Highlights from the artistic epic Dong Nai – Southern spirit, rising with the nation

On the evening of May 18, following the ceremony announcing the National Assembly’s Resolution on the establishment of Dong Nai City and the presentation of the First-Class Labor Order, the artistic epic Dong Nai – Southern spirit, rising with the nation, was staged on a grand scale.

The program recreated the nearly 330-year history of Dong Nai's formation and development. Its distinctive feature was a large-scale live performance format, with hundreds of professional performers and community participants. The open-air stage beside the Dong Nai River served as a natural backdrop, allowing the historical story to unfold through vivid, authentic, and emotionally rich scenes. The entire program featured the accompaniment of a symphony orchestra.

Below are highlights from the artistic epic Dong Nai – Southern spirit, rising with the nation.

The 328-year journey of the formation and development of Dong Nai land is established in the artistic epic Dong Nai – Southern spirit, rising with the nation. Photo: Cong Nghia

The ceremonial drum performance recreates the early days of southern expansion under the leadership of Commander Nguyen Huu Canh. Photo: H. Anh, C. Nghia

An artistic reenactment of Commander Nguyen Huu Canh during his mission to develop and administer the Southern region. Photo: Cong Nghia

Commander Nguyen Huu Canh recruited settlers, reclaimed farmland, and helped transform Cu Lao Pho into a thriving commercial hub bustling with river trade. Photo: Huy Anh

The thriving trading port of Cu Lao Pho. Photo: Huy Anh

The image of Tran Bien Temple of Literature, built in 1715, was recreated in the epic performance. Photo: Huy Anh

In 1861, French colonial forces opened fire on Bien Hoa Citadel. Photo: Cong Nghia

French colonial forces advanced into Gia Dinh, bringing widespread suffering to the local population. Photo: Cong Nghia

People endured oppression and exploitation under French colonial rule. Photo: Huy Anh

The establishment of the first Indochinese Communist Party cell in Southeastern Vietnam. Photo: Huy Anh

The revolutionary movement surged across the country like a storm in 1945. Photo: Huy Anh

Thousands of heroes and patriots from Dong Nai rose up in armed resistance. Photo: Cong Nghia

Calls for independence rang out across Bien Hoa in August 1945. Photo: Huy Anh

On August 27, 1945, thousands gathered at Song Pho Square as red flags bearing yellow stars and resounding calls for independence shook the skies over Bien Hoa. Photo: Huy Anh, Cong Nghia

President Ho Chi Minh delivering the Declaration of Independence. Photo: Huy Anh

Outstanding sons and daughters of Dong Nai withdrew to War Zone D to build up revolutionary forces in preparation for a protracted, nationwide resistance war. Photo: Cong Nghia

Despite extreme hardship, special forces soldiers remained resilient, displaying remarkable courage and battlefield resolve. Photo: Cong Nghia

The image of Rung Sac special forces reenacting attacks on enemy vessels along the Long Tau River. Photo: Huy Anh

By late 1974 and early 1975, history had entered a decisive phase. The liberation of the South called for what was described as a “strategic reconnaissance strike.” Photo: Cong Nghia

Vietnamese forces launched the opening offensive of the Road 14 – Phuoc Long Campaign. Photo: Cong Nghia

Phuoc Long became the first province in Southern Vietnam to be liberated. Photo: Cong Nghia

Soldiers and civilians in Bom Bo pound rice in support of the 1975 campaign to liberate the South and reunify the country. Photo: Huy Anh

The Xuan Loc Liberation Campaign is recreated in the performance. Photo: Cong Nghia

The victory at Xuan Loc carried strategic significance, opening the “steel gate” for Vietnamese forces to advance toward the liberation of Saigon in 1975. Photo: Cong Nghia

Troops rejoiced as the people of Dong Nai truly took control of their homeland’s destiny. Photo: Huy Anh

The image of pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung and the historic moment he helped create during the Great Spring Victory of 1975 recreated in the epic performance. Photo: Huy Anh

The South was completely liberated and the country was reunified. Photo: Cong Nghia

The Party Committee, authorities, and people of Dong Nai paid tribute to heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for national independence. Photo: Huy Anh

To secure victory, millions of the nation’s finest sons and daughters laid down their lives, and the nation forever remembers the sacrifices of its heroes and martyrs. Photo: Cong Nghia

Since April 30, 2026, Dong Nai has entered a new chapter of development after officially becoming Vietnam’s seventh city. Photo: Cong Nghia

Dong Nai today stands as a national-level economic center. Photo: Cong Nghia

Dong Nai City’s development orientation toward 2030. Photo: Huy Anh

Dong Nai’s development vision toward 2045. Photo: Cong Nghia

Dong Nai City’s long-term development orientation toward 2065. Photo: Huy Anh

The spirit of Dong Nai continues to be written through aspirations for a prosperous economy. Photo: Cong Nghia

Dong Nai is now home to 37 ethnic groups. Photo: Cong Nghia

The material and spiritual life of Dong Nai residents continues to improve as people join hands to build a society upon an advanced culture deeply imbued with national identity. Photo: Cong Nghia

The Party organization, authorities, and people of Dong Nai City reaffirm their commitment to national development and their determination to contribute to the country’s shared aspirations. Photo: Huy Anh, Cong Nghia

Dong Nai City is on a new journey, rising with the nation. Photo: Cong Nghia

By M. Ny, C. Nghia, H. Anh – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho