Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports Lê Thị Ánh Mai speaks at the press briefing on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo Diệp Trương

HÀ NỘI – With the Lunar New Year (Tết) approaching, many overseas Vietnamese worldwide are eagerly preparing to return home for the highly anticipated "Homeland Spring" (Xuân Quê hương) celebration.

Scheduled for February 6–8, the programme will be hosted across two locations: Hà Nội and Ninh Bình Province. According to the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this marks the first time the event will be held in two different regions simultaneously.

The expansion aims to strengthen the bonds between the Vietnamese diaspora and their roots while providing a platform for Ninh Bình to showcase its development potential and unique cultural heritage to a global audience.

Under the theme “Việt Nam’s Aspiration: Peace and Prosperity,” the 2026 edition is a joint collaboration between the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese and the Hà Nội People’s Committee.

Homeland Spring 2026 captures Việt Nam’s vision and aspiration for growth in a new era. The theme is built on three pillars: "Aspiration," reflecting the nation’s resilient spirit; "Peace," the core value and foundation for sustainable growth and global integration, radiating from the capital city, Hà Nội—the City for Peace; and "Prosperity," the ultimate goal of a thriving Việt Nam where every citizen, including the diaspora, can contribute their talents and intellect.

The programme is held following the success of the 14th National Party Congress, which marks the start of a new chapter of development, driven by confidence and a collective ambition to move the country forward.

Above all, the programme highlights the strength of national solidarity, emphasising that overseas Vietnamese remain an integral part of the nation’s journey alongside the Fatherland.

“The community of over 6.5 million overseas Vietnamese is an inseparable part of the nation. They play a crucial role in foreign affairs and international engagement across economic, political, cultural, and scientific-technological sectors, particularly in the digital sphere,” said Head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, Nguyễn Trung Kiên.

“Strengthening the bond between the diaspora and the homeland fosters national unity and bolsters the country's prestige on the international stage, establishing a foundation for development toward 2045 and beyond,” he told local media on a press briefing on Monday.

Kiên highlighted that in the spirit of implementing the 14th National Party Congress Resolution, the theme “Việt Nam’s Aspiration: Peace and Prosperity” has been identified as the central focus for Homeland Spring 2026.

He noted that while the festivities will be centered in Hà Nội, the event will also bridge out to other regions, specifically Ninh Bình Province, which is celebrated for its profound and stunning cultural values.

Speaking at the press briefing, Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports Lê Thị Ánh Mai stated that the municipal People’s Committee will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese to organize a series of key activities. These include a meeting between city leaders and 100 outstanding overseas Vietnamese to gather their feedback and suggestions, an incense-offering ceremony, and a special art program featuring performances that celebrate Vietnam's rich traditional identity.

Homeland Spring 2026 marks the first activity hosted by Hà Nội in the wake of the 14th National Party Congress. Through this event, the capital city aims to showcase its leadership in honoring intellectual capital and strengthening talent attraction initiatives, particularly those targeting the Vietnamese diaspora, said Mai.

As part of the programme, the State President is expected to preside over several meaningful activities for the overseas Vietnamese community. These include an incense-offering ceremony at the Lý Thái Tổ Monument and the traditional carp-releasing ritual to mark the Kitchen Gods' Day. Additionally, a delegation of 100 outstanding overseas Vietnamese is scheduled to meet with senior Party and State leaders, visit the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, and lay wreaths at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs. VNS