The 30th of April is an important celebration in Vietnam, as on that day in 1975, the Vietnam War came to an end. Vietnam’s territory reached complete unification, which was later called Vietnamese Reunification Day. So, what is its backstory exactly? How do Vietnamese people celebrate on this day? Let’s find out from A to Z about this special day in our article below.
Why Should You Know About April 30th?
If you are in Vietnam throughout April, it is important to know what the 30th of April is for many reasons. Firstly, if you happen to be working in Vietnam, congratulations! You’ll get a day off on this day and the day after that, International Labor Day (the first of May).
Secondly, if you are just planning your trip to Vietnam on this day, you’d better either be quick ahead of time or skip this period. It’s because the huge crowd of holidaymakers at popular touristy spots will astonish you.
Besides, if you want a tour or transportation to Vietnam during this crowded holiday, we recommend booking with a local agency, such as Vietnam Vacation Travel, Vietnam Limousine, Hoian Locals, or Culture Pham Travel. They can arrange a trip for you so that you don’t need to worry about the sold-outs.
All in all, you should be prepared to join a big holiday full of bustling atmospheres in Vietnam. Why is this day worth such a spectacular celebration? Is it extremely significant to Vietnamese people? Let’s find out.
What Is Vietnamese Reunification Day?
In fact, there are a bunch of terms to refer to Vietnamese Reunification Day. Its official name is the Day of Liberating the South for National Reunification (Vietnamese: Giải phóng miền Nam, thống nhất đất nước). Other shorter variants are Reunification Day (Vietnamese: Ngày Thống nhất), Liberation Day (Vietnamese: Ngày Giải phóng), and Victory Day (Vietnamese: Ngày Chiến thắng).
However, some Vietnamese from the “other side,” or the Republic of South Vietnam, who lost the war, refer to this day as Black April, Fall of Saigon, National Day of Shame, or National Day of Hate. Whatever the terms are, they reflect people’s attitudes towards this event in history.
When you think about it, Vietnamese Reunification Day has a very interesting name and an interesting historical background. For any country, Independence Day is an important historical, political, or cultural event associated with its current status. Particularly in Vietnam, they celebrate the liberation of the South from American troops and the reunification of Vietnam’s two major regions (the North and the South) under one government.
April 30th, 1975, marks the fall of the Saigon government, ending the Vietnam War and leading to the liberation of Vietnam’s southern part. Since then, annually, the country has celebrated this day as a commemoration of the reunification of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in the North and the Republic of Vietnam in the South into the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as we know it today.
How Do Vietnamese Celebrate Reunification Day?
Reunification Day: A National Holiday
April 30th has become such a national event that people will have a day off. Moreover, it’s usually combined with International Labor Day (May 1st) and weekends, if any, to form a long holiday (2–5 days). Considering its significance and the holiday’s long duration, the Vietnamese will often plan trips to travel. Major tourist cities try their best to accommodate the demands of recreation among domestic and foreign travelers.
However, on Vietnam’s Reunification Day, major economic cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City, won’t see many workers. On this holiday, people coming there to work will either flock to tourist cities for a big trip or return to their hometown to visit their family.
Every house, on this day, is required to put the national flag in front of the house. Every channel on television broadcasts related memorial programs or music shows with victorious songs about the Vietnam War.
In addition, over a week before April 30th, streets in big cities like Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are radically colorful. You will see vivid decorations such as colorful banners, flags, and neon lights everywhere. Large areas in many cities become venues for parades or stages for national live shows.
Celebrations In Several Cities In Vietnam
The coastal central city of Danang will welcome Vietnam’s Reunification Day in spectacular style. There will be dazzling displays of fireworks by eight teams from Switzerland, Japan, China, the UK, Italy, Australia, Austria, and Vietnam.
Sapa, one of the best destinations for 2017, announced that a summer festival would open on April 29 featuring a bevy of activities. It included a flower festival, music, dance performances, folk games by the Mong Ethnic Group, and a photography exhibition, to name only a few.
Besides, Quang Ninh Province will sponsor a cultural tourism week from April 28–May 5 in the cities of Halong and Mong Cai. It will showcase cultural and artistic performances, along with a wide array of food and drink events. The highlight of the festival is a traditional boat race set for April 30 on the Nhat Le River.
Furthermore, the Hue Traditional Craft Festival usually takes place from April 28–May 2 in Thua Thien Hue Province. It also includes events celebrating food and drink, film screenings, and hot-air ballooning.
Lastly, Ho Chi Minh City might hold fireworks exhibitions in four venues for fifteen minutes beginning at 9 pm on April 30 to celebrate Reunification Day. Especially in Ho Chi Minh City, at the beginning of the day, there are lines of parades coloring up the main streets with the participation of large crowds of people. If you want to join, make sure to get up early, dress up, and get in line to witness the celebration.
Summary About Vietnamese Reunification Day
In conclusion, Vietnamese Reunification Day is a significant and vibrant celebration that marks the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and national pride. The holiday brings about a festive atmosphere with colorful decorations, parades, live shows, and fireworks displays in various cities across Vietnam.
For travelers visiting Vietnam during this time, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage, participate in traditional festivities, and experience the patriotic spirit of the Vietnamese people. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beauty of Sapa and the cultural richness of Hue, there are numerous ways to immerse oneself in the celebrations and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and unity.
Most importantly, Vietnamese Reunification Day is not only a time of celebration but also a chance to appreciate the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese. We hope that our travel blog somehow helps you learn more about this special day. Thanks for reading.
Compiled by Vietnam Student Exchange