The Montreal Vietnamese Community came together to honor both the Year of the Horse and a significant milestone on Sunday. Celebrating 50 years since its inception, the community hosted a lively Tết festival at the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, and delicious Vietnamese cuisine, creating a festive atmosphere that attracted families, officials, and visitors to the Old Port. This event served as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese refugees who established roots in Montreal following the Vietnam War, shaping one of the city’s most vibrant cultural communities.
The festival aimed to bridge generations and showcase Vietnamese heritage to a wider audience, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities. Yvonne Nguyen, vice-president of the Vietnamese Community in Canada – Montreal region, emphasized the inclusive nature of the celebration, highlighting the presence of various communities beyond just the Vietnamese.
Featuring nearly 50 food and exhibition vendors, the event offered an array of traditional Lunar New Year dishes, including the iconic bánh chưng. Participants also enjoyed captivating lion dances and shared in the spirit of togetherness that defined the occasion.
The festivities included symbolic rituals like the distribution of red envelopes for children, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The ceremonial lion dances, accompanied by dignitaries such as Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, added a touch of tradition and prosperity to the event.
Van Nha Tran, president of the Vietnamese Community in Canada – Montreal region, underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity across generations. He highlighted the enduring significance of symbols like the Vietnamese heritage flag in maintaining the community’s identity and connection to its roots.
As the day unfolded with performances, exhibitions, and culinary delights, the celebration transcended cultural boundaries, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of the Lunar New Year. This event served as a vibrant reminder of unity, tradition, and the rich cultural tapestry that enriches Montreal and beyond.
Keyphrase: Vietnamese Lunar New Year
