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The Vietnamese flag was carried into the air by two large hot air balloons in HCM City on Thursday on the occasion of the National Day (September 2). — VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Linh/Hoàng Tuyết

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HCM CITY — An enormous Việt Nam flag was flown into the sky by hot air balloon in HCM City on Thursday as a highlight of the city’s activities to celebrate the 77th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2022).

The 1,800sq.m flag was carried by the two large balloons that were 25-30m in height from the bank of the Sài Gòn River, in addition to eight other smaller ones that also took to the air at the same time.

Thousands of people gathered at Bạch Đằng Wharf Park, Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, and Thủ Đức City to witness the rare sight.

Võ Trọng Nam, deputy director of HCM City’s Department of Culture and Sports, said the flying of the balloons itself is not complicated nor is it dependent much on weather conditions, but carrying the flag with them is another matter that required optimal conditions and smooth coordination among the entire team.

This is the first time the city has ever held such an activity, and it is expected to leave an indelible impression in the public on this special day, Nam said.

The flag is 60m in width and 60m in length. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Tuyết/Mạnh Linh

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Smaller hot air balloons will also take to the air at the same time as the national flag. — VNA/VNS Photo Thu Hương

Many residents and visitors have gathered to see the flag flying. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Tuyết/Mạnh Linh

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The programme also included performances of six paragliders and many water sports activities on the Sài Gòn River.

Several other cultural and art performances were also held across the city on the occasion.

Earlier, HCM City had decided not to hold firework shows as usual, as this year’s September 2 holiday coincides with the first anniversary of the bleak suffering that the city underwent in 2021 during the height of the intense COVID-19 outbreak that left thousands of people dead.

The money will go into supporting and bettering people’s lives, according to the city’s authorities. — VNS

Paragliders seen against the background of HCM City's skyrise buildings. — VNA/VNS Photo Thu Hương