HCM City, May 1, 2025 – The Europe Today: At precisely 9 p.m. on Wednesday, the skies above Ho Chi Minh City erupted in a dazzling display of fireworks, drawing cheers and applause from thousands of residents and visitors alike. The event marked the commencement of festivities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
High-altitude firework shows were staged at two key locations: the area near the Sài Gòn River Tunnel in Thủ Đức City and Bến Được Temple in Củ Chi District. For 15 minutes, the skyline shimmered with vibrant colors and intricate pyrotechnics.
In addition to the main displays, low-altitude fireworks were launched from 28 other sites across the city, ensuring widespread participation. At 9:20 p.m., a captivating drone light show further lit up the night, adding a modern twist to the celebrations.
Earlier in the evening, at 7 p.m., Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street hosted Vũ điệu khăn rằn (The Dance of the Checkered Scarf), a mass dance performance featuring over 400 artists, paying tribute to the bravery and spirit of southern Vietnamese soldiers. Crowds were also enthralled by a ceremonial parade from the mobile police cavalry unit, which marched from Tôn Đức Thắng Street to the Lotus Fountain, and a 3D mapping projection on the People’s Committee headquarters that artistically narrated the city’s development and the nation’s historical path.
Residents and tourists alike expressed deep emotional connections to the occasion. Phan Sương Tuyết Mai from Bình Chánh District remarked, “Nothing brings more joy than hearing fireworks on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.” Nguyễn Thị Thu Phương, a visitor from Thái Bình Province, said it was her first time experiencing fireworks in the city, calling it “a memorable moment to share with family.”
Foreign tourists were also touched by the communal spirit. German visitor Anna Stimkker said she had read about the April 30 holiday and was delighted to witness the city’s energy and enthusiasm firsthand.
The city’s theatres and performance venues also contributed to the festive atmosphere with a range of cultural programs running through May 1. Highlights include Lệ Chi Viên! Bí mật vườn Lệ Chi at Thanh Niên Theatre, Cô đào lại hát at Thế Giới Trẻ Stage, and traditional and contemporary dramas such as Ngũ quý tương phùng, 13 Đức thầy – Đức thầy 13, Mặt đối mặt, Cây bút thần, and Đồng chí at various venues.
The multifaceted celebrations reflect Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural vibrancy and enduring spirit, offering residents and visitors a chance to honor the past while looking confidently to the future.
