Saigon during the festival season

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a hub of constant movement, a financial and economic center, and home to nearly nine million people from all over the country. In recent years, Saigon has emerged as an international city with strong appeal and competitiveness against other international cities in the region such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. Integration and development are most clearly reflected in the New Year's festival season. There, we see a Saigon with a dynamic, fresh, and vibrant energy, a very Saigonese character that cannot be found in Hanoi or Da Nang. About fifteen years ago, Christmas and Easter were mainly celebrated boisterously in the Catholic neighborhoods of District 8, Tan Phu District, and Go Vap District. The streets and alleys were decorated with dazzling lights and flowers, along with nativity scenes, the Virgin Mary, and the Baby Jesus. The Catholic community attended church services, recited prayers, and sang hymns. On these occasions, the roads leading to Notre Dame Cathedral, Tan Dinh Church, Huyen Si Church, Cha Tam Church, etc., were often congested. From afar, the sound of bells and hymns could be heard echoing.

Over time, Christmas and New Year's Day have gradually become shared holidays for the people of Saigon. Large shopping malls like Bitexco and Landmark 81, entertainment areas, and even high-end apartment complexes are lavishly decorated, often with red as the dominant color, featuring Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and reindeer, along with year-end promotions. These places have become familiar destinations for Saigonese people during the festive season, especially young families with small children. For European and American companies operating in Saigon, Christmas Day is also an official holiday.

In recent years, with the strong development of craft breweries, beer clubs have become a popular New Year's celebration spot for young people, especially office workers. These beer clubs also organize special programs during the festivities, such as games with prizes, music and dance performances, etc. Famous breweries in Saigon include Pasteur Street Brewing Company, Heart of Darkness Brewery-Saigon, Biacraft Artisan Ales, East West Brewing Co, Winking Seal Beer Co, and others. After gathering at these clubs, young people often head to Nguyen Hue Boulevard for a New Year's Eve countdown party.

Heritage Magazine