Public Holidays in Vietnam for 2026

International New Year’s Day Introduction

International New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is a global event filled with joy, hope, and renewal. This day is recognized by countries around the world, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Interestingly, the origins of New Year’s celebrations can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians, who held festivities around the spring equinox. Today, traditions vary widely; from fireworks and parties in cities like Sydney and New York to more reflective practices such as making resolutions. In many cultures, this day symbolizes a fresh start, encouraging people to set goals and aspirations for the year ahead. Celebrations often involve family gatherings, feasts, and various local customs, making it a rich tapestry of global traditions.

Valentine’s Day Introduction

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and affection between intimate partners. Its origins trace back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia honored fertility. The day was later named after Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by marrying couples in secret. Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day evolved into a commercial celebration, marked by the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts. In fact, nearly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged in the U.S. alone each year, making it the second-largest card-giving holiday after Christmas. Today, the holiday transcends romantic love, encouraging people to express appreciation for friends and family, showcasing its wide-reaching impact on relationships and culture.

Vietnamese New Year’s Eve Introduction

Vietnamese New Year’s Eve, known as “Tết Nguyên Đán” or simply “Tết,” marks the culmination of the lunar new year celebrations in Vietnam. This vibrant holiday is steeped in cultural significance, symbolizing renewal and familial unity. Traditionally held on the eve of the first day of the lunar calendar, Tết is a time for families to gather, pay respects to ancestors, and enjoy festive foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes). The holiday not only celebrates the arrival of spring but also honors the spirits of the past, making it a poignant moment for reflection and gratitude. With customs varying by region, Tết showcases Vietnam’s rich traditions, from colorful flower markets to lively lion dances, embodying the hope for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

Vietnamese New Year Introduction

Vietnamese New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. Celebrated typically in late January or early February, Tết is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and reflecting on the past year while welcoming new beginnings. The festival is steeped in rich traditions, including the preparation of special foods such as bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and the practice of giving lucky money in red envelopes to children and elders. One fascinating aspect of Tết is the belief in the ‘Kitchen Gods’ (Táo Quân), who are said to ride carps to heaven to report on family affairs, necessitating the release of fish into rivers as a gesture of goodwill. With vibrant decorations, fireworks, and traditional lion dances, Tết is not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also a joyful expression of hope and renewal for the year ahead.

Tet holiday Introduction

Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most significant celebration in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. Typically occurring between late January and mid-February, Tet is a time for families to reunite, reflect on the past year, and honor their ancestors. Unique customs include preparing traditional dishes like Banh Chung and Banh Tet, decorating homes with peach blossoms in the North and yellow apricot flowers in the South, and burning incense to invite good fortune. Interestingly, Tet is also a time for forgiveness, fresh starts, and the exchange of red envelopes filled with lucky money, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the coming year. The holiday emphasizes the importance of family, respect for tradition, and the hope for a prosperous future.