As early as 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street was filled with people sitting along the sidewalks, patiently waiting for the parade. This unique atmosphere captivated foreign visitors, even those unaware of the upcoming event, leaving them in awe.
Michael, from England, said he didn't understand why so many streets were closed to vehicles. Despite feeling tired, he decided to stay and take photos.
"I didn't know you were preparing to celebrate National Day, but the atmosphere here is extraordinary," he said, adding that he would return to watch the evening parade for a fuller experience.
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People line Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8. Photo: Tu Nguyen |
People line Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8. Photo: Tu Nguyen
Unable to find a taxi back to their hotel, Marta and Rodrigo, a couple from Mexico City, walked along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, also overwhelmed by the large crowds and lively ambiance. Marta couldn't understand what people were saying, but she clearly sensed the joy on their faces.
"It's very hot, but they're willing to wait three to four hours for the ceremony. I'm certain the Vietnamese people's patriotism is remarkable," she said.
Rodrigo added that the atmosphere in Hanoi was "very different" from where he lived. Having just arrived in Hanoi that day, the Mexican couple noticed the gold-starred red flags adorning every street. Rodrigo shared that he had never seen anything similar in his travels. They had seen crowded cities during special events, but the scale in Hanoi was "truly beyond imagination".
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Rodrigo and Marta on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8. Photo: Tu Nguyen |
Rodrigo and Marta on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8. Photo: Tu Nguyen
Having arrived in Hanoi just three hours earlier, Pietro and Claudia from Italy were surprised by the crowds gathered for the parade.
"I'm so lucky to be here at this time," Pietro said. He mentioned having traveled through Vietnam from the south for 20 days, but nowhere had he encountered such a vibrant atmosphere as in Hanoi. He noted that Italy also has parades, with similarly large crowds.
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Claudia and Pietro take photos with Vietnamese people waiting for the parade. Photo: Tu Nguyen |
Claudia and Pietro take photos with Vietnamese people waiting for the parade. Photo: Tu Nguyen
Pietro was impressed by the Vietnamese people's patriotism and national pride, evident in the groups wearing red shirts and the streets lined with national flags. According to Pietro, "National Day is an occasion for people to come together and remember past sacrifices made for today's peace." He added, "It's wonderful to see this in Vietnam, but unfortunately, I won't be in Hanoi long enough to celebrate your National Day."
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The lively atmosphere of the crowd awaiting the first rehearsal parade on the evening of 21/8 on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Photo: Vo Hai |
The lively atmosphere of the crowd awaiting the first rehearsal parade on the evening of 21/8 on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Photo: Vo Hai
Hanoi will continue to close streets for the second rehearsal at 8 p.m. on 24/8, the preliminary review at 8 p.m. on 27/8, and the general rehearsal at 6:30 a.m. on 30/8.
This year's parade will include ground, mechanized, air, and naval units. The parade will involve around 16,000 people, comprising 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military and special police artillery vehicles.
For the first time in 40 years since National Day on 2/9/1985, military artillery vehicles, including armored tanks, will be featured in the parade. A naval parade will also be held for the first time in Khanh Hoa, with participation from the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, and Military Zone 5.
Tracked vehicles heading towards Ba Dinh Square during the first rehearsal on the evening of 21/8. Video: Thanh Hang
Tu Nguyen
