Festivals

Vietnam holds several festivals throughout the year, with many provinces and villages holding their own distinct celebrations. Most are based on the lunar calendar, and the major festivals include:

Tet – Vietnamese and Chinese New Year (late-January or early-February) Tet started thousands of years ago when Vietnamese farmers held celebrations to thank the gods for the arrival of Spring. Today’s three-day festival can last a week, with the first day noted for indulging in food and drink. This is also a time to show respect to elders by bringing them food.

Hai Ba Trung Day (March) This celebration is held on sixth day of second lunar month, and honours the revolt of the Trung sisters against the Chinese in 40 AD.

Thanh Minh (March) The “Holiday of the Dead” pays homage to deceased ancestors by visiting their graves with offerings of food, flowers and incense.

Liberation Day for South Vietnam (30 April) This day commemorates the fall of Saigon and the final victory by the North Vietnam Army in 1975.

Doan Ngo (May) Summer Solstice Day is held on the fifth day of the fifth moon when offerings are made to the spirit world to ward of pestilence and disease.

Children’s Moon Festival (August Tet-Trung-Thu is celebrated on the eighth month of the oriental calendar and is held to promote education, culture, music, art, poetry and sports. The festival begins at noon and ends at midnight, and features activities such as games, lantern processions, dance performances and martial arts demonstrations.

Day of Wandering Souls (August) This ritual honours the spirits of the dead, which are believed to visit their offspring’s homes. Celebrations are held at Buddhist temples and food is offered at family altars.