Sac Do Ba Dinh lights up Hanoi’s National Day celebrations
Hanoi is dressed in red as the capital marks the 80th anniversary of National Day with an event that blends history, culture and the voices of its people.
THE HANOI TIMES — The “Sac Do Ba Dinh” program (Red Color of Ba Dinh) has transformed Truc Bach walking street in Ba Dinh Ward into a vibrant stage from August 30 to September 2, with 28,000 national flags flying along an 800-meter stretch.
The initiative celebrates the 80th anninversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945-2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945-2025), and provides a space where residents and visitors share in cultural pride and historical memory.
The opening ceremony featured artistic performances, documentary screenings, and the launch of a “heritage road” linking local relic sites such as Quan Thanh Temple, Thuy Trung Tien Temple and An Tri Communal House.
Four decorated double-decker buses were positioned along the route, each themed after a symbol of everyday Vietnamese life: pho, the subsidy era, rice and coffee.
Nearby, a food festival recreated old Hanoi markets while introducing modern flavors to a new generation.
Exhibition corner recreates old Hanoi souvernir shops at Sac Do Ba Dinh.
Pham Thi Diem, Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh Ward, said that the program carries a message of patriotism and pride.
“We want to show off Hanoi as a city of civilization, creativity, and heritage, and introduce Ba Dinh as a destination full of warmth and hospitality,” she added.
She also noted that digital platforms are in use to make historical sites more engaging for visitors.
For the city, the program is a clear example of how tourism is adapting to new expectations.
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, described the event as “a vital activity that honors history, nurtures pride, and strengthens Hanoi’s image as a city of innovation.”
Children enjoy interactive traditional games at Sac Do Ba Dinh.
Public enthusiasm showed the strength of that message. Thousands arrived on Truc Bach Street from early morning, many bringing chairs, mats, and raincoats to secure a good spot for the celebration.
A march of 500 residents in Vietnam flag T-shirts created a vivid display of unity and pride. Long rows of participants in bright red immediately drew attention as passersby stopped to watch and capture the moment.
Images of the march spread quickly online, with photos and short clips gaining wide admiration across social media.
Excitement grew well before the official start. Residents and visitors gathered along the decorated street, eager to see how Ba Dinh would be transformed for the historic anniversary.
Updates of Sac Do Ba Dinh appeared continuously on social networks and local government portals.
Each post featuring flags, parades and performances attracted strong engagement, showing how the event resonated both on the ground and in the digital space.
The Hanoi Department of Tourism updates Sac Do Ba Dinh plannings on social media.
Throughout the four-day program, visitors can explore diverse cultural spaces. The exhibition “80 Years of the August Revolution and National Day” retraced milestones of the nation, while decorative photo zones and tourism displays encouraged participants to create their own memories of the celebration.
The heritage road guides guests to landmarks such as Quan Thanh Temple, Thuy Trung Tien Temple and An Tri Communal House, whilst the four themed double-decker buses await visitors along the route to turn history and daily life into remarkable displays on the street.
Food culture plays a central role. The Hanoi culinary fair presents flavors of old markets, specialties of Ngu Xa, and a variety of street food stalls, offering both nostalgia and modern creativity.
Evenings are animated by ca tru folk performances at An Tri Communal House and interactive street art, turning Ba Dinh into a living stage of heritage.
Community spaces such as the “Independence Station” offers water, exchanges national flags, and invites people to leave messages of freedom and patriotism.
Marching band plays traditional tunes as the parade moves along Truc Bach street.
Chairwoman Diem of the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh Ward described Sac Do Ba Dinh as a bridge between the sacred memories of the past and the daily life of the capital today.
“It is a chance for citizens to look back at our heroic past and move forward with trust and aspiration for a new era,” she said.
With its creativity and scale, Sac Do Ba Dinh stands as a signature tourism product of the capital, strengthening Hanoi’s image as a friendly, dynamic, and culturally rich city.
