Warm homeland Tet at Herzen University
WVR - The Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center at Herzen State Pedagogical University recreated a traditional Tet atmosphere with peach blossoms, banh chung, and unique art performances, helping Vietnamese students in St. Petersburg ease their homesickness.
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| Vietnamese students presented performances praising their homeland and country. |
On the afternoon of February 20, in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center at Herzen State Pedagogical University organized a program celebrating the 2026 Year of the Horse Tet, bringing the traditional Tet atmosphere to expatriates and creating a cultural bridge between the young generations of the two countries.
Attending the program from Herzen State Pedagogical University were Ms. Anastasia Galitskaya – Deputy Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies; Mr. Arsenyi Kosyak – Director of the International Cooperation Center; and Ms. Tatyana Arseneva – Acting Director of the Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center.
Additionally, Mr. Nguyen Trung Chau – Secretary to the Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in St. Petersburg, represented the Vietnamese community, along with numerous Vietnamese international students and Russian students from leading universities in St. Petersburg such as Herzen University, the University under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg, and the Russian Naval Academy in St. Petersburg.
Students from High School No. 488 in the Vyborg district of St. Petersburg, a school renowned for cultural exchange activities and Vietnamese language teaching, recently received a statue of President Hồ Chí Minh during a visit by the wife of General Secretary To Lam, Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly, in July 2025.
In a video-linked opening speech, Ms. Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa – First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, in charge of the Education Department, extended New Year greetings to the program's attendees and expressed hope for strengthened friendship and growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
At the event, Ms. Anastasia Galitskaya – Deputy Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, emphasized that the Lunar New Year is spreading worldwide and has reached St. Petersburg at the Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center, a significant destination for students from both countries studying Russian and Russian culture, as well as Russian students learning Vietnamese. This is a place to experience and appreciate the beauty of both cultures.
According to her, the Lunar New Year is a meaningful occasion that connects the two nations and cultures, where Vietnamese students can share joy and celebrate their traditional Tet with Russian students.
On behalf of the Vietnamese Association in St. Petersburg, Mr. Nguyen Trung Chau expressed gratitude to Herzen University for organizing this special program for all Vietnamese students.
He highlighted the importance of understanding different cultures and sharing traditions, expressing confidence that the relationship between the two countries will continue to develop strongly and positively.
The program's highlight was an artistic space with performances by students from both countries. Vietnamese students showcased graceful dances and songs praising their homeland.
Meanwhile, Russian students performed traditional Russian folk songs, sang, and recited poems in Vietnamese, demonstrating a deep understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese culture.
Besides the performances, attendees experienced a traditional Vietnamese Tet setting with peach blossoms, banh chung, and a five-fruit tray. The event left a profound impression of a friendly, culturally rich Vietnam in the heart of the ancient city of St. Petersburg.
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| Russian students performed traditional Russian art pieces. |
Ms. Tran Hai Yen – a lecturer at the Institute of Oriental Studies – shared that organizing Tet at Herzen University for Vietnamese students studying at various schools in St. Petersburg not only helps them alleviate homesickness but also provides a valuable opportunity to introduce the human values and beautiful customs of Vietnamese culture to Russian friends, contributing to strengthening the enduring friendship between the young generations of the two countries.
The program concluded in a warm atmosphere, ushering in a new year promising many academic successes and new strides in educational and cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Russia.
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