Holidays & Festivals

Holidays

Here is a list of public holidays in Vietnam, including both national holidays and other significant observances:

  1. New Year’s Day (Ngày Tết Dương lịch) – January 1st
  2. Vietnamese New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) – Based on the lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and early February. It is observed for several days.
  3. Reunification Day (Ngày Thống nhất) – April 30th
  4. International Workers’ Day (Ngày Quốc tế Lao động) – May 1st
  5. National Day (Ngày Quốc khánh) – September 2nd

In addition to these national holidays, there are a few other observances that are not considered public holidays but may be widely recognized:

  1. Vietnamese Women’s Day (Ngày Phụ nữ Việt Nam) – March 8th
  2. Vietnamese Family Day (Ngày Gia đình Việt Nam) – June 28th
  3. War Invalids and Martyrs Day (Ngày Thương binh Liệt sĩ) – July 27th
  4. Vietnamese Teacher’s Day (Ngày Nhà giáo Việt Nam) – November 20th
  5. Christmas Day (Ngày Chúa Giáng Sinh) – December 25th

Please note that during these public holidays, businesses, schools, and government offices are typically closed, and there may be cultural and festive activities taking place throughout the country.

Festivals

Vietnam is known for its vibrant and diverse festival culture. Here is a list of some of the major festivals celebrated in Vietnam:

  1. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): This is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam, usually falling between late January and early February. It marks the arrival of the lunar new year and involves various traditions, such as family gatherings, ancestor worship, dragon dances, fireworks, and exchanging gifts.
  2. Perfume Pagoda Festival: Held from the 6th day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month in Huong Son Commune, this festival attracts a large number of pilgrims to the Perfume Pagoda. People pray for luck, prosperity, and happiness while enjoying the beautiful scenery and taking part in traditional activities.
  3. Hue Festival: Taking place in the city of Hue every two years (even-numbered years), this cultural festival showcases the heritage, arts, music, dance, and cuisine of the region. It features traditional performances, royal processions, art exhibitions, and various events celebrating Vietnamese culture.
  4. Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu): Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival is particularly cherished by children. Lanterns are lit, lion and dragon dances are performed, and mooncakes are shared. Children parade with colorful lanterns, and there are often lion dance competitions.
  5. Hoi An Lantern Festival: Held on the 14th day of each lunar month in the ancient town of Hoi An, this festival sees the town illuminated with thousands of colorful lanterns. The streets are closed to traffic, and locals and tourists can enjoy cultural performances, traditional games, and the beauty of lantern-lit Hoi An.
  6. Da Nang International Fireworks Festival: Taking place annually from April to June in Da Nang, this festival attracts pyrotechnic teams from around the world who compete with stunning firework displays. The event also includes cultural performances, street parades, and music concerts.
  7. Nguyen Tieu Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this festival marks the first full moon of the lunar year. It is observed with colorful lantern displays, dragon dances, and various cultural performances. The festival is especially significant in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
  8. Lim Festival: Held in Lim Village, Bac Ninh Province, this festival celebrates Quan Ho singing, a traditional folk music style recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The festival features Quan Ho performances, traditional games, and competitions.
  9. Nha Trang Sea Festival: Organized every two years in the coastal city of Nha Trang, this festival showcases the beauty of the sea and coastal culture. It includes water sports competitions, cultural exhibitions, music performances, and a grand street parade.

These are just a few examples of the many festivals celebrated in Vietnam. Festivals often vary by region, and there are numerous other local and religious festivals celebrated throughout the country.