Ho Chi Minh City To Host A Series Of Major Events Celebrating 50 Years Of National Reunification

According to the official plan recently issued by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the national-level commemorative ceremony will be solemnly held at 6:30 AM on April 30, 2025, along Le Duan Boulevard – District 1, extending through central city streets. This is considered the highlight of the celebration, with the participation of top leaders from the Party and State, armed forces, war veterans, youth, and a large number of citizens.

The ceremony will include several segments: a solemn flag-raising ceremony; speeches from central and city leaders; tributes from war veterans and representatives of the younger generation; and a large-scale military parade and procession featuring various armed and civic forces. The event will conclude with a symbolic release of doves and balloons, carrying messages of peace, unity, aspiration for development, and integration.

A particularly notable highlight will be a grand artistic program meticulously staged with epic and emotional elements, reenacting the heroic historical journey of the nation — from the resistance against the U.S. to the moment of reunification on April 30, 1975. The program is expected to leave a deep impression on both local citizens and visitors to Ho Chi Minh City during this significant national occasion.

In addition to the main ceremony, the city will host a variety of special side events to create a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Notably, an artistic fireworks display will light up the sky on the night of April 30 at major locations, promising breathtaking and emotional moments for the public.

One of the indispensable traditional sports events is the 37th HTV Cup Cycling Tournament, themed “The Country United as One.” This race is not only an exciting sporting event but also carries symbolic significance, representing the journey of national connection from North to South, from a past of war to a present of peace.

Prior to that, on April 29, the city will hold a ceremony to offer incense and flowers in remembrance of heroic martyrs at various sacred historical sites such as the HCMC Martyrs’ Cemetery, Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, HCMC Policy Cemetery, and the Nga Ba Giong Historic Site – paying deep tribute to those who sacrificed for the country’s independence and freedom.

Commemorative ceremonies honoring President Ho Chi Minh and President Ton Duc Thang will also take place solemnly at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ton Duc Thang Museum, the statue park of President Ho Chi Minh, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street on the afternoon of the same day. These ceremonies will be attended by city leaders, representatives of all walks of life, and youth forces.

In this sacred atmosphere of commemoration, Ho Chi Minh City will also carry out gratitude activities for policy beneficiary families, revolution contributors, war veterans, and former youth volunteers. These include visits, gift-giving, and recognition ceremonies for individuals who have made significant contributions to national defense and development, organized across various districts.

Simultaneously, numerous programs co-organized by central ministries, departments, and Ho Chi Minh City will take place throughout April, painting a diverse picture of political, cultural, and social activities during this important time. These include a national scientific conference evaluating 50 years of national development and reunification (April 17), a photo exhibition titled “Proud Border Strip” (opening April 27), a television bridge program “The Peace Symphony” (April 5), an outdoor art show “The Nation in Joy” (April 20), the special program “The Triumphal Song Echoes Forever” (April 27), and a unique performance combining brass music and horseback riding on the evening of April 30.

Furthermore, the city will launch widespread patriotic emulation movements and host seminars summarizing 50 years of Ho Chi Minh City’s achievements since reunification. Literary and artistic activities, creative works, research, and publications will also be promoted, forming a rich cultural event series that inspires patriotism and national pride across society.

With its grand scale, high connectivity, and profound meaning, the series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification in Ho Chi Minh City is not only a time to reflect on the nation's glorious past but also a chance to reaffirm the city’s role as the leading economic and cultural center in the current era of integration and sustainable development.