The large-scale festival marks the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025). Events will run from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM on April 19, 26, 29, and 30 across multiple locations, including the Nguyen Hue – Le Loi, Nguyen Hue – Mac Thi Buoi and Nguyen Hue – Ngo Duc Ke pedestrian sections, and the Bach Dang Wharf Park.
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Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Tran Thi Dieu Thuy speaks at the opening ceremony. (Photo: M.H) |
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Tran Thi Dieu Thuy emphasised that “Colours of Uncle Ho’s City” is more than just a cultural-artistic programme as it carries profound political and historical meaning. It is a time for people across the country to honour the values of independence and freedom, pay tribute to those who sacrificed for national liberation, and promote the image of a dynamic, compassionate, and globally integrated city.
The opening night featured an international Light Festival with mesmerising 3D Mapping performances by teams from France, Belgium, Singapore, and Vietnam.
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Combined with Mapping Visual Art performance technology, the symphony concert captivates the audience. (Photo: M.H) |
The symphonic music, choral performance, and cutting-edge visual mapping combination created a fusion of classical and contemporary art forms that captivated audiences.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street also came alive with traditional singing, dance, folk music, sports showcases, and lively street performances, transforming the city centre into a vibrant entertainment hub.
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The French mapping team opens with a dazzling debut performance. (Photo: M.H.) |
At Bach Dang Wharf Park and along the Saigon River (from Ba Son Bridge to Nha Rong Wharf), visitors enjoyed performances of don ca tai tu (Southern folk music), modern art shows on floating stages, and water sports demonstrations, enriching the festival’s atmosphere.
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Vietnam’s 3D Mapping performance features the poem ‘Nam quoc son ha’ (a poem by Ly Thuong Kiet during a fight against the Tong invaders in the 11th century). |
Vietnam’s 3D Mapping performance features the poem ‘Nam quoc son ha’ (a poem by Ly Thuong Kiet during a fight against the Tong invaders in the 11th century).
Above the city skyline, a spectacular drone light show and fireworks display illuminated the skies over Nguyen Hue Street, adding a futuristic flair to the event.
In addition to art and sport events, exhibitions and outdoor film screenings along Nguyen Hue created unique spaces for reflecting on patriotism, revolutionary history, love for the sea and islands, and the city’s proud development journey.
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Vietnam’s official performance impresses the audience. (Photo: M.H) |
Following the opening night, exciting events will continue on April 26 and 29. The grand finale, themed “Festival of National Reunification” on April 30, promises a night of pageantry with a brass band performance, cavalry parade, public art, and a record-breaking drone light display featuring 10,500 drones, which are expected to set a new world record.
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Fireworks display by Saigon River. (Photo courtesy of the collaborator) |
The “Colours of Uncle Ho’s City” festival series features the participation of nearly all local cultural and sports units, including the Ho Chi Minh City Arts Centre, the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera, the Bong Sen Traditional Music and Dance Theatre, the Classical Drama Theatre, the Cultural and Exhibition Centre, the Sports Service Centre, and the Aquatic Sports Centre, alongside thousands of artists, performers, athletes, and martial arts clubs from across the city.
