50 Years of Reunified Land: Quang Binh Jubilantly Celebrates April 30 and May 1 Holidays in 2025

The year 2025 is not merely a milestone in time, but a golden imprint marking 50 years of national reunification, a heroic half-century filled with national pride. This is a grand occasion for the whole country to reflect on the journey of construction and development, as well as a precious opportunity for localities to promote their cultural identity, boost tourism, and create momentum for the local economy to flourish.  

In Quang Binh, the series of celebratory activities aims not only to honor the glorious past, but also to open doors for visitors to explore the pristine beauty of nature, immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, and savor rich local culinary flavors. On the April 30 and May 1 holidays in 2025, Quang Binh province—especially Dong Hoi city and the Phong Nha - Ke Bang heritage area—will host many unique art programs and cultural events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), alongside other major occasions such as the 139th International Workers' Day (May 1, 1886 – May 1, 2025) and the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2025).  

It will be a vivid picture where history, the present, and the future blend together on a heroic land, where the enduring values of the nation continue in every rhythm of daily life.

Dong Hoi City, the cultural and economic heart of Quang Binh, will be a brilliant highlight during the April 30 and May 1 holidays in 2025 with a series of special events within the framework of Dong Hoi Culture - Tourism Week 2025, taking place from April 27 to May 3, 2025. This will be a time when the city puts on a colorful, joyful, yet deeply traditional festival coat.

Starting with a launch ceremony to clean the marine environment at beaches across the city. This activity not only contributes to protecting the coastal landscape, but also raises community responsibility and attracts widespread participation from locals and tourists alike. Throughout the week, the art photo exhibition "Dong Hoi Past and Present" at Ho Chi Minh Square will take viewers back in time to admire hundreds of selected photos capturing the proud development journey of the city along the Nhat Le River.

The festive atmosphere will be even more vibrant with the "Street Music" program held in various public locations. Sounds of guitars and singing echo through the streets, offering an intimate and emotional artistic space. The "Flavors of the Countryside" food festival will be a gathering place for those who love home-cooked delicacies. With 17 stalls ensuring food safety and hygiene, visitors will have the opportunity to sample specialty dishes rich in Quang Binh flavors.

On the morning of April 30, the most anticipated event is the traditional boat racing tournament on the Nhat Le River, which will officially take place. Racing teams from various wards and communes such as Dong Hai, Phu Hai, Hai Thanh, Quang Phu, and especially Bao Ninh with 4 boats and 100 participating athletes promise to create a vibrant and thrilling scene on the water.

In addition, a festival of clubs, dance teams/groups, and celebratory art performances will also be held in several open spaces in the city, creating a playground connecting culture, art, and community. All these activities are not only an occasion for Dong Hoi to affirm its position as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Central Vietnam, but also a soul-enriching gift sent to residents and tourists during the nation's sacred holiday season.

Phong Nha, a green gem in the heart of the World Natural Heritage site, is famous not only for its magnificent cave system, but also as a place preserving the distinctive cultural features of Quang Binh. On the 50th anniversary of national reunification, the Phong Nha area will host a series of special events on April 28 and 29, 2025, centered in Phong Nha town and the Xuan Son Ferry Terminal area—which once served as a historical link between the rear and the frontlines.

On the morning of April 28, at the Volunteer Youth Monument, the atmosphere will ignite with a lively Folk Dance Festival. Rhythmic steps blending with the upbeat sounds of folk music will bring a colorful exchange space from 9 communes and towns in the area: Tay Trach, Hoa Trach, Van Trach, Son Loc, Ha My, Lam Trach, Phu Dinh, Xuan Trach, and Phong Nha.

On the evening of the same day, at Xuan Son Ferry Terminal, an Arts Festival program will take place with the participation of 7 units: Trung Trach, Hoan Lao, Dai Trach, Ly Nam, Viet Trung Farm, Bac Trach, and Phong Nha. Melodies steeped in love for the homeland and rustic lyrics will bring the audience back to the cultural core of this heroic land.

On the morning of April 29, also at Xuan Son Ferry Terminal, the Traditional Boat Racing Festival will officially open, gathering 10 communes and towns: Hung Trach, Thanh Trach, Lien Trach, Hai Phu, Duc Trach, Nhan Trach, Phong Nha, Dong Trach, Phuc Trach, and Cu Nam. Resounding cheers and oars splashing white foam in the water will revive the spirit of unity and resilient willpower of the riverland people. Also on April 29 at this familiar location, two unique activities will contribute to enriching the festive mood. First is the Carp Competition, displaying "large and beautiful" fish as a source of pride for local residents. Right after that is the Carp Culinary Contest, taking place from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, promising to deliver special flavors rich in Central Vietnamese riverine character.

Every event and every moment in Phong Nha is not only a tribute to the past, but also an invitation to travelers near and far to return to the nature, culture, and deep human warmth of this heritage land.

Alongside traditional activities rich in cultural identity, Quang Binh this year also brings a novel and youthful vibe with Legend Fest in Dong Hoi – Endless Festival, taking place from April 30 to May 4, 2025, at Hoang Van Beach Walking Street, Dong Hoi City. The festival promises to become the focal point of fun and entertainment during the holiday, with a series of music, art, culinary, and modern performance activities, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere lasting several days.

In particular, on the night of April 30, 2025, a low-altitude fireworks display at Ho Chi Minh Square will be a brilliant highlight, opening an emotionally uplifting moment in the hearts of residents and visitors. Lasting 10 minutes from 9:30 PM to 9:40 PM, the firework lights will paint the Dong Hoi sky with shimmering bands of color, like joyful congratulations sent to the country on this major national festival. This will surely be an unmissable moment, wrapping up a festive day with complete and deep emotion.

In the fast-paced flow of modern life, holidays become precious pauses for the soul to quiet down and reconnect with deep roots and national traditional values. This holiday season of April 30 and May 1, 2025, Quang Binh not only dresses itself in the vibrant colors of lively events, but also touches everyone's heart with the rustic beauty of nature, the sincerity of its people, and the sacred breath of history softly flowing through daily life.

Brilliant fireworks in the Dong Hoi sky blend with the gentle splash of oars on the Son River, amidst the eager cheers of the Phong Nha festival. The rich flavor of local dishes intertwines with the gentle echoes of folk songs by the Xuan Son Ferry Terminal... all together creating a festive symphony echoing with emotion, leaving unforgettable impressions in the memories of travelers. Leaving this land, everyone carries a unique part of Quang Binh: a touch of warm land, genuine human affection, and the lingering essence of a peaceful yet enchanting, gentle yet deep countryside, just as this place quietly offers.