Homeland Spring 2026 brings overseas Vietnamese to Hanoi, Ninh Binh

THE HANOI TIMES — For the first time, the northern province of Ninh Binh will join Hanoi as a co-host of this year’s Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) program, selected for its rich historical, cultural and natural assets.

The expanded itinerary marks a defining feature of the 2026 edition, said Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Bringing Hanoi and Ninh Binh together in one itinerary is a key highlight, showing respect for the country’s history while highlighting its development potential in a new era,” he said at a press briefing on January 26.

Scheduled for February 6-9, the program will be one of the longest Xuan Que Huong editions in recent years.

In Ninh Binh, overseas Vietnamese delegates will explore the province’s economic, cultural and tourism potential, with visits to major historical sites such as the Hoa Lu ancient capital complex and temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.

The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Vietnam’s historical legacy while presenting its distinctive cultural identity and natural landscapes, Kien said.

He added that the initiative seeks to strengthen bonds between overseas Vietnamese and their homeland and help Ninh Binh promote its cultural assets internationally through Vietnamese communities abroad.

“Taking place after the successful conclusion of the 14th National Party Congress, Xuan Que Huong 2026 is expected to reflect new priorities and expectations in policies toward overseas Vietnamese,” he noted.

Under the official agenda, the State President is expected to preside over several symbolic activities, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ly Thai To Monument and the traditional carp-releasing ritual for the Kitchen Gods Festival at Hoan Kiem Lake.

At a cultural and arts exchange at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, the State President will deliver a New Year address to overseas Vietnamese worldwide and perform the ceremonial drum beating to open the spring festivities.

A delegation of 100 outstanding overseas Vietnamese representatives will also take part in key activities, including paying respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, laying flowers at the Monument to Fallen Heroes and meeting senior leaders such as Party General Secretary To Lam and the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

According to Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, a co-organizer of the program, delegates will also meet Hanoi’s municipal leaders.

"The meeting is expected to focus on Hanoi’s development vision and long-term aspirations, while gathering feedback and proposals aimed at addressing key bottlenecks hindering the city’s growth", Mai said.

Organizers said they hope Xuan Que Huong 2026 will move beyond an annual reunion to deliver a clear and consistent message from Party and State leaders on the role, responsibilities and contributions of overseas Vietnamese in the country’s next phase of development.