From the afternoon of April 29, hundreds of people began spreading mats and bringing food and supplies to key streets in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, preparing to stay overnight in anticipation of the grand parade and military procession celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.

At 5 PM, Bach Dang Wharf saw large crowds settling in with mats and blankets, waiting through the night to witness the cannon salutes and parade the following morning.

The area near the cannon firing site attracted the densest crowds. Although the official traffic ban had not yet started, the overwhelming number of people caused significant congestion.

Saigon Riverfront roads like Ton Duc Thang were packed. Traffic police were stationed near Tran Hung Dao Monument to control the flow of vehicles.

Hong Tuyet shared that her family of 20 people brought food, mats, and blankets, arriving at 3 PM to secure a spot. "We arrived early, but the area near the cannon site was already full, so we had to move back slightly to find a more comfortable space," she said.

Kim Tuyen and her family also secured a spot by arriving early. In addition to food supplies, she brought a power bank to ensure they could stay overnight comfortably.

By 6 PM, the crowd continued to grow, with many families and groups of friends arriving. People laid down mats and relaxed, eating dinner right on the sidewalks.

Similarly, on Le Thanh Ton Street, many camped out on sidewalks, waiting for the parade. Tran Thi Thuy Linh (27 years old, from An Giang) shared that she and her colleagues from Binh Duong Province had gathered to attend the historic 50th-anniversary celebration.

On Nam Ky Khoi Nghia - Le Thanh Ton streets (District 1), groups of veterans gathered, singing and waiting for the parade. Veteran Dang Van Manh said their group of 10 came from Thanh Hoa, where they were part of the traditional art troupe of the Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail Veterans Association. They arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on April 28 to join the celebration.

On Ly Tu Trong - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia sidewalks, Vu Thi Dung, 67, wearing a hat with "I Love Vietnam" written on it, shared her story. She and a relative had traveled two days and one night by car from Nam Dinh to Ho Chi Minh City to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event. "A 50th-anniversary celebration only happens once, so my children supported my decision to come," she said.

At the intersection of Le Loi and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, large crowds gathered, many young people carrying national flags, joining the festive atmosphere in eager anticipation of the parade.

Thach Thao - Xuan Ngoc