I didn’t realize when I booked this trip, but I happen to be here for a very special event. On March 29, 1975, after having surrounded the city days prior, the northern communist army captured city hall and the old flag fell. This past weekend, Da Nang liberation 50th year celebrations took over and engulfed the city.
Information
Normally I would present a brief history, instead I will link to one here as its so very recent. What I will say is I had a heck of a time trying to get any specific information on the various events happening around town. I know Da Nang is trying to promote their tourism sector however there seems to be a serious lack of information put forward for tourists. The clerk at my Airbnb was able to provide a very limited location for a few dance events that was advertised as a parade.
There are several venues where events took place that I either happened upon by chance or had some inkling beforehand that they might be involved. Those are what I will showcase here.
Flags
Da Nang has been preparing for this day by placing millions and millions of flags on every street and alley around the city. The flags that have been fluttering through the breeze above my walks around town have enchanted me. From small ones strung across the alleys to the larger ones lining both sides of every single street around town.
Coloured ones cross every bridge, round-a-bout and entrance to a district. Even the river is lined with flags.
There is also a plethora of propaganda posters as well. These are bright, colourful and cheerful, some as large as a billboard and others poster size. Even though I cannot read these, they have been interesting to see and admire the graphics of.
Binh Minh 6
Along the downtown side of the Han River, between the Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge is a ‘walking street’. In the middle at Binh Minh 6 Street is a large platform which was turned into a stage for various small events. Most of this was dancing but when I first arrived, a large group of ladies was assembling.
Most wore the same red shirt and white pants, and in front of officials, gave several performances that were absolutely lovely to witness. As I walked around taking photos, the smiles I received were infectious. Several women approached me and asked for photos as well. The entire scene was incredibly friendly and warm.
Han River
An historical hot spot, this day the river was used for races. I had read this would be the case but had no idea of what I would be seeing. What began the even were Seadoos racing up and down between the two bridges.
Following these were a group of small sailboats, then kayakers and paddle-boarders. Throw in a water-skier or two and a few official watercraft and you have yourself and show. As the weather deteriorated, I kept my fingers crossed for those souls out on the choppy river, that they would accomplish their tasks safely and with pride.
Heroes and Martyrs Memorial
This monument is massive and makes a significant presence. It was built as a place to honour and remember the fallen hero’s of the war. This day, incense and wreathes were placed inside the core.
The dome of this piece is intricately tiled with colourful mosaic pieces and creates an interesting display. Ceremonies had already taken place by the time I arrived, so I had the entire square to myself. I wandered around and admired all of the flowers that had been placed special for this event.
Da Nang Exhibition
Located over near the sports arena is the Da Nang Exhibition. This five-day event highlights Da Nangs development and integration as a global city. One of the three areas that are showcased is the military equipment and weapons related to the city’s defence and security.
Here I was intrigued not only to see the large machinery, but also tables and tables of interesting items from guns to protective gear. There were many officers placed around the space, posing for photo ops with visitors and answering any questions about the equipment.
All signage was in Vietnamese and the area was incredibly crowded with people jostling for space and a view. I was unable to translate any of the information however I assume almost everything is made in ether China or Russia.
March 29 Square
Now to one event I was able to get at least a start time for and that was the big outdoor show at the March 29 Square. This sits opposite the Memorial monument and the staging was truly a massive project.
I was given the time of 7:30 for the show to begin, so I dutifully arrived at 6:50 to try and vie for a space. The area near the stage was already teeming so I stood across the main road. By the time the show actually began at 8:15, there were so many people swarming around me I was feeling quite uncomfortable.
I don’t like crowds but was determined to see at least the first part of this show. The sights and sounds were brilliant, strobe lights and lasers flashing across the low clouds, lighting up the sky. Two large jumbotrons projected what was happening on the actual stage so I was able to get an idea of the hundreds of dancers and actors that were performing.
Once the program began, I stayed for half an hour and then had to flee. It took me so long to escape that crowd, the first café I saw, I ran in and ordered a tall cold iced tea, sat down and caught my breath. Phew.
Fireworks
Because the show started late, it was getting closer to the time the fireworks were scheduled which was 10pm. To kill the time, I decided I would visit a large grocery store on my way home. Then if the timing was right, I could pause on the bridge and catch the fireworks on the way back to my Airbnb.
The shop was jam packed. I picked up a few pieces of fruit and more drinks then headed back out onto the streets. Up and to the middle of the bridge, I arrived at 9:45. There I found that motorcycles riders had already began pulling over to catch the show too.
Ten o’clock rolled around and no show. I could see the lasers from March 29 Square still lighting up the sky. They might not begin the fireworks until after that show is finished so the dignitaries can enjoy too. I knew I was in for a wait, so I plunked myself down onto the sidewalk at the apex of the bridge, and waited.
At 10:40 the first crack appeared to light up the sky and wow the next 20 minutes was an incredible display of colourful sparkles.
By the time I headed towards my Airbnb it was getting close to 11pm. I still had 45 minutes to walk. Back home now after 14 hours of adventures in the down town area and almost 28,000 steps later. I’m worn right out, but have had a fascinating time, really getting to know Da Nang and its people.
