Simply, thousands of people with intricate tattoos gathered at that place, crowded in and out and made many faint-hearted people think that a certain Vietnamese yakuza-style gang was having a "martial arts conference".
In fact
it was a true cultural event, the first time it was held on a tatkuinkcom large scale and publicly and legally. The event's name is Saigon Tattoo Expo 2018 (Saigon Tattoo Exhibition) with more than 80 booths of tattoo artists from Italy, Spain, Japan, Taiwan (China), Thailand, the Czech Republic and of course Vietnam. During the 2 days of the event, there were competitions with many different themes and it created real excitement for those who are interested in tattooing.
Admittedly
licensing this event (organizer is the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association) is an open decision of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City. In terms of licensing, the Department also clearly states the requirements on fine customs, safety, health... and the Organizing Committee has strictly complied. Therefore, the event was complete, fun and left a very different impression on tattooing.
When it comes to tattooing
we're probably obsessed with old-fashioned tattoos, with razor Skull 3D blades or needles, with the ink turning blue thanks to it. That is a real negative obsession because about 20 years ago, tattoos were inherently a sign of the Gypsy world, going to prison, or of veterans. And that is no exception in Vietnam. It's the same in the world, tattoos were once a mark of secret societies, gangs and in general… not good.
But times are different now. Tattoos have become popular and even considered art, body art, permanent art. However, the aversion to tattooed people is not over. There are people who are very allergic to anyone who gets a tattoo, and they think that the subject of the tattoo "does not have a clean past". Whatever we say, even we, the most ordinary people, without prejudice, sitting across from someone with intricate patterns of limbs, we are still a bit shy.