Tet in the City

Officially, Tet (Lunar New Year) is celebrated February 2nd through 4th, but it's Tet in Hanoi for a pretty much the whole week and into the weekend.  In this, Tet is comparable to Christmas in the states, with a general feeling of good will surrounding the nation's (or hemisphere's) most important holiday. 

One special way that Tet is celebrated is through decorations. Like Christmas, Tet decorations start going up in homes and stores at least 2 weeks before the actual holiday.  

Decorations include huge storefronts sponsored by big names like Pepsi and Coke. 

Installation of Coke's Tet display at Vitcom Towers.

Pepsi's Tet display at Vitcom Towers.

Another large storefront Tet display.

 In the parks and around the lakes, the city contributes large Tet displays for public enjoyment.

Gorgeous floral display near the Communist Building.

A 30-foot long floral sidewalk display.  My "panarama" function makes it look curved, but it's actually straight and long.

Tet ornaments dangle 15 feet in the air.  Each ornament is about 2 feet across.

Potted plants are installed all around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Giant party balloons wave above the lake.

Installing party balloons at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Next post:  The modest displays of small stores and homes, including the Tet tree.