BIG BALLOONS: HCM City will host a showcase of hot air balloons above the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel in District 2 on September 2 to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the National Day (September 2). — VNA/VNS Photo Mỹ Phương

HCM CITY — HCM City will host a series of cultural and sports events to celebrate the 77th National Day (September 2).

The city will present a showcase of hot air balloons above Thủ Thiêm Tunnel in District 2 in the morning of September 2.

These balloons will lift a gigantic flag 1,800 square metres wide of Việt Nam into the sky.

Võ Trọng Nam, deputy director of the Department of Culture and Sports, said: “This year, the city will not host fireworks performances. After a tough year caused by COVID-19, city leaders will save money on activities to care for the people’s lives.”

After the showcase of hot air balloons will be water sports activities such as parasailing at Bạch Đằng Wharf in District 1.

The city will host a special music gala at Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1 from 8pm to 10:30pm on September 2.

The show will present songs praising the country, its islands and seas, President Hồ Chí Minh, and the city, featuring popular singers such as Meritorious Artist Tạ Minh Tâm, Nguyễn Phi Hùng and Võ Hạ Trâm.

An electric dance music show with visual effects will be included as well.

In addition, the city will launch many music and art performances to serve people and workers at industrial parks and export processing zones in districts 12, Bình Tân, Tân Phú, Bình Chánh, Hóc Môn, Củ Chi, Nhà Bè and Cần Giờ, and Thủ Đức City on September 1-2.

A photo exhibition highlighting the outstanding social and economic achievements of HCM Ctiy will be open to the public at Nguyễn Huệ and Đồng Khởi streets in District 1.

The exhibition will display hundreds of colour photos and documents on the economy, society, national defence and security, and international integration, as well as honour organisations and individuals that follow President Hồ Chí Minh’s thought, morality and lifestyle.

Photos of the city’s activities of caring for war invalids and families of martyrs and those who sacrificed their lives for national independence are featured as well.

The exhibition will end on September 4.

From September 1-4, Củ Chi District will host a cultural, cuisine and tourism festival, including a photo exhibition about the district’s history and achievements in social and economic development, and introduce its craft villages, specialties, cuisine and historic relics. — VNS