The long-standing cultural exchange has woven a colorful festival picture in this area at the beginning of the new year. Binh Ngo Year 2026 is welcomed by the liberal and strong spirit of horses with a series of exciting street parades and different auspicious rituals in each country.
In some countries such as Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, Singapore, Lunar New Year is not an official holiday nationwide, but the Chinese community here still celebrates Tet very lavishly, especially in Chinese neighborhoods.
In Singapore and Malaysia, the focus of every Tet feast is the "Lo Hei" ritual, also known as prosperous fish salad. This is a unique custom when family members or colleagues stand around the feast table, using chopsticks to lift a plate of raw fish salad mixed with colorful vegetables.
The sound of chopsticks and bowls clashing in harmony with wishes creates a characteristic bustling sound. People believe that the higher the chopsticks, the more fortune and luck in the new year will sublimate.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Lunar New Year holds the position of the most sacred and important holiday of the year.
The spring atmosphere begins to creep in from cleaning, decorating houses and preparing offerings for ancestors. These days, major cities become quiet as people flock to their hometowns to reunite. The tradition of giving lucky money to children and the elderly is still fully preserved as a way to send wishes for health and peace.
In the Philippines, home to the oldest Binondo Flower Quarter in the world, people have a strong belief in circle symbols.
The five-fruit tray for Tet here usually requires 12 types of round fruits, symbolizing fortune and fulfillment throughout the 12 months of the year. The fragrant Tikoy sticky rice cake is also an indispensable gift to give to loved ones with the meaning that family affection is always strongly connected.
Indonesia brings a more mysterious spiritual color with the Cap Go Meh festival in Singkawang. The highlight of the festival is the Tatung ritual held on the full moon day of the first lunar month.
Here, the shamans will fall into a state of enlightenment and perform a performance of using sharp objects to penetrate the body to drive away evil spirits. This is a unique cultural feature combining folk beliefs and customs of the native Dayak people.
The festive atmosphere in Thailand is imbued with entertainment and street food. Yaowarat neighborhood in Bangkok capital these days seems to be wearing a new coat of bright lanterns. The harmony between Thai and Chinese cultures is clearly shown through large-scale parades, lion and dragon dances and food stalls operating all night long.
In Brunei, this is an opportunity for families to open their doors to welcome friends and neighbors of all ethnicities to celebrate together, erasing all religious or cultural distances at the beginning of the new year.
