On the evening of August 21, 2025, Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi became the focal point of national pride and digital buzz, as more than 16,300 soldiers—joined by dozens of artillery vehicles from the Army and Police, along with military contingents from Russia, Laos, and Cambodia—took part in a spectacular joint rehearsal for Vietnam’s upcoming 80th National Day parade. The event, designed as a major dress rehearsal for the official September 2 parade, drew enormous crowds and ignited a social media frenzy, reflecting both the magnitude of the occasion and the evolving ways in which the public engages with national celebrations.
According to statistics from Google Trends, the topic “parade rehearsal celebrating the 80th anniversary” shot into the top search queries almost overnight. By the morning of August 22, keywords like “A80 rehearsal schedule,” “September 2 parade,” and “live rehearsal parade” dominated Vietnamese online searches, a testament to the event’s broad appeal and the public’s eagerness for information. As reported by Arttimes, the surge in online interest was accompanied by a wave of user-generated content: “Moments of pride filmed directly by citizens are being widely shared on Facebook, Facebook Reels, TikTok...” The viral effect was unmistakable, with videos and photos of the rehearsal flooding social media feeds and capturing the attention of users nationwide.
The rehearsal itself was a logistical feat. Starting from noon on August 21, people from all over the city and beyond flocked to the streets lining the parade route, eager to witness the military spectacle. The sight of thousands of uniformed personnel, gleaming artillery, and coordinated movements created an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation. Yet, as the crowds swelled, so did the need for clear information and public services—a challenge that Hanoi authorities and technology innovators were keen to address.
Enter the digital platform A80 Tự hào Việt Nam (“A80 Proud Vietnam”), launched in advance of the anniversary celebrations. As detailed by Thanh Niên, this platform provides a suite of interactive maps and real-time updates designed to enhance the experience for parade-goers and virtual participants alike. Accessible via website or mobile app, the platform offers a detailed, user-friendly map of Hanoi that displays the full parade and march routes for every participating block. Whether on a computer or a smartphone, users can easily locate the “MAP” feature—on the right side of the desktop interface or at the bottom of the mobile screen—and explore a wealth of logistical information.
For those navigating the city during the days of rehearsal and the main event, the platform is a game changer. Not only does it show the precise route of each parade block, but it also highlights essential amenities and services. Over 1,000 free public toilets have been arranged by Hanoi authorities to accommodate the influx of spectators—612 of which are newly installed mobile units, supplemented by approximately 400 toilets mobilized from local agencies, schools, and street-level residences. These facilities are clearly marked on the interactive map with distinctive pink circular icons, ensuring that visitors can quickly find the nearest restroom, a detail that might seem small but means a lot during a crowded, all-day event.
But that’s just the start. The map also displays bus routes and stops, allowing users to plan their journeys with ease. By selecting the “BUS ROUTE” option, parade-goers can view pick-up and drop-off points, bus line names, and even connect directly to Google Maps for step-by-step navigation. As noted in the coverage, “When you click on any icon—be it a restroom, bus route, or essential supply point—the system displays a relevant info box. You can then click the blue arrow icon labeled ‘DIRECTIONS’ for a direct Google Maps link.” This integration of digital tools with real-world logistics exemplifies how technology is reshaping public participation in large-scale civic events.
The platform’s features go even further. Users can identify locations for essential supply distribution, live viewing points, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and, importantly, road closures. The “ROAD CLOSURE” section of the map provides either real-time updates or scheduled information about which streets will be inaccessible on which days, helping everyone—residents, visitors, and organizers—plan ahead and avoid unnecessary headaches.
For those with additional questions or needing assistance, the platform offers a chat interface with a virtual assistant, ready to provide directions or answer queries about amenities and event logistics. Whether you’re searching for a snack, a first-aid station, or the best spot to catch the parade, the digital assistant is there to help—an innovation that speaks to the growing expectation for seamless, tech-enabled public services.
All these digital conveniences are not just about comfort or novelty; they reflect a broader shift in how major public events are organized and experienced in Vietnam. The viral spread of parade rehearsal footage on platforms like TikTok and Facebook underscores a new era of participatory celebration, where citizens are both audience and documentarians, sharing moments of national pride in real time. The massive spike in online searches and trending keywords highlights a public that is not only interested but actively engaged, seeking out schedules, routes, and live coverage to be part of the experience, whether in person or online.
It’s worth noting that this wave of digital engagement follows on the heels of previous viral events in Vietnam, such as the A50 parade in Ho Chi Minh City during the April 30–May 1 holidays. That earlier outpouring of national pride set the stage for the current enthusiasm, making it little surprise that the 80th anniversary parade rehearsal would become “extremely hot” on social media, as described by Arttimes. The synergy between tradition and technology is on full display, as time-honored military pageantry meets the immediacy and connectivity of the digital age.
Ultimately, the parade rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square was more than just a military exercise—it was a vivid demonstration of Vietnam’s ability to blend ceremonial grandeur with practical innovation. The event showed how thoughtful planning, digital tools, and public spirit can come together to create an inclusive, memorable celebration, one that resonates both on the streets of Hanoi and across the country’s digital landscape. As anticipation builds for the official parade on September 2, it’s clear that the 80th National Day will be marked not only by the sounds of marching bands and the sight of fluttering flags, but also by the clicks, shares, and digital footprints of a nation united in pride and progress.
