The 32-year-old mother left her two children with their grandparents at 3:30 a.m. and hired a car to Hanoi with her friends. By 7 a.m., the group had secured their spot on Hung Vuong street.

"We chose this spot early to get a good view and be close to restrooms," Ly explained. In addition to the food, they brought electrolyte drinks, 10 raincoats, and some medicine.

Around 9 a.m., other spectators began to arrive, curious about the colorful spread and the aroma of boiled chicken and freshly made cakes. "So many people asked about our food that we decided to share it at 10 a.m. Eating and chatting together made the wait enjoyable," Ly said.

Ly and her friends brought a traditional Muong feast to Hanoi while waiting for the rehearsal. Photo provided by the interviewee

Ly and her friends brought a traditional Muong feast to Hanoi while waiting for the rehearsal. Photo provided by the interviewee

This was also an opportunity for Ly, who is Muong, to share her local cuisine. When she offered Uoi cakes, which consist of two pieces wrapped together, symbolizing unity and connection, many people were impressed and asked to take photos and videos to post on social media.

"The atmosphere was festive, and everyone was friendly, like we'd known each other for a long time," Ly said.

Ly's friends wearing raincoats and setting up a tarp to shield themselves from the rain. Photo provided by the interviewee

Ly's friends wearing raincoats and setting up a tarp to shield themselves from the rain. Photo provided by the interviewee

Ly's group was not alone. On the morning of 24/8, thousands of people lined the streets of Hanoi to watch the second parade rehearsal.

From Hung Vuong and Nguyen Thai Hoc to Phan Dinh Phung streets, people spread mats, opened umbrellas, and tied chairs to secure their viewing spots. Many families brought young children, arriving early in the morning with food, drinks, and raincoats.

At the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Nguyen Tri Phuong streets, Ha My's family of eight from Hoang Mai district, Hanoi, arrived at 10 a.m. "We wanted our children to see real tanks. We knew it would be crowded and we'd have to be far away, but our excitement made us determined to come early," she shared.

The morning was sunny, but heavy rain started pouring down around 1 p.m. The family took shelter under a tarp and briefly sought refuge inside Phan Dinh Phung high school. "We had to run back and forth twice because of the heavy rain, but now we've secured our spot. It was a bit challenging, but everyone is happy to be part of this exciting atmosphere," Ha My said.

As revolutionary songs played over the loudspeakers, families and groups of young people sang and clapped along. "Sitting among the crowd, surrounded by colorful flags and clothing, I feel more proud and moved than ever," she said.

Ha My and her family taking shelter under a tarp at the Phan Dinh Phung intersection. Photo provided by the interviewee

Ha My and her family taking shelter under a tarp at the Phan Dinh Phung intersection. Photo provided by the interviewee

Ha Thi Huyen, a 34-year-old Thai woman from Son La, came to Hanoi with her child mid-week, staying with relatives to watch the rehearsal. By 8 a.m., they were on Nguyen Thai Hoc street with food, drinks, and games to pass the time. When the rain came, they used umbrellas and tarps, creating makeshift shelters. "When the rain stopped, people chatted, laughed, and sang together. It was a special feeling of connection," Huyen said.

However, some families had to give up due to the harsh weather. Pham Ha from Dong Ngac, along with her brother's family, brought five children to Nguyen Thai Hoc street at 10 a.m. But with the intense sun, large crowds, and tired, crying children, coupled with the darkening sky, they decided to head back. "We went to Vo Chi Cong street and then along West Lake for a more comfortable and less crowded viewing experience," she said.

Pham Nga