The Tet Festival, more precisely known as Tết Nguyên Đán, literally means the beginning of fieldwork, which is synonymous with the new season and the arrival of Spring, but also the festival of the new encounter between Yin & Yang. Like the Chinese , Korean and Malaysian New Years , the Vietnamese New Yearis based on the lunar calendar. As a result, the Tet Festival takes place on the same date in all these countries.
The date differs every year according to the lunar calendar. It begins with the first moon, when the sun enters the sign of Pisces, always between January 20 and February 19. This year, it takes place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
Although the dates coincide with China, this doesn't mean that traditions in Vietnam are the same as in China. Vietnam has lived for hundreds of years under the yoke of Chinese imperial dominance, so many customs remain similar, yet local ancestral practices have remained the order of the day, and today, their particularities are maintained in the country as they are throughout the world for the Vietnamese community.
The New Year is a particularly important time for the Vietnamese, the most important of the year. It's a time for family, friends and festivities, and is celebrated over several days: 3 days normally, and up to 15 days in Vietnam.
During this period, the Vietnamese clean their houses thoroughly (this is where the term spring cleaning comes into its own). They clear away all the bad things of the past year to make way for the New Year, thus promoting happiness and good fortune in the future. During the New Year, sweeping, cleaning and throwing out the rubbish are avoided, as they would be synonymous with money, happiness and good fortune, thrown down the drain. The Altar of the Dead is also cleaned and incense burned to welcome their spirits home at this time.
The first person to enter your home is very important. It is supposed to bring happiness and good luck to the family for the coming year. So avoid arriving unannounced at a Vietnamese home at the crack of dawn on New Year's Day if you haven't been invited to do so, as you'll be responsible for anything that happens to the family during the year. It's customary to choose the right person to bring happiness to the household.
According to tradition, we also buy budding branches. If they bloom here at this time of year, it's also a sign of good luck and happiness. For 3 days, festivities and good cheer are the order of the day. In fact, it's believed that whatever happens on New Year's Eve will be repeated throughout the year. That's why it's so important to avoid getting worked up, and to focus on the good times.
Traditionally given to children, but nowadays given to everyone, red pouches are widely distributed at this time of year. Known as"Li Xi", these pouches are filled with money and bring good luck to the person to whom they are given and who wishes us a Happy New Year on this occasion. Legend has it that, in the past, demons used to harass children at night, giving them fever just by touching them. Eight fairies transformed themselves into coins, wrapped in red cloth, and drove the demons away from the children. Today, these red envelopes are a sign of good luck for those who receive them. In Vietnam, it's customary to start with family on the first day, then friends on the second and then teachers on the 3rd.
Traditionally, pagodas are visited to wish for peace, tranquility, health and good fortune, and to commune with the dead. In Paris, we head for the largest pagoda in the Ile-de-France region, the Khang Anh pagoda in Evry, headquarters of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Europe, the Khuông Viêt pagoda in Massy or the Trúc Lâm pagoda in Villebon-sur-Yvette. Distribution of lucky red pouches with a few pennies inside, and vegetarian dishes for all, are often the order of the day.
Then it's on to an interesting part of the menu: culinary specialties. For Vietnamese New Year, square-shaped bánh chưng or oblong bánh tet are de rigueur. These savory cakes are made with glutinous rice, mung beans and pork, all steamed and wrapped in a banana leaf. These two traditional cakes pay homage to the ancestors, Heaven and Earth. Boiled chicken, egg rolls, Gio Lua (Vietnamese sausage), xoi (sticky rice) and candied fruit are also eaten on this occasion.
In Paris, to get your hands on them, head for well-known 13th arrondissement stores such as Paris Store and Tang Frères, as well as Pâtisseries such as de Choisy and de Saison. They're also available from street vendors in the 13th arrondissement at this time of year, but do so at your own risk.
As we told you, Vietnamese New Year is celebrated at the same time as Chinese New Year, so it's an integral part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Paris. Here are some of this year's must-see events in Paris, especially for the Vietnamese community.
Vietnamese New Year - Lunar, Tet 2025 celebrated at Pavillon Baltard this Saturday
To celebrate Vietnamese New Year in Paris, head to the Pavillon Baltard this Saturday, February 1ᵉʳ, 2025. This not-to-be-missed event for the Vietnamese community is back to celebrate Têt in the Paris region. On the program: entertainment, shows, buffet, games and dancing await you. [Read more]
Cảm ơn day, the free Vietnamese festival at Point Ephémère with entertainment, food and showcases
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, as the Lunar New Year approaches, Point Éphémère hosts Cảm ơn day, a day dedicated to celebrating Vietnamese cultures and identities. Organized by the Banh Mi Média collective, this free event blends art, gastronomy, music and reflection, in a festive and immersive atmosphere. [Read more]
Lunar New Year, Tet festival AGEVP at the Théâtre de Yerres in Essonne, Vietnamese New Year
A major event for the Vietnamese community, the Têt Festival, which celebrates the Vietnamese New Year and in particular the Lunar New Year, awaits you at the Yerres theater this year on Sunday February 16, 2025. Shows, dress parades, gourmet specialities, games, dancing and stalls are all on the program for this event celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Wooden Snake. [Read more]
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 Paris 13th arrondissement: the program for the parade, shows and entertainment
The Chinese Lunar New Year takes over the 13th arrondissement of Paris from Monday January 27 to Saturday February 15, 2025. On the program: cultural events, shows, exhibitions and the unmissable parade on Sunday February 9, the largest in the capital. [Read more]
Chinese New Year parade in Paris at Faubourg Saint-Honoré 2025 - photos
Once again this year, the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré celebrated the Chinese New Year, and in particular the Lunar New Year 2025, with a colorful parade on Wednesday February 5, 2025. [Read more]
Free Coupon: Carnival party at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes!
On Sunday, February 23, immerse yourself in Carnival madness at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes! Free admission and entertainment for the whole family! Download your free tickets! [Read more]
Lunar-Chinese New Year parade in Asnières-sur-Seine this Saturday
A Chinese New Year parade, show and entertainment await you in Asnières-sur-Seine this Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Square Gilbert Thomain. A vibrant event, under the sign of the Wooden Snake, not to be missed. [Read more]
Lunar New Year at Mairie du 10e, Dragon awakening and musical entertainment
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year for some, is also celebrated at the Mairie du 10e arrondissement! This Wednesday, January 29, 2025, we'll be celebrating the Year of the Snake with a dragon awakening, musical entertainment and a gourmet buffet. It's a festive occasion, free of charge and open to all. [Read more]
Chinese New Year in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the free festive program
Saint-Germain-en-Laye celebrates Chinese New Year this Sunday, February 9, 2025, with a festive and free program organized by the Confucius association and the town hall. From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, discover workshops, shows and gastronomy around the Lunar New Year. [Read more]
Chinese New Year at Bastille 2025: shows, food and entertainment this Saturday!
Chinese New Year celebrations await you at Bastille this Saturday, January 25, 2025: food market, shows, exhibitions and creative activities for a rich cultural day. [Read more]
Chinese New Year at Houilles 2025 in Yvelines
Chinese New Year 2025 is coming to Houilles for an afternoon of entertainment on Saturday February 8. Organized for the second year running by the association Culture Chine France, with the support of the City of Houilles, this day offers a genuine journey to the heart of Chinese traditions, accessible to all and free of charge. [Read more]
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025, lion dances by Tang Frères and Paris Store in Paris 13e and Ile-de-France
To celebrate the Chinese New Year and, more generally, the Lunar New Year, Tang Frères and Paris Store, the benchmark Asian stores, are organizing lion dances in their various stores in Paris and Seine-et-Marne, festive events not to be missed. [Read more]
Chinese New Year 2025 at the Shangri-La Paris: lion dance, exotic brunch and festive menu
To mark Chinese New Year 2025, the Shangri-La Paris has put together a program to celebrate the Year of the Wooden Serpent. The program includes a lion dance, a festive brunch at the Bauhinia and an exceptional menu at the Shang palace. [Read more]
Chinese New Year parade at Paris Belleville 2025 with gourmet street food market
Chinese New Year returns to Belleville on January 25 and 26, 2025. The Belleville district, which includes the 11th, 10th, 20th and 19th arrondissements, is also a favorite neighborhood for the Asian community. That's why, once again this year, a host of events are planned to celebrate the Year of the Snake. On the program: a festive parade and a host of exotic street food specialties to feast on over two days. [Read more]
Chinese Lunar New Year at Musée Cernuschi 2025: a weekend of free events
To celebrate the Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year in particular, the Musée Cernischi is offering free family events on Saturday February 1 and Sunday February 2, 2025. On the program: musical tales, creative workshops and a spectacular lion dance. [Read more]
Chinese New Year - Lunar at la Samaritaine 2025, free entertainment and dragon dance on the program
The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year to encompass all communities, takes over la Samaritaine from January 22 to February 4, 2025. To celebrate the Year of the Snake, the department store is offering a series of cultural events, artistic demonstrations and an Asian beauty selection. [Read more]
Chinese New Year - Lunar 2025 in Triel-sur-Seine, Yvelines (78): parade and entertainment!
Triel-sur-Seine is going all out on Saturday, February 1, 2025 for the Chinese Lunar New Year! Chinese village and entertainment from midday, followed by a parade of dragons, a choir, fireworks and even a dance party! [Read more]
Chinese New Year 2025 at Chinagora, menu, fireworks and lion dance
Like every year, Chinagora, the quintessential Chinese hotel in the Val-de-Marne region of Paris, celebrates Chinese New Year. This year, fireworks and lion dancing await you once again on Tuesday January 28 and Wednesday January 29, 2025. [Read more]
Chinese New Year parade at Aubervilliers 2025
Just outside Paris, Aubervilliers is also celebrating Chinese New Year - Lunar New Year this year. Asia will be in the spotlight with a parade and entertainment on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. A festive event not to be missed. [Read more]
HOA NAM Samoussas elected Flavor of the Year 2025
Sponsored - The HOA NAM story began in 1981 with the opening of their first workshop. In 1992, they set up store in the 13th arrondissement, in what has become an emblematic boutique on Avenue d'Ivry, offering the very best in Asian cuisine to take away or enjoy on the go. This Asian delicatessen is first and foremost a story of family and passion. [Read more]
Pho Bida, the must-try Vietnamese restaurant for pho and bo bun in Paris's 13th arrondissement
Are you looking for a good Vietnamese restaurant in the 13th arrondissement of Paris? Are you looking for a good pho, a generous bo bun or a Bun Bo Huê? We'd like to take you to Pho Bida Viet Nam, a must for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine. [Read more]
Chez An, the good Vietnamese restaurant in the 14th arrondissement that takes you to Au Coin du Vietnam
Chez An - Au coin du Vietnam is a charming family-run Vietnamese restaurant in the 14ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. With its typical dishes and excellent pho, this good address never gets crowded. We tell you all about it. [Read more]
Mây Hồng 2, the excellent Vietnamese restaurant in Paris's 13th arrondissement
May Hong has opened a new address at 111 avenue d'Ivry in Paris's 13th arrondissement. We're off to discover this Vietnamese cantine, where you can enjoy pho and gourmet bo bun. [Read more]
Trâm 130, chef Priscilla Trâm's exciting first table
At last! Chef Priscilla Trâm has opened Trâm 130 on rue Saint-Maur. A long-awaited restaurant. So, what's the verdict? [Read more]
Pho Bom, the must-visit Vietnamese restaurant in Paris's 13th arrondissement
Pho Bom, located in the heart of Paris's 13th arrondissement, is a popular address for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine. Renowned for its Pho soups and traditional specialties such as bún chả Hà Nội and bánh xèo, this authentic restaurant is always busy. The friendly atmosphere, tasty dishes and affordable prices make it a sure bet in the Asian quarter, even if the lack of reservations sometimes requires a dose of patience. A good restaurant worth getting up early for or waiting in line for. [Read more]
Viet 1331, the 13th arrondissement's Vietnamese karaoke restaurant in immersive mode
Viet 1331 is the name of the new karaoke restaurant on the corner of avenue d'Ivry and rue Baudricourt in Paris's 13th arrondissement. We're off to the streets of Vietnam to discover some delicious, gourmet dishes. [Read more]
Bêp Viêt, the delicious vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant in Paris 13th arrondissement
Bêp Viêt is the name of a new Vietnamese restaurant that has opened near Avenue d'Italie in Paris's 13th arrondissement. The menu features a short selection of Vietnamese cuisine's flagship flavors and specialties, but without the meat. We've tested it and we'll take you on a tour... [Read more]
Viêt Bun, a journey for the taste buds: discover the authenticity of Hanoi in Clichy (92)
Le Viêt Bun in Clichy la Garenne plunges us into a world of authentic Vietnamese flavors, where the simplicity of the décor conceals exceptional cuisine. [Read more]
Didi Saïgon, the Vietnamese and Thai restaurant that awakens the taste buds in Val-de-Marne
Looking for a delicious Vietnamese and Thai restaurant in Val-de-Marne (94)? We've set out to discover Didi Saïgon, this new temple to Southeast Asian gastronomy which has opened its doors in Villiers-sur-Marne. With its spacious dining room and generous, authentic dishes, Didi Saïgon is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. [Read more]
Le New Hao Khoan, the Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese restaurant, a sure bet in the 13th arrondissement
New Hao Khoan is the Asian canteen hidden in a courtyard in Paris's 13ᵉ arrondissement that's been sure to delight us for decades. From Chinese ravioli soup to Vietnamese Loc Lac stir-fried rice, Thai salad and Peking duck, we're in for a treat. [Read more]
Le Cambodge, the hearty address for affordable Cambodian and Vietnamese specialities
Just a ten-minute walk from the Porte de Versailles exhibition center, or right next to the Convention stop (line 12) in the 15th arrondissement, it's the perfect neighborhood address for a quick, low-cost lunch or dinner! [Read more]
Saigon d'Antan, the authentic Vietnamese restaurant Paris 6th arrondissement, near the Jardin du Luxembourg
Saigon d'Antan is a traditional Vietnamese restaurant located near the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, offering an authentic Vietnamese experience. This popular restaurant in the Odeon district is always busy, and is the perfect place to enjoy Pho and Banh Xéo in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
Têt, the contemporary eco-responsible Vietnamese restaurant
Located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Restaurant Têt offers a unique contemporary and eco-responsible Vietnamese gourmet experience. This is the place to be for those seeking to combine authentic flavors with an ecological approach. [Read more]
Mam From Hanoi, the Vietnamese restaurant where to eat a good pho
How about a good, home-style Viet restaurant? Head for mắm from HanoÏ, this family-run restaurant in Paris 2e, which serves good nems and pho, accompanied by Vietnamese coffee. [Read more]
La Jonque d'Or, an ultra-affordable counter near the Champs-Elysées where you can travel to East Asia
La Jonque d'Or is the secret address for delicious East Asian dishes just a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, all at an ultra-affordable price! We take you on a tour of this gourmet counter, where good humor and delicious flavors reign supreme. [Read more]
Entre 2 Rives, the typical Vietnamese restaurant of Opera
Looking for a good Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Paris? Head for Entre 2 Rives, the Vietnamese restaurant that opened in the Opéra district in 2005. Here, you'll enjoy traditional dishes with a twist. [Read more]
Nonette, The Hood's banh-mi and donut counter
Nonette, the banh-mi counter signed by the team at The Hood, has just opened its doors opposite the first address. On the menu: mouth-watering banh-mi and original, regressive doughnuts! [Read more]
Happy Tet Day to all and Happy New Year from the Wood Snake!
