The Military Technical Academy recently concluded a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year, fostering camaraderie and a sense of well-being among its personnel. The festivities, which culminated in an awards ceremony on February 19th, 2026, included a diverse range of sporting competitions, cultural performances, and traditional games, all while maintaining the academy’s commitment to combat readiness. This year’s celebration held particular significance as it marked the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength and vitality in Vietnamese culture.
The academy’s grounds buzzed with activity throughout the Tet holiday period, offering a welcome respite for officers, staff, trainees, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted soldiers. Beyond the formal ceremonies, the event provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce cultural understanding and preserve traditional Vietnamese customs. The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most significant and popular holiday in Vietnam, a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and hopeful anticipation for the year ahead. The academy’s efforts to embrace these traditions underscore its commitment to both military excellence and cultural preservation.
The celebrations weren’t solely focused on recreation. Colonel Tran Quang Huy, Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Military Technical Academy, emphasized the importance of maintaining “absolute safety” and “high combat readiness” throughout the holiday period. This balance between festive spirit and professional responsibility is a hallmark of the academy’s approach to morale, and preparedness. The events were organized with the support of the Ministry of Popular Mobilization, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in ensuring a successful and meaningful celebration.
A Spectrum of Competition and Creativity
The Lunar New Year festivities at the Military Technical Academy featured a wide array of competitions designed to test skill, creativity, and teamwork. Traditional sports like soccer, volleyball, and tug-of-war drew enthusiastic participation, while cultural contests showcased the artistic talents of the academy’s personnel. Competitions included wrapping banh trung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), arranging five-fruit trays, decorating altars to honor the homeland, and creating spring wall posters. Baduk and Chinese chess tournaments likewise proved popular, demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking and cultural appreciation.
Battalion Rivalries and Award Recognition
The competitive spirit extended beyond the sporting arena, with each battalion vying for recognition in various categories. The 1st Battalion secured first place in arranging the cucumber tray, decorating the homeland altar, and demonstrating martial arts. The 2nd Battalion triumphed in the tug-of-war competition, while the 3rd Battalion excelled in volleyball, poster-making, baduk, and janggi. Finally, the 4th Battalion claimed victory in soccer, green rice cake making, and group dance performance. These results were announced at the closing ceremony by Lieutenant Colonel Bu Hui Huang, head of the Popular Mobilization Department.
Beyond Competition: Cultural Immersion and Camaraderie
The Lunar New Year celebration at the Military Technical Academy extended beyond structured competitions to include a variety of leisure activities designed to foster camaraderie and cultural immersion. These included cultural exchange programs, karaoke competitions, and the traditional practice of “democratic flower picking.” Folk games such as sack racing, blindfolded jar breaking, ring toss, fetching water to the source, dart throwing, and blindfolded chicken catching added a playful element to the festivities. These activities provided opportunities for personnel to connect with one another and experience the joy of Vietnamese traditions.
Lieutenant Colonel Le Quang Tien, commander of the 3rd Battalion, presented awards for martial arts, gymnastics, and dance demonstrations, while Lieutenant Colonel Le Deok Kong, commander of the 4th Battalion, oversaw the awards ceremony for chess and Chinese chess. These presentations underscored the academy’s recognition of both athletic and artistic achievements.
A Tradition of Unity and Cultural Pride
The success of the Lunar New Year celebration at the Military Technical Academy reflects a broader commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for its personnel. As Colonel Tran Quang Hui noted, the units demonstrated a proactive and enthusiastic approach to organizing the events, ensuring a lively and meaningful experience for all participants. The activities served not only as a source of enjoyment but also as a valuable educational opportunity, allowing trainees and enlisted soldiers to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese culture and traditions. This dedication to cultural preservation is a key component of the academy’s mission.
Looking ahead, the Military Technical Academy will continue to prioritize the well-being and cultural enrichment of its personnel. Further details regarding future events and initiatives will be announced through official academy channels. We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the Lunar New Year celebrations in the comments below.
