On Feb. 8, Westminster High School in the Huntington Beach Union High School District hosted a vibrant Tết Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year, featuring celebrity chef Jet Tila from the Food Network.
Chef Tila engaged students with stories from his life and career. And he demonstrated the delicate art of making dumplings, which were served to students as they watched performances during their lunch break.
Tila also promoted “Global Eats,” a national initiative he co-created with other international chefs to educate children about the diverse world of food and culture.
The Lunar New Year, or Tết in Vietnamese culture, celebrates the first day of the year based on the lunar calendar. It’s a time for renewal, family gatherings and honoring ancestors, filled with traditional practices and symbolic foods aimed at bringing luck and prosperity. The Lunar New Year cycles through a 12-year zodiac, with each year associated with a specific animal sign. This year celebrates the Year of the Dragon.
The student-organized Tết Fair spanned the entire school day, showcasing the community’s cultural traditions and culinary arts. OCDE’s Media Services team was also on hand to capture highlights. Watch the video above to see the festivities, the food and the fun at Westminster High School’s Tết Festival.