The Sa Dec Flower Festival in Dong Thap Province has attracted a record-breaking number of visitors, with over 245,000 attendees during its 7-day run, setting a new milestone for festivals in the Mekong Delta region.
Organized by the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province, the event took place in the 950-hectare flower village of Sa Dec from December 30, 2023, to January 5, 2024.
Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province, emphasized that the festival has showcased the potential and strengths of the hundred-year-old flower village, contributing to the development of agrotourism and promoting the local image.
During the festival, farmers sold approximately 300,000 baskets of flowers, generating nearly 100 billion Vietnamese dong in tourism revenue. The festival’s organizing budget exceeded 18 billion Vietnamese dong, with two-thirds sourced from social contributions.
Sa Dec Flower Village, situated along the Tien River, is home to 4,000 households engaged in flower cultivation, with an estimated revenue of around 3 trillion Vietnamese dong in 2022. Originating from the cultivation of various rose species, the village has now become the largest hub of ornamental flowers in the Mekong Delta, boasting over 2,000 different varieties.
In recent years, Dong Thap Province has organized a series of festivals celebrating lotus flowers, tra fish, mangoes, and pink mandarins. Similarly, other provinces in the region have hosted festivals showcasing traditional attire, rice, and shrimp from Ca Mau. These festivals have attracted anywhere from 20,000 to 200,000 visitors, contributing to the vibrant tourism landscape of the Mekong Delta.
In the heart of Dong Thap Province lies a spectacle of colors and scents, drawing visitors from far and wide to the quaint village of Sa Dec. The Sa Dec Flower Festival, a celebration of nature’s bounty and human creativity, recently made headlines as it welcomed over 245,000 eager tourists over the course of seven enchanting days. This remarkable turnout shattered previous attendance records for festivals across the Mekong Delta, solidifying its status as a premier event in the region’s cultural calendar.
Organized with meticulous care by the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province, the festival transformed the expansive 950-hectare landscape of Sa Dec into a mesmerizing tapestry of floral wonders. From December 30, 2023, to January 5, 2024, visitors were treated to a sensory feast, indulging in the sights, sounds, and aromas that define this floral extravaganza.
Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan, the esteemed Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee, expressed his delight at the overwhelming success of the festival. He emphasized that beyond its role as a mere gathering of revelers, the event served as a powerful showcase of Sa Dec’s rich heritage and potential for agricultural tourism. Indeed, as visitors roamed the verdant fields and labyrinthine pathways of the flower village, they were not merely observers but active participants in a narrative of growth, innovation, and community spirit.
Central to the festival’s allure was the opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the daily rhythms of rural life, engaging directly with the hardworking farmers who cultivate Sa Dec’s renowned floral bounty. Against the backdrop of swaying blooms and gently flowing rivers, visitors witnessed firsthand the dedication and ingenuity required to nurture and sustain this vibrant ecosystem.
The economic impact of the festival was equally noteworthy, with local farmers selling an impressive 300,000 baskets of flowers and generating nearly 100 billion Vietnamese dong in tourism revenue. This influx of funds not only bolstered the livelihoods of Sa Dec’s residents but also provided essential support for future endeavors in agrotourism and community development.
Sa Dec Flower Village, with its storied history and timeless charm, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people. From its humble beginnings as a hub for rose cultivation, the village has blossomed into a sprawling oasis of floral diversity, boasting over 2,000 varieties of ornamental flowers. As visitors wandered through the myriad colors and shapes on display, they couldn’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that have transformed Sa Dec into a beacon of beauty and inspiration.
Beyond the borders of Dong Thap Province, the success of the Sa Dec Flower Festival has sparked a renaissance of cultural celebrations across the Mekong Delta. From lotus festivals to mango fairs, provinces throughout the region are embracing their unique identities and inviting visitors to experience the magic of their traditions firsthand. These festivals, with their blend of heritage and hospitality, serve not only as showcases of local culture but also as bridges connecting people from all walks of life in a celebration of unity and diversity.
As the sun sets on another successful edition of the Sa Dec Flower Festival, one thing is abundantly clear: the spirit of Sa Dec is alive and thriving, ready to welcome visitors with open arms and blooming gardens for generations to come. In a world filled with fleeting distractions and ephemeral pleasures, the enduring beauty of Sa Dec stands as a reminder of the timeless joys that await those who dare to seek them.
The success of the Sa Dec Flower Festival underscores the region’s allure as a premier destination for cultural and agricultural tourism, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and traditions of the Mekong Delta. As Dong Thap Province continues to host such vibrant events, it further solidifies its position as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences in Vietnam’s southwestern region.