The opening ceremony lasted approximately 80 minutes, featuring a solemn official ceremony and a spectacular festival program that was elaborately staged on a grand scale.

The Red Flamboyant Festival – Hai Phong 2026, themed “Hai Phong – Convergence and Radiance,” officially opened at 8:10 PM on May 8 at the City Political and Administrative Center Square in the North Cam River New Urban Area, celebrating the 71st anniversary of Hai Phong Liberation Day (May 13, 1955 – May 13, 2026).

The program was expected to welcome leaders from central authorities, city leaders, and approximately 200,000 spectators at the square, along with a large television audience watching the live broadcast on Vietnam Television and simulcasts on the digital platforms and channels of Hai Phong Newspaper and Broadcasting Station.

The opening ceremony lasted around 80 minutes, including both the formal ceremony and a spectacular festival performance staged on a grand scale. During the ceremonial section, delegates, residents, and visitors reflected on Hai Phong’s 71-year journey of construction and development since liberation day. The city also announced the Hai Phong Tourism Ambassador 2026, presented decisions recognizing city-level tourist destinations, and honored businesses that met the “Green Tourism” standards.

The highlight of the opening night was the artistic program themed “Hai Phong – Convergence and Radiance,” consisting of three chapters: “Hai Phong – The Heroic Anthem at the Frontline of the Waves,” “The Flow of Convergence,” and “The Aspiration to Shine.” Through music, dance, and modern stage performances, the program recreated the historical journey, cultural depth, and strong aspirations for development of the Port City in the new era.

The artistic night featured many renowned artists, including People’s Artist Khanh Hoa, People’s Artist Nhat Thuan, Meritorious Artist Dang Duong, Meritorious Artist Vu Thang Loi, along with singers Trong Tan, My Tam, Pham Thu Ha, Duong Hoang Yen, Nguyen Ngoc Anh, the Oplus group, and hundreds of professional and amateur performers. Notably, the program included the largest-ever artistic fireworks display in Hai Phong.

To serve the opening ceremony, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on May 8, the city temporarily restricted trucks over 2.5 tons and passenger buses with more than 29 seats from entering the area around the City Political and Administrative Center Square via several major roads. From 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the same day, all vehicles were prohibited from crossing Hoang Van Thu Bridge and Binh Bridge, except for priority vehicles and those serving the event.

Residents were advised to proactively choose suitable travel routes between the inner city and Thuy Nguyen area via Kien Bridge and Hoang Gia Bridge, while following the instructions of traffic authorities. The city also arranged multiple free parking areas in the central zone and nearby roads to accommodate residents and visitors attending the festival.

HAI HAU

Nguồn: baohaiphong.vn