The annual flower festival held at Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City opened on Sunday night, less than a week before Vietnam ushers in the Year of the Rooster as per the lunar calendar.

The 2017 Tao Dan flower fest runs for 12 days under the theme of “The City Named After Uncle Ho with Bright Aspirations,” given that the southern metropolis is named after late President Ho Chi Minh.

Numerous flower- and fruit-laden boat installations and other decorations are now on display, illustrating the city’s aspiration to develop as a modern, civilized and kindhearted place.

The Lunar New Year, or Tet, begins on January 28.

The festival also features artworks depicting how the Vietnamese have celebrated Tet in days gone by, and of course, numerous flower, bonsai and ornamental tree collections, including rare floral species.

The sparkling artistic lightning system on the adjacent Truong Dinh Street also contributes to the vibrancy of Tao Dan Park.

Entrance tickets cost VND30,000 (US$1.34).

The festival offers free admission to children under 12, plus 1,000 free tickets to migrant workers who cannot afford a trip home to celebrate Tet.

Prior to the opening day, 1,000 underprivileged children were also allowed to tour the displays for free.

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