16 traditional festival in vietnam [Overview]

Do you know traditional festival in Vietnam? If you don’t know or lack information, please read the article below to fully understand traditional festivals in Vietnamese. 16 outstanding traditional festivals of Vietnam will be shared by Balala in detail, let’s follow along!

1. Vietnamese Lunar New Year – An annual festival in Vietnam

Tet falls on the first day of the first lunar month and signifies the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and fresh starts. Festivities and traditions lion dances and fireworks to parades and flower markets, Tet is a carnival of sights, sounds, and delicious aromas. Ancestral altars are adorned, offerings are made, and prayers are spoken, showing respect and seeking blessings for the year ahead.

Days before Tet, homes are thoroughly cleaned, new decorations are put up, and special foods are prepared. Shopping for new clothes and gifts adds to the excitement. Families gather for a large feast featuring traditional dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) and canh măng (bamboo shoot soup).

Visiting and wishing families good luck becomes a priority. Children receive lucky money in red envelopes, and Tet markets bustling with vibrant wares draw everyone in.

2. Vietnam Independence Day – a national festival in Vietnam

Vietnam Independence Day, also known as National Day (Ngày Quốc Khánh), falls on September 2nd and holds immense significance for the Vietnamese people. This day marks the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and national pride. It’s a time to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices made during the fight for independence.

Remembering Ho Chi Minh, along with other revolutionaries and freedom fighters, are remembered and honored for their contribution to the independence movement. This day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced during the struggle for independence, allowing for historical reflection and appreciation for the present freedom.

3. Hung King Temple Festival – A long-standing traditional festival in Vietnam

The Hung King Temple Festival, also known as Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương or Lễ hội đền Hùng, is a deeply-rooted tradition in Vietnam, celebrating the country’s legendary founders, the Hung Kings. Held annually from the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month, typically falling in April or May. The main festival day occurs on the 10th, which is a public holiday in Vietnam.

The main ceremonies take place at the Hung King Temple Complex on Nghia Linh Mountain in Phu Tho province, the ancestral land of the Hung Kings. To pay homage to the Hung Kings, who are traditionally considered the founders of the nation and ancestors of all Vietnamese people. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and community.

4. Giong Festival – a famous festival in Vietnam

The Giong Festival  is a national festival in Vietnam that celebrates the legendary warrior Thánh Gióng, one of the four immortals of Vietnamese folk religion. The festival is held annually in Phù Đổng, a village in Gia Lâm district, Hanoi, the site of Thánh Gióng’s birth and ascension to heaven.

Held annually from the 7th to the 9th day of the fourth lunar month, typically falling in May or June. The main festival day occurs on the 9th, which is a public holiday in Vietnam. The main ceremonies take place at the Phù Đổng Temple Complex, which is dedicated to Thánh Gióng. To pay homage to Thánh Gióng, who is traditionally considered a national hero who saved Vietnam from foreign invaders. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.

5. Lim Festival – Cultural festival in Bac Ninh province

The Lim Festival is an enchanting celebration of music, history, and cultural heritage in Bac Ninh province, Vietnam. It’s a vibrant showcase of the unique Quan Ho singing tradition, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Held annually on the 13th to 15th day of the first lunar month, typically falling in January or February. At Lim village in Tien Du district, Bac Ninh province, about 20 kilometers from Hanoi.

Amateur and professional singers compete showcasing their mastery of the intricate Quan Ho style, with themes of love, nature, and social commentary. Traditional parades with colorful costumes and palanquins, along with offerings and ceremonies at Lim Pagoda, add to the festive atmosphere. Traditional games like human chess, rice cooking competitions, and bamboo swings provide entertainment and engage the community.

6. Perfume Pagoda Festival – Traditional festivals attract many tourists

The Perfume Pagoda Festival draws millions of visitors from across the country, seeking spiritual renewal, scenic beauty, and a chance to immerse themselves in traditional Vietnamese customs. The festival runs for three lunar months, typically starting in February and ending in April. The peak pilgrimage months are March and April when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most vibrant.

At the heart of the festival lies in the Huong Tich Cave, nestled within the limestone cliffs of Huong Son Mountain. Pilgrims navigate a picturesque journey by boat and on foot, passing through pagodas, temples, and natural wonders. The festival combines spiritual pilgrimage with appreciation for nature and cultural traditions. Devotees offer prayers for good health, prosperity, and blessings for the year ahead.

7. Budda’s Birthday – Big religious festival in Vietnam

So, when is Buddha’s Birthday in Vietnam in 2024?

For Theravada followers: It was celebrated on June 2nd, 2024.
For Mahayana followers: It was celebrated on April 26th, 2024.

This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Buddhists offer prayers, chant scriptures, and meditate to honor his teachings. Temples and pagodas are decorated with lanterns, flowers, and colorful banners. Buddhists abstain from meat and alcohol, practice fasting, and engage in acts of charity and kindness.

Offerings of flowers, incense, and food are made to Buddha statues. Processions featuring chanting monks, flower floats, and traditional music often take place.

8. Mid-Autumn Festival – for children

Tết Trung Thu falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which typically translates to mid-September to early October in the Western calendar. It coincides with the full moon, which is believed to be the brightest of the year. Main activities include:

• Mooncakes
• Lanterns
• Lion dances
• Games and activities

This is a priority festival for children, They are given toys, delicious food and most of all, a children’s atmosphere. In addition, the festival also aims to give thanks for the harvest, worship ancestors and reunite families.

9. Kate Festival – An indispensable festival of the indigenous people

It’s a fascinating celebration and an integral part of the cultural identity of the Cham people in Vietnam. The Kate Festival takes place over three days at the beginning of October (in the Cham calendar, this falls on the seventh month). The main lantern occurs at three ancient Champa Temples: Po Nagar in Nha Trang, Po Klong Garai in Phan Rang, and Po Rome in Ninh Phuoc. However, villages and families also hold their own Kate celebrations after the main event at the temples.

• Commemorating deities and ancestors
• Traditional rituals
• Cultural performances
• Community gatherings

The Kate Festival plays a crucial role in preserving the unique traditions, language, and religion of the Cham people. It serves as a platform for younger generations to connect with their cultural heritage.

10. Wandering Souls Day

Wandering Souls Day also known as Vu Lan Festival, is a time to honor deceased ancestors and give them blessings and support as they move to the spirit realm. The festival lasts more than a month but the official date falls on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. This is the day to pay respect to deceased ancestors, offering food, prayers and merit, helping them find peace and liberation in the afterlife.

11. Khau Vai Love Market Festival

Khau Vai Love Market Festival is a unique love and reunion festival held in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province, Vietnam. It is held every year on the 27th day of the third lunar month, which usually falls in May or June.

The festival is said to have originated in the 17th century, when a young couple from two different villages fell in love but were forbidden by their families to marry. The couple elopes to Khau Vai, where they meet and fall in love. Today, Khau Vai love market is a vibrant festival of love and reunion. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over Vietnam, including lovers, couples and families.

One of the most popular activities at the festival is matchmaking. Young people from all over the country come to Khau Vai in the hope of finding love. They wore their best clothes and brought flowers and gifts. Matchmaking is a fun and festive occasion that has helped create many happy marriages.

12. Hue Vietnam Festival

Hue Festival is a large and multifaceted event, actually consisting of many smaller festivals throughout the year, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Hue Festival is held seasonally, so you can choose the right time to experience this place.

• Ao Dai Festival: Celebrate Vietnam’s iconic national costume, the Ao Dai, with fashion shows, exhibitions and workshops.
• Biennale Festival: Showcasing contemporary art and performances by Vietnamese and international artists.
• Hue Festival (main event): A two-month celebration with diverse activities such as traditional music performances, royal ceremonies, art exhibitions, parades and lantern displays.
• Hue Hot Air Balloon Festival: Offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape from above on colorful hot air balloons.
• Thu Hue Poetry Festival: includes recitals, seminars, and competitions honoring Vietnamese poetry.
• “Green Note” Musical Instrument Performance Festival: Shining a light on instrumental music in Vietnam and the world.

13. Hoi An Lantern Festival

Hoi An Lantern Festival is an exciting experience, turning the old town into a sparkling, peaceful land!  This festival is held on the 14th day of every lunar month, coinciding with the full moon day. February 5, 2024, March 5, 2024,
April 4, 2024 are the times when you can experience this festival.

The venue is organized around the Thu Bon River and Hoi An Ancient Town, with vibrant lanterns illuminating every corner. There will be thousands of handmade lanterns of various shapes and sizes bathing the whole town in warm light. You can buy your own and float it in the river, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

You can rent a boat and travel down the Thu Bon River, watching the lanterns reflect spectacularly on the water.

14. Ponagar Temple Festival in Nha Trang

The festival takes place over three days at the beginning of October, coinciding with the seventh month of the Cham calendar. The main festivities occur at the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a stunning complex overlooking the Cai River in Nha Trang.

You will be immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs, captivating Cham dances, and colorful theatrical shows showcasing their rich heritage. Share in the joyous atmosphere as families and friends come together to celebrate, enjoying traditional games, feasts, and lively interactions.

15. Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival in An Giang Province

The Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival unfolds over five days, held from the 23rd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month. This typically falls in May or June. The main festivities center around the Ba Chua Xu Temple, perched atop Sam Mountain in Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.

Enjoy captivating shows of traditional Cham and Khmer dances, theatrical acts, and live music, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The festival stands as a testament to the deep devotion and respect the locals have for Ba Chua Xu, who is believed to bestow blessings and protection.

16. Phu Giay Festival

The Phu Giay Festival is dedicated to the goddess Lieu Hanh, one of the four immortals of Vietnamese folklore. The festival takes place over five days, from the 1st to the 5th of the third lunar month. The main festivities center around the Phu Giay Temple, located in Kim Thai Commune, Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh Province.

The festival is a testament to the deep devotion and respect that the locals have for Lieu Hanh. She is believed to be a powerful goddess who can bestow blessings and protection. The festival plays a crucial role in preserving the unique customs, rituals, and art forms of the region, passing them down to future generations.

Above is all the information about traditional festivals in Vietnam, hoping to provide you with the most useful information. Wishing you soon have travel experiences with traditional Vietnamese festivals.