The night at West Lake is ablaze with fireworks: Emotional bridges between the moments of New Year's Eve.

In the chilly weather of New Year's Eve, tens of thousands of Hanoi residents and tourists flocked to the "two dragons" area of ​​West Lake to witness the moment the sky lit up. Amidst the spectacular fireworks display, there were tears of reunion from those far from home, radiant smiles from young people, and also the silent eyes of those who kept the city peaceful and clean.

A journey of aspiration and sharing.

From 10 PM onwards, along the streets of Ve Ho, Trich Sai, Nguyen Dinh Thi, Lac Long Quan, etc., crowds began to gather. In that bustling crowd, I came across a group of 16 young men laughing and joking. They were young men from Thach Xa, Tay Phuong commune, Hanoi .

Nguyen The Cuong, representing the group of friends, shared excitedly: “This is the fifth consecutive year we’ve driven nearly 30 kilometers by motorbike from Thach Xa (Tay Phuong commune) to get here. For us, watching fireworks at West Lake always brings incredibly wonderful moments.” Despite the long journey and waiting for many hours on the sidewalk, the fatigue seemed to vanish in the face of the magnificent scenery of West Lake.

A group of 16 young people from Thach Xa, Tay Phuong commune, came to watch the fireworks display at West Lake. Photo: Mai Hoa.

In that sacred moment, the wishes of the young people were simple and sincere. Not extravagant personal desires, Cuong simply wished: "I hope my family stays healthy and all my friends have good luck." The awareness of today's young people is also truly commendable; even while having fun, they still reminded each other to wear helmets and drive safely so that their parents back home could rest assured.

Student Nguyen Thanh Huyen happily celebrates New Year's Eve. Photo: Thu Minh

For Nguyen Thanh Huyen, a third-year student at Osaka University of Economics (Japan), this year's New Year's Eve is truly special. "For several years now, I haven't been able to celebrate New Year's Eve with my family. This year, taking advantage of the school's holiday schedule coinciding with the Lunar New Year, I decided to schedule a trip home to celebrate with my parents and grandparents." Having just landed at Noi Bai Airport on the evening of the 29th of the 12th lunar month, Huyen only has two weeks to enjoy the warmth of her family. Two short weeks, but filled with warmth and love, providing a wonderful source of energy for this young student on her long journey ahead.

The silent "night watchmen"

While the sky blazed with fireworks, in more secluded corners, people were working tirelessly to maintain peace and order. Mr. Pham Van Luc (66 years old), a member of the security and order force of Tay Ho ward (Buoi area), actively carried out his duties at Fireworks Post No. 5 - the "Two Dragons" area of ​​West Lake.

Mr. Pham Van Luc searches for the baby's relatives while performing his duty of maintaining security and order on New Year's Eve. Photo: Mai Hoa

This is the fifth year Mr. Luc has been on duty through New Year's Eve. "I leave all the rituals and preparations for Tet to my wife," Mr. Luc said with a gentle smile, speaking of his hardworking wife. At an age when he should be enjoying a peaceful life with his children and grandchildren, he still chooses to stand here, keeping the flow of people on track and ensuring the safety of the fireworks display area. His pride in his son, who recently joined the army and became a Party member, is the driving force behind this elderly veteran's dedication to his community responsibilities.

Alongside the security guards is the frail figure of Mr. Tran Van Dung (45 years old), a worker at Tay Do Environmental Joint Stock Company. While everyone else is celebrating the New Year, Mr. Dung begins his most arduous shift of the year. With his garbage cart and bamboo broom, he quietly performs what he calls "a job that follows the joy."

Mr. Tran Van Dung, a worker at Tay Do Environmental Joint Stock Company. Photo: Mai Hoa

"Being busy on New Year's Eve has become my calling, sister. My eldest child is in university, and my youngest is only in 8th grade. I have to work hard so they can have a better future," Mr. Dung shared, his hands still busily collecting the remaining trash bags. While everyone else was at home in their warm beds, around 3 a.m., he would begin his nearly 10-kilometer journey back to his home in Dong Anh. He is the link between the old year and the new, restoring the freshness to the streets on the morning of the first day of the new year.

The joy of settling down in the new spring.

This spring of 2026 also marks an unforgettable milestone for the family of Mr. Nguyen Van Huong (born in 1965). His family recently relocated from the area cleared for the Hoang Cau - Voi Phuc road project to the CT3 Nghia Do building.

Mr. Nguyen Van Huong (CT3 Nghia Do, Hanoi). Photo: Mai Hoa

“The resettlement apartment our family recently received is small but spacious and clean. Watching fireworks over West Lake and celebrating New Year's Eve with the feeling of having a stable home truly brings peace and tranquility,” Mr. Huong confided. For him, the moment of New Year's Eve is not just a transition of time, but also the beginning of a new, stable life filled with new hopes.

The fireworks have ended, the smoke dissipating into the air above West Lake, but the echoes of heartwarming stories linger on. Hanoi welcomed the new year with a confluence of emotions: the excitement of youth, the nostalgia of those far from home, the dedication of workers, and faith in a renewed life.

Tonight, West Lake is beautiful not only because of the fireworks, but also because of the hearts that are always turned towards each other, towards the capital city with all their love and respect. A new spring has arrived, bringing with it hopes for peace and happiness for every home.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dem-ho-tay-ruc-ro-anh-phao-hoa-nhung-nhip-cau-cam-xuc-giua-thoi-khac-giao-thua-733876.html