Joanna James
The glamourous festivals of Vietnam are famous the world over. And many travellers try to plan their holiday to Vietnam around these colourful events. See if you too can visit the nation during a popular Vietnamese celebration; here is a list of famous festivals in Vietnam.
This is one of the nations oldest festivals. It is a celebration of the traditional Qan Ho style of singing. The festival centres around a choir, consisting of locals singing popular folk songs dressed in traditional attire. The entire event is very colourful with additional events such as a tug-of-war, wrestling matches and the popular bamboo fighting taking place. The festival takes place during the first lunar month of every year and is an especially cheerful event.
Being part of the colourful Lantern Festival is amongst the best Hoi An things to do. The festival is so popular that it is a monthly event and iconic attraction in Hoi An. During this glitzy event, taking place on full moon nights, the UNESCO World Heritage Site twinkles with the light of a thousand lanterns. Paper lanterns made in every shape and size take over the electric lights. They illuminate all households, shops cafes, restaurants and businesses rendering a magical aura to the entire town which is home to ancient historical artefacts. Your accommodation in Hoi An too will be engulfed by the light of these lanterns swaying in the soft breeze and lighting up the night. Lanterns are set afloat on the river too and guests at places like Anantara Hoi An Resort facing the mighty Thu Bon River, get a front seat experience of this magical festival.
Celebrated around the 14th and 15th day of the lunar month or the 1st of October, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration for adults and children. Called the Harvest Festival as well, this event is popular for its variety of food like moon cakes, special biscuits and jellies. It is also a time the locals get creative making lanterns of various shapes to line the streets, shop fronts and homes. Another speciality of this festival is the Lion Dance, which is one not to be missed.
Vietnam's Day of Independence is celebrated on the 2nd of September. Deemed a national event, the festival is a celebration of much pomp and pageantry. The president reads the declaration of independence and parades take place showcasing the countries military might. Dances and other processions by talented locals too are part of the celebrations.
Another reason to visit the historic city of Hoi An is the Hoi An Legendary Night. A monthly event, this festival takes you back to days of yore; perfect for savouring all that the heritage town has to offer. Taking place on the 14th of every month, the festival begins at around 5.30 pm. The town lights are turned off and the only illumination, until 10.30 pm is from the hundreds of lanterns. The streets are closed for vehicles, giving people a chance to wander around and experience all the vintage artefacts of Hoi An in true ancient fashion. Do so as you enjoy the traditional music and marvellous array of food on offer.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
