Vietnamese Cultural Celebrations Unite Communities in Laos and Mozambique

Vientiane: The Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school gathered its students, both Lao and Vietnamese, for a traditional banh chung (square glutinous rice cake) making session on February 3, ahead of the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026. Renowned as a key institution for nurturing and spreading Vietnamese cultural values in Laos, the school has made this tradition a hallmark occasion. According to Lao News Agency, this year marked the fourth consecutive celebration of the banh chung ritual, serving as a cultural bridge that helps sustain and disseminate Vietnam's traditions among students from both nations. Meanwhile, in Maputo, members of the Vietnamese community in Mozambique gathered on February 1 for the 'Spring of the Homeland,' a reunion event that brought overseas Vietnamese together to share laughter, stories, and heartfelt Tet wishes. Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin provided updates on Vietnam's socio-economic performance over the past year, highlighting key Politburo resolutions w ith significant implications for development orientations, institutional and policy frameworks, socio-economic indicators, and strides in diplomacy and international integration. She also briefed participants on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, noting major decisions that have opened up a new development phase, reflecting the nation's strong determination and aspiration for growth. The ambassador expressed hope that the community will remain united, uphold the reputation of Vietnamese nationals as hardworking, upright, and law-abiding in the host country, and always keep their hearts turned toward the homeland. Participants enjoyed classic Vietnamese dishes such as banh chung, giolua (pork sausage), nem (spring rolls), and bamboo shoot soup, recreating an intimate and nostalgic sense of home despite being far from Vietnam. On the occasion, the embassy launched a fundraising drive to support victims of recent flooding in Mozambique.