Written by TP Nguyen
Photos by Kirstina Sangsahachrt
Women and little girls dressed in ao dai, Vietnamese traditional dress, along community members such as the Vietnamese Youth Development Center were among the thousand people came from all over the bay area to visit. The food was abudant and Lee's sandwiches hooked it up with coconut pancakes and promoted their café sua da, while bbq sandwiches were also a popular snack. Although the festival was small covering only a few blocks between Larkin and Eddy Street, it had most of the typical elements of a Tet festival. Common to Tet festivals are the Yellow chrysanthemum flowers in red pots colored the street vendors. There were also famous Cherry blossom branches decorated with red money envelopes to symbolize new beginnings and prosperity. The yellow Saigon Flag with 3 red stripes was posted everywhere. The yellow symbolizing the race's skin while the red represents blood. Famous singers took center stage, and the elders got a front row seat with their hats and umbrella's to block the sun. With so much good food and in a peaceful environment in the heart of the tenderloin, it was hard not to have a good time. For the most part I have to say, the Festival was small and sweet, yet like just like Vietnamese people.
by TP Nguyen
This is the year of the Water Buffalo or Ox which signifies prosperity through fortitude and hard work as told in the Chinese Zodiac. Happy New Years " Chuc mung nam moi".
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