Ho Chi Minh City Celebrates 100 Years of Tan Dinh Market: History and Future

On the morning of July 24, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, organized a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation and development of Tan Dinh Market (1926-2026) with the theme: "Tan Dinh Market - Identity and Pride." Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Danh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tan Dinh Ward, stated that this is a particularly meaningful event, marking a century of formation and development for one of the city's oldest and most representative markets. It is also an occasion to look back at the journey of preserving cultural and historical values and to honor the generations of officials, employees, merchants, and citizens who have contributed to building the Tan Dinh Market brand today. From 1926 to the present, Tan Dinh Market has not only been a place for goods exchange serving the lives of the people but also a cultural space imbued with the urban imprint of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City. Through many historical ups and downs, Tan Dinh Market has always maintained its unique vitality. This is because it is not only a place with bustling stalls and lively trading but also a repository of countless stories about the diligence, affection, and persistent spirit of many generations of merchants who have been associated with the market for decades. "We can affirm that the greatest value of Tan Dinh Market lies not only in its commercial activities but also in the cultural, historical values, and community identity that have been preserved through many generations," emphasized Mr. Nguyen Thanh Danh. Entering a new phase of development, Tan Dinh Market faces many opportunities and demands for innovation. According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Danh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tan Dinh Ward, the ward is determined to continue building a civilized and safe business environment; gradually improve infrastructure quality; promote digital transformation; encourage non-cash payments; and leverage the market's cultural and historical heritage values in conjunction with the development of trade, services, and tourism, so that Tan Dinh Market becomes not just a place for buying and selling but also a cultural destination deeply imprinted with the identity of Ho Chi Minh City. At the ceremony, Tan Dinh Ward presented souvenir items for the 100th anniversary of Tan Dinh Market to units, collectives, and individuals who have always accompanied and contributed to the development of Tan Dinh Market. Gifts were also presented to honor past management officials, employees, and laborers, as well as exemplary merchant families who have made significant contributions to business activities, building commercial civilization, and developing the market. On this occasion, Tan Dinh Ward also inaugurated a mural, a covered entrance for the market, and a free drinking water station for the public. The mural depicts historical landmarks, cultural beauty, and the lives of merchants through different periods. The covered entrance area of the market contributes to creating convenient, safe, and civilized conditions for the trading activities of merchants and residents. The "Free Drinking Water Station for the Public" project is implemented to facilitate people's access to safe and clean drinking water, contributing to improving community service quality and building a civilized urban lifestyle. Tan Dinh Market is one of the oldest markets in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City, built in 1926. It is not only a bustling shopping destination but also a historical witness, closely linked to the urban memory for nearly a century. With its strong French architectural influence, featuring three prominent bell towers – one central and two phụ on the sides – Tan Dinh Market impresses with its ancient charm in the heart of the modern city. Visitors here can not only immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of market life but also find local specialties, famous fabrics, and authentic, rustic Saigon culinary flavors. Notably, the market's traditional "handmade shoe crafting" is highly favored by many foreign tourists when they visit, shop, and experience. Source: Nhan Dan