CHỢ LỚN FESTIVAL: Performers in traditional costumes will parade across the main streets of District 5 on February 24 to celebrate the Nguyên Tiêu (Lantern Festival). — VNA/VNS Photo Thu Hương

HCM CITY — The Tết Nguyên Tiêu (Lantern Festival) will be held on February 24, or the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, in the Chợ Lớn (Big Market) area in HCM City’s District 5.

The festival’s highlight will be a parade of around 1,000 people in colourful traditional costumes, lasting from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

The parade will start from Thượng Lãn Ông Street, go across the main streets of District 5 including Châu Văn Liêm, Lão Tử, Lương Nhữ Học, Nguyễn Trãi, and Trần Xuân Hòa, and finish at the Cultural Centre.

The kylin-lion-dragon dances, stilt walking and several traditional dances will be part of the programme as well.

The main celebration will take place from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Cultural House at 105 Trần Hưng Đạo Street.

It will feature a screening of a documentary on the customs and rituals which will be performed during the Lantern Festival.

Folk games, Chinese music and dance performances, and calligraphy demonstrations will be offered as well.

The celebration will be broadcast live on HCM City Television.

Meanwhile, poetry recitations to honour the Việt Nam Poetry Day will be held at Văn Lang Park at 7pm.

The event is organised by the city's Department of Culture and Sports, the city's Writers Association, and the District 5 administration.

The Lantern Festival, celebrated by the Hoa ethnic community (Vietnamese with Chinese origin) in District 5, was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2020. — VNS