Waiting...for a surprise, for a pleasant surprise?

Many of the miniature landscapes are gradually being completed.

A hammock in the middle of the night

The Spring Flower Street can be said to be a beautiful cultural feature in the people's journey to celebrate the Spring Festival. However, to achieve the beautiful form of the Spring Flower Street in the eyes of so many people, the workers spent sleepless nights, dozing off in hammocks, and contemplating alone on the grass, remembering their families amidst the hustle and bustle leading up to Spring.

Having been involved for many years, with three seasons of flower street decorations in Phan Thiet, Mr. Pham Ngoc Tinh smiled and said: "I'm used to it. I'm involved every year, so it's tiring, but I just want to complete it perfectly so that people can come and have fun. After that, I'll rest."

Mr. Tran Van Luong is diligently completing his tasks.

Tran Van Luong, an old neighbor of mine, has been away from home for several years working. This year, when Tuan invited him to help with the flower street project, he didn't hesitate to return and has been working at the workshop for months, staying until the assembly is complete. "This is my first time working for my hometown, and I'm happy to see the flower street gradually taking shape. I'm so happy, I forget all my fatigue."

unnamed-15(1).jpg — Teacher Thong Thi Loi (on the left in the photo) has been working part-time at the flower street for over two weeks now.

Last night, nearly 30,000 flower pots, along with rice plants, were arranged into miniature landscapes. Even though it was well past midnight, the pace remained steady, with each group working on a different scene. Teacher Thong Thi Loi pushed wheelbarrows loaded with flowers, following the design's instructions, under the guidance of the project supervisor. “The school is closed, so I was introduced to this extra work. I’m working overtime tonight, otherwise I’d usually work until 11:30 PM and then rush back to Ma Lam.” Teacher Thong Thi Loi is a teacher at Lam Giang Primary School, and her family is struggling financially, so she came to work at the flower street to supplement her income. “Where will you sleep tonight?” I asked. “My sister and I will sleep in hammocks under the trees; it’s very cool there, and there are no mosquitoes.” Saying this, Loi loaded the flower pots onto the wheelbarrows and pushed them to install them in the miniature landscapes.

After many sleepless nights at the workshop, Ms. Giao was almost exhausted by the time the flower street was set up. She hung a hammock between two trees next to the flower street to catch a nap. “I’ve been working with Mr. Tuan for three years now. He’s a kind person. I’m doing this because I see his dedication, so I’m supporting him. I also feel happy to be contributing something to the Spring season.” Ms. Giao wasn’t alone; her two children also came to the flower street to help out. For the past six years, Ms. Giao has been raising her two children alone under immense financial pressure, so she takes on any extra work she can find. “The two kids came home today to receive their scholarships or New Year’s gifts, that’s what they said,” Ms. Giao said, pulling a thin blanket over her head, as if trying to hide her anxieties in the dead of night.

The mascot will be a surprise.

The Spring Flower Street for the Year of the Dragon will officially open at 7:00 PM on the 26th day of the Lunar calendar (February 5, 2024). For over two months, more than 30 technical workers have been diligently working on every stage of design, construction, fabrication, and installation, hoping to bring spiritual value to the people during each Spring season.

Beyond the 144-meter-long, winding dragon gate, with its color-changing effect that makes the dragon's body transform naturally, the flower street gate feels as if the spring atmosphere is blending seamlessly with the natural scenery. The most anticipated aspect of the Spring Flower Street is the mascot, the theme of the year. This year's Spring Flower Street in Phan Thiet, the Year of the Dragon, is always eagerly awaited with surprises and delights.

The anxious and weary look in the eyes of Mr. Quan, who has been working on the flower street for the past three years, after many long nights.

Artist Pham Anh Tuan shared: “Everyone will be surprised by this year's dragon mascot. It carries a different meaning, overcoming difficulties to reach new heights, a symbol of hope for a young city with aspirations to rise.” According to artist Pham Anh Tuan, the dragon mascot placed in the flower street's entrance will depict a dragon soaring through the clouds with fire-breathing displays, showcasing the power of the four mythical creatures in heaven and earth. Currently, preparations are nearing completion for the final stages before the official opening to welcome residents and tourists to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

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