The capital city is resplendent with flags and flowers.

The dazzling "festival attire"

On central streets and avenues such as Doc Lap, Trang Tien, Dien Bien Phu, Le Thai To, Kim Ma, Nguyen Chi Thanh, etc., large welcome banners stand out against the red backdrop of the national flag. At Ba Dinh Square, many propaganda banners are erected prominently. Not only the central streets, but also houses and shops in the Old Quarter simultaneously display flags and banners, contributing to a bright and impressive appearance.

Residents of Hang Ma Street in Hanoi decorated the streets with flags to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd. Photo: HA NGUYEN

On bustling commercial streets, especially Hang Ma Street, long lines of people flock to shops to buy items for the holiday such as: red flags with yellow stars, shirts printed with patriotic slogans, decorations, and accessories featuring historical images. The lively atmosphere of buying and selling makes the Old Quarter seem like it's wearing a vibrant, festive cloak.

Mr. Cao Van Hoan, owner of shop number 18 on Hang Ma Street, said: "This year's September 2nd holiday saw significantly more visitors, shoppers, and photographers. The peak hours were from 9 am to 11 am, with the street completely packed with people. Compared to the April 30th holiday, the number of visitors has tripled. The most popular items remain the national flag and T-shirts printed with patriotic slogans."

Beyond just trading, the small business owners on Hang Ma Street also joined hands to create a vibrant atmosphere. Mr. Hoan said that the business owners mobilized each other, with each household contributing 10-20 strings of flags to cover the entire street. As a result, Hang Ma Street became a "sea of red and yellow flags." In the evening, it sparkled like a festival, attracting many tourists and locals to stroll around and take photos.

Alongside the bustling shopping activity, sanitation and landscaping workers are also working diligently along Hanoi's main thoroughfares. Images of these workers sweeping streets, trimming trees, and replacing flowerbeds have become a beautiful display of labor, contributing to a brighter, greener, cleaner, and more beautiful capital city, aiming for a radiant and dignified appearance for this momentous anniversary.

The allure of historical sites

Alongside the bustling atmosphere of the city streets, museums and historical sites have also become popular destinations attracting thousands of visitors these days. At the Vietnam Military History Museum, from Hanoi residents to tourists from afar, from the elderly to children, long lines of visitors wait to buy tickets. Everyone wants to learn about the glorious history of the nation through each artifact and each historical story.

In particular, the historical site at 48 Hang Ngang Street, where President Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1945, has become a highlight in the series of celebratory activities. Ms. Ngo Thi Minh Tam, Deputy Head of the Department of Management and Promotion of Historical Site Values, Hanoi Relics and Scenic Spots Management Board, said that from now until September 2nd, the site at 48 Hang Ngang Street will be open free of charge every day of the week to welcome visitors. This is one of the meaningful activities that helps the public get closer to sacred historical values.

At the same time, all historical sites in the capital city have been renovated and opened to visitors during this year's holiday, such as: the historical site at 50 Ham Long Street (where the first Communist Party cell was established in 1929), the historical site at 90 Tho Nhuom Street (where General Secretary Tran Phu wrote the draft of the Political Thesis), the historical site in Van Phuc silk village (where President Ho Chi Minh wrote the Call to Arms for National Resistance in 1946)...

"Since the anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19th), the number of visitors to historical sites under our management has increased by about 30%, with a large number of them being young people. This is a positive sign showing that the younger generation is increasingly interested in learning about history and showing gratitude to the previous generation," added Ms. Ngo Thi Minh Tam.

According to many visitors, the streets adorned with colorful flags and the solemn historical sites are vivid evidence of the strength of unity and national pride spreading among the people of the capital and the entire country.

HA NGUYEN - TIEN CUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/thu-do-ruc-ro-co-hoa-post809042.html