For about a week now, the campus in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in District 1 has been decorated with 60-meter-long golden strings of lights covering the scaffolding of its two bell towers, which are currently under restoration.
This is the first time the church has been brightly decorated for Christmas since renovations began in 2017.
Jules Bourard, a French architect, designed the original church. Construction began in 1877 and took three years to complete. The Notre Dame Basilica of Saigon was classified as a Basilica by the Vatican in 1959.
A multi-colored Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star, is situated between the two bell towers.
Christians consider the star a miraculous sign signifying the birth of Christ.
The project is still under repairs, so a 2-meter fence surrounding it is also decorated in lights.
Once a top destination for the Christian community during Christmas celebration, the church has been undergoing renovations for the past six years. Initially, it was anticipated that the project would be finished this year. However, the Covid-19 pandemic created supply problems from Europe and drove up costs by 30–40%.
Repairs are now expected to last until 2027.
Young Saigonese take photos under the sparkling lights in front of the church.
"Saigon has many beautiful places, but it is difficult to find an outstanding place like this. Repairs on the church are not yet finished, but it is still vividly decorated for the Christmas season," said Tran Thi Hoai Anh, a Christian living in Binh Thanh District.
Like many young people, Chi (C) took her small child and her mother from District 12 to the cathedral to take photos.
"I've passed by the church many times, but this is the first time I've seen the church lit up so brightly. It looks very beautiful," Chi said.
People gather in front of the statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, in front of the cathedral.
The area is always a popular rendezvous for young Saigonese on weekends.
