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A crowd of more than 50,000 people turned out last weekend to celebrate the 2023 OC Tet Festival at Mile Square Park, hosted by Supervisor Andrew Do.
“Our annual OC Tet Festival continues to be a remarkable success, bringing our community together as we celebrate our Vietnamese-American community’s most important holiday,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do.
“We’re proud to welcome thousands of people from across the country, and around the world to join Orange County in celebration of the Lunar New Year,” he added.
The three-day outdoor festival featured a wide array of Vietnamese food, talented entertainers, cultural performances, carnival rides, lion dances, and a spectacular firecracker display. The event was co-sponsored with Orange County Parks, with financial contributions from CalOptima and Family Choice Health Services.
“The OC Tet Festival keeps important traditions alive and inspires the next generation to connect with their heritage,” said Vice Chairman Do. “Our annual festival is an important celebration for the Vietnamese American Community and we’re very excited to share our traditions with our friends and neighbors.”
Asian Americans have long celebrated Lunar New Year around the country. This year’s celebration held added significance as it marks the first time the holiday is formally recognized by the State of California, under AB 2596.
For the Vietnamese-American community, the new year starts at the beginning of spring when the next season’s crops have been planted and have begun to grow. The time between the last day of the old year and the first day of the new year is full of profound meaning. Families gather at temples, pay their respects to their ancestors, and pray for good luck and good fortune. Tet celebrations can range from three days to up to one week.
On Sunday morning, Vice Chairman Do, who was one of the main sponsors, participated in the annual City of Westminster Tet Parade. He was accompanied by the Dance and Believe dance group and the Dynamite Book Club.
“Tet embodies key elements of the Vietnamese identity, cultural heritage, and a deeper connection with the community,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do.
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