Tet In Festival

Tet Festival is a free celebration event held annually at the Seattle Center and is part of Seattle Center's Festal world cultral events program. For the past 12 years, Tet Festival has celebrated the cultural roots of Vietnameses and Vietnamese-Americans by presenting and promoting arts, musics, performances, and foods that are unique to Vietnam.

Please join us again this year at Seattle Center on Febbruary 02 & 03, 2008 as we proudly showcase Vietnam's rich and colorful heritage with the special theme "Celebrating Vietnamese Ethnic Diversity" or "Sắc Tộc Việt Nam".

In addition to a wide array of regular cultural and education activities, our festival goers this year will have chance to explore and immerse in Vietnam's ethnic groups' culture through unique ethnic dance performances, workshops, visual art exhibits and hand-on children's activities

Our feature performers for this year will be Loan Châu, Nha Thanh, Mai Quoc Huy, Y Lan, Vu Khanh and Thomas' Apartment (SBTN's "2007 Tai Viet Ta" winner)
In addition, we will also have one-of-a-kind fashion show focusing on Vietnamese ethnic minority colorful clothing especially design for our festival by famous designer Thái Nguyễn

Theme Programs
Theme Program I - Fisher Pavilion's Main Stage
Continuing a series of tributes headlining the Theme Program for Tet In Seattle, 2008 Festival program will highlight cultural aspect of Vietnamese minority ethnic groups with many unique songs, dances and skits.
For this year Saturday's program, we'll feature Y Lan and Thomas' Apartment (SBTN's "Tai Viet Ta" winner)

Date & Time: Saturday Feb 02, 2008 12:30pm - 2:00pm


TIS Talent Spotlight - Fisher Pavilion Main Stage
T?t In Seattle proudly presents our new Talent Spotlight show featuring a full afternoon of homegrown talents! The program will start with a slideshow of our contestants' background and behind the scene work. Then through fog, camera, light, and action, the top ten invited performers of different ages and artistic backgrounds will showcase their talents. The participants will also get a chance to share the stage with one of the young, professional singer who has appeared in productions by Paris By Night!

Date & Time: Saturday Feb 02, 2008 2:30pm - 4:30pm


Theme Program II - Fisher Pavilion's Main Stage
For this year Sunday's program , our line up features ever sweet Loan Chau, Mai Quoc Huy, Nha Thanh, along with many of our talented locals like: Hoang Tin, Quoc Viet, Kim Khue and the Vietnamese Student Associations of the local colleges. Our program promises to bring 3 hours of pure entertainment to the Fisher Pavilion and help us all ring in the year of the rat in style.

Date & Time: Sunday Feb 03, 2008 3:00pm - 5:30pm


Fashion Show - Fisher Pavilion's Main Stage
For this year, to celebrate colorful culture of Vietnamese ethnic groups, we will have one-of-a-kind fashion show on ethnic clothings especially design by well-known designer Thai Nguyen.

Date & Time: Sunday Feb 03, 2008 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Culture Programs
Opening Ceremony - Center House's Main Stage
In an annual tradition, the Opening Ceremony starts out with a Lion Dance in the midst of roaring fire-cracker. According to traditional folk-lore, this activity was meant to expel evil spirit from yesteryear and ushering in happiness for the New Year. After ribbon cutting event and flag procession, the ceremony continue with an ancestral homage ritual. During this traditional Vietnamese ritual, the most highly respected elder will represent the Vietnamese community in offer prayer to ancestor and ask for blessings for the coming New Year. The ceremony includes a New Year greeting from TIS executive director and key note speech from one of VIP guests. The ceremony then concludes with Longevity Wishes for elders and offering Prosperity (or lì xì) to Children.

Date & Time: Saturday Feb 02, 2008 10:30am - 12:00pm


Traditional Music Performance - Center House's Main Stage
For second consecutive years, Tet in Seattle welcome back Huong Viet Performing Arts Group as Festival's feature performers for Traditional Music Program
Since establishment, Huong Viet Performing Arts Group has performed through out the United States, Canada and Vietnam. With the mission of preserve and promote Vietnamese traditional music and arts, Huong Viet actively participates in many community events such as Folklife Festival, Winter World Festival and received critical acclaims.
If you have any question about Vietnamese's traditional arts, music or to learn more about Huong Viet group, you can visit their website at http://huongviet.us or contact Viet Hai at info@huongviet.us

Date & Time: Saturday Feb 02, 2008 4:00pm - 5:30pm


Martial Arts Performance - Fisher Pavilion Main Stage
During this event, beginning, intermediate and advanced students of Vovinam along with their instructors, give a non-stop hour long presentation of martial arts performances. This year, the American Vovinam Institue (AVI) has plans for a dazzling program with historical significant and demonstrates the strength and courage of the Vietnamese people. AVI hopes to inspire youth in our community to develop and nurture this strength and courage

Date & Time: Sunday Feb 03, 2008 12:00pm - 1:00pm


Cooking Demo - Fisher Pavilion's Mini Stage
Have you ever wondered how to make your favorite Vietnamese dishes of Bun Bo Hue, Goi Cuon, Bun Thit Nuong? Here are your change to learn how as local Vietnamese chefs make their favorites for you. The chefs will show you how to prepare exotic ingredients and turn them into mouth-watering dishes. The few guests who arrive early for each cooking demonstration will also have the opportunity to taste the delicious and aromatic creations on the spot. For this year show, we will feature many Vietnamese ethnic cuisins with participation of Salima Restaurant

Dates & Time:
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Children Programs
Kids N' Tet - Center House's Main Floor
Join the fun and explore our theme celebrating Vietnamese's ethnic minority through the eyes of children and teens! Our volunteers will work with kids in crafting bookmarks, buttons, zodiac fans, red envelopes, and ‘bong mai’ (apricot blossoms) boutonniere or corsages/bracelets. We will also show kid how to turn wood chip powder into paper. At the completion of all activities, each kid will receive a special prize in recognition of his/her learning experience. So, come to the festival and let your kids and teens get loose in our Kids ‘n Tet event! There will be several Vietnamese games available in addition to Kids N Tet’s activities for teens and adults. You can be kids too! Kids N Tet

Dates & Time:
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 12:00pm - 5:30pm
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 10:30am - 3:00pm


Children Performance - Center House's Main Stage
Since its inception many years ago, the Children’s Performance program continue to be one of the most popular event at Tet Festival. Wonderful, energetic children from the Vietnamese community had devoted endless hours, practicing on weekend to produce this charming and unforgettable program. Wearing tradition Vietnamese attire, the children will bring smile to your face with endearing songs and beautiful choreographed dance routines.

Dates & Time:
Children Performance I - Saturday Feb 02, 2008 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Children Performance II - Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 2:30pm - 3:30pm


Spelling Bee - Center House's Main Stage
Since its inauguration in 2004, Spelling Bee quickly became a favorite , recurring tradition of Tet Festival. The Spelling Bee program aims to promote learning of Vietnamese language, especially among young Vietnamese-American. The program comprises of contestants of 5-9 years old trying to successfully spell out all the words they hear. The program is also a fun way for adult to test out how much they know or still remember Vietnamese language.

Dates & Time:
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 12:30pm - 1:30pm (Spelling Bee I)
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 1:00pm - 2:00pm (Spelling Bee II)


Knowledge Bowl - Center House's Main Stage
Knowledge Bowl is a trivia challenge that tests participant knowledge on Vietnamese history, geography, customs and traditions. The event also questions team of contestants on world events, history and natural science. This year, the team are comprised of students from various Washington’s Vietnamese language schools competing for the championship title and year long bragging right. All are welcome to join this educational and fun program

Date & Time: Sunday Feb 03, 2008 11:00am - 12:30pm

Note: Change in Knowledge Bowl's Written Exam Date & Time
To allow extra preparation time for Knowledge Bowl's participants, we reset written exam date as following:
Date: Jan 19th, 2008
Location: New Holly Branch Library, 7058 32nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, Library Phone: (206) 386-1905
Testing Time:
11:00am - 12:00pm, 12:30pm - 1:30pm, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, 3:30pm - 4:30pm


Writing Contest
For the second year in a row, Tet in Seattle proudly presents the Writing Contest program. Open to all children in school age, the Writing Contest's purpose is to encourage young Vietnamese to preserve, explore and learn more about Vietnamese culture and language. For this year, our Writing Contest's theme will be "Why should we celebrate diversity?" or "What is it like to be an ethnic minority student?"

Exhibit & Workshop
Display Exhibit - Center House's Upper Level
Dates & Time:
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 10:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 10:30am - 5:00pm


Movie Screening - Center House's Upper Level
Set among the Hmong people, an ethnic minority indigenous to the mountains of North Vietnam, this debut feature by writer-director Ngo Quang Hai is a contemplative coming-of-age story with magnificent scenery, colorful costumes and a rich sense of culture. Hai Yen (The Quiet American) stars as Pao, a beautiful Hmong tribe girl who, following the sudden death of her stepmother, sets out to track down her birth mother. Her physical and psychic journey takes on the graceful rhythms of a timeless rural existence

Movie Credits
Montreal World Fild Festival (Aug 2006)
2007 Vietnam's Golden Kite winner
2007 Academy Award's Best Foreign Language Film's nomination

Movie Time: 97 mins

Movie Language: Vietnames with English subtitles
Moview Website: www.paomovie.com Story of Pao

Date & Time: Saturday Feb 02, 2008 2:45pm - 4:45pm


Children Discovery Zone - Stage Right Gallery
Where play inspires lifelong learning... In partnership with The Seattle Public Library
Come, learn & experience Vietnam ! Educational and fun-filled activities for parents and children. Activities include: story reading, arts and crafts, hands-on activities with items from various ethnic groups in Vietnam .

Dates & Time:
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 10:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 10:30am - 5:00pm


Children Reading Workshop - Stage Right Gallery
Dates & Time:
Saturday Feb 02, 2008 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sunday Feb 03, 2008 1:00pm - 2:00pm


Traditional Music Workshop - Center House Main Floor
A Series of mini Performances and Workshop about Vietnamese Traditional Music and Arts

Schedule Of Performance:
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dàn Tranh mini performance
12:45 p.m. – 01:15 p.m. Brush painting and Vietnamese brush calligraphy
01:30 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. Dàn Bâu and Vietnamese traditional instruments mini performance
02:15 p.m. – 03:00 p.m. Brush painting and Vietnamese brush calligraphy
03:15 p.m. – 03:45 p.m. Dàn tranh and Vietnamese traditional instruments mini performance

Thính Phong - Night Of Chamber Music
For the past five years, Tet in Seattle proudly hosts an annual Evening of Chamber Music or "Nh?c Thính Phòng". This event offers an intimate atmosphere where performers sing and interact with the audience. This event provides music lovers the opportunity to enjoy music from their favorite singers in a cozy ambiance. This year, Tet in Seattle proudly present another Evening of Chamber music with to very well known singers in Ý Lan and Vu Khanh.

Date & Time: Feb 2 2008, 6.00p.m.
Location: Jumbo Restaurant, 4208 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA

Schedule Of Events In February 2 2008
Center House
Main Stage Events:
Lion Dance & Opening Ceremony
Time: 10:30a.m. - Noon

Spelling Bee Level I
Time: 12:30p.m. - 1:30p.m.

Children Performances I
Time: 2:00p.m. - 3:15p.m.

Huong Viet Performance
Time: 4:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.


Main Floor I Events:
Kids 'N Tet
Time: 12:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.


Main Floor II Events:
HV Program I
Time: 12:00p.m. - 12:30p.m.

Caligraphy Workshop
Time: 12:30p.m. - 1:30p.m.

HV Program II
Time: 1:30p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Caligraphy Workshop
Time: 2:00p.m. - 3:30p.m.

HV Program III
Time: 3:30p.m. - 4:00p.m.


Stage Right Gallery Events:
Children's Discovery Zone
Time: 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Children's Reading I
Time: 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m.

Children's Discovery Zone
Time: 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.


Upper Conf Room H Events:
Movie Screening "Story of Pao"
Time: 2:45p.m. - 4:45p.m.


Upper Level Balcony Events:
Chess Workshop & Tournament
Time: 2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.


Upper Level Gallery Events:
Exhibits
Time: 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.


Fisher Pavilion
Main Stage
Theme Program
Time: 12:30p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Talent Spotlight
Time: 2:30p.m. - 4:30p.m.


Mini Stage Events:
Cooking Demo
Time: 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m.

Cooking Demo
Time: 2:30p.m. - 3:30p.m.


Schedule Of Events In February 3 2008
Center House
Main Stage Events:
Knowledge Bowl
Time: 11:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.

Spelling Bee Level II
Time: 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Children Performances II
Time: 2:30p.m. - 4:00p.m.


Main Floor I Events:
Kids 'N Tet
Time: 10:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.


Upper Level Conf Room Events:
Children's Discovery Zone
Time: 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Children's Reading (tentative)
Time: 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Children's Discovery Zone
Time: 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.


Upper Level Gallery Events:
Exhibits
Time: 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.


Fisher Pavilion
Main Stage Events:
Martial Arts Program
Time: 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m.

Fashion Show
Time: 1:30p.m. - 2:30p.m.

Lion Dance & Closing Program
Time: 3:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.


Mini Stage Events:
Cooking Demo
Time: 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m.

Cooking Demo
Time: 3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.

Tet In Festival Duration: February 02 & 03, 2008

Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109

For More Information: Tet In Seattle, P.O. Box 2833, Seattle, WA 98111, (206) 706-2658

General Information: administrator@tetinseattle.org