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| Mr. Nguyen Dinh Trung, Secretary of Hue Party Committee (third from left), visiting the “Phu Xuan Tet - Flavors of the Imperial Capital” program in Phu Xuan Ward |
Identity is the Foundation for Growth
In the first year of operating the two-tier local government model with 40 communes and wards following the administrative restructuring, the city’s administrative system has functioned smoothly and proactively. From urban areas to suburban and mountainous localities, authorities have flexibly organized activities celebrating the Party and welcoming the Lunar New Year, creating a festive atmosphere that is coordinated across the city while maintaining distinctive local characteristics.
In the city center, the New Year’s Eve celebration at Ngo Mon Square featured a series of well-organized and safe activities, including a high-altitude fireworks display, a ceremonial cannon performance, and lighting effects at Hue Flag Tower…, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors. Across other localities, traditional festivals such as the wrestling festival in Thu Le Village, the wrestling festival in Sinh Village, Huyen Tran Temple Festival, and Yellow Apricot Blossoms Festival.. were revived and organized in an orderly manner, further enriching the cultural atmosphere at the beginning of the year.
A standout highlight was the space titled “Tet Phu Xuan - Flavors and Colors of the Imperial Capital”, held at Quoc Tu Giam (Hue Imperial Academy) and Ham Nghi courtyard in Phu Xuan Ward. At the heart of the venue stood a giant lotus installation crafted from over 50,000 flower pots, a striking visual centerpiece that harmoniously blended tradition with modern creativity. The Five Elements-themed culinary space, along with activities such as traditional cake making, candied fruit making, calligraphy writing, and martial arts performances, offered both residents and visitors the chance not only to admire but also to actively experience the festive cultural atmosphere.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, who has spent many years working in the traditional cake-making craft in Phu Xuan Ward, shared his feelings: “I am deeply moved to see the traditional craft passed down by our ancestors being honored in such a dignified setting. Visitors not only enjoy but also get the chance to take part in hands-on experience. That made us feel that traditional crafts truly have their place”.
Ms. Le Thi Minh Thi, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I’ve visited Hue several times before. However, this year, I could clearly feel a stronger traditional Tet atmosphere. The space was professionally organized, still distinctly Hue, yet far from outdated”.
During a field visit to several festival venues, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Trung, Secretary of the City Party Committee, emphasized: “Activities and festivals organized during Tet are not merely for entertainment; they also serve as spaces to preserve and revive cultural identity. This is how we reposition our heritage, turning the traditional Tet holiday into a distinctive cultural tourism product of Hue”.
According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Trung, Secretary of the City Party Committee, cultural activities must be carefully and professionally organized while ensuring security and safety, so that each festival truly becomes an opportunity to promote the image of Hue.
In reality, when heritage is organized and presented with a modern mindset, cultural values can be transformed into economic resources. During the nine days from the 27th day of the lunar December to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Hue welcomed over 523,000 visitors, a 245% increase year-on-year, with estimated tourism revenue reaching VND 1.121 trillion. These figures not only reflect the vibrancy of the tourism sector but also highlight the sound direction of developing the cultural economy based on the city’s distinctive heritage and identity.
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Children enjoying the art performances held during Tet in Huong An Ward |
Identity Strengthened by the Spirit of Solidarity
If the brilliant atmosphere is created from festivals, Hue’s solid depth is made of solidarity. During Binh Ngo Lunar New Year in 2026, programs such as “Tet of Solidarity” and “Spring of Compassion” were simultaneously implemented across all 40 communes and wards. Across the city, 70,241 gift packages were distributed with a total budget of nearly VND 29 billion. In addition, VND 68 billion was mobilized to support efforts to overcome the consequences of natural disasters, bringing the total resources dedicated to social welfare during Tet to around VND 97 billion.
At Huong An Ward, Mr. Tran Dao Quang Vu, Vice Chairman of the Ward People’s Committee informed: “Beyond simply giving gifts, we want to create a space where residents can come together and celebrate the Lunar New Year. When people join hands to prepare each gift and every cultural performance, Tet becomes a bond that connects the community”.
Ms. Tran Thi Vui, a near-poor resident in the area, shared emotionally: “This Tet, my family received not only gifts but also thoughtful visits and warm words. Feeling that people cared about us made this holiday much more meaningful”.
Through these concrete activities, it can be seen that Hue’s identity lies not only in its festivals, architecture, or cuisine, but also in a way of life shaped by compassion and strong community bonds. When each resident recognizes themselves as a subject of heritage and a contributor to the city’s development, that identity is nurtured and strengthened sustainably from within.
Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026 concluded with many positive highlights. From the organization of festivals, the maintenance of security, and public order to social welfare efforts, and the close coordination among different levels and sectors, all reflected an increasingly professional and effective approach to governance under the new administrative model.
Development grounded in identity does not mean returning to the past; rather, it means allowing tradition to live in the present through modern governance. When culture becomes the foundation, solidarity becomes the strength, and effective organization is the driving force, Hue can not only preserve its core values but also confidently move forward, affirming its position as a distinctive cultural and tourism hub of the country, a heritage city that grows on its own unique values.