s traditional culinary culture. Ho Van Long, an eighth-grade student, shared: “I’m very happy to prepare Tet dishes with my friends. Before, I only saw adults make them. Today, I could make them myself and sell them to everyone, so I’m very excited. Thanks to this, I understand Tet better and feel more attached to my school”.
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| Lively bamboo pole dancing performances enliven the schoolyard atmosphere |
Alongside the culinary area, the schoolyard also became a vibrant performance stage with various cultural and artistic performances presented by the students themselves. From songs praising spring, the homeland, and the country to modern dance performances, all contributed to a youthful and refreshing atmosphere. Continuous applause and cheers boosted the students’ confidence as they took to the stage.
The highlight of the festival was the lively bamboo pole dancing performances, imbued with the cultural identity of ethnic communities in the highlands. In the lively rhythm of the music, students joined in the traditional dance. Regardless of grade level, everyone participated, laughed, and shared joyful moments, creating a cheerful and festive spring atmosphere.
At the event, more than 100 Tet gift packages were handed directly to students, helping to encourage and support them in welcoming a warmer spring. Notably, a “Great Solidarity House” worth 80 million VND was also presented to a disadvantaged student of the school. This was not only material support but also a great source of encouragement, helping the student and their family feel more confident in life.
Nguyen Thi Mai, a ninth-grade student, emotionally shared: “I’m very happy to receive a Tet gift. I feel cared for and loved. I will try my best to study well so as not to disappoint my teachers and everyone”.
Ms. Tran Thi Ty Muoi, Principal of Tran Hung Dao Secondary School, said: “Through the Traditional Tet Experience Day, we hope students will better understand the traditional cultural values of our nation, especially the distinctive features of ethnic communities in the A Luoi highlands. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for the school to connect with the community, spread the spirit of sharing, and care for disadvantaged students so that they can enjoy a warmer Tet”.
According to Ms. Muoi, the Tet Experience Day is not only a recreational activity but also a form of life-skills education, helping students become more confident and proactive in collective activities. Through this, the spirit of solidarity and compassion within the school is strengthened, particularly in localities that still face many difficulties such as the communes of A Luoi.
Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the year’s end, the image of teachers and students preparing stalls together, performing together, and sharing meaningful gifts painted a warm picture of spring in the highlands. Beyond bringing joy, the festival also contributed to preserving cultural identity and nurturing the spirit of sharing among students.
Through these simple yet practical activities, the flame of the traditional Tet continues to be kindled in each student’s heart, so that every spring is not only a time for rest but also an opportunity to better understand culture, humanity, and responsibility toward the community.