One of the oldest traditions that define the Lunar New Year in Hanoi is the city’s markets where people not only shop for flowers and goods but also bask in the cheerful atmosphere.  It has been 80 years and Hoang Bao Lam had not missed any flower market in Hang Luoc street that opens the week before Tet. Like other Hanoians, Lam comes to the market not only for flowers but also to feel the festive atmosphere. “We have been living in Hanoi since our childhood, so lots of our memories are here in the spring flower market”, said Hoang Bao Lam, a local in Hoan Kiem district. Lam said he visit the market to recall the old days. For thousands of years, the spring flower festival has opened a week before Tet on Hang Luoc and surrounding streets. The smiles of locals and the blossoming peach flowers light up the spring drizzle. “I usually come to the flower markets from the 25th day of the 12th lunar month. Sometimes I come back on the 29th day just to view the beautiful flowers here”, said Le Thi Bich Lien, a local in Long Bien district. When mentioning Tet markets in Hanoi, the antique market in Hang Ma streetcan’t be forgotten, which convenes from the 20th to the 30th day of the last lunar month. The holiday market showcases items up to centuries old. It draws nostalgic people who can leave with a collection to show off during the holiday. Nguyen Viet Chuc, Director of the Thang Long Culture Research Institute said the markets are not just buying and selling spots but also places of cultural exchange. Especially, the flower market is where people come to contemplate the beauty of spring, Chuc added. Wandering the Tet markets during the very last day of the years has become a tradition for Hanoians. Coming here, people leave behind all the worries and sorrows to enjoy the spring in the air.-VNA