On Friday morning, a large group of spectators gathered at the Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and the banks of the Saigon River in Thu Duc City. They eagerly watched as two magnificent hot-air balloons hoisted a grand Vietnamese flag into the sky. The spectacle took place at a riverside location in Thu Duc promptly at 8:00 am.
In addition to these balloons, another eight vibrant ones, varying in size, were released into the sky. The event also featured an impressive standup paddleboarding (SUP) performance conducted on the river, adding to the lively and breathtaking spectacle.
|
|
| Some of a 120-member crew in charge of pulling the national flag using two hot-air balloons in Ho Chi Minh City on September 2, 2022. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre |
The aforementioned events took place as part of the Independent Tet Festival, initiated by the Organizing Board of Major Holidays in Ho Chi Minh City. The festival was held to commemorate the 77th National Day and was overseen by the Department of Culture and Sports for the city.
Phuong from Binh Thanh District expressed her enthusiasm to witness the spectacular sight of the national flag, measuring 1,800 square meters, being hoisted high in the city’s sky. In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Phuong and her family eagerly anticipated this momentous occasion.
“The weather is quite warm today, but everyone is filled with anticipation to witness the emblem of our nation on such a significant day,” shared Phuong.
“It is an incredibly poignant and moving moment for me to witness its graceful ascent in the sky.”
|
|
| This image shows eight smaller hot-air balloons about to be released into the sky along with two larger ones that pulled the Vietnamese national flag on September 2, 2022 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre |
According to a report from the Vietnam News Agency, Nguyen Dinh Nam, a resident of Go Vap district, woke up early at 7:00 am to take his children to the riverbank in preparation for the event of pulling the national flag using hot-air balloons.
“We are thrilled to witness the sight of the national flag on this significant occasion, marking the Independent Tet,” expressed Nam with enthusiasm.
According to Vo Trong Nam, the deputy director of the department, pulling a large flag into the sky is a highly complex undertaking that relies heavily on weather conditions and wind direction. This statement was communicated in an interview with Tuoi Tre.
According to his statement, the weather on Friday morning was clearer and finer compared to the test conducted on Thursday. However, the wind direction was constantly changing, which posed a challenge to the balloon crew who had to exert significant effort to accomplish their task.
|
|
| This image shows the Vietnamese national flag fully stretching after being raised into the sky in Ho Chi Minh City on September 2, 2022. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre |
The team of 120 crew members collaborated seamlessly and employed advanced technical measures to successfully hoist the flag into the sky using two massive balloons, stated Nam.
During the festival, an array of activities was organized, including paragliding, sailboat racing, and river skiing, following the flag-pulling performance.
On Friday, at 3:00 pm, a spectacular event was held, featuring the release of hot-air balloons to gracefully hoist the national flag into the sky.
|
|
| Ho Chi Minh City residents are seen flocking to the city’s central area to watch the release of hot-air balloons that pulled the Vietnamese national flag on September 2, 2022. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre |
|
|
| This image shows Bach Dang Wharf Park in Ho Chi Minh City crowded with people watching the release of the Vietnamese national flag into the sky using two hot-air balloons on September 2, 2022. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre |
|
|
| This photo shows a standup paddleboarding (SUP) performance on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, with paragliders flying above them, September 2, 2022. Photo: Thanh Huy / Tuoi Tre |
Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news about Vietnam!
