Traditional rituals to see off the old year and ring in the new year were performed at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO world heritage site, on January 26.
The activity kicked off a series of events to be held within the premises of the heritage site in order to welcome the year of the pig.
The event was attended by leaders of the Vietnamese Fatherland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ha Noi government, overseas Vietnamese and residents of the capital city.
The reproduced rituals included an offering to the Kitchen Gods, the release of carp into an ancient river at the archaeological site of 18 Hoang Dieu and the erection of a bamboo pole in front of the Doan Mon Gate.
A delegation of overseas Vietnamese who will attend the Homeland Spring programme later in the day also offered incense at the imperial citadel.
To welcome the new year, an exhibition was held at 19C Hoang Dieu featuring cultural traditions that remind people of Tet in bygone days, while kids could experience folk games and enjoy exciting water puppetry performances.
According to the organisers, the re-enactment of the traditional rituals will help safeguard the traditional culture within the heritage site.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long will close during February 3-5 and reopen on February 6, or the second day of the Lunar New Year.