With only a short time left until the New Year of the Dragon 2024, people are busy shopping for missing items to celebrate Tet, making the streets of Hanoi bustling from early morning.
At Hang Be market (Hoan Kiem district), many people flocked to buy offerings and food to prepare for offerings to ancestors on New Year’s Eve.
Shipper operates at full capacity to deliver items to customers.
Street vendors selling old coriander leaves are sought after by many people. Everyone wants to buy old smell to boil, so that the typical Tet flavor fills the whole house.
Many ready-made dishes are on sale, housewives are spoiled for choice for the New Year’s Eve feast.
Banh chung and braised fish – familiar dishes during Tet – are bought the most.
People also choose to buy a variety of fruits to prepare for the five-fruit tray to be presented to the altar – a familiar custom of Vietnamese people during the traditional Tet holiday.
“Every year, I take advantage of the morning of the 30th of Tet to buy fruit to burn incense for the three days of Tet and New Year’s Eve. Going to the market on the day before Tet is not only to shop but also to feel the upcoming New Year’s Eve moment.” “This is a very unique feeling that no other day can have,” a guest shared.
Unique and beautiful fruits attract buyers.
On the 30th of Tet, many people buy peach blossoms to decorate their homes.
Crimson peach color at Hang Luoc flower market (Hoan Kiem district), creating a vivid spring picture.
Small peach branches cost 100,000 – 200,000 VND/branch, and are often chosen by people to display on the altar during Tet.
“The weather this year is erratic, not cold as long as usual, so peaches bloom early and prices drop sharply. However, many Hanoi people still like to play with peaches because when talking about Tet in the North, it is impossible not to mention peach blossoms,” said a peach seller.
Colorful decorations are also sought after by many people.
A traditional apricot and jam shop on Hang Duong street is packed with customers.
After shopping, people rush to bring Tet home, waiting for the moment when New Year’s Eve is about to strike and the New Year Giap Thin is coming.
