Taste of Vietnam

Anyone from around here probably knows of Marian Days. It’s the festival where somewhere in the neighborhood of 60,000 vietnamese descend upon Carthage and setup camp for the better part of a week to celebrate the virgin mary. But that was about all I knew. Last night I went with some friends to go check out the event first hand and see what all the ruckus is about. In this photo I am enjoying some Phở Gà, which is pronounced like “Fuh? Gah”. Here are some other facts:

• It is not simply Vietnamese, but Catholic Vietnamese…so it is a religious gathering.
• Vietnamese food includes some very tasty items.
• Vietnamese food includes some very gross items.
• Apparently a lot of Vietnamese come from Texas.
• It was very much a family oriented affair.
• A big sign listed prohibited activities… including playing heavy metal music and the wasteful use of electricity.
• Eating noodles with chop sticks isn’t as hard as one might think.

Another interesting thing I noticed while leaving were the homes where they allowed the temporary residents to set up camp in their lawn. Likewise were just as many, if not more homes with all the lights off and numerous “NO TRESPASSING” signs, chain link fences, and police line tape strewn about the yard eliminating any question how they feel about the visitors. Now, obviously I haven’t lived across the street from the event year in and year out so maybe they have a reason to be paranoid about catholic asians, but I have a feeling I would be in the camp that welcomes the visitors and enjoys their company, like I did last night. I wonder if all those homeowners who attempt to shut the event out really even understand what it is about, or if they are just subscribing to the gossip among their culturally ignorant circle of friends?

From the little slice I experienced, I think this is a really great event, and great for Carthage and the area in general. Plus, there was a fruit stand with fresh lychees…need I say more?