Many people gather on sidewalks in Hanoi on August 31 to wait for the parade marking the August Revolution and National Day.
Since the early morning of August 31, despite heavy rain showers, crowds have continued to gather near Ba Dinh Square. Many pitched tents and spread mats on sidewalks, prepared to sleep there for two nights to secure the best viewing positions.
Around Hung Vuong and Tran Phu streets, considered the best vantage points to see the marching formations pass by, all spaces were occupied early. People brought tents, tarpaulins, umbrellas and raincoats to claim their places.
Among the early arrivals was the family of Trinh Van Van, 65, from Lang Son Province, who came with ten relatives. “You only get a few chances in life to watch a parade like this with your own eyes. On such historic anniversaries, we want to feel the pride directly, to see the soldiers’ determined steps, to witness the country’s changes and share the burning patriotism in our hearts,” Van said.
Van and his wife arrive in Hanoi on August 31
To ensure they would not miss the spectacle, Van’s family camped on Hung Vuong Street from the morning of August 31, ready to stay two nights until the parade began on September 2. When security forces asked the crowd to temporarily move for safety, they complied but remained nearby.
“We follow all instructions from the authorities, but we're determined to stay. Rain or shine, we will not leave. This is a once-in-decades experience, and our family will hold on to it,” Van added.
Closer to the area, Bich Ngoc from Doi Can Street brought mats, blankets, food, drinks and even a tent for her children. “If we don’t come early, there won’t be space left. Food doesn’t matter these days; what matters is being together to celebrate this great national occasion,” she said.
Bich Ngoc from Doi Can Street also brings mats, blankets, food, drinks and even a tent for her children.
Others travelled from faraway provinces. Dinh Van Thang, 60, left the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien at 5 am on August 30 and rushed to Tran Phu Street the next morning to reserve space for his relatives. “The 80th anniversary is too important to stay at home. Even from distant provinces, people must come to share this moment. Living in such a historic atmosphere, I feel deeply proud,” he said.
Hanoi police have announced traffic restrictions from 10 pm on September 1 until 1 pm on September 2 to ensure safety during the National Day parade.
The parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day will take place at 6.30 am on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi.
After passing the grandstand at Ba Dinh Square, 43 formations will continue to march through multiple streets in the city.
