On April 30, 2025, Vietnam will mark a significant milestone in its history—the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, a momentous occasion that commemorates the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975. This anniversary is not only a time for reflection on the nation’s heroic past but also a chance for the Vietnamese people to celebrate their resilience and aspirations for a brighter future.
The central celebration will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, which will host a national-level commemorative event featuring a grand parade alongside a variety of cultural and artistic activities. The festivities will include a military parade, cultural performances, and fireworks, drawing thousands of attendees eager to participate in this historic celebration.
In the lead-up to the main event, a series of activities are scheduled to take place. Starting on April 26, 2025, there will be a drone performance at the Saigon River area at 21:00, followed by a high-altitude fireworks display at Saigon Riverbank Park in Thu Duc City at 21:30. This will set the tone for the days leading up to the grand celebration.
The following day, April 27, will feature a state-level rehearsal for the parade on Le Duan Street, running from 07:00 to 12:00. A special live television broadcast titled "Vang mai khuc khai hoan" will air at 20:10, allowing those at home to join in the festivities.
On April 29, the city will host a solemn ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs' Cemetery, where citizens will pay their respects to the fallen heroes. This will be followed by a special art program at the Reunification Hall starting at 20:00. Later that night, a drone rehearsal will take place at Bach Dang Wharf at 22:00, ensuring everything is ready for the big day.
The main event on April 30 will kick off with the official commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification from 06:00 to 10:00 on Le Duan Street. This will be a moment filled with national pride, as citizens gather to honor their history.
As the evening approaches, the celebrations will continue with a community art performance featuring the traditional "khăn rằn" dance on Nguyen Hue Street at 19:00. This will be followed by a cavalry parade by mobile police units at the intersection of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets from 19:00 to 19:25. A spectacular drone performance will light up the Bach Dang River from 20:30 to 20:45, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display at 21:00 at Saigon Riverbank Park and the Ben Duoc Temple in Cu Chi.
However, with such large-scale events, traffic management is crucial. The Ho Chi Minh City Police Department (PC08) announced on April 26 that several roads will be closed to facilitate the rehearsal and the celebrations. These closures will be in effect from 03:00 to 12:00 on April 27, with a contingency plan for April 28 during the same hours. The affected areas will primarily be in District 1, parts of Binh Thanh District, and Thu Duc City.
Specific roads that will be completely closed to all traffic, including cars and motorcycles, are as follows: Ba Son Bridge (from Thu Duc City to District 1), Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ton Duc Thang Street, and several others. Additionally, roads within the restricted area will also experience limitations, including Le Duan, Nguyen Van Chiem, and Dong Khoi.
To prevent congestion, alternative routes have been suggested for traffic from various districts. For example, those traveling from Thu Duc City to Districts 1, 5, and 6 can take several paths, including the Vo Nguyên Giáp route. Similarly, residents of Binh Thanh District are advised to use alternative routes to reach their destinations without disruption.
Public transportation is encouraged during this period, with buses and metro services available for those needing to travel to the city center. Residents are also advised to keep identification on hand and coordinate with local police if they need to enter restricted areas.
As the nation prepares for this historic celebration, the spirit of unity and resilience is palpable. The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification is not just a commemoration of the past; it is a celebration of Vietnam's journey towards progress and development in the modern era.
