Hanoi finalizes grand plans for 80th National Day celebration

THE HANOI TIMES — The capital city of Vietnam is preparing to host a grand celebration in honor of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day on September 2. 

The event promises to be a powerful blend of solemnity and festivity, capturing the spirit of national pride and showcasing Hanoi's unique charm in the early autumn season.

Every element, from large-scale parades to dazzling fireworks and nationwide broadcasts, is being thoughtfully arranged to ensure a seamless and memorable occasion.

According to the Ministry of National Defense’s official parade and ceremony plan, the celebration will begin at 6:30 AM on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square and continue along several major streets in the city center.

The event will gather an estimated 30,000 people, including armed forces personnel, government officials, civil servants, students, and citizens.

The official ceremony schedule is as follows: National flag-raising ceremony at 6:45 AM; opening remarks and introduction of delegates at 6:50 AM; addresses by senior leaders of the Party and State at 7:05 AM; grand parade through Ba Dinh Square at 7:45 AM; artistic performances and official closing from 9:45 to 10 AM.

To ensure the successful celebrations, the city will hold a preliminary rehearsal at 9:00 PM on August 27 (with August 28 as a backup) and a final rehearsal at 7:00 AM on August 30 (with August 31 as a backup).

Since not everyone can be physically present at the central venues, the city will deploy 270 LED screens and 400 public loudspeakers across Hanoi to allow as many people as possible to be part of this historic moment. The screens will be positioned along parade routes, city gateways, communal squares, and residential neighborhoods.

Specifically, 14 screens will line the main parade routes, seven will be installed at major city gateways, 136 will be placed in communal and ward public places, and 127 will come from private enterprises.

Loudspeakers will be set up approximately every 30-50 meters along the parade route, spanning approximately 10 kilometers. Testing of the system will be conducted between August 20 and 30 for full operation on September 2.

Five major fireworks displays will further elevate the festive atmosphere on the evening of September 2, lighting up the Hanoi sky at Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Thong Nhat Park, Van Quan Lake, and My Dinh National Stadium.

This year's National Day celebration in Hanoi is more than a ceremonial observance; it is an invitation to explore the cultural richness of the capital, revel in its historic symbolism, and experience the beauty of Vietnam's early autumn.

Visitors can expect a stirring patriotic tribute and a vibrant tapestry of art, music, and national pride that reaffirms Hanoi’s standing as the heart of the nation.