The Muong ethnic people in Ngoc Son have a tradition of gifting their fathers-in-law a pair of ducks every September 2nd. This year, to celebrate the 80th National Day, Han's family and his brothers prepared a shared feast, resulting in four pairs of ducks.

The Independence Day feast this year consisted of 15 tables, held in a nearly 100 m2 stilt house. From early morning, Han and his wife, along with their children, grandchildren, and in-laws, prepared sticky rice, boiled beans, and cooked the ducks. The sounds of knives and chopping boards mixed with the laughter of children and adults.

"This year, with the additional money gifted by the government for Independence Day, everyone contributed more to the feast," Han said.

Bui Thi Ly, Han's daughter-in-law, and her husband prepare ducks to gift to her father-in-law on Independence Day, 1/9. Photo provided by the family.

Bui Thi Ly, Han's daughter-in-law, and her husband prepare ducks to gift to her father-in-law on Independence Day, 1/9. Photo provided by the family.

For the people of Ngoc Son, September 2nd is also a reunion day, so children and grandchildren, no matter how far away, gather together. After the feast was prepared, Han, representing the family, performed a ceremony "to Uncle Ho" and to their ancestors.

"Everyone is happy to live in an atmosphere of reunion, celebrating the peace and independence of the country," he said. The family's feast also included relatives, friends, and neighbors.

After the main meal, the men sang karaoke while the women and children went outside to take pictures. Every house displayed the national flag, and the streets were decorated with banners celebrating the grand occasion. "The red flag with the yellow star isn't as vibrant as in the capital, but the feeling of excitement and joy is no less than the days in Hanoi watching the parade rehearsal," said Bui Thi Ly, 32, Han's daughter-in-law, who was in the capital on 24/8.

Mai Phuong's family decorates their house with a "patriotic" theme. Photo provided by the family.

Mai Phuong's family decorates their house with a "patriotic" theme. Photo provided by the family.

The 80th National Day is a significant event for many Vietnamese families. The 4-day holiday allows those living far away to visit their families, organize celebrations, and visit tourist attractions and entertainment venues.

From the countryside to the city, families are encouraged to display the national flag. Restaurants, eateries, tourist spots, and historical sites are adorned with banners and posters celebrating the 80th National Day.

Since the end of August, Mai Thi Lan Phuong, 39, from Hanoi, has been decorating her home with a "patriotic" theme. As the September 2nd celebration approached, she and her children placed a large vase with hundreds of roses in the living room, shaped like a heart with a yellow star in the center. Her two young children were tasked with inflating star-shaped balloons to stick on the doors. Her father-in-law prepared pineapple, passion fruit, and watermelon juice, arranging them in a "red-yellow-red" trio to match the theme.

"The moment when the whole family sits together arranging flowers and chatting is the most joyful and meaningful memory," Phuong said.

On the dining table, the three-generation family displayed mooncakes shaped like the map of Vietnam, jelly cakes in the shape of the national flag, and various juices, creating a space filled with red and yellow.

"Looking at the whole family gathered around the results of our efforts, I feel proud and happy. This is our way of expressing gratitude and love for the country," she said. On this occasion, the family took their children to visit historical sites in the capital to learn more about the nation's history.

In central Vietnam, many villages and communities organized joint Independence Day celebrations. Thuy Linh, 33, and 12 other families on her floor organized a large party on the evening of 29/8.

The communal bulletin board was decorated with flowers and balloons. Tables, chairs, and food were neatly arranged. Adults took commemorative photos, while children played and ate happily.

The entire floor planned and prepared for the event for a week. The husbands took care of the backdrop. The women and children blew up balloons together. The lively atmosphere felt like a big family celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year).

"The grandmothers and mothers were also excited, singing revolutionary songs and chatting animatedly, unlike their usual days," Linh said.

Thuy Linh's apartment building celebrates Independence Day on the evening of 29/8. Photo provided by the resident.

Thuy Linh's apartment building celebrates Independence Day on the evening of 29/8. Photo provided by the resident.

In Phu Dinh ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Ngoc Chi, 39, and four neighboring households pooled their money for a party on the evening of 2/9. The group agreed to meet at Chi's house at 8 p.m.

From the afternoon, four women were already in the kitchen, washing vegetables, frying spring rolls, and preparing hot pot, chatting as they worked. The husbands set up tables and chairs and tested the sound system, making the small alley busier than usual.

"This year, we received 100,000 VND from the government for Independence Day, so everyone contributed to make the party more complete," Chi said.

The atmosphere was simple but warm as five families gathered around tables set up outside on the porch. Outside, the celebratory atmosphere of the 80th National Day permeated the air. The streets were lined with the national flag, and many cafes hung lights and banners, placing extra tables and chairs on the sidewalks to welcome guests.

A few days before the party, Chi took her two children for a walk around the city. Unable to travel to Hanoi for the official celebrations, she chose to commemorate the occasion with photos taken at a cafe and on Nguyen Huu Canh Street, which was adorned with festive decorations. Most striking was a nearly 300-meter-long mural depicting the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

"I am grateful that my family lives in peace and prosperity," she said.

Pham Nga - Quynh Ngan