On May 23rd, 2026, the Vietnamese Language Program at UC San Diego Linguistics Department hosted its second annual Vietnamese Folk Games Festival at Sixth College Lawn, and it turned out to be an unforgettable afternoon.
Under the warm San Diego sun, students in the Vietnamese heritage language program and their friends gathered for an afternoon of traditional Vietnamese folk games, potluck snacks, and the kind of genuine connection that only happens when phones are put away and everyone is too busy crab-walking across a lawn to think about anything else.
This year marked an amazing step forward for our program. While last year’s inaugural event was hosted by our Advanced class, this year I had the pleasure of collaborating with and instructing a group of students in our Intermediate Vietnamese class (LIHL124P) to take full ownership of the event. From acting as game facilitators and scorekeepers to managing media and logistics, these students stepped up brilliantly! While inheriting the favorite games from last year, we also introduced several unique additions to the lineup, such as Đua thuyền trên cạn (Boat race on land), trò U, and especially Khéo tay lanh trí (Skillful hands, sharp minds). By centering this new game on chopstick proficiency to pass a lime while answering cultural trivia, we highlighted a unique and essential skill deeply rooted in Vietnamese daily life and cultural identity.
We added two new traditions this year to make the festival feel even more like home. First, we adopted a potluck format, turning a corner of the lawn into a delicious spread of shared Vietnamese and Asian treats. Second, we paused for a beautiful tribute to our graduating seniors. Underclassmen formed a tunnel of raised arms, cheering wildly as our graduates walked through to receive celebratory leis. It was a heartfelt send-off for a group that has given so much to our community.
Now in its second year, the festival is quickly becoming a cherished annual tradition at the Heritage Vietnamese Program at UCSD. As an educator, there is nothing quite like watching language learning leap out of the textbook and into an active, lived cultural experience. I am incredibly proud of my Intermediate students for their exceptional leadership, coordination, and heart. They didn’t just run an event, they strengthened our community.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s festival!