Massive crowds flood HCMC streets for reunification parade rehearsal

The roads around the grandstand including Le Duan and Pham Ngoc Thach outside the Independence Palace are barricaded by 5 p.m. for the parade rehearsal.

Flocks of people have gathered in the area, eagerly waiting for the rehearsal.

The main parade will be held on April 30, marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War (1975-2025).

People gather at the area next to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

Crowds of young people gather at the Mac Dinh Chi - Le Duan intersection to watch the rehearsal.

Many have prepared their phones to record the event.

Over 10,000 soldiers and police officers are expected to join the parade on April 22, marching through the streets in front of the Independence Palace.

Three hours before the rehearsal begins, people have already secured spots along the streets to watch the parade.

People bring little flags with them for celebration.

At around 6 p.m., an entourage began their journey from Dong Nai Province to Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 to get to the rehearsal site.

Female police officers greet people as they arrive for the parade.

People use phones to record scenes of soldiers marching towards the rehearsal site.

A group of soldiers take a selfie with their audiences.