The intersection of Hung Vuong and Tran Phu streets in Ba Dinh Ward was packed with people from noon on Thursday. Many sat on sidewalks or even on container truck beds to secure their spots.
According to the schedule, the first rehearsal for the military parade and march will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Forces from Mieu Mon, Hoa Lac (Hanoi) and Thai Nguyen Province will gather at Ba Dinh Square to practice in preparation for the official ceremony on the morning of Sept. 2.
Nguyen Thi Lua, 53, from Chuong My, Hanoi, said she left home at 3 a.m., arrived at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at 5 a.m. to offer incense, and then stayed to wait for the rehearsal. She chose a street corner spot to watch the parade pass by.
Photo by Tung Dinh
A family dressed in outfits featuring the national flag waited along Hung Vuong Street. To prepare for the rehearsal, from 11:30 a.m., Hanoi police banned most major downtown roads and temporarily restricted traffic on many roads in outer areas.
Photo by Tung Dinh
Residents "reserved" space on the sidewalk at the corner of Hung Vuong and Tran Phu streets, near Ba Dinh Square. They brought raincoats, mats, water and food to wait for the evening parade. For the past week, Hanoi has had unpredictable weather with both rain and sunshine.
Photo by Pham Du
A family of four brought rice balls, cakes, bottled water and raincoats to hold their spot at the Hung Vuong–Phan Dinh Phung intersection, less than a kilometer from Ba Dinh Square.
Oanh (3rd, L) said her family originally planned to go in the afternoon, but the road closure plan was moved forward by 5.5 hours, so she had to change her schedule and arrive earlier. They planned to wait until the rehearsal ended before heading home.
Young people wore conical hats and stickers to snap souvenir photos on the street. Since roads were closed from 11:30 a.m., those who wanted to get close to the parade had to arrive earlier.
The streets completely closed to traffic are: Hoang Hoa Tham, Thuy Khue (from Hung Vuong to Van Cao), Mai Xuan Thuong, Quan Thanh, Phan Dinh Phung, Hung Vuong, Thanh Nien, Hoang Van Thu, Doc Lap, Dien Bien Phu, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Chua Mot Cot, Le Hong Phong, Ong Ich Khiem, Ngoc Ha, Bac Son, Ton That Dam, Nguyen Canh Chan, Hoang Dieu, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Chu Van An, Ton Duc Thang, Cat Linh, Trinh Hoai Duc, Hang Chao, Tran Phu, and Son Tay.
