Top 12 Major Holidays in Vietnam According to the Gregorian Calendar.

April 30th, officially known as Reunification Day, marks the end of the Vietnam War when the forces of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam entered Saigon at noon on April 30, 1975. This day signifies the reunification of Vietnam and is one of the country’s most significant national holidays. It directly followed the Spring Offensive of 1975 and remains a crucial milestone in Vietnam's history.

The events of April 30 took place after the evacuation of American citizens and soldiers, along with thousands of Vietnamese who had supported the South Vietnamese government. In 1976, Vietnam held its first unified parliamentary elections, and Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the late President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Every year, various ceremonies and events are held to commemorate this day, which is also recognized as a national holiday under the name 'Victory Day.'

To honor the achievements of the global workers' movement, the founding congress of the Second International, held on July 14, 1889, passed a resolution to designate May 1 as a day for workers worldwide to unite in their struggles. Thus, May 1 became International Workers' Day. Following the resolution of the Second International, May 1, 1890, marked the first worldwide celebration of this day. International Workers' Day is a day celebrated with great enthusiasm by working people across all nations, and workers are typically paid for this day off.

In Vietnam, International Workers' Day was first celebrated in 1930. On May 1, 1930, for the first time in history, the workers’ movement in Indochina, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, staged street protests to demonstrate solidarity with workers worldwide while confronting French colonial rule. The workers demanded better working conditions, higher wages, and the enforcement of the 8-hour workday law.

International Children's Day was first celebrated on June 1, 1950, and later became widely recognized in many socialist countries, originally called the "Day of Struggle for a Happy and Peaceful Future for All Children." This holiday is observed every year on June 1, marked by speeches on children's rights and welfare, children's TV programs, parties, and various activities dedicated to children and their families enjoying outdoor leisure.

In Vietnam, International Children's Day, also known as Children's Festival (Tết Thiếu nhi), is a special celebration for children, highlighting the importance of nurturing future generations. It is a day to remind us of the need to protect and care for children, the future of our nation. On June 1st, families express their love and care for children through meaningful gifts and words of encouragement to help them face the future with confidence.

To enjoy the peace and prosperity we have today, we must never forget the sacrifices of countless brave heroes—those who fought for the sovereignty of the nation. The War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27 is an annual commemoration to honor the soldiers and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the country’s freedom. This day also serves to educate younger generations about the importance of remembering and appreciating those who contributed to the revolution.

Every year on July 27, this day reflects the recognition of the Party, State, and people for the families who lost loved ones in defense of the nation. It promotes the spirit of patriotism, socialism, revolutionary ideals, and the trust in the cause of the revolution led by President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam. It is also an opportunity to inspire and encourage the continuing revolutionary traditions in the nation's renewal process.

On September 2, 1945, over 500,000 people gathered in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, to celebrate the formation of the new government. On behalf of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh declared the nation's independence with the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The 2013 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in Chapter 1, Article 13, Section 4, states: "The National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the day the Declaration of Independence was read on September 2, 1945."

Vietnam National Day is an official public holiday held every year on September 2, commemorating the day President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the predecessor of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The National Day holiday is marked by various commemorative and artistic events, drawing large crowds as it is one of the most significant and celebrated holidays in the country.

On October 20, 1930, the Vietnam Women's Anti-Imperialist Union (now known as the Vietnam Women's Union) was officially established. To commemorate this event, the Communist Party of Vietnam chose October 20 each year as the day to honor this organization and to celebrate and recognize Vietnamese women, calling it Vietnamese Women's Day.

Vietnamese Women's Day is an annual celebration held on October 20, dedicated to honoring women in Vietnam. During this day, women are often shown appreciation through various forms, but the most common expressions of gratitude include giving roses, cards, and heartfelt messages. It is a special occasion for children, husbands, and men in general to express their affection with flowers, greeting cards, or small thoughtful gifts.

Vietnamese Teachers' Day, also known as Teachers' Charter Day, is a national observance held annually on November 20 in Vietnam. It is a celebration for the education sector and a day to honor teachers, embodying the traditional value of respecting and honoring educators. On this day, students often express their gratitude by giving flowers and gifts to their teachers. The education sector also uses this occasion to reflect on the progress of education and to establish new goals for improving its quality.

Vietnamese Teachers' Day is a time when generations of students show their appreciation to their teachers, those who have dedicated their lives to nurturing future generations, inspiring passion and fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Excellent academic achievements and vibrant bouquets of flowers are the most meaningful gestures students offer to their beloved teachers on this special day.

Christmas, also known as the Birth of Jesus or Noel, is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is primarily observed on December 25 and is a significant religious and cultural celebration for billions of people worldwide. As the central feast of the Christian liturgical year, Christmas marks the end of Advent and the beginning of the Christmas season. In Western tradition, the season spans twelve days, culminating in the Twelfth Night. Christmas is a public holiday in many countries, celebrated by most Christians as a religious event, but also observed as a cultural festival by many non-Christians, forming a central part of the holiday season.

Christmas in Vietnam has gained immense popularity in recent years. What was once a religious observance for Christians has now become a widely celebrated occasion. During Christmas in Vietnam, people exchange special gifts, particularly among young couples, who often give each other thoughtful presents and share sweet greetings. Children also look forward to receiving gifts from Santa Claus. It is a time to express love and affection towards family, friends, and loved ones through shared meals and small gifts, spreading joy and warmth during the festive season.

The Vietnam People's Army is the core of Vietnam's armed forces. The Vietnamese government views it as an army that comes from the people and serves the people, ready to fight and sacrifice "for the independence and freedom of the homeland, for socialism, and for the happiness of the people." The Army's traditional day of celebration is on December 22 every year. The flag of the Vietnam People's Army is the national flag of Vietnam, with the added phrase "Quyet Thang" (Victory) in yellow at the top-left corner. According to the Ten Honorary Oaths of the Vietnam People's Army, it is their mission to continually foster patriotic socialist spirit, internationalism, and contribute actively to the fight for national independence, democracy, and socialism.

On October 17, 1989, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam issued Directive No. 381-CT/TU, designating the establishment of the Vietnam People's Army on December 22 as the day to also celebrate the National Defense Festival. This day honors the tradition of protecting the country and celebrates the image of the “Uncle Ho's Soldiers” as a distinctive aspect of Vietnam’s culture in the modern era. The National Defense Festival is also an occasion to promote patriotism, demonstrate the strength of national unity, and reinforce the determination of the Party, the people, and the military in building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the year according to the Gregorian and Julian calendars, marking an important holiday for many cultures and nations worldwide. In pre-Christian times, it was dedicated to Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions, and the month of January is named after him. In the Christian tradition, New Year's Day is associated with the feast marking the circumcision of Jesus Christ, and is observed in many Christian denominations, including the Lutheran and Anglican churches.

Today, as most countries follow the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day has become one of the biggest global celebrations, often marked by fireworks at midnight to ring in the new year. Traditions on this day include making New Year's resolutions, attending church services, and calling friends and family. In Vietnam, while not as emphasized as the Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán), people still eagerly anticipate the holiday. It is a day for relaxation, social gatherings, and family meals, making it one of the first major holidays of the year.

Valentine's Day is a holiday that originated in Western countries, but it has gradually become an important part of Vietnamese culture. While it is not a public holiday, people use the occasion to express their love and affection for their partners by giving chocolates, flowers, or small gifts. Today, Valentine's Day is not only celebrated by couples but also provides an opportunity to show affection to someone special, whether it's a crush or a family member. In Vietnam, Valentine's Day (February 14) is often referred to as 'Lễ Tình Nhân' and is considered a day for lovers.

Valentine's Day is widely known as a celebration of romantic love, a chance for couples to express their feelings for each other. It’s also an occasion for both men and women to exchange gifts. The streets are filled with romantic gifts for couples to buy for one another, and media outlets share tips on how to make the day memorable with your special someone. As Valentine's Day approaches, it’s easy to see how, for those in love, the day brings excitement, while for those still single, it might bring a touch of longing.

International Women's Day, also known as the United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace, is celebrated on March 8 each year. The United Nations officially recognized this day in 1977. While it is a widely recognized occasion in many countries, in some places, it remains a day of protest, and in others, it is a celebration of women's achievements. On this day, women around the world are honored. Although it is not a public holiday in Vietnam, it is an opportunity for men or children to show appreciation to the women they love, including mothers and other significant women in their lives.

In some countries, International Women's Day is marked by events such as celebrations, parades advocating for gender equality, including equal pay, access to education, career advancement, and social welfare, as well as fighting issues like prostitution and violence against women. In Europe and North America, some women reject receiving flowers on this day, viewing it as a superficial gesture that symbolizes inequality. In Vietnam, it is a day when men typically give women flowers (usually roses) and gifts, with events often organized in workplaces and organizations where women are employed or involved.