Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary opens

National Assembly Chair Nguyen Phu Trong lit a torch at 8am this morning, October 1, to the sound of gongs, opening the 1000th anniversary celebrations in Hanoi.

The opening ceremony took place at Ly Thai To garden across from Hoan Kiem Lake, with the attendance of 1000 guests. The road along Hoan Kiem Lake is closed today for the anniversary.

After Hanoi Party Chief Pham Quang Nghi made the opening speech, UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova and UNESCO Vietnam chief Katherine Muller Marin presented the UNESCO certificate of world cultural heritage for Hanoi’s Thang Long Royal Citadel to Hanoi Chair Nguyen The Thao.

The opening ceremony closed with the release of pigeons from a globe-shaped cage.

Thousands of people surrounded the five outdoor stages along the Hoan Kiem Lake to watch special shows, performed by thousands of artists.

Workers, concerned about gridlock, went to their offices earlier. At 7am, many roads were crowded. More traffic police officers were also on the road today.