Three craftsmen from the southern province of Ben Tre, or the kingdom of coconuts, used 25,000 coconut-shell buttons to make a huge tea pot, which was recognised as a national record at the first ever Coconut Festival in Ben Tre.

The record tea pot.

The record tea pot looks like a traditional tea pot of Vietnamese people. It is 3m high and 150kg in weight. Craftsmen created the tea pot in 45 days.

Some other special things were introduced at the festival: the largest coconut candy in Vietnam, which is 1.6m long, 600 kg; the longest carpet made of coconut fibre – 12m; an astray and glass set made of a 70-year-old coconut tree; and a pair of buffaloes made of coconut fibre. The buffaloes are 2.2m long, 1.2m high, 40kg in weight and 0.65m around the belly in diameter.

The 1^st Coconut Festival, held by the provincial People’s Committee, took place from January 13-19 to mark the 49th year of the Ben Tre Uprising against the American Invasion and celebrated the inauguration of Rach Mieu Bridge, connecting Ben Tre to Tien Giang province.

The astray and glass set made of a 70-year-old coconut tree.

Coming to the festival, visitors had a chance to sample traditional cooking and explore the mysteries of the “coconut culture”. It also offered businessmen and investors an opportunity to access the economic potential of Ben Tre for eco-tourism, historical and cultural relics, and particularly, for coconut products.

More than 250 booths showcased products made from coconut as well as techniques used in coconut breeding, harvesting and processing.

Other commercial activities were also highlighted during the festival, such as high-quality products in agriculture, industry, aquaculture, garments and textiles, and construction materials, among others.

A buffalo made of coconut fibre.

A contest was held where artisans competed to make cakes, jams and food from coconuts. Another contest saw local craftsmen produce handicraft items, such as knitting baskets made of coconut blades, and spinning and weaving carpets out of coconut fibre.

(Source: VNE)