Residents in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang have been given grants, worth nearly US$890,000 in total, for the first time in 40 years to throw parties in commemoration of the 40th liberation anniversary of their hometown.

Since Sunday last week, Da Nang has glittered with festive activities in celebration of the city’s Liberation Day, March 29.

The central city’s liberation was one of the triumphs achieved during the historically momentous campaigns which ended on April 30, 1975 to set central and southern Vietnam free from the American rule, which was exerted via the erstwhile Saigon regime.

The Da Nang government already earmarked VND19 billion ($885,451) for the celebration of their significant day.

Though the local government commemorates the day on a yearly basis, it is the first time that the sum has been distributed directly to around 6,000 villages and residential units for the purpose, according to local authorities.

A residential unit is locally elected and in charge of some dozens of households residing in several streets and alleys in a neighborhood. 

The residential units receive VND3 million ($140) each while villages are each given VND12 million ($559) for the parties and not for any other purpose, Vo Van Thuong, office chief and spokesperson of the Da Nang People’s Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The city is home to 5,848 residential units and 119 villages, who have received a total of nearly VND19 billion for the get-togethers, he added.

Though the grants are not sumptuous, locals are rejoicing over the cozy parties which they have held in the past few days or are about to throw.

Tran Cong Hoang, head of a residential unit in Son Tra District, said that a VND3 million grant is just enough to throw a heart-warming party for all of his unit’s members.

Pham Chi Long, Hoang’s counterpart in the same district, stressed that the bashes create a good opportunity for all unit members to get together, have a good time, and be briefed on the city’s history and development.

The authorities in some of the city’s districts have also offered an additional VND1 million ($47) to each of their residential units to add to the fun.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Huong, office chief of the Hai Chau District People’s Committee, said her district, with 1,284 residential units, has received over VND3.75 billion ($174,760) for such celebratory parties.

Hai Chau authorities have also granted an extra VND1 million to each of the residential units.

Huong stressed that it is the first time locals have received grants for the celebration.

A number of residents even spend their own money throwing sumptuous parties.

The city has launched a clutch of activities to commemorate its 40th Liberation Day anniversary, including seminars, art performances, and exhibitions since last week.

According to the portal of the People’s Committee, firework shows are poised to take place at 9:00 pm on Saturday at four spots: Nguyen Van Troi Street in Hai Chau District; Ngu Hanh Son District’s Stadium; the Phuong Trang open area in Lien Chieu District; and the plot in front of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee office in Hoa Vang District.

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