In a dazzling display of national pride, Ho Chi Minh City illuminated its skyline with vibrant fireworks on Wednesday evening, marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered to witness the spectacle, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s historic milestone on April 30, 1975, when the country was reunified after decades of conflict.
A Night of Celebration
At precisely 9 p.m., the night sky over Ho Chi Minh City erupted in a cascade of colors, with high-altitude firework displays launched from two prominent locations: the Sài Gòn River Tunnel area in Thủ Đức City and Bến Được Temple in Củ Chi District. For 15 minutes, the pyrotechnics captivated onlookers, who cheered and clapped as bursts of light reflected off the city’s waterways and historic landmarks. In addition to these main sites, lower-altitude fireworks were set off at 28 other locations across various districts, ensuring the celebration reached communities far and wide. 
The event was more than just a visual treat; it was a centerpiece of a broader program of cultural and sporting activities commemorating the reunification. Residents like Phan Sương Tuyết Mai from Bình Chánh District expressed a deep emotional connection to the occasion. “Nothing brings more joy than hearing fireworks on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification” she said. For Mai, who has seen many firework displays in the city, the experience felt uniquely poignant this year.
Nguyễn Thị Thu Phương, visiting from Thái Bình province in northern Vietnam, shared a similar sentiment. “This is my first time seeing fireworks in HCM City. I wanted to enjoy every moment of the commemorative occasion with my family” she said. Her words echoed the feelings of many who traveled to the southern metropolis to join in the historic celebrations.
An International Audience
The festivities also drew foreign visitors, who were equally mesmerized by the displays and the cultural significance behind them. Anna Stimkker, a tourist from Germany, had taken the time to learn about the April 30 holiday before arriving in Vietnam. “I read about this anniversary and understood it’s a time to celebrate. It was wonderful to see people coming together with such enthusiasm” she said. For international guests like Stimkker, the event offered a window into Vietnam’s rich history and collective spirit.
Beyond the Fireworks
The celebrations extended far beyond the pyrotechnic shows, with a variety of cultural events unfolding across the city. At 7 p.m., Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street in District 1 became the stage for a mass dance performance titled Vũ điệu khăn rằn (The Dance of the Checkered Scarf). Featuring over 400 artists, the performance paid homage to southern Vietnamese soldiers, weaving together traditional elements with a vibrant street art atmosphere. Spectators were also treated to a mounted parade by the mobile police cavalry unit, which marched along Nguyễn Huệ Street from Tôn Đức Thắng Street to the Lotus Fountain, impressing crowds with their precision and ceremonial flair.
Adding to the visual feast, a 3D mapping projection was displayed on the façade of the People’s Committee headquarters. Combining light and music, the showcase depicted Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic growth and Vietnam’s historical journey, creating an immersive experience for onlookers. Meanwhile, local stages and theaters contributed to the holiday spirit with performances running from April 30 to May 1. Highlights included the Idecaf Drama Theatre’s production of Lệ Chi Viên! Bí mật vườn Lệ Chi (Lệ Chi Viên! The Secret of Lệ Chi Garden) at Thanh Niên Theatre, as well as Thế Giới Trẻ Stage’s debut of Cô đào lại hát (The Actress Sings Again).
A Shared Sense of History
For many in Ho Chi Minh City, the 50th anniversary celebrations were a moment to reflect on Vietnam’s journey over the past five decades. The reunification of 1975 marked the end of a tumultuous period, bringing together a nation divided by war. Today, events like these serve as a bridge between generations, allowing younger Vietnamese to connect with their country’s past while fostering a sense of unity and optimism for the future.
As the final sparks of the fireworks faded into the night sky, and the echoes of music and laughter lingered on the streets, Ho Chi Minh City stood as a testament to resilience and renewal. For residents and visitors alike, the evening was a celebration not just of history, but of the enduring spirit of a nation looking forward with pride.
