Nghe An Newspaper organizes a competition for wrapping Tet cakes for the Year of the Horse 2014.

(Baonghean.vn) - In a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere in preparation for the traditional Lunar New Year of the Horse 2014, on January 22nd, Nghe An Newspaper organized a competition for wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and making banh ngao (another type of Vietnamese cake). The competition, organized by the Trade Union and the Youth Union, attracted a large number of staff and union members.

Sticky rice cakes (Bánh chưng and Bánh giầy) are a distinctive traditional cultural feature of the Vietnamese people, recreating the story of Prince Lang Liêu's filial piety in ancient times, who made these cakes to offer to King Hùng; they represent the concept of the universe, life, existence, and prosperity of the rice-farming civilization. In the spirit of preserving and promoting the historical and cultural values ​​of our ancestors and origins, the Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy Making Contest also serves to strengthen the solidarity and bond among members of the Nghệ An Newspaper family. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for staff and reporters to showcase their culinary skills.

Comrade Ho Thi Ngan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, opened the competition.

Contestants prepare ingredients for the banh chung (Vietnamese rice cake) wrapping competition.

Contestants participate in the rice cake wrapping competition.

Participate in the cake-making competition.

This year's competition features five teams. According to the rules, for the banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cake), each team has 30 minutes to wrap and 5 hours to cook one pair. For the banh ngao (another type of Vietnamese rice cake), teams will complete all steps within 60 minutes. In addition to wrapping, cooking, and presenting, teams must also give a presentation about their product.

Jury

Listen to the teams present their products.

First, second, and third prizes were awarded to the participating teams.

With thorough preparation, many teams showcased their skills in wrapping, baking, and presenting their creations convincingly. After nearly 5 hours, the organizing committee awarded first prize to Team 4 (a joint team of the Office and the Journalists' Association), and two second prizes to Team 3 (Secretaries) and Team 2 (a joint team of Current Affairs and Readers). Additionally, the organizing committee awarded two third prizes to Team 1 (Economics and Publishing) and Team 5 (Culture, Society, Electronics, and Mountain Regions).

The competition not only creates an interesting and beneficial playground for staff and reporters after stressful working days, but also serves as a motivation for each person to develop initiative and creativity to successfully complete their tasks and contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​and identity of the nation.

Dao TuanButDuc Anh