The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. at the Reunification Hall and will last 135 minutes, comprising two main parts: an Artistic Performance and the Commemorative Ceremony
On August 25, 1946, Dr Tran Huu Nghiep, representing the intellectual community of Southern Viet Nam, proposed renaming the city of Saigon as Ho Chi Minh City.
On July 2, 1976, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam passed a resolution officially renaming Saigon-Gia Dinh as Ho Chi Minh City.
This noble and invaluable honour was not only a profound recognition by the Party and the State of the glorious achievements and the indomitable, resilient tradition of this land, but above all, it symbolised the boundless love and unwavering devotion that the city's people and armed forces have always reserved for the nation's great leader.
Ho Chi Minh City has made remarkable breakthroughs, maintaining its position as Viet Nam's economic powerhouse and a major national centre for culture, education, and science and technology. The city is renowned for its dynamic and innovative spirit, its willingness to "think boldly and act boldly", and its role as the birthplace of numerous pioneering reform movements and breakthrough development models that have later been replicated nationwide.
In particular, the event of July 1, 2025, when Ho Chi Minh City officially merged with Binh Duong Province and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, opened a new chapter in shaping the future by creating a dynamic, large-scale and modern "mega-city". This historic milestone reflects the Party's and the State's strategic long-term vision, creating a powerful impetus for the city to enhance its regional and international standing and firmly establish its position in the New Era – the Era of the Nation's Rise.
From June 29 to July 2, a series of intensive publicity activities is being held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh being officially named Ho Chi Minh City. These include a photo exhibition celebrating the anniversary; a conference honouring exemplary cultured and happy families in 2026; a flower-offering ceremony to President Ho Chi Minh at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument Park; groundbreaking ceremonies for technical and social infrastructure projects; the launch of emulation movements throughout the political system; and the implementation of various social welfare activities during the commemorative period.
In addition, the city is organising a wide range of cultural and sporting events, including the "Heritage Journey – Advancing Towards the Future" community walk, a 3D mapping performance, fireworks displays, and a children's book fair.
The highlight of the commemorative programme marking the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh officially being named Ho Chi Minh City will be a live televised artistic performance on the evening of July 2 at the Reunification Hall. Connected to multiple broadcast locations, the programme will celebrate the city's development journey and its growing stature.
