Many international visitors have expressed strong interest and admiration after witnessing firsthand the atmosphere marking the April 30 anniversary in Hanoi, where vibrant red hues and a widespread sense of national pride have filled the city’s streets.

At Hoan Kiem Lake and along central streets of Hanoi, the commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026) has unfolded in a lively manner. The city is adorned with the red of the national flag, clusters of banners and propaganda posters, as well as crowds of people visiting and taking photos around the lake and pedestrian areas. These scenes have left a strong impression on many international tourists present in the capital during this period.

A sense of celebration spread through simple symbols

Sharing with the reporter from the Newspaper of Industry and Trade, Yugo Majure, a visitor from France, said his trip to Vietnam holds special significance as it coincides with the national commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026).

“We just arrived in Hanoi this morning, but from the very first moments we already felt something very different. On the way from the airport to the city center, we saw the red flag with the yellow star and decorative banners and posters along many streets. Everything created a feeling that was both solemn and welcoming,” he said.

According to him, what stood out was not only the widespread presence of propaganda symbols but also the way local residents actively immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere. From residential areas to shops, many places displayed flags and decorated their spaces in line with the commemorative theme, creating a strong sense of uniformity in the urban landscape.

“We saw many families hanging flags outside their homes, and shops also decorating in line with the holiday theme. That made us curious and eager to learn more about the meaning of April 30 for Vietnamese people,” he said.

Although his stay is still short, the French visitor noted that he could already observe the interplay between traditional spaces and the modern pace of Hanoi during the holiday period. According to him, heritage sites, cultural spaces, and central streets were all placed within a shared context oriented toward the national celebration, highlighting the commemorative atmosphere across the city.

Meanwhile, Patrice and Maire, two other French tourists, also expressed surprise at how Hanoi “tells its historical story” through public space. Patrice said they were initially unaware of the significance of the holiday, but as they moved through different streets, they repeatedly encountered slogans and prominent visual propaganda materials, especially the national flag, prompting them to take notice and learn more.

He noted that the use of banners and posters with clear visual imagery made it easier for foreign visitors to access information, particularly given language barriers. “We took photos and used translation apps to understand the content. Through that, we learned this is the day marking national reunification. It is a very important milestone. It helped us better understand Vietnam’s heroic history,” he said.

Sharing the same view, Maire said that the widespread presence of the Vietnamese national flag across streets helped her and her companions recognize the special significance of the occasion. According to her, these symbols not only created visual highlights but also reflected a sense of community cohesion in collectively marking an important event.

Impressions of Vietnamese people and spirit

Beyond observations of public space, many international visitors also expressed interest in the historical significance of the April 30 anniversary.

Sang, a visitor from the US, said she had heard about April 30 before her trip as an important milestone in Vietnam’s history. However, being in Hanoi during this time gave her a clearer and deeper understanding. She noted that the atmosphere across the streets was distinctive, with each resident expressing their own way of showing respect for the national holiday.

“I only truly understood the meaning of this day after witnessing the atmosphere here in person,” Sang said. She added that she felt a strong sense of connection between people and the country’s historical values.

According to her, what stood out was that the commemorative atmosphere did not feel formal but instead unfolded naturally in everyday life.

Sang also said she had learned about commemorative activities before coming to Vietnam and was aware that many localities had organized celebratory programs. In her view, these activities reflected careful preparation and the way Vietnamese people come together to create a proud festive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the couple JC Sevilla and Glydel Sevilla from the Philippines said they had researched Vietnam and several important historical events before their trip. Visiting Hanoi during this period gave them a special feeling, as previously read information became more tangible through real-life experience.

They noted that what impressed them most was the way local people expressed pride in their history naturally without extravagance, yet clearly visible. “We feel that Vietnamese people are very proud of their history,” they said.

During their travels, the couple actively sought to understand the meaning of banners and posters displayed across many streets. They said they asked local residents and received open and friendly explanations. This helped them better understand the significance of April 30 not only as information but also as a reflection of how people perceive and honor the event in contemporary life.

According to the couple, it was the combination of atmosphere, visual symbols, and the friendliness of local people that created a complete experience. They noted that what stood out was not only the vibrancy of the city, but also the shared spirit expressed through how the community collectively turns toward a day of special significance.

Hanoi’s vibrant display of flags and flowers during the Liberation of the South and National Reunification celebrations has also contributed to a clearer image of Vietnam in the eyes of international visitors not only as a tourist destination, but as a country with historical depth and strong community cohesion.