Amid a sea of blooms, many people in traditional ao dai strolled slowly through the vibrant floral displays, stopping to take photos and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, vice chair of the municipal People’s Committee, said this year’s flower street featured a new highlight: it was being organised in a synchronised way across the Sai Gon, Binh Duong and Vung Tau wards for the first time.
Each area, she said, offered a distinct character, creating varied emotional experiences while sharing a common theme of unity and convergence. The displays also reflected the city’s ambition to grow into an international megacity in south-east Asia.
The 2026 flower street not only recreates traditional Tet scenes but also conveys a message of the city’s development aspirations in a new phase.
From early evening, Nguyen Hue Street was packed with crowds enjoying the spring outing, capturing bright moments from the opening night. Many families arrived with young children to check in shortly after the ceremony.
Lunar New Year 2026 is the Year of the Horse, and a giant horse mascot has become the centrepiece. Standing 7 metres tall and 9 metres wide on a 4-metre platform, the golden-toned figure is inspired by the legendary Saint Giong ascending to the heavens.
Minh Anh, a resident of Xuan Hoa Ward, said her family visits every year but felt this year was different.
“The space feels more open, the scenes are more modern, and the night lighting is especially beautiful,” she said.
Organisers said another new feature is that, for the first time in the event’s 23-year history, the flower street has been designed with two distinct versions of the experience: one for daytime and one for night-time, offering visitors a different feel depending on when they attend.
A rotating lantern structure more than 6 metres tall, recreating traditional Tet folk imagery, has also emerged as a popular photo spot.
Linh, another visitor, said she was impressed by the coordinated organisation across multiple areas.
“I think this year’s theme clearly carries a message of unity and development. It’s not just a Tet outing, you can also feel the city’s renewal,” she said.
Nguyen Hue Flower Street will be open from 7 pm on February 15 until 9 pm on February 22 (or from the 28th day of the 12th lunar month to the sixth day of Tet).
