01-05-2025
Spectacular fireworks light up HCM City to mark 50 years of National Reunification
Fireworks light up the night skies in HCM City to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. - Photo: VNA/VNS
HCM CITY: At exactly 9pm on Wednesday (April 30), brilliant fireworks lit up the skyline of HCM City, greeted by cheers and applause from thousands of residents.
The city hosted high-altitude firework displays at two locations: the Saigon River Tunnel area in Thu Duc City and Ben Duoc Temple in Cu Chi District.
For fifteen minutes, the skies sparkled with an awe-inspiring showcase of pyrotechnics.
The event formed part of a wider programme of cultural and sporting activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
Excited spectators captured the dazzling spectacle, many sharing a deep sense of pride and joy as they marked the historic milestone.
Onlookers enjoy a 3D Mapping projection of the symbol of 50 years of Southern Liberation and National Reunification in the city. - Photo: VNA/VNS
Phan Suong Tuyet Mai, a resident of Binh Chanh District, said she had watched fireworks in the city many times, yet the experience still felt new.
'Nothing brings more joy than hearing fireworks on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification,' she said.
Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, from the northern province of Thai Binh, said: 'This is my first time seeing fireworks in HCM City. I wanted to enjoy every moment of the commemorative occasion with my family.'
Foreign visitors also joined in the festivities, with the displays leaving a lasting impression on international friends.
German tourist Anna Stimkker said she had read about the April 30 holiday and learned that it is a time to celebrate the anniversary.
She thoroughly enjoyed watching the cultural events and remarked on how wonderful it was to see people coming together to celebrate with such enthusiasm.
In addition to the two main firework sites, lower-altitude fireworks were launched at 28 other locations across the city's districts.
A drone light show was also held at 9.20pm.
Earlier in the evening, at 7pm, Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in District 1 hosted a mass dance performance titled Vu dieu khan ran (The Dance of the Checkered Scarf), featuring more than 400 artists.
The event paid tribute to the image of southern Vietnamese soldiers and created a vibrant street art atmosphere rich in local culture.
The spectacular firework show in HCM city. - Photo: VNA/VNS
At 7pm, a mounted parade by the mobile police cavalry unit marched along Nguyen Hue Street from Ton Duc Thang Street to the Lotus Fountain, wowing spectators with their ceremonial presence and well-trained horses.
Crowds also enjoyed a 3D mapping display projected onto the façade of the People's Committee headquarters of the city.
The visual showcase blended light and music to depict HCM City's dynamic development and the nation's historical journey in a captivating experience.
Beyond the city centre, local stages and theatres contributed to the holiday spirit with a wide variety of performances from April 30 to May 1.
The Idecaf Drama Theatre will stage 'Le Chi Vien! Bi mat vuon Le Chi' (Le Chi Vien! The Secret of Le Chi garden) on the evening of May 1 at Thanh Nien Theatre.
At the same time, The Gioi Tre Stage will debut the play 'Co dao lai hat' (The Actress sings again).
Other highlights include 'Ngu quy tuong phung' (Five fortunes reunited) at Thien Dang Theatre on Wednesday, '13 Duc thay - Duc thay 13' (The 13 Masters – Master 13) today, 'Mat Doi mat' (Face to face) at the Nho Stage Drama Theatre on Wednesday, 'Cay but than' (The Magic Brush) and the drama 'Dong chi'(Comrade) today. - Vietnam News/ANN