Little Saigon’s Tet Lunar New Year Festival 2025 Shines with Flower Street – Pho Hoa as Cultural Centerpiece
The Vietnamese American community in Little Saigon ushered in the Lunar New Year with the triumphant return of Pho Hoa (Flower Street), the crown jewel of Tet celebrations, held January 25–26 on Historic Main Street in Garden Grove. Centered around the iconic floral displays and cultural installations of Pho Hoa, the festival drew thousands to honor tradition, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese diaspora.
Pho Hoa: A Blossoming Symbol of Heritage
This year’s Pho Hoa transformed Main Street into a living tapestry of Vietnam’s agrarian legacy and artistic innovation. Towering floral arrangements, handcrafted lanterns, and vibrant installations paid homage to themes of renewal and resilience. Families gathered beneath blooms of marigolds, chrysanthemums, and orchids—symbols of prosperity and longevity in Vietnamese culture—while elders shared stories of Tet traditions with wide-eyed children.\
“Pho Hoa is more than a street—it’s a bridge between generations,” said a spokesperson for the event’s lead organizer. “Here, our youth see the beauty of their heritage, and our elders see their legacy preserved.”
Rituals and Revelry Amid the Blooms
The festival’s opening ceremonies began at Pho Hoa’s central stage, where the national anthems of Vietnam and the U.S. echoed alongside a moment of silent reflection for ancestors. A spirited Lion Dance procession weaved through the floral arches, symbolizing the expulsion of misfortune and the welcoming of luck. Attendees marveled at the Thien An Drum Performance, whose rhythmic beats echoed the heartbeat of Vietnam, while the Shaolin Warrior Academy mesmerized crowds with martial arts precision.
Pho Hoa also hosted the beloved Ao Dai Contests, where participants of all ages showcased Vietnam’s elegant national attire. The Kid Ao Dai Contest charmed audiences with youthful exuberance, while the adult competition celebrated grace and cultural pride. Nearby, the Miss Asian Heritage Pageant crowned its winner on a stage framed by Pho Hoa’s blossoms, emphasizing beauty, intellect, and advocacy for cultural preservation.
Cultural Immersion: From Nostalgia to Innovation
Beyond its floral grandeur, Pho Hoa offered immersive experiences. The CHO BEN THANH pop-up market evoked the bustling energy of Saigon’s historic marketplace, offering traditional treats like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) and mứt (candied fruits).
Families bonded over folk games like Lucky Ruffle and Lotto, while performances by the Huong Sen Dance Group and Happy Band fused traditional melodies with contemporary flair. As dusk fell, Pho Hoa’s lanterns glowed warmly, guiding visitors to the Acoustic Show under the stars—a serene finale to the vibrant festivities.
A Legacy in Bloom
Pho Hoa’s success underscored its role as the cultural and emotional anchor of Little Saigon’s Tet celebrations. “Walking through Pho Hoa, I feel my ancestors beside me,” shared attendresa. “It’s where our past and future meet.”
The festival concluded with a final Lion Dance and the newly crowned Miss Asian Heritage’s procession down Pho Hoa, her Ao Dai shimmering beneath the floral canopy—a powerful emblem of continuity and hope.
About Pho Hoa & the Tet Festival
Organized by VSASocal Associates and community partners, Pho Hoa is the centerpiece of Little Saigon’s annual Tet Lunar New Year Festival, celebrating Vietnamese heritage in Southern California.
Historic Main Street - 12936 Main st. Garden Grove.
