VOV.VN - In the collective memory of Hanoians, Lunar New Year (Tet) in Ngoc Ha flower village was once a season of blossoms, sleepless nights tending chrysanthemums and peach trees, and families gathering around wood fires to boil bánh chưng (traditional Tet cake) through the winter chill.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai, together with staff of the embassy, representatives of Vietnamese agencies in the country and a large number of overseas Vietnamese, visited the Truc Lam Zen Monastery and Khuong Viet Pagoda on February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

VOV.VN - For generations, seeking calligraphy at Lunar New Year (Tet) has been a cherished Vietnamese custom, through which people express aspirations for the year ahead and reaffirm respect for learning and moral values passed down across generations.

Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) is recognised not only by spring colours, red calligraphy and family reunions, but also by the Tet feast that takes centre stage in the opening days of the year.

As Vietnam welcomes the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2016 - the Year of the Horse, ambassadors and chief representatives of international organisations in the country have voiced strong confidence in Vietnam’s continued progress and its breakthrough in a new development era.

Da Nang city on February 17 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) launched several programmes to welcome the new year.

Vietnamese communities around the world have been celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet) with cultural events that highlight traditional customs, strengthen community bonds, and introduce Vietnamese heritage to international friends.

VOV.VN - Vietnamese peacekeepers at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) celebrate Lunar New Year (Tet) in Bentiu, South Sudan, balancing security duties with cultural traditions.

VOV.VN - Vietnamese President Luong Cuong has sent the best Lunar New Year greetings to all Vietnamese people throughout the nation and abroad on the eve of traditional Lunar New Year (Tet).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited and extended Tet greetings to medical staff and patients at Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi while inspecting healthcare services during the holiday at these two leading central hospitals on February 16, or the last day of the Year of the Snake.