Vietnam's National Day Parade on September 2

Vietnam National Day, also known as Vietnamese Independence Day, is a momentous occasion celebrated annually on September 2nd. This day marks the historical declaration of Vietnam’s independence from French colonial rule in 1945.

The reading of the Declaration of Independence by President Ho Chi Minh at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi signified a turning point in Vietnam’s history. It marked the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the culmination of a long struggle for freedom. Today, National Day 2/9 serves as a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s rich heritage and the sacrifices made by its forefathers.

A Celebration of Patriotism and Culture – Vietnam Independence Day

National Day is a vibrant display of national pride. The entire country comes alive with a sea of Vietnamese flags adorning homes, businesses, and streets. Cities erupt in a joyous atmosphere, with parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays lighting up the night sky.

Each year on September 2nd, Vietnam commemorates its National Day with a grand spectacle at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. The day unfolds with a series of events, including:

A solemn torch procession: This symbolic act signifies the passing of the torch of freedom to future generations.

A majestic flag-raising ceremony: The national flag is raised with great respect, marking the start of the official celebrations.

A powerful military parade: Over 30,000 participants, including soldiers and veterans, march through the streets of Hanoi, showcasing Vietnam’s strength and unity. The parade route stretches from Ba Dinh Square to iconic landmarks like Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Kim Ma Street, Lieu Giai Street, Hang Khay Street, Trang Tien Street, and the Hanoi Opera House.

Festive cultural performances: The celebrations are not limited to military displays. Expect to see vibrant cultural performances that showcase the rich tapestry of Vietnamese traditions.

Witness the fireworks spectacle: Cities across Vietnam illuminate the night sky with dazzling fireworks displays. The festivities culminate in a dazzling display of fireworks launched simultaneously at 9:00 PM across five locations in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Van Quan Lake, Thong Nhat Park, and My Dinh National Stadium. This breathtaking display paints the night sky with vibrant colors, bringing the National Day celebrations to a resounding close.

Savor local flavors: Indulge in delicious Vietnamese street food and traditional dishes during family gatherings.

To ensure a smooth and safe event, meticulous planning goes into National Day 2/9. Organizers and law enforcement work closely together to manage the crowds and traffic flow. Additionally, giant screens are set up at the Opera House, allowing those unable to witness the parade firsthand to still be part of the celebrations.

Vietnamese troops parade on the streets of Hanoi on National Day September 2 - Photo: AFP

On the morning of September 2, at Ba Dinh Square, Vietnam held a military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2.

The event is considered one of the largest military parades in decades, gathering tens of thousands of soldiers, police, militia and a large crowd of cheering people.

Since early morning, tens of thousands of people have poured into the center of Hanoi. The scene of the streets around Ba Dinh filled with red flags with yellow stars and proud cheers has been noticed by the international press.

The British news agency Reuters called it “the biggest military parade in decades,” demonstrating strong nationalism, gathering thousands of soldiers and showing off the country’s most advanced military equipment such as armored vehicles, helicopters, and fighter jets.

Singapore's Channel News Asia described the scene of tens of thousands of people crowded along the streets of Hanoi, looking up at the array of modern equipment, from Su-30 fighter jets, Mi-171 helicopters to domestic drones.

Meanwhile, according to the French news agency AFP, this event shows that Vietnam is strongly affirming its pride in independence.

Singapore's Straits Times newspaper also commented that the performance of the Vietnamese army shows that the national armed forces are moving towards modernizing and diversifying defense resources.

The prestigious Singaporean newspaper emphasized that this was the first time Vietnam's naval power was publicly displayed - with submarines, warships and naval aircraft - in addition to land parades and air shows.

Military parade during the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day in Hanoi on September 2 - Photo: REUTERS

Qatar's Al Jazeera said this was a display of solidarity and national pride on the occasion of the important anniversary.

Japan's Japan Times newspaper reported that about 40,000 military and civilian personnel marched from early morning, emphasizing orderliness, careful preparation and a scene of red flags, showing a rare grand scale.

Meanwhile, the Times of India newspaper paid attention to the solemn yet dynamic atmosphere of Vietnam: the convoy of tanks and specialized missile vehicles moved with the cheers of young crowds, while many young Vietnamese people held flags and sipped milk tea - showing a vivid image of the intersection between modern urban life and patriotism.

In addition, some other activities were also actively mentioned by the international media, such as large-scale prisoner amnesty and cash donations to the people. The international media called this part of the humane and solidarity message that Vietnam wanted to convey on the occasion.

In general, international media emphasized that this event marked the image of a Vietnam that is constantly striving. This is not only an opportunity to review the glorious history, but also an affirmation that Vietnam today is firmly on the path of modernization and integration.

Planning Your Vietnam National Day Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam during National Day, remember to book your accommodation and tours well in advance, as this is a peak travel period. Be prepared for bustling crowds and some government offices and businesses being closed on September 2nd. If you plan to travel by bus or limousines to nearby cities, book bus tickets in advance online and get cheapest bus ticket prices on redBus, Vietnam.

Vietnam National Day offers a unique opportunity to delve into the country’s vibrant culture, rich history, and immense spirit. So, join the celebrations, explore historical landmarks, and witness the national pride that resonates throughout Vietnam on this significant day.