Seoul (VNA) –✤ The Vietnamese communities in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and New Zealand are ushering in the 2025 Lunar New Year with vibrant celebrations that showcase the homeland’s cultural heritage while strengthening bonds with the host nations.

The Vietnamese association in the RoK's Siheung city recently hosted a homeland spring festival, drawing representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, local government officials, and Vietnamese workers, students, and residents living in the locality. At the event, Le Thanh Ha, First Secretary at the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK, acknowledged the association’s dynamism and creativity in organising various programmes in its inaugural year such as a futsal tournament, effective Vietnamese language teaching classes for multicultural families, Mid-Autumn festival celebrations, and healthcare partnerships with local hospitals. He said they have helped promote unity and meet the demand of the overseas Vietnamese (OV). Kim Jang Son, a representative from the Siheung city administration extended warm wishes to the Vietnamese community for a joyous Lunar New Year celebration.

Meanwhile, in Wellington, New Zealand, the Vietnamese community recently celebrated their traditional Tet Festival at the Te Mako Community Centre. The Tet market 2025 event, organised by Viet Hub New Zealand with support from the Vietnamese Embassy and local organisations, attracted nearly 500 participants, including Vietnamese residents and international friends

The festival recreated traditional Tet atmosphere with nhay sap (dance with bamboo poles) performances, banh chung (sticky glutinous rice cake) making, and flower-making workshops. Children enjoyed traditional games like o an quan (mandarin square capturing) and banh dua (bamboo jacks). Meanwhile, Vietnamese cuisine, including banh chung, pho, and grilled meat vermicelli filled the air with nostalgic aromas. Nguyen Thien Tu Vinh, President of Viet Hub New Zealand, said that the event served as a cultural bridge connecting the OV with their roots while nudging the Vietnamese culture closer to international friends. The “Tet market 2025” marks the beginning of a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic relations and five years of their strategic partnership./.