Sea of people stayed awake all night waiting for national day celebration on September 2

On the evening of September 1, people from across the country flocked to downtown Hanoi to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2.

The area around President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in the moments leading up to the grand ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Photo: Cong Nghia

The streets near Ba Dinh Square, such as Hung Vuong, Tran Phu, Dien Bien Phu, Trang Thi, Trang Tien, Hai Ba Trung, Ton Duc Thang, Van Cao, Thanh Nien, were packed with people sitting along both sides. These are also the streets where the parade columns will march through tomorrow morning after passing the grandstand at Ba Dinh Square.

Across central Hanoi streets, where parade units will pass, the atmosphere was vibrant and bustling. Citizens brought raincoats, food, and drinks so they could comfortably wait overnight to watch the military parade and procession the next morning.

Despite the large crowds along the routes, most people followed the instructions of the security and order forces. Hanoi authorities set up multiple free service points providing drinking water, rations, and milk for the public. Environmental sanitation workers were also stationed along the streets to promptly collect waste generated during the wait for the parade.

Historic Ba Dinh Square ready for the 80th anniversary celebration of the August Revolution and National Day. Photo: Cong Nghia

From the afternoon of September 1, the central area of Ba Dinh Square was completely closed to all vehicles and pedestrians, except those with designated permits as regulated. Police and military forces implemented the highest-level security measures, fully prepared for the ceremony on the morning of September 2.

Near Ba Dinh Square, streets had been completely closed since early morning on September 1 to serve the anniversary celebrations and the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

Large crowds waiting overnight for the September 2 parade. Photo: Cong Nghia

In a large area, people are watching the performance to celebrate the 2-9 holiday. Photo: Cong Nghia

At the Hung Vuong Street intersection, sidewalks were filled with people. Photo: Cong Nghia

The atmosphere at 9 p.m. on September 1 on Hanoi streets with the main color red. Photo: Cong Nghia

Security forces maintaining order along the streets. Photo: Cong Nghia

Hundreds of domestic and international journalists were present in the grandstand, ready to cover the celebration and parade. Photo: Cong Nghia

By: Cong Nghia

Translated by: Trieu Ngan - Minho