Residents of a Ho Chi Minh City neighborhood are working tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming Duanwu Festival, also known as Tết Đoan Ngọ. Dozens of households along Phạm Thế Hiển street are staying up all night to make hundreds of thousands of *bánh ú* – traditional pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. This annual effort demonstrates a strong community spirit and dedication to preserving cultural traditions. The collective work transforms a small alleyway into a bustling hub of activity. The *bánh ú* are a key food item consumed during Tết Đoan Ngọ, a festival celebrated to ward off evil spirits and ensure good health. The intensive preparation highlights the importance of the festival in local culture.