Spring Linking the Blue Sea and the Great Highlands, Inspiring Lam Dong’s Aspirations
From the frontline island district of Phu Quy to remote highland villages in western Lam Dong, spring unfolds in vibrant colors and shared celebration. Festive cultural and sporting activities not only energize coastal and mountainous communities alike, but also nurture renewed confidence and aspirations for development.
Spring on the Frontline Island
As Lunar New Year arrives, Phu Quy appears dressed in a brighter, warmer hue. National flags flutter vividly against the blue sky, while banners and decorative panels line neatly arranged streets. Pots of yellow apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums and bougainvillea adorn house fronts, shaping a distinct island spring tableau.
From the administrative center to residential areas in Ngu Phung, Long Hai and Tam Thanh, festive spirit radiates across the island. The red of flags, the yellow of apricot blossoms and the pink of spring flowers blend with the vast blue of sea and sky, creating a picture imbued with local identity.
Longtime resident Vo Xuan Tho shared that despite economic challenges, households still carefully decorate their homes and proudly display the national flag.
“Each Tet, I see Phu Quy becoming more vibrant. Seeing streets illuminated and filled with flags and flowers, I truly feel spring reaching every home,” he said.
Tet on Phu Quy carries a distinct charm — less bustling than large cities, yet deeply rooted in neighborly warmth and the spirit of the sea. Residents celebrate with simplicity and sincerity.
This year, the island organized a series of cultural and sporting events from the first to the fourth day of Tet, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride in maritime heritage.
As midnight approached, thousands of residents and visitors gathered to watch fireworks light up the sea horizon — a sacred moment marked by cheers, handshakes and heartfelt New Year wishes.
Among the highlights was the traditional “Celebrating the Party – Celebrating Spring” Mount Cam cross-country race held on the first morning of Tet.
Participants described the run not only as a fitness activity but as a symbolic start to the year — conquering challenges while overlooking the island’s sea expanse.
Local authorities noted that extensive preparations — from festive decorations to communication campaigns — contributed to a joyful and unified atmosphere. Looking ahead, Phu Quy is positioned to benefit from preferential central government policies for island and disadvantaged areas. Major investment proposals for the 2026–2030 period aim to enhance transport, electricity, water supply, telecommunications and public infrastructure —paving the way for a more modern and sustainable island future.
Spring Across the Highlands
From the blue sea to the vast highlands, spring also spreads gently across western Lam Dong. In upland villages, the season awakens renewed vitality and deepens the bonds between people, land and community.
On the third day of Tet, the sweet scent of coffee blossoms mingled with the morning mist along roads leading to Tan Lap Village in Quang Tan Commune, where the Mong community gathered for their annual spring festival.
Village elder Vang A Tu explained that spring is inseparable from festival time — a period for rest, reunions and traditional games. Although the Mong once celebrated Tet earlier than the national Lunar New Year, they now observe it alongside the countrywide holiday.
Tan Lap hosted this year’s festival, welcoming Mong communities from six villages and beyond. For young men and women, the event is also an occasion to meet and form bonds.
The four-day festival, from the second to the sixth day of Tet, featured folk singing competitions, sack races, con throwing and pao games — all reinforcing cultural continuity.
Seventy-year-old Vang A Chua shared that for nearly two decades, he and his family have faithfully attended the festival, reliving memories of Tet in their homeland.
Meanwhile, village leaders highlighted visible improvements in recent years: access to national electricity, upgraded roads and expanded telecommunications have enhanced both material and spiritual life.
“What we feel most clearly is the attention and investment from authorities at all levels. Living standards continue to improve, strengthening our trust and commitment to building our new homeland,” said Trang A Do, head of Doan Ket Village.
A Shared Aspiration
Spring linking sea and highlands paints a vision of harmonious and sustainable development for Lam Dong — where coastal resilience and highland vitality converge.
Amid the season’s renewal, residents across the province share a common aspiration: to contribute to a homeland that grows stronger, more prosperous and ever ready to “reach the open sea.”