People in Vietnam’s biggest economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), have been welcoming the new year since December 26, 2010.

New Year festivals have been taking place at Park 23/9 and in District 1 since December 26, 2010 and will continue until January 2, 2011. They feature music shows and traditional games such as “bắt vịt” (literally translated as ‘catching ducks), stilt walking, and “vượt cầu khỉ”, known as crossing the bamboo bridge.

On the occasion, the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism organised an international food festival. The event is aimed to promote specialties from 24 countries worldwide plus teach visitors how to cook some dishes including kimchi from South Korea.

The event will also stage a bartender performance, Vietnam’s record-sized pancake and a contest on creating items using bulbs and fruits.

During the festival, delegations from foreign countries such as Germany, Russia and South Korea will perform their traditional dancing while Vietnam will host a folk music show and a food festival to promote its image and tourism potential to international visitors.

In addition, many people set out to Park 23/9 and the sparkling streets of Le Loi, Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi, which are decorated by glistening lights.

To welcome 2011, Ho Chi Minh City will also shoot fireworks for 15 minutes at the Caric Shipyard area in Thu Thiem Ward, District 2 and Dam Sen Park in District 11 on January 1, 2011.

During the Lunar New Year or Tet holiday, the city will launch fireworks at seven locations in Thu Thiem Ward of District 2, Tan Phu Ward of District 7, Go Vap Park in Go Vap District, Hoc Mon District, Cu Chi District, District 9 and Dam Sen Park in District 11.

Foreign people enjoy “picking beans”

People eager to ask for Han scripts

Nhảy sạp (Dancing with bamboo poles)

Bắt Vịt (catching ducks)

Nhảy Ba bố (bean bag racing)

Crossing the bamboo bridge

Beating kẻng (bronze gong) blindfold