2015 Vietnamese New Year Festival
Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 12pm – 4pm
The Year of the Goat symbolizes loving-peace, kindness and popularity by being helpful and trustful. These were all characteristics of this year’s Vietnamese Tết Festival. During this beautiful time of year, family and friends come together and celebrate traditional customs like attire, dance, song and cuisine. We were reminded of the love and kindness of others when volunteers and performers dedicated long hours to make this a successful event for the Charlotte community.
It was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the epicenter of the vibrant Vietnamese culture. We heard the beat of the drums. We saw the electrifying lion dance and the elegant ladies from Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas. We were lifted by the traditional performances that had a modern twist. We tasted some delicious Vietnamese cuisine. We also shared quality time with local businesses, organizations and volunteers. We had an incredible experience embracing the diversity in Vietnamese culture and tradition.
This year was extra special with new performances and acts. To kick off the event, the hosts, Ryan and Tina, made a grand entrance. Ryan walked on stage as Secret Agent 007 from James Bond dressed in a modern black Vietnamese Ao Dai. Tina stunned the audience like the beautiful princess Elsa from Disney’s Frozen with her breathtaking white and blue Vietnamese Ao Dai. After greeting the audience they proceeded to introduce some amazing people.
Little Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas (LMVC) was incredibly adorable where 10 young girls between the ages of 5-12 showcased their elegant Vietnamese Ao Dai, their walk of confidence, and their traditional greeting to the audience. The winner of LMVC was #10, Nhu Y, who had no idea her number was called but was finally crowned and proudly represented a talented Vietnamese girl.
This year we were also blessed to have Kavi and Antony join us from Atlanta to perform a hilarious skit about life as a Vietnamese-American going through college and joining a Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). They had the audience in tears laughing hard about their life-changing experiences. Some people are still laughing today, weeks after the show because it was unforgettable.
Finally, the awe inspiring Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas (MVC) brought 13 gorgeous ladies on stage to show the community that the 6 week long rigorous program prepared them to inspire culture, confidence and beauty. They were able to discover their inner beauty and channel their talents and intelligence on stage. It was Paulina, from NC State, who took home the title as 2015 Queen because she best exemplifies a strong Vietnamese-American women who is ready to serve her community. 1st Runner-up, Mariam, and 2nd Runner-up, Jalina, are both from USC. Miss Congeniality was Jennifer and Miss People’s Choice was Michelle. After the Royal Court was announced the show came to an end but the wonderful feeling of Tet lived on.
As we transition from Horse to Goat, we wish everyone a healthy and prosperous new year ahead! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year!).
The festival was really fun and I enjoyed learning more about the Vietnamese culture.
~Christina Barrett
I truly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to doing it again next year!
~ Alando Mcfarlin
I had a total blast and look forward to participating next year. I truly enjoyed it.
~ Emily E. Patterson
One of the things I enjoyed the most was being exposed to a different culture. I am from Ecuador, and going to this festival opened my horizon and made me experience the Vietnamese culture first hand. For example, watching the performances with the lions and the synchronization those young and talented men had was incredible. This dance was definitely one of my favorite parts.
~Santiago P Cruz Coello
It was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the epicenter of the vibrant Vietnamese culture. We heard the beat of the drums. We saw the electrifying lion dance and the elegant ladies from Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas. We were lifted by the traditional performances that had a modern twist. We tasted some delicious Vietnamese cuisine. We also shared quality time with local businesses, organizations and volunteers. We had an incredible experience embracing the diversity in Vietnamese culture and tradition.
This year was extra special with new performances and acts. To kick off the event, the hosts, Ryan and Tina, made a grand entrance. Ryan walked on stage as Secret Agent 007 from James Bond dressed in a modern black Vietnamese Ao Dai. Tina stunned the audience like the beautiful princess Elsa from Disney’s Frozen with her breathtaking white and blue Vietnamese Ao Dai. After greeting the audience they proceeded to introduce some amazing people.
Little Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas (LMVC) was incredibly adorable where 10 young girls between the ages of 5-12 showcased their elegant Vietnamese Ao Dai, their walk of confidence, and their traditional greeting to the audience. The winner of LMVC was #10, Nhu Y, who had no idea her number was called but was finally crowned and proudly represented a talented Vietnamese girl.
This year we were also blessed to have Kavi and Antony join us from Atlanta to perform a hilarious skit about life as a Vietnamese-American going through college and joining a Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). They had the audience in tears laughing hard about their life-changing experiences. Some people are still laughing today, weeks after the show because it was unforgettable.
Finally, the awe inspiring Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas (MVC) brought 13 gorgeous ladies on stage to show the community that the 6 week long rigorous program prepared them to inspire culture, confidence and beauty. They were able to discover their inner beauty and channel their talents and intelligence on stage. It was Paulina, from NC State, who took home the title as 2015 Queen because she best exemplifies a strong Vietnamese-American women who is ready to serve her community. 1st Runner-up, Mariam, and 2nd Runner-up, Jalina, are both from USC. Miss Congeniality was Jennifer and Miss People’s Choice was Michelle. After the Royal Court was announced the show came to an end but the wonderful feeling of Tet lived on.
As we transition from Horse to Goat, we wish everyone a healthy and prosperous new year ahead! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year!).
The festival was really fun and I enjoyed learning more about the Vietnamese culture.
~Christina Barrett
I truly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to doing it again next year!
~ Alando Mcfarlin
I had a total blast and look forward to participating next year. I truly enjoyed it.
~ Emily E. Patterson
One of the things I enjoyed the most was being exposed to a different culture. I am from Ecuador, and going to this festival opened my horizon and made me experience the Vietnamese culture first hand. For example, watching the performances with the lions and the synchronization those young and talented men had was incredible. This dance was definitely one of my favorite parts.
~Santiago P Cruz Coello
Traditional Lion Dance
Traditional Red Envelopes
given to Lions for good luck Traditional dance in Ao Dai (dress) and Non La (hat)
Hosts: Ryan Dang Hong & Tina Nguyen
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Children receiving Lucky Red Envelopes (Li Xi) from elders after wishing elders a Happy New Year
Little Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas
Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas
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