Lunar New Year Parade in Paris Showcases Vietnamese Culture & Unity
Paris, France – Hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists filled the 13th arrondissement of Paris on March 1, 2026, to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a parade described as the largest joint cultural event of Asian countries in France. The annual parade, a tradition since 1989, stretched along the main thoroughfares of the Asian district, from Shoishi Street to Ivry Street near Plaza Italia.
The event featured a vibrant display of cultural performances, including traditional lion and dragon dances accompanied by rhythmic drumming and music. Notably, artists from the French Caribbean community participated, showcasing their vibrant dances and contributing to the festival’s multicultural character. This year’s parade held particular significance following a recent change in the event’s official designation from “Chinese New Year” to “Lunar New Year,” a shift that began in 2025 with Vietnam’s inaugural participation.
The Vietnamese delegation made a distinct impression, presenting traditional martial arts performances, a fashion show featuring the Ao Dai, and Vietnamese folk dances. These displays were met with considerable applause, highlighting the growing prominence of Vietnamese culture within French society. French singer Laroche Valmont, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his hit song “You have the coconut glance” (known in Vietnamese as “Spring of Love”), participated at the invitation of the French-speaking Vietnam Friendship Association, noting the special significance of the occasion as his song likewise marked its 40th anniversary of translation.
Ava Mathies, a young French woman representing Vietnam in the parade, expressed her pride in showcasing Asian cultures and fostering a spirit of respect and sharing. Designer Lexi Precious, also participating, presented a collection inspired by Indochinese culture – encompassing Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia – further enriching the festival’s creative atmosphere. Dom Aujollet, head of the Kinh Van An traditional Vietnamese martial arts school in France, emphasized the opportunity to introduce Vietnamese martial arts to a wider audience through the performance.
Dang Giang, president of the French-speaking Vietnam Friendship Association, underscored the association’s second participation in the historic parade, emphasizing its role in promoting Vietnamese national identity and fostering a deeper understanding of Lunar New Year celebrations among French citizens. She noted the increasing presence of Vietnamese businesses in the 13th arrondissement, contributing to both the local economy and the cultural vibrancy of Paris. The association aims to strengthen ties between Vietnamese residents and the French population, extending beyond the festival itself.
According to Giang, the growing confidence and professionalism of the Vietnamese delegation’s participation reflects the community’s successful integration into French society. The event also highlighted the city’s rollout of a “Responsible Green Tick” programme for Tết goods, according to local news reports, indicating a broader effort to support and recognize Vietnamese businesses during the Lunar New Year season.