Gemma and Jupiter Judson (age 8 and 10, pictured), wrote to DTiNews from Paris, France, about their reflection of Tet celebration in the city.
Sunday was the first day of the Year of the Tiger. We were excited to be in Paris to celebrate Tet with our parents and a Vietnamese friend.
As soon as we arrived, we saw thousands of people standing along the streets, waiting for the parade. All the buildings were decorated with red lanterns and strings of firecrackers. It was very cold, windy, and luckily sunny! We saw several dancing troops gathered in front of Hotel de Ville. They were dressed in beautiful silk gowns of bright colors -- red, gold, pink, blue, green, yellow... Many men and women wore head decorations with heavy makeup.
The parade began at Hotel de Ville, going towards Temple Street, and passing through the 3rd district. People cheered when the three fancy dragons came out, led by red banners and many colorful flags. The dragons and the dancing troops were matching with drums and other musical instruments. Firecrackers popped along the roadsides to greet them. We really enjoyed the dragon dances.
In the evening we went to the Asian town of Paris, in the 13th district. We ate nem, bun bo, banh xeo, and other Vietnamese specialties. The food was delicious. While we were eating, children set off firecrackers outside in the mall. We knew they had a show of fireworks for New Year's Eve the night before, because the ground was covered with old firecrackers.
It was a fun day.
Our parents plan to take us to Viet Nam and China one day. We are wondering what is like to spend Tet in Viet Nam. We like the silk gowns Vietnamese and Chinese children wear during this holiday.
Happy New Year to you all!
Below are some photos that Gemma and Jupiter Judson took:
