"Blossoms of a New Dawn" and the Ambition to Reach Far and Wide

(DTO) As the chilly year-end breezes begin to sweep across the Land of Pink Lotuses, the flower capital of Sa Dec adorns itself in a new vibrant look, preparing for a major cultural and economic milestone: the 2nd Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Plant Festival 2025.

Themed "Blossoms of a New Dawn," the festival is not only an occasion to honor the skillful hands of flower artisans but also serves as a "golden bridge" for trade connectivity and tourism promotion, asserting the position of the century-old flower village in a new era.

A LARGE-SCALE CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC EVENT

Taking place from December 27, 2025 to January 4, 2026, this year’s festival promises an even more vibrant and lively atmosphere. With a lineup of 30 activities (18 main activities and 12 associated activities), Sa Dec Square and surrounding areas will transform into a “living museum” of flowers and ornamental plants.

A highlight of the festival is the showcase of 1,000 ornamental plant varieties at Sa Dec Park, from traditional potted flowers and artistically crafted bonsai to signature blooms such as cockscombs and garden mums, creating a striking painting.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the real-scene performance “A Century of the Flower Village Charm,” which emotionally and proudly recreates the formation and development of Sa Dec’s renowned flower village.

Director of the Dong Thap Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Thi Uyen Trang emphasized that the festival’s core goal is to enhance the economic value of the flower and ornamental plant sector. This is not just a festive celebration, but a strategic effort to link agriculture with tourism and the OCOP Program (One Commune, One Product).

Regional connection is showcased through experiential tourism routes under the theme “Sa Dec Flower Village - A Century of Fragrance and Colors.” From the heart of Sa Dec, the flow of tourism spreads outward, linking neighboring communes and wards.

In addition, specialized events such as the Techmart Conference on applying technology to the flower value chain and the Trade Connection Forum will offer opportunities for businesses and gardeners to seek partners, expand export markets, and bring Sa Dec’s flowers further into the world.

THE FARMERS’ SPIRIT IN “BLOSSOMS OF A NEW DAY”

For local authorities, the Festival is viewed through the lens of macro-level strategy; but for farmers like Dang Quang Giau from the Tan An Ornamental Plant Cooperative, it is an opportunity to affirm the value of their hard work.
Giau shared: “Thanks to the momentum from the first festival in 2023, many gardeners were caught off guard by the surge in visitors. Creative ideas such as crafting a Mekong Delta-style floral gate or designing a heart-shaped flower display in the fields not only attracted tourists but also generated additional on-site income for local households.”

He added: “What we farmers hope for most is a successful festival, which will connect the New Year’s Day with Lunar New Year, giving us the motivation to strive for a thriving year ahead.”

To prepare for this major event, Sa Dec has built an impressive service infrastructure with more than 70 lodging establishments (accommodating up to 5,000 guests) and 50 large restaurants (serving 16,000 diners at a time). The festival’s professional organization promises an exceptional experience for visitors.

Alongside the modern atmosphere, the festival also weaves in heritage values through reenactments of Sa Dec Old Market and Sa Dec Old Flower Market, spaces that revive memories of traditional river-trade culture, the Heritage Space showcasing national intangible cultural heritage, and the Dream Space, themed “Dreams in Bloom - Reaching for a New Era,” reflecting the aspiration for growth of the local community.

The 2nd Sa Dec Flower & Ornamental Plant Festival is more than a celebration. It is a testament to the enduring vitality of a traditional craft village in transformation. Amid radiant blossoms and the warm smiles of local flower growers, Sa Dec stands ready to welcome visitors to continue writing the story of “A Century of Fragrance and Colors” in a new era.

 MY NHAN
Translated by ANH DUC