17 famous festivals in Vietnam that culture enthusiasts should experience

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Festivals in Vietnam are vibrant celebrations of traditions and customs (Source: Collected)

Vietnam travel is famous for being a land where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. The country’s culture is best showcased through the different celebrations. Festivals in Vietnam not only reflect its deep-rooted heritage but also offer a glimpse into the soul of its people. From the iconic Lunar New Year to the mystical allure of the Ghost Festival, the festivals of Vietnam are a vibrant testament to its rich cultural diversity.

1. Important festivals in Vietnam celebrated by the whole nation

1.1. Lunar New Year

Vietnamese New Year, locally known as Tet Holiday, is a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, typically falling one to two months after the Gregorian New Year. 

Rooted in ancient agricultural traditions, Tet represents the essence of renewal and new beginnings. Historically, it was a time for farmers to embrace the arrival of spring, express gratitude to deities and ancestors for a prosperous harvest, and seek blessings for the upcoming year. Over time, the Tet festival in Vietnam has evolved into a multifaceted celebration, encompassing reflection, gratitude for past blessings, and resolutions for personal growth in the coming year. Tet can be considered the largest celebration among different festivals in Vietnam.

Festivals in Vietnam showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage

1.2. Vietnamese Ghost Festival

Ghost Festival is a traditional Buddhist and Taoist observance that occurs on the 15th night of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. The entire 7th month, known as the Ghost Month, is dedicated to spirits visiting the living. Central to the festival is the reverence for the deceased, involving rituals such as preparing food offerings, burning incense, and offering paper items to ancestral spirits. This period also carries an element of fear, leading to efforts to placate potentially restless spirits. This festival in Vietnam concludes with the symbolic act of releasing paper boats and lanterns into the water, guiding spirits safely to the afterlife.

Festivals in Vietnam are marked by colorful parades and traditional performances (Source: Collected)

1.3. Vietnam’s National Day

The National Day in Vietnam, observed annually on September 2nd, holds profound historical significance. In 1858, Vietnam fell under French colonial rule, leading to a series of struggles for independence. The turning point came after World War II when, following Japan’s defeat, Vietnam witnessed the August Revolution in 1945. On September 2nd of that year, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. This declaration marked the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and is celebrated as the nation’s National Day, signifying the end of colonialism and the beginning of a new era.

Festivals in Vietnam are a testament to the resilience of Vietnamese people (Source: Collected)

1.4. Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, occurring on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is a cherished cultural event celebrated throughout Asia. In Vietnam, this festival is marked by unique traditions. Legend has it that Cuoi, a man residing under a magical banyan tree on the moon, is visible during the full moon. Children participate in parades, carrying lanterns to guide Cuoi back to Earth. This is one of the important traditional festivals in Vietnam.

Beyond its folklore, the Mid-Autumn Festival serves as a time for family reunions, where younger generations show respect to their elders. Elders, in turn, extend best wishes to their descendants. For farmers, it holds agricultural significance, with the moon’s color predicting harvest prospects: yellow signifies ideal weather for silk production, green foretells disaster, and orange promises bountiful crops.

Festivals in Vietnam often involve lively music, dance, and delicious treats (Source: Collected)

1.5. Vietnamese Reunification Day

Vietnamese Reunification Day, observed on April 30th, commemorates the end of the Second Indochina War in 1975. On this historic day, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), leading to the reunification of the country and the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This event marks the triumph over a turbulent period, symbolizing unity, pride, and the beginning of a new era of peace, stability, and development for Vietnam. It stands as a testament to the resilience of Vietnamese people in their pursuit of freedom.

Festivals in Vietnam are essential for communities to come together (Source: Collected)

2. Remarkable festivals in Northern Vietnam

2.1. Lim Festival (Bac Ninh)

Every year, on the 12th and 13th days of the first lunar month, people from Bac Ninh Province and other corners gather joyfully at the Lim Festival to immerse themselves in a unique festive atmosphere and listen to the melodious tunes of Quan Ho singers. The Lim Festival has a rich history, tracing back to ancient times. It has flourished into a grand event, featuring diverse ceremonies, processions, and folk art activities. Despite interruptions during the wars in the past, the Lim Festival has expanded in both scale and scope, now becoming one of the most famous festivals in Vietnam.

Festivals in Vietnam reflect the spiritual beliefs of the people (Source: Collected)

2.2. Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (Phu Tho)

The Hung Kings’ Temple Festival stands as a significant national event, honoring the legendary Hung Kings who were instrumental in the foundation of Vietnam. This festival holds immense spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims from all parts of the country and overseas Vietnamese. Taking place from the 8th to the 11th day of the 3rd lunar month, it comprises solemn rituals and lively festivities, including a procession competition among villages. Winning this competition is a matter of great pride, embodying Vietnamese cultural practices and beliefs.

Festivals in Vietnam attract both locals and tourists with their unique charm (Source: Collected)

2.3. Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi)

The Perfume Pagoda Festival, one of the most anticipated Buddhist festivals in Vietnam, takes place in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi. Annually commencing on the 6th day of the lunar new year, it continues until the end of the 3rd lunar month. At this festival, visitors can immerse themselves in the ambiance of Buddhism, praying for blessings in the upcoming year. With breathtaking surroundings, this festival in Vietnam offers a spiritually enriching and visually captivating experience.

Festivals in Vietnam vary from region to region (Source: Collected)

2.4. Tran Temple Festival (Nam Dinh)

Nestled in the heart of Nam Dinh Province, the Tran Temple Festival stands as a beacon of spiritual richness. Held annually from the 11th to the 16th day of the 1st lunar month, this grand event illuminates the region with its cultural splendor. The festival’s core lies in its opening ceremony, a majestic celebration taking place at three revered temples: Thien Truong, Trung Hoa, and Co Trach. It attracts both domestic and international tourists, showcasing vibrant traditions and historical significance. This festival symbolizes communal solidarity and spiritual depth, embodying the essence of Vietnamese culture.

Festivals in Vietnam resonate with historical significance (Source: Collected)

3. Famous festivals in Central Vietnam

3.1. Hue Festival

The Hue Festival, born from the success of the 1992 Vietnam-France Festival, has become a beacon of culture. Launched in 2000, this 12-day event showcases over 30 Vietnamese and French artistic groups, drawing over 410,000 attendees. More than a cultural celebration, it fosters political, diplomatic, and economic ties, aiding the recovery of Thua Thien Hue Province after the flood in 1999. This biennial festival continues to weave a rich tapestry of cultural exchange and human connection.

Festivals in Vietnam promote cultural exchange (Source: Collected)

3.2. Hoi An Lantern Festival in Vietnam

The enchanting Hoi An Lantern Festival illuminates the ancient town on the 14th day of each lunar month and shines even brighter during the Mid-Autumn Festival. As electric lights fade, vibrant lanterns adorn the streets of Hoi An, casting a magical glow. From 6 PM to 9-10 PM, the town buzzes with activity, captivating locals and tourists alike, offering a vivid display of Vietnam’s cultural creativity. Hoi An Lantern Festival is undoubtedly one of the most famous lantern festivals in Vietnam.

Festivals in Vietnam also highlight the artistry of traditional crafts (Source: Collected)

3.3. Po Nagar Cham Tower Festival (Nha Trang)

Held at Po Nagar Cham Towers from the 9th to the 12th day of the 5th lunar month, the Po Nagar Cham Tower Festival in Nha Trang venerates Po Nagar, a deity revered by the Cham people. She embodies prosperity, imparting wisdom on agriculture and weaving. This festival in Vietnam features intricate rituals, prayers for peace, and traditional dances, uniting the Cham community with their profound heritage, showcasing their unique spiritual and cultural legacy.

Festivals in Vietnam showcase the country’s unity in diversity (Source: Collected)

3.4. Cau Ngu Festival

Woven into the maritime heritage of Central Vietnam, Cau Ngu Festival is a series of festivals that spans from the first to the third lunar month, paying homage to the sea. Stretching over 2,000 kilometers of coastline, these festivals are among famous festivals in Vietnam, marked by distinctive ceremonies like net weaving contests and lively traditional dances. Beyond preserving the local customs, they have transformed into major attractions that draw both domestic and international visitors. These festivals in Vietnam stand as a vibrant tapestry of Vietnam’s coastal communities, celebrating their rich cultural heritage connected to the sea.

Festivals in Vietnam preserve ancient traditions that are passed down through generations (Source: Collected)

4. Prominent festivals in Southern Vietnam

4.1. Ok Om Bok – A renowned Khmer festival in the Mekong Delta

Ok Om Bok, also known as the Moon Worship Festival, is not merely a Khmer tradition but a profound expression of gratitude to nature’s forces. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, signifying the shift from the rainy season to the dry season, this festival holds immense cultural significance in the Khmer community of the Mekong Delta. The Khmer people, deeply connected to agriculture, believe in the moon deity’s pivotal role in regulating the climate for a successful harvest. In this vibrant celebration, they offer newly harvested crops and other goods, symbolizing their deep appreciation for the moon’s benevolence. This festival is a harmonious blend of spirituality, community, and agricultural reverence, showcasing the Khmer people’s profound connection with their land.

Festivals in Vietnam often revolve around agricultural seasons (Source: Collected)

4.2. Ba Chua Xu Festival (An Giang)

Ba Chua Xu Festival, held from the 23rd to the 27th of the 4th lunar month in the serene Nui Sam Mountain of An Giang Province, stands as a testament to the intertwining of tradition and spirituality. Drawing over 2 million pilgrims annually, this festival is more than just a religious event; it is a convergence of history, culture, and devotion. Acknowledged as a National Festival by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2001, it involves intricate rituals like bathing ceremonies, offerings, and grand processions. Here, the local traditions of the region blend, creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence. Pilgrims and tourists alike are captivated not just by the religious fervor but also by the cultural richness that permeates every corner of the festival grounds.

Festivals in Vietnam will create unforgettable memories for visitors (Source: Collected)

4.3. Ba Den Mountain Festival (Tay Ninh)

Nestled in the heart of Tay Ninh Province, Ba Den Mountain stands as a beacon of spiritual significance. Annually, it hosts two major festivals – the Spring Festival and the Veneration Festival. The Spring Festival, commencing on the 4th day of the 1st lunar month, extends throughout the month. It has become a vibrant tapestry of tradition, revolution, and spirituality. Amidst the natural splendor of the mountain, pilgrims and tourists immerse themselves in a melange of religious rituals and festive events. These activities symbolize the people’s collective hope for prosperity, security, and the enduring spirit of the community. The Ba Den Mountain Festival is a living embodiment of the region’s faith for the future.

Festivals in Vietnam signify renewal, gratitude, and hope for the future (Source: Collected)

4.4. Nghinh Ong Festival (Phu Quoc)

Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc stands as one of the island’s most important celebrations. Honoring a sacred sea deity, the festival, also known as the Whale Worship Festival or the Fish God Worship Festival, reflects the profound connection between the islanders and the sea. The festival takes place on the 15th and 16th days of the 8th lunar month, featuring both onshore and water activities. Visitors are encouraged to witness the solemn rituals and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural extravaganza.

This festival in Vietnam is marked by a deep reverence for the ocean (Source: Collected)

Besides participating in festivals in Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local landmarks. Additionally, you can indulge in entertainment at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. VinWonders is a renowned system of entertainment complexes that promises fun-filled adventures for visitors of all ages. At VinWonders, you can enjoy a perfect blend of the local culture and unique entertainment activities.

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Festivals in Vietnam are not just events, they are vibrant expressions of cultural heritage. From nationwide celebrations that bring the entire country together to regional festivals that highlight the unique flavors of each area, Vietnam’s festive tapestry is a testament to its diverse traditions and the warmth of its people. So, whether you find yourself swept away by the grandeur of the Lunar New Year or enchanted by the mystical aura of the Ghost Festival, one thing is certain – experiencing the festivals of Vietnam is a journey into the heart and soul of this extraordinary nation.