HCM City launches cultural events to mark Reunification Day

Running across four nights until April 30, the programme features performances from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at iconic city locations, including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the municipal People’s Committee headquarters, the Opera House, and the Bach Dang Wharf area along the Saigon River.

The opening night showcased a 3D mapping show titled "A 50-year Journey of Heritage and Future", produced by creative groups from France, Belgium, Singapore, and Vietnam. A grand orchestral and vocal performance followed, featuring celebrated Vietnamese artists performing iconic revolutionary songs.

Highlights included "Lantern Night on the Saigon River", with illuminated boats, don ca tai tu (southern folk music) troupes, and tourist vessels lighting up the waterway. Water sports demonstrations such as paragliding with fireworks, sailing, and flyboarding added to the festive spirit, centred around a floating stage facing Nguyen Hue Boulevard.

A 2,000-drone light show dazzled above the Saigon River, forming symbolic images that celebrated the city’s growth. The night concluded with a 15-minute fireworks display set to music.

A 3D mapping show by Vietnamese artists (Photo: VNA)

Also that evening, a record-breaking 10,500-drone light show will take place from 8:45 to 9:00 pm, followed by a final fireworks spectacle to close the celebrations.