Binh Dinh people in Ho Chi Minh City enjoy playing bai choi and eating hometown dishes.

Hàng trăm người dân hào hứng tham gia, theo dõi trò chơi dân gian bài chòi tại Ngày hội người Bình Định tại TP.HCM lần thứ 8 năm 2024 - Ảnh: LÂM THIÊN — Hundreds of people enthusiastically participated and watched the folk game of Bai Choi at the 8th Binh Dinh People's Festival in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024 - Photo: LAM THIEN

On March 2, the program "Binh Dinh People's Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, 8th time in 2024" attracted thousands of Binh Dinh people living and working in Ho Chi Minh City to participate.

Excited to play bai choi

From early morning, many people from Binh Dinh flocked to Ky Hoa Lake Park to attend the program.

At the exhibition and folk game areas, all eyes are on the leaf huts built inside the folk card game area.

Anh hiệu, chị hiệu - hình ảnh thương nhớ của rất nhiều người con Bình Định khi tham gia trò chơi dân gian đánh bài chòi - Ảnh: LÂM THIÊN — The male and female leaders - memorable images of many Binh Dinh people when participating in the folk game of playing cards - Photo: LAM THIEN

When the game masters' shouts of "bai choi" began, everyone excitedly followed.

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Thuy (from Binh Dinh) said: "Today, in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, I am very happy to be able to participate in playing Bai Choi like this. It feels like I am in the countryside."

Although not from Binh Dinh, Ms. Tran Thi Nhung (70 years old, in Ho Chi Minh City) saw the fun activities so she was curious to come and watch.

"This is the first time I have actually participated in the Bai Choi game of Binh Dinh people. The performers are so good, the Bai Choi melodies are unique and very attractive," said Ms. Nhung.

Bustling stalls of Binh Dinh's countryside dishes

At the food court, the atmosphere is equally lively and cheerful. According to many people, this is a culinary cultural space that reminds them of the flavors of their beloved hometown Binh Dinh.

Không khí náo nhiệt tại quầy bánh hỏi lòng heo Tây Sơn - Ảnh: LÂM THIÊN — Bustling atmosphere at Tay Son pork offal vermicelli stall - Photo: LAM THIEN

At the rice vermicelli and pork offal stall in Tay Son district, the people living far away from home, despite their age, cannot help but be moved by the overflowing affection when they meet their hometown acquaintances.

Mrs. Tran Thi Huong (72 years old, from Tay Son district) happily said: "I don't go back to my hometown because I'm old. I want to eat a piece of rice vermicelli with my relatives but it's difficult. I'm very happy to meet everyone here."

Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ly (from Hoai Nhon) said that every year when the Binh Dinh People's Festival takes place in Ho Chi Minh City, she attends.

"Coming here to eat a banh xeo or a plate of bun day makes me happy. I'm happy to meet my relatives and fellow countrymen from Binh Dinh. I suddenly feel extremely warm inside," Ms. Ly shared.

Không khí rất náo nhiệt ở các quầy ăn uống gồm những món ăn thân thương của người Bình Định - Ảnh: LÂM THIÊN — The atmosphere is very bustling at the food stalls with familiar dishes of Binh Dinh people - Photo: LAM THIEN

Những món ăn mang hương vị quê nhà của Bình Định tại ngày hội - Ảnh: LÂM THIÊN — Dishes with the hometown flavor of Binh Dinh at the festival - Photo: LAM THIEN

The 8th Binh Dinh People's Festival in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024 has the theme "Aspiration to Reach Far". The festival has notable programs: Incense offering ceremony at the statue of Emperor Quang Trung, charity auction, the final round of Charming Binh Dinh Students 2024...

Mr. Ho Quoc Dung - Secretary of Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee - said: "Since its establishment, the Binh Dinh Association in Ho Chi Minh City has connected, become a common home, connecting love and mutual support among people living far away from home.

I hope that Binh Dinh people across the country in general and in Ho Chi Minh City in particular will continue to encourage, support, help each other and continue to support the further development of our province."

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