They burned incense and prayed for good luck, prosperity and happiness in the New Year.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a 72-year-old Vietnamese living in Vientiane, said Tet Nguyen Tieu is an important event which upholds the traditional cultural values of the Vietnamese people. It is also an opportunity for Vietnamese nationals abroad to think of their homeland.

According to monk Thich Minh Quang of Phat Tich pagoda, Tet Nguyen Tieu has become a community festival that reminds Vietnamese expatriates of their cultural traditions and helps to boost solidarity among them.

Earlier, on February 27, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa also held a get-together for the local Vietnamese community, to welcome the Spring of 2010 - the Year of the Tiger.

This event was attended by Vietnamese diplomats, officials, businessmen, students and others living in South Africa.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa, Nguyen Manh Hung, highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in recent years and outlined the country’s major plans for 2010, including the celebration of the 1,000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Attendees got a chance to enjoy traditional food and participate in folk games.