In Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, the city pulses with anticipation as it marks the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2, commemorating the country’s independence from French colonial rule in 1945. From the wrought-iron balconies of historic French villas to the concrete ledges of socialist-era apartment blocks and the sleek glass terraces of modern towers, a unifying symbol emerges: the red flag with a yellow star, fluttering proudly across every corner of the capital. For a few days, the architectural contrasts that often signify class and history dissolve into a shared celebration of national identity.
A City Draped in History and Hope
As the anniversary approaches, Hanoi transforms into a vibrant tapestry of patriotism. Streets are adorned with flags and flowers, while art performances, historical exhibitions, and gratitude activities honoring national contributors captivate locals and visitors alike. Families crowd onto balconies, nudging aside laundry and potted plants to catch glimpses of parade rehearsals below. The excitement is palpable, a collective nod to the sacrifices of the past and the aspirations for the future.
This year’s National Day holds special significance, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the pivotal uprising that led to Vietnam’s declaration of independence. The government has pulled out all stops to ensure the celebrations reflect the weight of this milestone. Among the highlights are public openings of key governmental buildings, offering a rare glimpse into spaces typically reserved for official business. 
Opening Doors to the Public
In a gesture of inclusivity, the National Assembly Building at 1 Doc Lap Street and the headquarters of National Assembly agencies at 22 Hung Vuong Street have opened their doors to the public. Announced by the legislature’s office, this initiative aims to provide convenience and a memorable experience for those visiting the iconic Ba Dinh Square area, the historic heart of Vietnam’s political life.
At the National Assembly Building, visitors are welcome to explore, take photographs, and use facilities such as shelters from the rain in the first-floor lobby and the Bac Son Street area. The building is accessible from August 28 to September 2, with morning hours from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and afternoon hours from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. However, parking is not permitted on the premises, a measure to maintain order during the high-traffic celebration period.
Similarly, the headquarters at 22 Hung Vuong Street offers access to its lobbies and garden areas for public use and shelter. This location is open from August 31 to September 2, with extended hours on August 31 and September 1 from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm, and on September 2 from 1:00 am until the end of the day. As with the National Assembly Building, parking is prohibited, and visitors are urged to comply with security instructions to ensure safety and cleanliness.
These openings are more than logistical arrangements; they symbolize a connection between the state and its people, inviting ordinary citizens into spaces of governance during a time of national reflection. The emphasis on security and order, as highlighted by the National Assembly office, underscores the importance of maintaining decorum during such significant events.
A Grand Parade and Traffic Measures
The centerpiece of the celebrations is the military parade scheduled for September 2 from 6:30 am to 10:00 am, honoring both the August Revolution and National Day. This display of national pride will see Hanoi’s streets filled with disciplined formations, a reminder of the country’s resilience and unity. To facilitate this event, the Hanoi Department of Public Security has implemented traffic diversions and restrictions. From 10:00 pm on September 1 to 1:00 pm on September 2, full, partial, and restricted bans will be enforced on certain streets, ensuring smooth execution of the parade and safety for all attendees.
These measures, while potentially inconvenient for some, reflect the scale of the preparations. The parade is not just a ceremonial event but a powerful statement of Vietnam’s journey from colonial subjugation to sovereignty, a narrative that resonates deeply with the public.
Balconies as Witnesses to Change
Beyond the official events, it is Hanoi’s balconies that tell a quieter, yet equally compelling, story. Each balcony, whether ornate or utilitarian, bears witness to the city’s layered history. The French colonial villas, with their elegant ironwork, hark back to an era of foreign rule, while the stark concrete of socialist housing blocks recalls the post-war years of rebuilding. The gleaming glass of new high-rises speaks to Vietnam’s rapid modernization and economic growth over recent decades.
Yet, during National Day, these differences are momentarily set aside. Flags hang from every ledge, some neatly displayed, others improvised with bamboo poles or tape. Families gather, sharing space with everyday items like drying clothes and plants, to watch the city come alive below. It is a striking image of unity, where the markers of time and social strata are overshadowed by a shared sense of belonging.
A Moment of National Reflection
The celebrations in Hanoi are not merely festive; they are a moment of introspection for a nation that has navigated immense challenges to reach this point. Eighty years after Ho Chi Minh declared independence in Ba Dinh Square, Vietnam stands as a testament to endurance and ambition. The National Day events, from public building openings to the grand parade, are designed to reinforce this narrative, reminding citizens and international observers alike of the country’s hard-won sovereignty.
For locals, the anniversary is a chance to honor the past while looking forward. The crowds drawn to exhibitions and performances include young and old, each engaging with history in their own way. International visitors, meanwhile, are left with a deep impression of a city—and a country—that balances tradition with progress.
Looking Ahead
As Hanoi revels in the spirit of National Day, questions linger about how Vietnam will continue to define itself in the coming decades. The unity displayed on balconies and in public squares is a powerful symbol, but the challenges of modernity, from economic disparities to global integration, remain. For now, though, the red flags fluttering across the capital offer a moment of collective pride, a reminder of what binds this diverse nation together.
The 80th anniversary celebrations are a milestone, but they are also a starting point. As parades march through Hanoi’s streets and families watch from above, the city seems to pause, reflecting on its journey and envisioning the road ahead
