Crowds line up to buy sticky rice, bamboo leaf cakes, roast pork, and roast duck to celebrate Duanwu Festival
On May 31st (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month), also known as Duanwu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City were bustling early in the morning.
During this festival, people sell bamboo leaf cakes, bamboo leaves, and other traditional foods which are essential for the Duanwu Festival celebrations.
Bamboo leaf cakes are priced between 45,000 and 120,000 VND per ten to twelve cakes, depending on their size.
The bamboo leaves are priced at only 10,000 VND per bundle, including cactus and eucalyptus leaves. People often hang these leaves at their front doors, believing that they ward off evil and bring peace and prosperity to the household.
Fruits are the most expensive during this festival, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per kg. “We import the freshest fruits, so the prices are higher than usual,” said a trader at Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh District.
Fruits with red and yellow colors are preferred during this festival. Various types of fruits were sold, including chôm chôm at 50,000 VND per kg, oranges at 45,000 VND per kg, jackfruit at 50,000 VND per kg, and lychees at 60,000 VND per kg.
On Bui Huu Nghia and Phan Van Tri Streets (District 5, Ho Chi Minh City), people lined up to buy roast pork and duck from famous shops. Some waited up to 30 minutes.
Different types of sticky rice were sold, with prices starting from 50,000 VND per box.
People draw lots to determine their place in the line while waiting to buy roast pork and duck.
The area for waiting for deliveries was packed with customers.
Customers who bought large quantities of roast pork and duck were offered home delivery services.
A customer breathes a sigh of relief after successfully purchasing offerings for the Duanwu Festival.
On this day, various types of sweet soups and fermented rice dishes were also in high demand, with prices starting from 50,000 VND per box.
