On the morning of June 8, 2025, at Suoi Tien Theme Park (Ho Chi Minh City), the Southern Fruit Festival officially reached a special milestone with the Award Ceremony for the — an event that attracted many artists and people who love traditional folk culture and art.
The Fruit Carving Art Competition is organized by Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Corporation in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the Department of Culture and Sports, the Department of Tourism, and the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations.
Everyday Fruits, Simple Art: When Fruits Become Part of Culture
For generations, fruits have not only been agricultural products but also symbols of prosperity and abundance. In the South — a land blessed with sweet fruits all year round — simple fruits like mangoes, jackfruits, papayas, coconuts, and dragon fruits have become unique creative materials in the hands of skilled artisans, turning into beautiful fruit-shaped art.
The 2025 Fruit Carving Art Competition was held under the theme: “Vietnam Entering a New Era — The Nation Rising.” This theme reflects the spirit of the times and has sparked a strong wave of creativity among the artisan community. The 24 entries are not just works of art, but also cultural messages that remind people of history and show the pride and hope for a bright future for Vietnam.
This year’s entries stand out with impressive breakthroughs in both techniques and ideas. Each work tells a story through vibrant colors and shapes — lively, detailed, and full of emotions. From tiny details like flowers, grapes, and leaves to bigger symbols like the map of Vietnam, high-speed trains, or national leaders — everything is crafted from fresh fruits, a delicate yet distinctive material that gives each piece its unique cultural touch.
The most outstanding artisans were honored
After a fair and careful judging process, the panel selected the best works in three contest categories:
Category A – Elegance: Artisan Trinh Hoang Anh with the piece “Suoi Tien Welcomes 50 Years of Southern Liberation – A New Era, A New Height for the Nation.”
Category B – Refinement: Artisan Cao Phuong Vu with the piece “Historic Mark.”
Category C – New Beginnings: Artisan Dang Van Ut with the piece “50 Years of Southern Liberation – A United Homeland.”
A New Step in Preserving Folk Art
One of the most emotional and meaningful highlights of this year’s Award Ceremony is the news that the fruit shaping art is being proposed for recognition as part of Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This is not only a source of pride for the artisan community but also a big turning point in the journey to preserve, develop, and spread a unique type of folk art with rich cultural value.
In today’s world of global integration, many forms of traditional folk culture are at risk of fading away due to changing lifestyles and modern tastes. Proposing fruit shaping art as an intangible cultural heritage shows that this art form is not just a temporary visual creation, but an important part of the soul of Southern Vietnamese culture in particular, and Vietnamese culture as a whole. It will also be a strong driving force for festivals like the Southern Fruit Festival to continue growing sustainably, boosting tourism and spreading cultural pride.
More than anything, this is a heartfelt tribute to the quiet artisans — the people who keep this tradition alive and breathe life into every sweet fruit of their homeland.
The Values Live On
The celebration doesn’t end with the Award Ceremony — all the contest entries will continue to be displayed at Suoi Tien throughout the Suoi Tien Farm Festival and the Southern Fruit Festival 2025. This is a wonderful chance for visitors, especially young people, to see and feel the cultural and artistic value of this traditional craft through a fresh, modern perspective.
Many Visitors Come to See and Take Photos with the Works
The 2025 Fruit Shaping Art Contest once again proves the lasting place of folk art in modern life. With each festival season, people don’t just see the vibrant fruits of the South — they see a Vietnam full of strength, creativity, and the spirit to rise in this new era.
Come visit Suoi Tien — where the most lively fruit art of this summer is waiting for you!
Suoi Tien Theme Park Ho Chi Minh City
Starting from June 8, 2025, as part of the Southern Fruit Festival.