Hanoi: A flag salute and raising ceremony marking Vietnam's 81st National Day took place in the southernmost province of Ca Mau on September 2 morning, as part of the first Ca Mau Heritage Culture Day and Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026. The event drew nearly 1,500 officials, civil servants, public employees, soldiers, religious dignitaries, Party members, young people, students, and local residents. The national flag used at the ceremony spans 2,025 sq.m, measuring 60m long and 33.75m wide and weighing about 320 kg. It was designed and produced from highly durable fabric by SG Chien Thang Import-Export Trading and Service Investment JSC.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the ceremony was part of a series of activities celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Ca Mau. The inclusion of the Hot Air Balloon Festival aims to boost tourism and highlight the province's commitment to preserving national pride. The event served as a platform for uniting different segments of the population in a shared celebration of their national identity and cultural heritage.