HO CHI MINH – At exactly 9pm on Wednesday, 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 Sài Gòn River Tunnel area in Thủ Đức City and Bến Được Temple in Củ 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.

Phan Sương Tuyết Mai, a resident of Bình Chánh 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.

Nguyễn Thị Thu Phương, from the northern province of Thái Bình, said: “This is my first time seeing fireworks in HCM City. I wanted to enjoy every moment of the commemorative occasion with my family.”

Fireworks light up the night skies in Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. PHOTO: VNA/VIET NAM NEWS

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, Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street in District 1 hosted a mass dance performance titled Vũ điệu khăn rằn (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.

At 7pm, a mounted parade by the mobile police cavalry unit marched along Nguyễn Huệ Street from Tôn Đức Thắng Street to the Lotus Fountain, wowing spectators with their ceremonial presence and well-trained horses.

Onlookers enjoy a 3D Mapping projection of the symbol of 50 years of Southern Liberation and National Reunification in the city. PHOTO: VNA/VIET NAM NEWS

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 ‘Lệ Chi Viên! Bí mật vườn Lệ Chi’ (Lệ Chi Viên! The Secret of Lệ Chi garden) on the evening of May 1 at Thanh Niên Theatre.

At the same time, Thế Giới Trẻ Stage will debut the play ‘Cô đào lại hát’ (The Actress sings again).

Other highlights include ‘Ngũ quý tương phùng’ (Five fortunes reunited) at Thiên Đăng Theatre on Wednesday, ‘13 Đức thầy – Đức thầy 13′ (The 13 Masters – Master 13) today, ‘Mặt đối mặt’ (Face to face) at the Nhỏ Stage Drama Theatre on Wednesday, ‘Cây bút thần’ (The Magic Brush) and the drama ‘Đồng chí’(Comrade) today.— VNS

Asia News Network/Viet Nam News