In Cholon, the bustling Lantern Festival of the Chinese community in Saigon is taking place.

The Lantern Festival of the Chinese community in Saigon was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2020. This is a testament to the unique cultural value and vibrant spirit of this festival in the spiritual life of the Chinese community.

The vibrant colors of the Lantern Festival

Strolling through the Chinese quarters in District 5 during the Lantern Festival, visitors will feel the lively atmosphere and vibrant colors of the festival. Everywhere is beautifully decorated with red lanterns, golden apricot blossoms, and New Year's greetings. The markets are bustling with buyers and sellers offering familiar offerings for this day such as roasted pig, rice cakes, steamed buns, willow leaf cakes, turtle-shaped cakes, and sweet glutinous rice balls in syrup...

Ms. Thai Thi Ngoc Minh (a small business owner at Phung Hung Market, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "Offering sacrifices is an important part of the Lantern Festival for the Chinese community. The sacrificial feast is meticulously prepared with many dishes symbolizing wishes for a prosperous and peaceful new year. After the ceremony at home, the Chinese community participates in lively festival activities such as parades."

The procession to welcome the deity Guan Sheng Di Jun took place on the morning of February 22, 2024. This was the main event within the framework of the 2024 Lantern Festival. The procession, with its colorful traditional costumes, graceful lion and dragon dances, and unique folk dances, attracted the attention of a large number of locals and tourists. Distinctive traditional Chinese cultural elements such as Peking Opera, lion and dragon dances, stilt walking, and fan dancing were showcased throughout the procession.

Visiting temples to pray for peace and well-being - a long-standing tradition of the Chinese people.

According to Chinese tradition, "Yuanxiao" means the first night of the new year. On this occasion, the Chinese often visit temples and shrines to pray for a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous year. Famous spiritual destinations for the Chinese in Cholon during the Yuanxiao Festival include the Thien Hau Temple, Ong Bon Temple, the Guangdong Assembly Hall, and the Nghia An Assembly Hall.

Taking place primarily at community halls concentrated in districts 5, 6, and 11, the main festival on the night of the full moon in the first lunar month attracts a large number of locals and tourists. The highlight of the festival is the solemn rituals at the community halls, expressing reverence for the deities.

"Throughout the Lantern Festival, a large number of people come here to visit, borrow, and pray for good fortune. The atmosphere during these days is very lively, with everyone hoping for a peaceful and prosperous year," said Mr. Loc (from the Management Board of Nghia An Community Center).

In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy unique traditional opera performances at the assembly halls, immersing themselves in the melodious sounds of the ancient Teochew opera or the Fujian ceremonial music.

The Lantern Festival of the Chinese community in Saigon is a unique cultural feature that enriches the city's cultural life. This festival is also an attractive tourist destination, drawing numerous domestic and international visitors.

Text and photos: Ha Mai Trinh