Like many countries around the world, Vietnam has many celebrations to commemorate its history and culture. Currently, there are 8 days of public holidays a year. Some of them are being celabrated base lunar calendar. Below is a list of Vietnamese public holidays you should know before traveling to Vietnam to better prepare for your trip.
1. New Year’s Day
Like most countries around the world, Vietnam has recognized January 1 as the beginning of the new year. New Year’s Day was first celebrated in Vietnam during French colonization in the mid-19th century. The day has been widely accepted by local people. To date, many activities have been held throughout the country to celebrate this day.
Date: January 1
Meaning: Say farewell to the previous year and welcome a new one
2. Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Tet Nguyen Dan is the biggest festival in Vietnam. It’s a time when family members gather together and offer incense on the home altar to honor their ancestors. This is also a time for people to visit and send greetings to their neighbors, friends, and relatives. The Tet Nguyen Dan period is always regarded as an opportunity to enjoy traditional foods such as banh chung (a square-shaped sticky rice cake), the fragrance of which alone can evoke one’s sense of nostalgia for this holiday.
Date: From the last day of the last lunar month to the 5th day of the first lunar month
Meaning: Say farewell to the previous year and welcome the new one (follow lunar calendar).
3. Hung Kings Commemorations
Hung Temple Commemorations is a great festival to pay tribute to the nation’s founding, the first kings of Vietnam.
This festival takes place at Hung Temple, Viet Tri, Phu Tho Province. A week earlier, Vietnamese celebrate with many folklore activities. It offers Vietnamese the opportunity to visit their land of origin. It involves some exciting games, a xoan folk song contest, and bronze drum beating. The festival finishes on March 10 of the lunar calendar with a procession and incense burning ceremony at Thuong Temple.
Date: on the 10th day of the third lunar month every year
Meaning: commemoration of the Hung Kings – the nation’s founders.
4. Liberation Day of Vietnam
April 30, 1975, has become a brilliant landmark, marking the country’s renewal. The event marked the end of the Vietnam War, brought Vietnam out of the American invasion, and opened a new era of independence and freedom for the nation. April 30 is known as the Southern Liberation Day. This holiday is a national observance honoring the great contributions of soldiers who kept the peace and secured victories for Vietnam.
Date: April 30
Meaning: Celebrate the reunification of Vietnam
5. International Labor
May 1 is considered International Labor Day, a day for all humanity to commemorate the struggle for the rights of the working class, including the 8-hour working day. The 8-hour workers’ protest in Chicago then spread to countries around the world, including Vietnam.
The working class of Vietnam has been observing May 1 every year as a day to commemorate the movement of the working class in the struggle for liberation and against colonialism and imperialism, while also claiming socio-economic benefits. festival. May 1 is considered a great holiday for all Vietnamese people, a day to celebrate the spirit and strength of the working class.
Date: May 1
Meaning: celebrate International Labor Day
6. National Day
The 2nd of September is a national holiday commemorating President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi on September 2, 1945. It ushered in a new era; for the first time, the Vietnamese people were proud to be citizens of a free and independent country.
Meaning: September 2
Purpose: Celebrate the Independence and Freedom of Vietnam
What should you do during Vietnamese Public Holidays?
The holidays are an opportunity for everyone to remember the merits of those who went before. This is also a time to reunite, gather with family or send each other blessings, praying for peace and luck!
Most families in Vietnam will organize worship and parties with relatives and friends. Some families organize meaningful trips together. Many attractive tourist destinations in the country, such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Ha Long… are waiting for you. Don’t forget to contact Vietdreamtravel for advice on tour packages or car bus rental services at preferential prices..
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