Top 10 Most Significant Holidays and Commemorations in October in Vietnam

Since King Ly Thai To's decree to move the capital in 1010, Thang Long – Hanoi has endured and witnessed many historical changes. The people and soldiers of Hanoi, across generations, have fought bravely, worked diligently, and created a rich cultural heritage, achieving numerous glorious victories that are remembered through the ages. A key milestone in the history of Hanoi's development occurred on October 10, 1954, when the complete defeat of French colonial forces in Vietnam opened a new era of progress for both the capital and the entire nation.

At 8 AM on October 10, 1954, a military parade of the capital's soldiers from the 308th Division took to the streets of the inner city, advancing toward the Eastern Gate of Hanoi, located in the Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts. At 8:45 AM, the Southern division continued its march through Hai Ba Trung District, seizing key areas such as the Water Depot and Exhibition Grounds. Along the route, the people of Hanoi greeted the troops with flowers, flags, images of Uncle Ho, singing songs and chanting slogans to celebrate the return of the liberating forces, the return of President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Government, and the People's Army to the capital, and the removal of enemy troops from Hanoi.

At precisely 3 PM on October 10, 1954, a long whistle from the Opera House echoed through the city. Hundreds of thousands of Hanoi's residents and military units solemnly gathered for the national flag-raising ceremony at the Flagpole stadium (now in the area of Dien Bien Phu, Tran Phu, Chu Van An, and Le Hong Phong streets). During the ceremony, Major General Vuong Thua Vu, Chairman of Hanoi's Military Committee, read aloud the message of President Ho Chi Minh to the people of Hanoi on this momentous occasion. The entire city of Hanoi rejoiced in the liberation, proud of the strength of their resistance, deeply grateful to the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. The liberation of Hanoi was not only a victory for its residents but also a national celebration, a major event for the people of all cities across Vietnam and overseas Vietnamese. People from various provinces and cities across the country gathered for meetings and celebrations in honor of Hanoi's liberation. International friends, peace-loving people across the globe, also shared in the joy, spreading news of our great victory.

National Digital Transformation Day is a significant day in Vietnam's digital transformation efforts, officially designated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Decision No. 505/QD-TTg on April 22, 2022. October 10th of each year is recognized as this special day.

2020 marked the start of Vietnam's national digital transformation, which was declared the year of digital transformation. 2021 served as the year for nationwide digital transformation exercises, and 2022 and beyond are seen as periods to accelerate the push for digital transformation across all industries, levels, and areas of the country. On April 22, 2022, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) published Decision No. 505 on the establishment of National Digital Transformation Day. This day is celebrated annually on October 10th.

The goal behind this initiative is to align with the Party's and Government's objectives to promote national digital transformation. The numbers 1 and 0, representing the binary system, symbolize the language of information technology and digital technology. Digital transformation encompasses a complete and profound change in the way individuals, organizations, and industries live, work, and produce through the adoption of digital technologies.

National Digital Transformation Day is held annually to:

• Accelerate the implementation of national digital transformation goals and ensure effective progress.
• Implement the National Digital Transformation Program through 2025, with a focus on reaching targets by 2030.
• Raise awareness among the public about the importance, role, and benefits of digital transformation.
• Encourage the active participation of all political systems, coordinate actions at all levels, and involve the whole society to ensure the success of digital transformation efforts.

The noble ideal of humanity is independence and freedom. This ideal is clearly stated in Ho Chi Minh's thought: "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom." Due to his special concern for individual freedoms, including the right to legal defense, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 46/SL on October 10, 1945, to establish and maintain legal associations for lawyers. This decree marked the recognition of the importance of the right to legal defense, the legal profession, and its application within the context of Vietnam's revolutionary movement.

Decree 46/SL, issued on October 10, 1945, became a key milestone in the development of the concept of the right to legal defense and the profession of law in the revolutionary regime. It officially established the right to legal defense as a constitutional principle within the judicial system, affirming the position and role of lawyers in a democratic and rule-of-law society as protectors and legal supporters for the people.

In Vietnam, the right to legal defense and the role of lawyers have continuously been elevated. The legal profession in Vietnam grew alongside the development of the nation's revolution, with the number and professionalism of lawyers expanding significantly. On January 14, 2013, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 149/QD-TTg, officially recognizing October 10 as Vietnam Lawyers' Day. This became a proud milestone for the legal profession and for the people of Vietnam as a whole.

In accordance with Decision No. 990/QD-TTg, signed by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on September 20, 2004, October 13 is designated as Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day every year to encourage and honor the contributions of entrepreneurs who have made significant achievements for the nation.

On October 13, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to the Vietnamese business community to promote its growth and emphasize its role, stating: "Currently, the Business and Industry Federation is actively working to achieve many national benefits. I highly appreciate and look forward to excellent results. While other sectors are striving to gain complete independence for the country, the business community must work to build a solid and prosperous economy and financial system..."

Following the guidance and policies set forth by President Ho Chi Minh, on September 20, 2004, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai signed Decision No. 990/QD-TTg to officially establish October 13 as Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day.

The creation of Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day represents an important step forward in implementing the President's policies to raise the role of entrepreneurs, support sustainable business development, and contribute to the nation's economy and international integration.

Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day has great significance, recognizing the efforts of entrepreneurs who have dedicated themselves to the growth and success of Vietnam's economy and society. This day also serves as a motivation for the nation's business leaders to continue to grow, overcome challenges, and lead the Vietnamese economy to the global stage, in line with the current era of globalization.

Today, as Vietnam becomes increasingly integrated into the global economy, the role of entrepreneurs is more vital than ever. Entrepreneurs are now faced with considerable responsibility in developing production, building the economy, and contributing to social development and international cooperation.

On October 15, 1956, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Youth Federation and the National Youth Front Committee held a congress and decided to establish the Vietnam Union of Youth Associations. Since then, October 15 has been celebrated annually as the Founding Day of the Vietnam Union of Youth Associations.

Functions of the Vietnam Union of Youth Associations:

• Unite, educate, and bring together all youth across Vietnam.
• Guide and provide opportunities for members to develop their personalities, become responsible citizens, and contribute their talents and youthful energy to the nation's development and defense.
• Represent and protect the legal rights of its members and the youth community before the law and public opinion.

Mission of the Vietnam Union of Youth Associations:

• Unite and mobilize Vietnamese youth at home and abroad to contribute their talents and energy to common goals, encourage active participation in activities that benefit the nation and promote good deeds.
• Organize meaningful activities that address the legitimate needs of members and youth.
• Advocate for the timely protection of the legal rights of members and youth by government agencies and social organizations.
• Collaborate with youth organizations regionally and globally for peace, national independence, democracy, social progress, and the well-being of youth.
• Continuously strengthen and expand the union, build solidarity among youth, and actively participate in developing the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

Since 1927, various women's grassroots organizations began forming, attracting many women to participate. These women gradually asserted their role and position in society through activities like propaganda groups, vocational training, and mass struggles involving thousands of women.

The pivotal role of women was recognized in the Communist Party's first platform, which called for "gender equality" on February 3, 1930. The Party acknowledged women as a crucial force in the revolution, stating that women's liberation was inseparable from national and class liberation. It called for women's participation in revolutionary organizations (trade unions, peasant leagues) and the establishment of separate organizations to involve women in the revolutionary movement.

On October 20, 1930, the Vietnam Women's Anti-Imperialist League (now the Vietnam Women's Union) and the Communist Party of Vietnam declared this date as the official celebration of the organization’s foundation, marking the occasion as "Vietnam Women’s Day." This year, October 20, 2023, falls on a Friday.

Unlike International Women’s Day, which is celebrated globally on March 8, Vietnam Women's Day commemorates a significant historical moment: the recognition of a women’s mass organization that operated legally and publicly, uniting and encouraging women to contribute actively to the country's revolutionary cause.

Halloween Festival, also known as the costume festival, takes place annually on October 31, the evening before the Feast of All Saints in Western Christianity.

The term "Halloween" is derived from the combination of "Hallows" (saints) and "Eve" (the evening before). It marks the beginning of a time for Christians to remember the deceased, including saints, believers, and martyrs.

In many Western countries, Halloween is celebrated similarly to a major holiday, occurring on the final day of October, starting in the evening and lasting until midnight. People dress up in spooky costumes or as any character they prefer, and then visit homes to knock on doors for treats while offering good wishes.

Today, as global cultures integrate, Halloween has become a cultural event celebrated in various countries with different religious beliefs and traditions, including Vietnam.

International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is an international observance established by the United Nations to promote the care, nurturing, and protection of the elderly in all member countries. This day is celebrated annually on October 1st.

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons, with the first observance held on October 1st, 1991.

In 1982, the first World Assembly on Aging was held in Austria, attended by over 3,000 delegates from most nations, including Professor Pham Khue, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Geriatrics. During the assembly, an international action program for aging was adopted, urging governments and citizens to address the challenges faced by the elderly, focusing on six key areas: Health and nutrition, Housing and environment, Family, Social services and social protection, Employment, and Enhancing the understanding of older persons' lives.

The International Day of Older Persons is organized to raise awareness of the issues affecting the elderly, such as aging and elder abuse. It is also a day to recognize the valuable contributions made by older persons to society, as well as the focal point of the UN's elderly program and organizations dedicated to protecting the rights of older persons.

In September 2008, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Decision No. 1271/QĐ-TTg, establishing October 2nd each year as “Vietnam Learning Promotion Day”. The goal of this day is to encourage citizens and social organizations to participate in promoting education, talent development, and building a learning society, as well as to honor individuals and collectives who have made significant contributions to education and talent promotion.

The tradition of valuing education has long been embedded in Vietnamese culture. Families, villages, and communities that prioritize education have contributed to the strong development of local learning movements, creating a unique cultural feature of each region. As the country continues to develop, the tradition of learning is upheld with the collective effort of the community, with local governments playing a key role in supporting and encouraging education, yielding impressive results.

Through united efforts and determination, learning promotion activities have inspired individuals and families to engage in lifelong learning, making learning a fundamental part of society. The movement encourages learning everywhere, in all fields, to develop moral, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic qualities. The ongoing emphasis on education has led to the establishment of models for family, clan, and community learning, with exemplary cases emerging across Vietnam, further entrenching the learning culture at the grassroots level.

These educational promotion efforts have also helped raise awareness about the socialization of education, attracting necessary material resources for its development, while fostering a national culture of lifelong learning and laying the foundation for a true learning society.

World Teachers' Day (WTD) is celebrated annually on October 5th to honor the dedication and contributions of educators, recognizing their essential role in shaping the future of the world.

On October 5, 1966, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) adopted the "Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers," which established the first international framework for teachers' working conditions. The decision to mark October 5th as World Teachers' Day was made, and the first celebration took place in 1994, with the aim of celebrating teachers' organizations worldwide.

In addition to acknowledging the valuable contributions of teachers to global education and the development of future generations, World Teachers' Day is a testament to the global recognition, appreciation, and understanding of teachers' impact on society. According to UNESCO, this day also serves as an important reminder of the need to invest in the professional development of educators and enhance their working conditions.

World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to elevate the status of teachers, highlight the importance of the teaching profession in fostering global values, and contribute to the development of a sustainable society with access to quality education for all.