Vietnam, is rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, hosts various festivals and public holidays that reflect its history, beliefs, and communal values. These events offer a unique glimpse into the Vietnamese way of life, providing opportunities for both travelers and locals to celebrate, reflect, and connect. This comprehensive guide covers the key festivals and public holidays in Vietnam, their significance, and how they are celebrated.
Understanding Vietnamese Festivals and Public Holidays
Festivals and public holidays in Vietnam are of immense cultural and social importance. They serve as a means to preserve traditions, strengthen community bonds, and honor historical events and deities. These celebrations often involve elaborate rituals, vibrant parades, traditional music and dance, and communal feasts.
Many Vietnamese festivals have deep historical roots, some dating back thousands of years. Agricultural practices, Buddhist traditions, and historical milestones influence them. Understanding the historical context of these festivals provides deeper insight into their contemporary significance.
Major Public Holidays
Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Date: Varies (January or February)
Duration: 7-9 days
Tết Nguyên Đán, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, celebrated over a period of 7-9 days in January or February. It marks the arrival of spring and the start of the lunar new year.
The celebration is deeply rooted in ancestral worship and family reunions, making it a time for Vietnamese people to pay homage to their ancestors and gather with loved ones.
In the days leading up to Tet holiday, families clean their homes to rid them of bad luck and decorate them with flowers like peach blossoms in the North and apricot blossoms in the South.
Families set up altars with offerings of food, flowers, and incense to honor their ancestors. Elders give children red envelopes containing money, symbolizing good luck and prosperity, and special dishes such as bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and dưa hành (pickled onions) are prepared and enjoyed.
Hung Kings Commemoration Day
Date: 10th day of the 3rd lunar month
Duration: 1 day
Hung Kings Commemoration Day, held on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, is a day that honors the legendary founders of Vietnam, the Hung Kings. This holiday recognizes the origins and unity of the Vietnamese people and is celebrated with great reverence.
Thousands of people travel to the Hung Kings Temple in Phu Tho Province to offer incense and participate in ceremonies. Folk songs, traditional dances, and games are performed to celebrate this significant day.
Reunification Day
Date: April 30
Duration: 1 day
Reunification Day, observed on April 30, commemorates the fall of Saigon in 1975, ending the Vietnam War and leading to North and South Vietnam reunification. This day is a national holiday celebrated with patriotic pride.
Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host parades and spectacular fireworks displays, and people gather in parks and public squares to celebrate national unity and reflect on Vietnam’s history.
Especially on this day, many tourists visit the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi. If you want to experience this, book our Hanoi city tour full day – Hanoi tour sightseeing or Ho Chi Minh City Tour Full Day.
International Workers’ Day
Date: May 1
Duration: 1 day
International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day, is celebrated on May 1 and honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It is a public holiday in Vietnam, often combined with the Reunification Day celebrations.
Labor unions and political organizations hold rallies and deliver speeches to honor workers’ rights and achievements. Many people enjoy a day off work, making it a popular time for relaxation and extended celebrations.
National Day
Date: September 2
Duration: 1 day
National Day, observed on September 2, commemorates the declaration of independence from French colonial rule in 1945, proclaimed by Ho Chi Minh. It is a day of national pride and celebration.
Flag raising ceremonies are held nationwide, with the largest ceremony at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. Cities and towns across Vietnam host patriotic parades and fireworks displays, and cultural activities such as music, dance performances, and exhibitions celebrate Vietnamese culture and history.
Important Cultural Festivals
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
Date: 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Duration: 1 day
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is a harvest festival primarily for children. It features mooncakes, lanterns, and various cultural performances.
Children carry brightly colored lanterns in various shapes and sizes, creating a festive atmosphere. Families share mooncakes, often filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste, and lion dances add excitement to the streets, entertaining both children and adults.
Perfume Pagoda Festival
Date: From the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month
Duration: 3 months
The Perfume Pagoda Festival, from the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month, is a major Buddhist pilgrimage, drawing thousands of visitors to the Perfume Pagoda in the mountains of Ha Tay Province.
It is believed to bring spiritual merit. Pilgrims travel to the Perfume Pagoda, often by boat, and climb to the main temple for prayers and offerings. Pilgrims offer incense, flowers, and food to Buddha as part of their spiritual journey.
Lantern Festival (Hoian Lantern Festival)
Date: 14th day of each lunar month
Duration: 1 day
The Hội An Lantern Festival, celebrated on the 14th day of each lunar month, takes place in the ancient town of Hội An, where the streets are illuminated by thousands of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Residents and visitors light lanterns and release them into the river, making wishes as they do so. Traditional music, dance, and games are performed throughout the town, celebrating the full moon and honoring ancestors.
Ghost Festival (Tết Trung Nguyên)
Date: 15th day of the 7th lunar month
Duration: 1 day
The Ghost Festival, or Tết Trung Nguyên, celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, is a day to honor the spirits of the deceased, who are believed to return to the earthly realm.
Families prepare and offer food, money (paper), and other items to ancestors and wandering spirits. Families gather to share food and honor their ancestors with rituals and prayers.
Tet Han Thuc (Cold Food Festival)
Date: 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month
Duration: 1 day
Tet Han Thuc, or the Cold Food Festival, celebrated on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, commemorates Jie Zitui, a loyal servant in ancient China who died in a fire. The preparation and consumption of cold foods marks it.
Families prepare and eat cold dishes such as bánh trôi (glutinous rice balls) and bánh chay (floating cake). Rituals and offerings are made to honor ancestors during this festival.
Tips for Travelers in Festivals and Public Holidays in Vietnam
The best times to visit are during Tet (Lunar New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival, and national holidays like Independence Day and Reunification Day. However, traveling during these festive periods requires careful planning.
- It’s advisable to book your accommodations and transportation well in advance, as these tend to fill up quickly.
- Respecting local traditions is crucial; observe and participate in the celebrations respectfully.
- Staying informed about the dates and events of the festivals will help you make the most of your visit.
- When attending festivals, dress modestly and appropriately for the occasion, and engage in communal activities with respect.
- Avoid taking photos in sacred areas without permission and refrain from touching or moving offerings at temples or shrines.
Read more: Top Vietnam Tourist Attractions 2024
Vietnam’s festivals and public holidays are deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s traditions and way of life. Whether you’re planning to visit Vietnam or simply want to learn more about its culture, understanding these celebrations will provide you with a richer, more meaningful experience. From the joyous festivities of Tết Nguyên Đán to the serene rituals of the Perfume Pagoda Festival, each occasion is a testament to the vibrant spirit of Vietnam and its people.
