Vietnamese Tet 2025 at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long offers a unique cultural experience, recreating the ritual of “Bidding Farewell to the Old, Welcoming the New” alongside traditional Tet customs of the past.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – A Journey Back in Time for Tet 2025
Tet 2025 at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a special event that vividly brings traditional Tet rituals and customs to life. From January 20 to February 6, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre is hosting a series of unique activities. These events, rich in both royal and folk cultural elements, appeal to visitors of all ages.
The exhibition space titled “Tet of Yesteryear – Tet During the Subsidy Era” is a highlight not to be missed. This area transports visitors back to the 1970s and 1980s through familiar imagery. Despite material scarcity, Tet during this period was filled with warmth and family affection. State-run trading stalls, booths selling Tet paintings, flowers, and firecrackers, and traditional worship spaces vividly recreate the atmosphere of Hanoi life at that time. Every artifact—from ration coupons to deep-pink peach blossom trees—evokes cherished memories of a challenging yet meaningful era.
Additionally, the “Royal Tet Rituals in Spring” space is another captivating attraction. This area showcases the royal life of ancient Thang Long through reconstructed paintings and models. Majestic rituals and stories of a golden historical era draw in those with a passion for traditional culture. Experience the “Bidding Farewell to the Old, Welcoming the New” Ritual at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A highlight of the 2025 Vietnamese Tet celebration at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is the “Bidding Farewell to the Old, Welcoming the New” ritual. Re-enacted on the 23rd day of the last lunar month within the heritage site, this sacred ceremony embodies aspirations for national prosperity and a peaceful life. The Royal Calendar Presentation Ceremony is a key component of this significant re-enactment; the calendar is not merely a tool for tracking time but also holds profound spiritual significance.
The traditional *Neu* pole-raising ceremony is another unmissable activity. Typically erected after the ritual sending the Kitchen Gods to heaven, the towering pole stands majestically amidst the heritage site, adorned with symbolic ornaments that evoke the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese Tet. This custom was observed not only among the common people but also within the royal court of Thang Long.
Additionally, rituals such as the releasing of carp, the changing of the guard, and the Spring Opening Ceremony offer unforgettable experiences. Participants can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Tet, bridging the traditions of the past and the present. The 2025 Vietnamese Tet at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long promises a vibrant journey that is both spiritually meaningful and thoroughly engaging.
