In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, at the mascot production workshop of Tan Viet Production Trading Fine Art Services JSC (located in Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai province), covering an area of 2.5 thousand square metres, the working atmosphere is urgent from early morning until late evening. Amid the sound of machinery, the smell of paint, and rough material blocks, pairs of hands diligently shape, adjust, and polish to “breathe life” into mascots in various horse forms, serving as symbols of strength, endurance, and the aspiration to reach far in the new year of Binh Ngo.

Alongside traditional manual methods, many stages of the process are now supported by modern technology. From assembling steel frames and operating pre-programmed robotic arms to cut and shape individual parts from large foam blocks, such as the mascot’s body, head, mane, or legs, to sanding and color finishing, each step demands high precision. Robots ensure uniformity and accurate design proportions, shorten mold-making time, and minimize errors in large-scale shapes.

However, after machines complete the basic shaping, the product still requires the human touch to refine every detail. Tasks such as smoothing contours, softening muscle curves, shaping the eyes, capturing the spirit, or refining a graceful stance all call for meticulousness, patience, and years of experience. A slight misalignment in the mane, leg position, or gaze can render the mascot stiff and lifeless. That is why mascot-making is a harmonious blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, where artisans work not only with skill and strength but also with refined perception, artistic sensibility, and deep passion for the trade.

From the workshop, the completed horse mascots are packaged and transported to provinces and cities nationwide for display in parks, squares, and residential areas, contributing to a vibrant, warm spring atmosphere. This year, the workshop not only serves the domestic market but also exports several mascot models to foreign markets, meeting strict technical and aesthetic requirements.

In addition to traditional models, the workshop also produces a special symbolic model depicting Saint Giong riding a horse flying into the sky, combining Vietnamese folk culture elements with modern shaping. This model is elaborately crafted, large in size, with many complex details, expressing the aspiration to rise and the spirit of national pride in the new year.