Vietnamese Traditional Festivals: Culture & National Spirit

The Diversity of Traditional Festivals

Vietnam, with its long history and rich culture, boasts a diverse and abundant system of traditional festivals. From large national festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan to smaller, local festivals, each carries its unique meaning, reflecting the spiritual life, beliefs, and customs of the people.

Tet Nguyen Dan – The Most Important Festival

Tet Nguyen Dan, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most important festival of the year for Vietnamese people. It’s an occasion for family reunions, showing gratitude to ancestors, and wishing for a prosperous new year. Tet Nguyen Dan is celebrated with many traditional activities such as making Banh Chung and Banh Tet (sticky rice cakes), giving lucky money (li xi), lion and dragon dances… Tet Nguyen Dan is not just a festival, but also an opportunity for Vietnamese people to show their solidarity, love, and connection to their roots.

Other Notable Festivals

Hung Kings’ Temple Festival:

The Hung Kings’ Temple Festival is held annually in Phu Tho to commemorate the Hung Kings, the founders of the nation. This festival demonstrates the nation’s deep gratitude for its historical origins.

Hoa Lu Festival:

The Hoa Lu Festival takes place in Ninh Binh, commemorating the merits of the Dinh and Le emperors who built and defended the country. This festival is rich in the cultural identity of the ancient capital.

Che Lap (Lion Cutting) Festival:

The Che Lap Festival in Phu Yen is a unique festival with spectacular lion dances and martial arts performances. The festival shows the courage and desire to win of the people.

The Significance of Traditional Festivals

Traditional festivals are not merely entertainment activities, but also have profound significance in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the nation. They help maintain and develop unique cultural features, create community cohesion, and awaken national pride. Furthermore, traditional festivals are an endless source of inspiration for art, tourism, and other cultural activities.

Preserving and Promoting Traditional Festivals

Preserving and promoting traditional festivals is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. We need to actively participate, promote, and spread the good cultural values of the festivals to the community, especially the younger generation. This will help preserve the national cultural identity and enrich Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage.