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They say, 'February is a month of leisure,' so why not take your time to explore the traditional festivals of Vietnam this lunar February? Let Mytour guide you through the list of cultural festivities happening throughout the month!
1. Dinh Co Festival – Long Hai Town, Ba Ria Vung Tau [10 - 12/2 AL]
Every year, from the 10th to the 12th day of the lunar February, the Dinh Co Festival takes place in Long Hai Town, Long Dien District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province. The Dinh Co Festival is not only a traditional Vietnamese festival dedicated to honoring the Mother Goddess and Sea Deity (Lady Thuy Long - the whale deity of the Cham people) but also a combination of the Whale Worship Ceremony and the Mother Goddess worshipping customs of the local residents.
Dinh Co on the coast of Long Hai. @internet
According to legend, there was a girl named Le Thi Hong Thuy from Phan Rang. She fell in love with the landscape and atmosphere of the South and asked her father to let her stay here permanently, but he refused. Later, she passed away, and her body drifted to Hon Hang, where the locals buried her (now known as the area of Moc Co).
During an epidemic, it is said that Co appeared in a dream promising to help the villagers overcome it. When the villagers prayed, the epidemic indeed ended. Since then, they established a shrine for Co, and from the 10th to the 12th day of the lunar February each year, they celebrate the Dinh Co festival.
From the legend of Co, the people of Long Hai found spiritual solace and a desire for peace and happiness. @internet
Starting from the early morning of the 10th, people began to visit Co; some even arranged to travel overnight to be there for the festival. Especially, each visitor typically carries a branch of white lilies symbolizing purity. On the nights of the 10th and 11th, there are lantern festivals, attracting not only pilgrims but also many boats heading to Co's shrine, with the sound of bells and drums echoing through the night.
The 12th is the main day of the festival, when people perform the ceremony of 'Nghinh Co' with solemnity and reverence, accompanied by flags and fans. The Chief Worshipper leads the procession towards the large boat used to 'welcome Co.' A fleet of dozens of boats will escort the main boat to Mui Nho (where Co's shrine is located) amidst the excitement and festive atmosphere.
The main ceremony, the Nghinh Co ritual at the shrine, and the boat journey to Mui Nho, take place on the 12th. @internet
You can combine attending the Dinh Co festival with enjoying the serene beauty of Long Hai's coastal area, understanding why Co wished to settle here in the past.
The coastal route of Long Hai. @internet
2. The Cuong Temple Festival - Nghe An [12 - 16/2 AL]
The Cuong Temple Festival (also known as the Công Temple Festival) takes place from the 12th to the 16th day of the 2nd lunar month each year at Cuong Temple, Mộ Dạ Mountain, Diễn An Commune, Diễn Châu District, Nghe An Province. This traditional Vietnamese festival officially began in 1993 (previously only a temple worship), marking a milestone to commemorate the story of Loa Thành when King An Dương Vương brought Princess Mỵ Châu fleeing enemies, stopping at Diễn Châu; it is also an occasion for people from all over to earnestly pray for peace and prosperity.
The Cuong Temple Festival. @internet
The ritual part of the Cuong Temple Festival consists of five ceremonies: the opening ceremony (a ritual offering incense to invite the deities back to the heavens so that people can clean up the temple to prepare for the festival - usually held on the 12th), the middle proclamation ceremony (a simple and brief ritual to report that the temple has been cleaned and to invite the gods back to attend the ceremony - usually held after the opening ceremony), the yêt ceremony (the opening ceremony of the Cuong Temple festival consisting of 6 steps, 35 times down to request permission from the gods to open the ceremony and invite them to attend - usually held on the evening of the 14th), the grand ceremony, and the closing ceremony. In addition, there is also the overnight vigil ceremony.
The procession ceremony consists of three parts: the procession of the king and princess traveling, followed by the procession from the Cao family church and Xuân Ái shrine to Cuong Temple, and finally the procession back to the Cao family church (where General Cao Lỗ is worshipped). The procession ceremony will last for 2 days on the 14th and 15th.
The procession ceremony is always an important part of the Cuong Temple festival. @Internet
The grand ceremony is the main event of the Cuong Temple festival – it is the largest, longest, and most attended ceremony, taking place on the morning of the 15th with the participation of traditional music performers, drummers, and worshipers. Afterwards, the temple gates are opened for people to offer incense. On the 16th, the closing ceremony will be held – a part of the ritual to announce the end of the festival and thank everyone for attending.
The festival aspect of the Cuong Temple festival is extremely vibrant, lasting from the 14th to the 16th with numerous folk games, cultural activities, sports, and entertainment such as cockfighting, horse racing, tug-of-war, and ceremonial singing.
The panoramic view of Cuong Temple. @lienketviet
Every year, the traditional Cuong Temple festival attracts many people to come for worship, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, not only domestic visitors but also foreign tourists – creating a highlight in the cultural and spiritual life of Diễn Châu, Nghệ An.3. The Trường Thọ Peaceful Temple Ceremony - Sài Gòn [17/2 AL]
The Trường Thọ Peaceful Temple Ceremony takes place on the 17th day of the 2nd lunar month at Trường Thọ Temple (Trường Thọ Ward, Thủ Đức District, Ho Chi Minh City) to honor the Heavenly Kings and the ancestors.
The annual Trường Thọ Peaceful Temple Ceremony is held on the 17th day of the 2nd lunar month. @vietnamtourism
The main deity worshipped in the temple is the Spirit King Bổn Cảnh Châu Văn Tiếp – who had the merit of sheltering and hiding revolutionary soldiers during the resistance against the French, alongside the ancestors (the ancestor worship ceremony is held on the 18th day of the 7th lunar month), and the descendants.
The panoramic view of Trường Thọ Temple with its deeply Southern architectural features still preserved to this day despite multiple renovations. @ditichlichsuvanhoa
Two distinctive features of the Trường Thọ Peaceful Temple Ceremony are: the presence of a live pig (alongside common offerings like fruits, tea, and cakes...) and the absence of traditional opera singing (due to taboos regarding spiritual matters).4. Hương Tích Pagoda Festival – Hà Tĩnh [18/2 AL]
Panoramic view of Hương Tích Pagoda @internet
The Hương Tích Pagoda Festival is usually held on the 18th (or 19th) day of the 2nd lunar month at Hương Tích Pagoda (Hồng Lĩnh Mountain, Thiên Lộc Commune, Can Lộc District, Hà Tĩnh Province), providing an opportunity for pilgrims to worship Buddha, pray for peace, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The pathway to Hương Tích Cave. @internet
Hương Tích Pagoda worships Bodhisattva Quan Âm and also has an altar dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Each year, this traditional Vietnamese festival grows larger, becoming an essential tourist destination for international visitors. The Hương Tích Pagoda Festival is held annually, with a major festival every three years.
5. Dư Hàng Communal House Festival – Hải Phòng [16/2 AL]
The Dư Hàng Communal House Festival (also known as Hàng Kênh Communal House) usually takes place in mid-February of the lunar calendar (from the 16th onward), at Hàng Kênh Communal House (Dư Hàng Kênh Commune, An Dương District - now part of Hàng Kênh Ward, Lê Chân District), Hai Phong City. The communal house worships Thành Hoàng Ngô Vương Quyền, a national hero who contributed to Vietnam's independence after 1000 years under Chinese domination.
Dư Hàng Communal House in Hai Phong City. @haiphonginfo
The main ceremony takes place on the 16th with a procession at Hàng Kênh Communal House. The procession includes people carrying symbolic objects, gongs, drums, the statue of Ngô Quyền, and colorful flags. Following them are officials and villagers.
Conducting ritual ceremonies at Hàng Kênh Communal House. @internet
In addition to the rituals, Hàng Kênh Communal House festival also organizes lively community folk games such as wrestling, human chess, folk singing, catching ducks, cheo singing, and ca trù singing at night.6. Quan The Am Festival in Ngu Hanh Son - Da Nang [19/2 AL]
The Quan The Am Festival is held annually on the 19th of the 2nd lunar month at Quan Am Pagoda (Thuy Son Mount, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang City), starting from 1960 to pray for blessings, peace, and salvation for the deceased.
The Quan The Am Festival annually takes place on a large scale, attracting many Buddhists and visitors to Da Nang. @anandi
The Quan The Am Festival lasts for 3 days, consisting of two parts: ritual and festival. The ritual part follows Buddhist ceremonies including the light procession (held on the evening of the 18th, featuring torch procession, palanquin parade, lion and dragon dances to pray for continued enlightenment as light symbolizes wisdom, purity, reason, and goodwill in Buddhism), birth ceremony (on the morning of the 19th for praying for peace and tranquility), initiation ceremony (after the birth ceremony to pray for the deceased), sermon about Quan The Am Bodhisattva and the nation, and the statue procession of Quan The Am...
The bustling atmosphere as Buddhists and tourists flock here to attend the Quan The Am Festival. @baodulich
The festival part of this event is vibrant and exciting with various fun activities, talent competitions showcasing the rich cultural diversity intertwined with modern elements such as cosplay, releasing lanterns on the river, traditional opera singing, folk music performances, chess competitions, sculpture exhibitions, presentations about Ngu Hanh Son landscapes, and vegetarian cooking contests...
The ritual of escorting the Quan The Am Bodhisattva. @baomoi
7. Ca Cat Ba Festival - Hai Phong City [9/2 - 15/2 AL]
This is a traditional Vietnamese festival not classified under spiritual festivals (dedicated to worship or commemoration of merit). The Cat Ba Fish Festival usually takes place from March 25 to 31 of the Gregorian calendar (typically falling in February of the lunar calendar) to commemorate the event of Uncle Ho visiting the fishing village of Cat Hai (Hai Phong) on April 1, 1959.
A night of music at the Cat Ba Fish Festival. @giadinh.net
During this festival, there will be a dragon boat racing competition at sea, with participation from the Cat Ba team and teams from coastal areas such as Quang Ninh, North Central region, or neighboring areas – considered a highlight of the festival season. This race symbolizes the transformation of the Cat Ba dragon boats into the flying dragons of the nation, embracing the arms of friendship with all corners of the homeland. Additionally, the festival features coordinated competitions, surfing performances, coracle boat racing, and more...
Dragon boat racing at sea – a tourism highlight of the Cat Ba Fish Festival. @internet
The most special event is perhaps the tug-of-war competition at sea, with both teams sitting on boats and trying to pull the rope to their side. In the evening on Cat Ba Island, there are fireworks, combined with the dazzling festival lights, creating an incredibly stunning scene.
Cat Hai is an island district located to the east of Hai Phong City, 39 km from the city center, and you can take a boat to get here. On the island, there are various accommodation services including guesthouses, homestays, and resorts to meet your lodging needs. Cat Ba features pristine beauty, tranquil beaches, and serenity, making it ideal for combining leisure, festival participation, and relaxation.
The pristine natural beauty of Cat Ba island district. @dulichhaiphong.gov
8. Bà Triệu Temple Festival – Thanh Hoa [22/2 AL]
The Bà Triệu Temple Festival is held annually from the 20th to the 22nd day of the lunar second month in Trieu Loc commune, Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoa province, to commemorate the heroic figure Triệu Thị Trinh - who led the people to resist the domination of the Ngo dynasty in 248 AD.
Bà Triệu Thi Trinh Temple - Thanh Hoa. @Internet
This traditional Vietnamese festival is organized on a large scale at the Bà Triệu Temple with many rituals, such as procession, female sacrifice, Moc Duc ceremony, Phung Nghinh ceremony... Among them, the Phung Nghinh ceremony is the procedure to invite Queen Bà (Bà Triệu) back by the protocol of escorting the shadow (shadow escort).
In addition, the Bà Triệu Temple Festival also includes the “Battle Festival” - reenacting the heroic resistance against the Ngô dynasty of Bà Triệu and a ritual chanting performance (but the Bà Triệu Temple festival does not include folk performances).
Ritual procession at the Bà Triệu Temple festival. @baothanhhoa
The festival embodies the spirit of remembering the source - a beautiful tradition as well as a spiritual aspect of our nation's life, honoring the heroic spirit of posterity towards Bà Triệu - the female hero of the people of Thanh Land; at the same time, it is also an occasion for the people of Thanh Hoa to return to their homeland to participate in the festival, a joyful day for visitors from afar to gather for joy, pilgrimage, and sightseeing.9. Hoàng Công Chất Temple Festival – Điện Biên [24 - 25/2 AL]
The Hoàng Công Chất Temple Festival is a traditional Vietnamese festival held to commemorate the merit and elevate the status of the elderly leader of farmers Hoàng Công Chất - a hero in the hearts of the people of Noọng Nhai Village, Noọng Hẹt Commune, Điện Biên District. The festival lasts for two days from the 24th to the 25th of the 2nd lunar month every year.
A corner of the Hoàng Công Chất Temple area – Bản Phủ Town @internet
The festival will kick off with a procession and offering incense (featuring a lion dance troupe and a leading dragon). More notably, there will be a performance involving over 100 people, including 40 performers showcasing flag dancing and 60 performers presenting a spectacular music and dance performance in traditional costumes - aiming to honor the unity of all ethnic brothers and sisters in the Northwest region.
The performance of Thai girls dancing with ban flowers, wearing traditional hats, fans, scarves, umbrellas, horns, and drums, is also a highlight of this festival.
Ceremonial procession and offering incense ritual on the Hoàng Công Chất Temple Festival day. @Internet
The traditional Vietnamese festivals mentioned above serve as both a cultural event attracting thousands of people to gather and celebrate, and a spiritual aspect reflecting the strong patriotism, tradition, and unity of the Vietnamese people. Embark on a 'light' trip during the Lunar New Year to immerse yourself in traditional festivals, fostering love and pride for our country.
