Hà Nội poised for 70th anniversary of Liberation Day

Many social and cultural activities, including a mass dance performance featuring the áo dài (traditional long dress), will take place across Hà Nội from now until October 10 to celebrate the capital’s 70th anniversary of Liberation Day.  — Photo nguoihanoi.vn

HÀ NỘI — The capital city of Hà Nội is set to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its Liberation Day (October 10) with a series of vibrant activities to be held across the area.

A special firework display programme will illuminate the skies over the city, launched from 30 locations, according to the city authority.

The Hà Nội People’s Committee said the displays aim to honour the city’s heroic spirit, glorious historical value and tradition of revolutionary struggle. The light shows will celebrate the momentum of building the capital with thousands of years of culture and heroism.

There will be a major high – and low – altitude firework show at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium and F1 Racetrack next to it in Phú Đô ward of Nam Từ Liêm District, featuring 800 firework shells and 24 pyrotechnics with 480 tubes.

High-altitude and low-altitude displays will also take place in front of the headquarters of Hà Nội Mới newspaper and the Hà Nội Post Office in Hoàn Kiếm District; Lạc Long Quân Flower Garden in Tây Hồ District; Thống Nhất Park in Lê Đại Hành ward, Hai Bà Trưng District; Văn Quán Lake in Hà Đông District’s Văn Quán ward; Sơn Tây Ancient Citadel in Sơn Tây township; a project land lot in Tam Hiệp Commune of Thanh Trì District; and Đông Anh District’s Sports and Physical Training Centre.

Low-altitude firework displays will be let off in both inner and outlying districts of Hà Nội. The 15-minute shows will take place from 9.30pm to 9.45pm on October 9.

Last time, Hà Nội launched fireworks of this scale was to celebrate its Liberation Day on October 10, 2014 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the city’s liberation.

The municipal People’s Committee has also asked relevant agencies and local authorities to closely coordinate in implementing the firework plans, ensure security, order and traffic safety before, during and after the event.

Meanwhile, Hà Nội Women’s Union said it will start October 5 with many social and cultural activities, including donating 70 houses, symbolising its commitment to social welfare.

On the same day, a mass dance performance featuring the áo dài (traditional long dress) will take place across all 579 communes, wards and townships.

September and October will see events dedicated to recognising exemplary women who have made significant contributions to Hà Nội in 2024.

August-September will also be a busy time for Hanoians since the ‘Check in Hà Nội’ challenge will encourage residents and visitors to explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks while wearing the áo dài.

Additionally, there will be an exchange with female entrepreneurs and a presentation of the ‘Capital’s Golden Lotus’ awards to honour skilled craftswomen from Hà Nội’s craft villages and streets.

Throughout August, women and students are encouraged to wear the áo dài every Monday and Friday and to any special events.

The Hà Nội Women’s Start-up and Innovation Festival will showcase local agricultural products alongside a forum designed to engage women in shaping a peaceful and creative city.

Adding to the festive spirit, a folk dance contest is scheduled for mid-September. The grand finale will be the Áo Dài Carnival, themed ‘Hà Nội Women in Integration and Development’ where the city will come alive with a vibrant display of fashion and cultural expression.

Other activities to mark this momentous occasion include a film week about Hà Nội, many literary, art and poster design contests, a Red River Delta Photo Festival, a Peace and Culture Day, the Hà Nội Marathon – Heritage Race, the Hà Nội Open Dragon Boat Race, the second Hà Nội Autumn Festival and the Hà Nội Áo Dài Tourism Festival. — VNS