SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The sound of drums filled the CNY Regional Market as community members gathered to celebrate Syracuse’s first Vietnamese Fall Festival.
Inside, attendees experienced more than music. A Múa Rồng, or Vietnamese dragon dance, moved throughout the venue while a fashion show featuring traditional Vietnamese clothing took place on stage.
Food vendors lined the sides of the market, offering traditional Vietnamese drinks and dishes, including pho. Games were also set up toward the back of the venue, giving families another way to take part in the festival.
“I appreciate all the games for the family, and they don’t restrict if adults want to play with it or just kids. But the kids have a lot of fun,” attendee Nini Le said.
Le attended the festival with her family. She identifies as Vietnamese, while her husband is Irish. Their children have Hispanic, Caucasian and Vietnamese heritage.
For Le, the festival was also an opportunity to see people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate Vietnamese culture.
“It’s amazing, because I see so many people here and so many colors, so diverse,” she said.
Organizer Tracy Nguyen began planning the festival six months in advance. Her small team had just one day to set up the booths and prepare the venue, but Nguyen said the community’s support helped make the event possible.
“We have a small team but all very strong and driven,” Nguyen said.
The turnout exceeded Nguyen’s expectations.
“I feel so grateful today. The big support from all the people, the Vietnamese community and other communities,” she said.
Nguyen hopes the festival will be the first of many Vietnamese cultural events in Syracuse as community members expressed how important it was for them to be together.
“Everything back home that I missed. They have it here. And like he said on stage: you don’t see your community until your here with the community,” said Le.