A torrential downpour began at around 8 p.m., just as the show was starting, but the crowd refused to leave, chanting that they would stay until the end.
During the flag ceremony, a children’s choir joined soldiers from the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command and Military Region 7 in performing the national anthem. Spectators across the stands rose to their feet and sang along as rain poured down.
“Standing in the rain and singing ‘Tien Quan Ca’ felt incredibly sacred and emotional,” said Bao Tran, 21. “The weather did not bother me. I was more concerned for the soldiers and artists performing on stage.”
Tens of thousands of spectators sing Vietnam’s national anthem in the rain during the “To Quoc Trong Tim” concert, organized by Nhan Dan newspaper and the Ho Chi Minh City municipal People’s Committee at the Van Phuc City residential development in Hanoi on Aug. 23, 2026. The event was also livestreamed at Nguyen Hue pedestrian square in Ho Chi Minh City. Video courtesy of the organizers
The downpour failed to dampen the atmosphere, with spectators waving flags, cheering and singing along throughout the night. After the flag ceremony, many made their way through the rain to their seats, sharing raincoats and sheltering together.
Quynh Lan, 28, and her friends, despite being soaked, enthusiastically sang along as Dong Hung performed “Ho Keo Phao” (Artillery Pulling Chant), composed by Hoang Van.
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Soldiers and tens of thousands of spectators stand in the pouring rain during the flag ceremony and national anthem performance. Photo by Thanh Tung |
Nearly 20 singers from different generations took part in the two-hour concert, performing dozens of revolutionary songs celebrating the homeland, national pride and Vietnam’s development.
Military and police personnel also appeared in several performances, adding a solemn and emotional dimension to the show.
Spectators cheer during the concert. Video by Tan Cao
The venue reached full capacity more than an hour before the concert began, forcing organizers to close the entrance gates. Those unable to enter gathered at nearby cafes to follow the livestream.
Around 1,000 people also watched the show on large public screens at Nguyen Hue pedestrian square in Ho Chi Minh City, with many remaining there even after the rain started.
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Soldiers march toward the stage ahead of the flag ceremony and national anthem performance. Photo by Ly Vo Phu Hung |
The concert was first staged at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi in 2025, amid growing interest in revolutionary music among young Vietnamese.
It became one of the year’s most prominent cultural and social events, generating hundreds of millions of views, shares and interactions on digital platforms in Vietnam and overseas.
