On Aug. 21, the sidewalk outside Cao Van Quan’s painting shop on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, just steps from Ba Dinh Square, was packed with people eager to watch the military pageant rehearsal. Seeing elderly people and children sitting on mats since early morning, Quan and his family cleared their shop and invited them inside to rest and use the restroom.

The 41-year-old also handed out 20 boxes of water and kept his shop open until 11 p.m., four hours later than usual. “I don’t mind a little inconvenience. I just want everyone to fully enjoy this important national celebration.”

He was not the only one. Dozens of shop owners on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street did the same, opening their doors to strangers. Their generosity was captured in photos and widely praised on social media.

“The shop owners on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street are so adorable. They let people sit inside their houses, handed out free water and even offered restroom access,” Facebook user Khanh Tung wrote.

As soon as the parade schedule and routes were announced, Vu Manh Dung, 27, owner of a grocery store on the corner of An Duong Street, posted an online invitation for people to rest at his shop for free. The shop is about 100 meters from Thanh Nien Street and a 10-minute walk from Ba Dinh Square. It provides a convenient view of passing military vehicles.

“We are ready to support everyone with whatever we have, completely free of charge,” Dung says.

He plans to set up two large tables, 12 folding chairs, and keep the store open overnight during the rehearsals and the main parade day.

A 75-square-meter apartment owned by Yen Trang, 34, in Dai Thanh Urban Area, Dai Thanh Commune, Hanoi, is currently hosting more than 10 visitors from southern provinces for free as they wait to watch the Sept. 2 National Day pageant. Photo by Yen Trang

Many Hanoians are offering overnight accommodation for strangers waiting for the National Day pageant rehearsal.

Quan Thi Phuong Lan, 32, owns a house on 69B Thuy Khue Street near Bach Thao Park where military units assemble for the rehearsal. She posted online inviting families, especially those with children, to stay for free in her unused three-story house. Each floor is over 30 square meters and can house about 30 people.

Lan says she got the idea after seeing multigenerational families come to Hanoi without places for the elderly and children to rest.

“Adults can arrive early and save seats at the rehearsal site, while the elderly and kids come later in the afternoon.”

Within an hour of posting, more than 10 families contacted her. She also prepared drinking water and instant noodles free of charge.

Lan admitted she was hesitant about hosting many strangers but trusted their goodwill during the National Day celebration. “Helping people during this occasion brings me joy, I don’t worry much about it.”

According to the schedule, a second rehearsal will take place at 8 p.m. on Aug. 24. A preliminary rehearsal is set for 8 p.m. on Aug. 27, followed by the final full rehearsal at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 30. The official pageant and march will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 at Ba Dinh Square and across downtown streets.