Beyond the standout figure of a horse holding an iPhone 17 Series - a mascot that has quickly caught the eye of tourists - the Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026 mascot complex in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai, features a wide array of unique decorations.

Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, was filled with excitement on the afternoon of February 9, as the Tet mascot complex was officially inaugurated.

The Tet 2026 mascot ensemble draws creative inspiration from the spirit of “Saint Giong – Land of Martial Arts – Great Forest.” It pays tribute to the martial and cultural heritage of Emperor Quang Trung Nguyen Hue’s homeland and the legendary Central Highlands landscape, marked by the iconic Chu Dang Ya volcano.

The horse mascot harmoniously blends traditional Vietnamese culture and the proud history of the Gia Lai region. Its color palette takes the reddish-brown of basalt soil, the green of the mountains, and the warm golden sunlight reflecting over the rippling East Sea to create a visually unified whole.

Eight horse figures - four on each side - are depicted in dynamic poses, converging from two directions. Above them is a modern-styled bridge that symbolizes the connection between the former regions of Binh Dinh and Gia Lai, now united in today’s Gia Lai Province.

The central horse mascot, inspired by the warhorse of Saint Giong, towers over 9 meters tall. With well-defined muscles and a commanding presence, the figure exudes a sense of strength and invincibility, as though it is rising from the Chư Đăng Ya volcano.

On the left side is the “Converging Blue Sea” sculpture, featuring whales frolicking in stylized waves and boats heading out to sea. On the right is “Essence of the Great Forest,” combining highland mountain imagery with the distinctive gong culture of the Central Highlands.

Behind the central mascot, the scene is enhanced by special effects: lighting, mist, and smoke bubbles add a dreamlike quality to a stylized spaceship. A horse transformed into an astronaut appears to soar into space - symbolizing the aspirations of Gia Lai’s young generation to conquer new frontiers in science and technology.

To the left of the main figure stands a stylized elephant warrior, along with military horses evoking the vibrant imagery of the Tay Son army.

The horse holding an iPhone 17 Series has emerged as one of the most talked-about mascots, drawing strong interest from festival-goers.

The youthful and modern interpretation of the horse mascot reflects the local government's effort to revitalize Tet spaces and connect more closely with the public - especially younger audiences.

Bao Kien