Opera night and Mekong feast: Saigon’s premier new year weekend

Spanish & Italian pop opera night

“Spanish & Italian Pop Opera Night” is a musical concert organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO), making the beginning of the opera’s 2024 series.

“Spanish & Italian Pop Opera Night” poster. Photo courtesy of Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera

The repertoire includes traditional Spanish cultural pieces, Italian love songs, and dances. The concert will showcase familiar songs arranged in new styles, covering various genres from classical to pop.

The performance will take place at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, situated at No. 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The event is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Jan. 6. Prices range from VND600,000 to VND1,500,000 ($24 to $61), and tickets can be purchased through the link.

Mekong Night

The event “Tiec Tayy – Mekong Night” is a culinary experience organized at Nam Me Kitchen & Bar in Thu Duc City. The term “Tayy” originates from “Mien Tay,” referring to the western region of Vietnam, particularly the Mekong Delta. The event aims to celebrate Mekong cuisine through a blend of creativity and improvisations.

A poster for “Tiec Tayy – Mekong Night”. Photo courtesy of Nam Me Kitchen & Bar

Chef Khang, born and raised in Germany, brings a European culinary perspective to curate the menu. Chef Uyen from Nam Me Kitchen & Bar, with experience in Vietnamese cuisine, contributes original flavors of Mekong-Delta-style party dishes.

The set menu includes a garden shrimp taro salad, spring rolls, rib soup, duck cooked with chao (fermented tofu) sauce, and a Vietnamese dessert and drink pairing with tea. This is a pre-booking only event, and interested participants can register through the provided link. The selling price is VND1,450,000 ($59), which includes wine pairing.

The event is scheduled for Jan. 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Nam Me Kitchen & Bar, 07 Tran Van Sac (formerly number 44), Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City.

Exhibition “Lap Xuan – Abloom”

The “Lap Xuan – Abloom” is an art exhibition that captures the essence of the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the start of a new year.

A poster for “Lap Xuan – Abloom.” Photo courtesy of Quang San Art Museum

The term “Lap Xuan” translates to “the beginning of spring.” It marks the first day of the transition of heaven, earth, and people, an important aspect in Asian culture to ensure a happy and harmonious atmosphere for the new year.

The exhibition showcases inspiration about this soulful springtime, featuring works from Vietnamese artists.

The exhibition is set to take place from Jan. 6 to March 3, at the Quang San Art Museum at 189B/3 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City.

Crochet flower bouquet workshop

The crochet flower bouquet workshop series is an event where participants can learn to crochet flowers. The workshop series takes place on various dates in January, each session focusing on crafting a different type of flower.

A poster for the crochet flower bouquet workshop series. Photo courtesy of B.Side

The schedule unfolds as follows: tulip flower on Jan. 6 & 7, lily flower on Jan. 13 & 14, forget-me-not flower on Jan. 20 & 21, and memorial rose on Jan. 27 & 28.

The workshop includes the provision of specialized flower kits tailored for each workshop. The materials, including crochet hooks and instructions for creating each flower, will be supplied to all attendees. Attendees have the option to bring their personal crochet tools and accessories.

The workshops will be held at B.side café, at 42 Ngo Quang Huy Street, District 2. The ticket price is VND250,000 per person, and attendees can secure their spots through the café’s Facebook page.

French movie “La Belle Époque”

French cinema Rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut Français de HCMV.

A poster for “La Belle Époque”. Photo courtesy of French cinema Rendez-vous

“La Belle Époque” is a 2019 French romantic comedy-drama film that follows Victor, a man in his sixties feeling dissatisfied with life. Everything changes when Antoine, a businessman, offers him an opportunity: a blend of virtual theater and historical reenactments. In this world, people can go back to any time they desire. Victor decides to revisit the most significant days of his life – the moments 40 years ago when he encountered his true love.

“La Belle Époque” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Jan. 6 at DCiné, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1. Tickets cost VND75,000 ($3).