National Day Description
Quoc Khanh celebrates Ho Chi Minh's reading of the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (the first independent Vietnamese state of the modern era) after the August Revolution overthrew French colonial rule and the Japanese occupation. The main official celebration takes place at Ba Dinh Square, featuring a grand military parade and cultural performances broadcast live nationwide. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is the focal point for wreath-laying ceremonies and an endless stream of reverent visitors. Government offices, banks, and most businesses close for both days. In the evening, spectacular fireworks displays light up skies over Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and provincial capitals. Red flags with the gold star fly from every household, and streets are festooned with patriotic banners. The two-day holiday period is a time of great national pride, celebrating the moment Vietnam declared its sovereignty to the world and began its journey as a modern independent nation.
