Detailed schedule for fireworks, drone shows in Ho Chi Minh City for Reunification Day celebrations

At a press conference on Thursday, Nguyen Tan Kiet, head of the art division at the city's Department of Culture and Sports, revealed the official schedule for the upcoming festivities.

Events will take place from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm on April 19, 26, 29, and 30 at multiple central locations: the People's Committee office building, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, the Saigon Opera House, Bach Dang Wharf, Thu Duc City Park, and areas along the Saigon River.

A 3D mapping light show will be displayed on the façade of the office building of the municipal People's Committee from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm on April 19, 26, 29, and 30. 

The show will feature a fusion of music, light, and visuals created in collaboration with artists from France, Singapore, Belgium, and Vietnam.

Fireworks will be launched at 9:30 pm on April 19 and 26, and at 9:00 pm on April 30.

The highlight of this year's celebration is a large-scale drone show featuring 10,500 drones over the Saigon River. 

The spectacle will light up the sky over both Thu Duc City and District 1. 

A full rehearsal is scheduled for 10:00 pm on April 29, and the main show will run from 8:30 pm to 8:45 pm on April 30. 

Organizers plan to submit the event for recognition as a Vietnamese record for the highest number of drones flying simultaneously.

On the evening of April 30, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street will host the 'Reunification Day Festival' from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. 

The entire street will transform into a multi-zone cultural stage featuring diverse performances.

In front of the People's Committee edifice, a symphony orchestra will perform classical works alongside songs honoring Ho Chi Minh City. 

In front of the SunWah building, audiences can enjoy sports shows, circus acts, magic, and traditional opera.

Music and dance performances will take place along Ngo Duc Ke Street. 

The program 'Vu dieu khan ran' (Dance of the Striped Scarf) will be performed on Nguyen Hue Street and in front of the People's Committee building.

Celebrations on the Saigon River will include 'don ca tai tu' (southern folk music), a floating flower lantern parade, a tourist boat parade, and water sports such as sailing, flyboarding, jetpack stunts, paddleboarding, and paragliding. 

Cultural performances will also be staged on a floating platform at Bach Dang Wharf.