Core Tet: The Vietnamese New Year celebrations are kicking off in New Orleans
Tet Festival
New Orleans' huge Vietnamese population gear up to celebrate this weekend. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year officially happens on January 22nd, but the main events to mark this august occasion take place this weekend, January 27th-29th.
Small parties pop up across town, of course, but the main attraction is the program at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, an important venue in New Orleans East (specifically in in Village de L'Est) for the Vietnamese community.
Similar to Chinese people, the Vietnamese dedicate their years to various animals. This year in China, it's the Year of the Rabbit, but in Vietnam, it's the Year of The Cat. The difference is perhaps down to a linguistic misunderstanding, as the Vietnamese word for 'cat' sounds like the Chinese word for 'rabbit' (I was informed of this trivia by the journalist Todd Price, who generally knows his onions).
Over two days, tents are erected in the church grounds, and dozens of food stalls (this is New Orleans, after all) are set up. The cuisine that you can sample is the real deal, and considered by many to be more authentic than any Vietnamese restaurant. These are honored family recipes, passed down through generations, and unlikely to appear on any menus in the city. Expect pho, noodles and soups, the likes of which you probably haven't experienced before. Among the delicacies are fertilized duck eggs and rice flour crepes.
As well as food, there is a colorful dragon dance parade, live bands (traditional and contemporary), fireworks, fashion shows and a host of activities and games for kids (the first day of Tet historically honors children). You can also find fairground-style games of chance and skill. All are welcome, and if you're a fan of the city's incredible Vietnamese food, then it's a rare chance to taste real Vietnamese home cooking.
Tet Fest takes place at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, 14011 Dwyer Blvd.
Hours: 6-11pm on Jan. 27; 10am-11 p.m on Jan. 28 and 10am-10pm on Jan. 29
Admission is free.
New Orleans' huge Vietnamese population gear up to celebrate this weekend. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year officially happens on January 22nd, but the main events to mark this august occasion take place this weekend, January 27th-29th.
Small parties pop up across town, of course, but the main attraction is the program at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, an important venue in New Orleans East (specifically in in Village de L'Est) for the Vietnamese community.
Similar to Chinese people, the Vietnamese dedicate their years to various animals. This year in China, it's the Year of the Rabbit, but in Vietnam, it's the Year of The Cat. The difference is perhaps down to a linguistic misunderstanding, as the Vietnamese word for 'cat' sounds like the Chinese word for 'rabbit' (I was informed of this trivia by the journalist Todd Price, who generally knows his onions).
Over two days, tents are erected in the church grounds, and dozens of food stalls (this is New Orleans, after all) are set up. The cuisine that you can sample is the real deal, and considered by many to be more authentic than any Vietnamese restaurant. These are honored family recipes, passed down through generations, and unlikely to appear on any menus in the city. Expect pho, noodles and soups, the likes of which you probably haven't experienced before. Among the delicacies are fertilized duck eggs and rice flour crepes.
As well as food, there is a colorful dragon dance parade, live bands (traditional and contemporary), fireworks, fashion shows and a host of activities and games for kids (the first day of Tet historically honors children). You can also find fairground-style games of chance and skill. All are welcome, and if you're a fan of the city's incredible Vietnamese food, then it's a rare chance to taste real Vietnamese home cooking.
Tet Fest takes place at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, 14011 Dwyer Blvd.
Hours: 6-11pm on Jan. 27; 10am-11 p.m on Jan. 28 and 10am-10pm on Jan. 29
Admission is free.