FILE PHOTO: The Lao People’s Army conducting a second rehearsal of the military parade in Oct, for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Dec 2, 2025. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: As Laos prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on Dec. 2, a wave of colour, pride, and national spirit is sweeping across the country.
Bustling avenues and public spaces have come alive with vibrant displays of the Lao national and Party flags, reflecting a deep sense of unity ahead of this historic milestone.
In the Lao capital Vientiane, iconic landmarks and sacred sites are similarly adorned with colourful flags, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere befitting the occasion.
Many families are preparing for the celebration by decorating their homes and displaying national and Party flags, reflecting a united spirit and pride while contributing to a lively and festive atmosphere ahead of the milestone.
Viphavan, a resident of Vientiane, has added to the festive atmosphere by decorating her home with Lao national flags and keeping her surroundings clean.
"During the celebration period, it's a wonderful time for us to clean and decorate our homes, working together with family members, which gives us a great sense of pride and joy," Viphavan told Xinhua on Saturday.
She explained that preparing for the celebration goes beyond simply putting up decorations. "Every detail, such as the flags, the flowers, keeping our surroundings tidy, reflects our respect for the history of our country," she said.
"When we hang these flags, we are honouring the country's history and expressing our hopes for the future."
Viphavan believes that everyone's contributions, no matter how small, help create a strong sense of unity, making the celebration truly lively and meaningful. She added that the 50th anniversary serves as a reminder of how far Laos has come.
In honor of the grand celebration, Laos is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary with a major parade, nationwide activities, and enhanced security measures.
The final rehearsal for the parade was held on Friday (Nov 28) in Vientiane, with Lao Vice President Bounthong Chitmany and senior leaders in attendance. The rehearsal tested the readiness, coordination, and discipline of all participating units to ensure a flawless performance on Dec. 2. The parade will also highlight Laos' achievements over the past 50 years, showcasing the country's progress to both domestic and international guests.
"I am really excited about this year's celebration. I have noticed that the authorities have done an excellent job preparing various activities, especially the grand parade. I even saw photos of the drone display rehearsals circulating online, and I was amazed! I am looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes," said Soutchai, a resident of Vientiane.
"The whole city is buzzing with preparations, and you can feel the lively and festive atmosphere all around ahead of the National Day. The authorities' efforts in organising these activities show how much they value our history and make us proud to be Lao," said Kob, an office worker in Vientiane.
The 50th anniversary celebration also highlights Laos' achievements over the past five decades. Phouphet, a 58-year-old resident of Savannakhet province, expressed pride in the country's development, particularly in areas such as infrastructure.
She said the celebration serves as a way to honour the accomplishments of past generations and reflect on national unity. Looking ahead, Phouphet expressed the hope for further progress, emphasising Laos' strong potential to achieve even more in the years to come.
To ensure the safety of the celebration, the authorities will deploy more than 900 personnel to maintain order throughout Vientiane. Officers will be stationed at key locations to ensure that festivities proceed smoothly, while local security teams will coordinate with village authorities to strengthen community-based safety measures.
Officials said these efforts aim to create a safe and stable environment as the capital prepares to welcome large crowds for the celebration.
Across the nation, authorities and the public are cleaning, decorating, hosting activities, and participating in community campaigns to mark the 50th anniversary, reflecting a spirit of unity and a meaningful, festive celebration. - Xinhua
