TET FESTIVAL
12 Feb 2021 - 17 Feb 2021
Tết, or Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture and a major holiday across the country. Although the New Year date is February 12, the days leading up to Tết as well as the days following it are considered national holidays. Vietnamese prepare for Tết by cooking specific New Year foods, cleaning out their homes, buying new clothing, and paying respects to their ancestors. Flowering trees are placed outside every home and office, and a feeling of excitement and cheer envelops the entire country. On the very first day of Tết, children will receive a red envelope containing lucky money from elders in a tradition known as mừng tuổi in the north and lì xì in the south.
REUNIFICATION DAY
30 Apr 2021 - 30 Apr 2021
On April 30 every year, flags are raised across the country to commemorate the reunification of Vietnam at the end of the American War. Reunification Day, also called Liberation Day, is marked with military processions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This historical occasion creates an atmosphere of pride across the country as cities and hamlets alike are decorated with flags. Many locals take advantage of the time off to visit loved ones in their hometowns, hotels and restaurants put on feasts for their guests, and veterans are celebrated for their sacrifices by their families and friends.
TET DOAN NGO
14 Jun 2021 - 14 Jun 2021
Tết Đoan Ngọ marks the ‘middle day of summer’ (Hạ chí) or summer solistice, and is also the death anniversary of the national mother of Vietnam, Âu Cơ. According to ancient Vietnamese legends, Âu Cơ was an immortal mountain fairy and is considered the mother of all Vietnamese people. Traditionally rượu nếp, a rice wine and bánh tro, a sticky rice cake, are eaten on this day. In many places especially in Southern Vietnam you'll find flower and fruit festivals, and Vietnamese enjoy trips to the water and other cooling activities and food in the heat of the summer.
VU LAN FESTIVAL
22 Aug 2021 - 22 Aug 2021
Vu Lan Festival, or Wandering Souls Day, is an important spiritual holiday in Vietnam. Held in the middle of Ghost Month, it's said that the world of the spirits is open to that of humans during this magical time. Many Vietnamese will pay a visit to their local temple to honour their family and ancestors with votive offerings. Some perform a ritual of washing the feet of their parents and wearing a white or red rose in honour of their mother. In the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, Vietnamese light small lanterns for their loved ones and set them afloat on the Hoài River.
VIETNAM NATIONAL DAY
02 Sep 2021 - 02 Sep 2021
One of the most significant holidays in the Vietnamese calendar, Sept. 2 marks the day revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence from France. Across the country, Vietnamese commemorate this monumental occasion with flags, cheerful festivities and fireworks at night. If you’re in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, head out into the streets to join the locals in an exuberant celebration of Vietnamese patriotism and pride.
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
21 Sep 2021 - 21 Sep 2021
In celebration of the end of the harvest, the Mid-autumn Festival -- known as Tết Trung Thu -- is one of the most significant holidays in the Vietnamese calendar. Children are the stars of the festivities, and are given colourful lanterns, masks and musical toys to play with. Lion dances and mooncake stands pop up everywhere, welcoming this special season. Families travelling through Vietnam should be sure to stop and take part in the jovial atmosphere.
NEW YEAR'S EVE
30 Dec 2021 - 31 Dec 2021
Vietnam celebrates both the Lunar New Year and the Gregorian New Year, raising the chances for double the fun throughout the country. Despite the cultural importance of Tết, everyone is always thrilled to ring in the first day of a new calendar. For a memorable New Year’s Eve in Vietnam, head to a major city for fireworks, live concerts and streets teeming with locals in a party mood.
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