THOUSANDS flocked to Prairiewood over the weekend to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year at the three-day Tet Festival.Fairfield Showground was the scene of an old-fashioned carnival with a distinctly Vietnamese flair during the event, held each year by the Vietnamese Community in Australia (VCA) NSW chapter.
GALLERY: Tet Festival at Fairfield Showground In what could be a sign of good fortune for the new year, last week’s rain gave way to sunshine and fine days as young and old enjoyed the carnival rides, games, food, stalls and spectacular live demonstrations and performances.
Many timed their visit for Saturday night’s official opening ceremony, which included fireworks, a blessing of the Vietnamese ancestors and lion and dragon dancing, to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
Guests included state and federal MPs from Fairfield and neighbouring areas, prominent members of the Vietnamese Buddhist community and the NSW police band, who performed.
Vietnamese Community in Australia NSW chapter president Thanh Nguyen said the Tet festival, which is held to mark the arrival of spring on the lunar calendar, was the most significant occasion for the Vietnamese community.
“Tet festival provides an opportunity for all members of the Vietnamese community to celebrate the new year,” he said.
“This year is the Year of the Dragon which is a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and courage.
“In the New Year, the Vietnamese community and all of its members will continue to make significant contributions to the prosperity and vibrancy of our multicultural Australian society.”
http://fairfield-advance.whereilive.com.au/news/story/crowd-flocks-to-tet-festival/
0 comments:
Post a Comment