The procession of flower-decorated vehicles lined Quang Trung street along the bustling Front Beach, drawing crowds of residents and tourists. Opposite, at the traditional house at 1 Ba Cu, the Ho Chi Minh City chapter of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha chose to host the main Vesak celebration (Buddhist calendar 2057).

Vesak marks the birth of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Annually, on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, Buddhist countries observe this grand festival. Since 1999, Vesak, observed on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, has been recognized by the United Nations as a global spiritual and cultural festival.

Many cars, elaborately decorated with fresh flowers and adorned with Buddha statues on their roofs, formed a long procession.

The series of activities began with an environmentally friendly flower-decorated vehicle parade at 3:30 p.m. The procession included 200 bicycles, 10 electric vehicles, and 20 cyclos, all adorned with flowers and statues of the newborn Buddha. It started from Van Phuoc Pagoda on Ba Cu street and traversed several central streets of Vung Tau. Hoai Huong, a young Buddhist, stated that Vesak is an opportunity for young people to learn about Buddhist teachings, cultivate a peaceful and positive life, and practice love and sharing. "I believe learning about Buddhism helps us live mindfully and spread good things to everyone," she said.

Around 7 p.m., 17 flower-decorated vehicles from local temples, adorned with artistic lighting and flares, departed from the main ceremonial stage and paraded along Thuy Van street, by Back Beach.

The procession was led by motorcycles and police vehicles, followed by hundreds of Buddhists on motorbikes.

Buddhists lined both sides of the road, watching and using their phones to record videos or livestream as the procession passed.

As the procession passed the Tam Thang Tower area, it captured the attention of many residents and tourists who lined the streets, watching and taking photos.

Nguyen Tuan Minh, a tourist from Tay Ninh, expressed his impression of the parade's solemn yet lively atmosphere. "The flower-decorated vehicles were beautifully adorned, and the participation of many young people made the event feel approachable and engaging," he said.

For over one hour, the procession traveled nearly 15 km, passing through Quang Trung, Truong Cong Dinh, Hoang Hoa Tham, Thuy Van, the Martyrs' Monument roundabout, Le Hong Phong Avenue, Le Loi, and Hoang Dieu, before returning to the main ceremonial stage.

Truong Ha