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| Drumming ritual to officially kick off the festival |
The program runs from February 2 to March 3, with peak activities taking place from February 6 to 8. This marks the first time Phu Xuan Ward has organized an event on such a scale, spanning multiple spaces of significant historical value, including the Imperial Academy, Ham Nghi Square, and 23 Thang 8 Street.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang, Chairman of Phu Xuan Ward People’s Committee, informed that the program was designed across a connected space linking the landscapes along both banks of the Huong River, Thuong Bac Park, and heritage sites within Hue Ancient Capital, such as the Upper-Surface of the Citadel, the Imperial Academy, and Ngo Mon Square. The integrated setting highlights the city’s heritage beauty and beautifies Hue Ancient Capital.
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| Tourists enjoying the experience of making chung cakes and tet cakes |
According to Mr. Bang, the program is not only an occasion to review the year that has passed, but also a starting milestone for the new year, marked by aspirations for unity and collective efforts in building and developing Phu Xuan Ward. It also serves as an opportunity to strengthen ties between local authorities, residents, and the business community, while gradually shaping the festival into an annual event that promotes the brand name of Hue - A Capital of Heritage, Cuisine, and Ao dai
Under the theme “Colors and Flavors of the Ancient Capital”, the program highlights the harmony between “Colors” and “Flavors”; in which, “Colors” are expressed through elaborately decorated spaces inspired by royal heritage, including artistic spring flower gardens, horse mascot models, miniature scenes recreating traditional Tet atmosphere, and the elegant image of Hue’s ao dai. Meanwhile, “Flavors” represent the culinary essence of the Ancient Capital, featuring traditional candied fruits, hands-on activities such as making and cooking banh chung and banh tet, as well as the Five Basic Elements food space showcasing a wide range of signature Hue dishes.
In addition, a wide range of folk cultural experiences are being held, including calligraphy writing, making traditional sweets and preserves, martial arts performances, unicorn dances, folk games, and cake-making activities organized by local residential groups. Together, these activities create a warm atmosphere of Tet and strengthen community bonds.
The highlight of the program is a music night and recognition ceremony held on the evening of February 8, featuring artists such as Meritorious Artist Van Khanh, singer Long Nhat, pop singer Quang Hung MasterD, together with many other young artists. The event offers a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary music.
Through the “Phu Xuan Tet – Colors and Flavors of the Ancient Capital” program, Phu Xuan Ward hopes to create a shared cultural space that contribute to preserve the traditional beauty of Hue’s Tet and take the image of the heritage city closer to residents and visitors during the early days of the new spring.