Vietnamese expatriates gather together at the Embassy of Vietnam in Russia on January 17 ahead of Tet. Many choose to don Ao Dai, a traditional long dress, and make Banh Chung, a typical glutinous rice cake, so they can enjoy festive delicacies together during the festive season. Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi (C) participates in the event.
The Embassy has prepared approximately 50kg of Dong leaves so a total of 230 Chung cakes can be made for the occasion.
Making the Chung cakes has been an age-old tradition among Vietnamese people for several generations to prepare for the arrival of Tet. The cake is used as part of offerings to the ancestors during Tet and other special occasions.
The purpose of the annual event is to help the Overseas Vietnamese community ease their home sickness as the Lunar New Year draws near.
An art programme is also held at the Embassy of Vietnam in Russia as part of celebrations to welcome in the Year of the Cat.