Fullerton College set to welcome Tet Festival

Although New Years was a couple months ago in America, on the other side of the world, New Years was celebrated on Sunday, the same day we indulged in chocolates and roses.

According to the Lunar Calendar, the start of the year begins on Feb. 14.  For Vietnam, this day is known as Tet.

As a way to celebrate the traditional day, as well as teach students on campus about their culture, the members of the Vietnamese Student Association, with the help of the Cadena
Center, are hosting the festival in the quad today from noon until 1 p.m.  

"The Tet Festival is to honor Vietnamese heritage and celebrate the lunar new year," said Vuong Dao, President of VSA.

This year the festival hosted on campus will carry the theme "Spring of Harmony".  Ringing in the Year of the tiger, members of VSA will showcase the variety of cultural entertainment that accompanies Tet, through dancing, singing, and a fashion show.

Greg Nguyen, advisor for VSA and professor at FC, will be the MC for the event.  As the members display the traditional Vietnamese garb, dance, and song, Nguyen will explain the significance of the symbols so that viewers will be able to further understand.  

"This is a really important time for Vietnamese People" said Vincent White, Cadena Coordinator.

Being a melting pot of different races here in America, the large Vietnamese immigrant community is one that continues to celebrate and recognize their traditions.

A lot of people have not heard of Tet, but are more familiar with the Chinese New Year.  Both exist on the same day, and there is definitely a cross-cultural exchange between the two festivals.  

However, the traditions are distinctly important and it is valuable to be know of both. 

VSA hopes that students viewing the festival will gain knowledge about the traditional entertainment of Vietnamese people and how they celebrate the new year.

"Tet Festival comes with excitement and fun," Dao said. "I hope students at Fullerton College can learn many things about our traditional culture."