What are the holidays in May? Details on both domestic and international occasions.

May is filled with numerous significant holidays both in Vietnam and around the globe, featuring various meaningful activities. Here, Mytour will compile the special holidays and events happening in May for you to plan ahead.

Vietnam in May: What holidays are celebrated?

In May, Vietnam celebrates several important holidays commemorating significant historical events of the nation and the birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh. These are occasions for activities to express gratitude and pride towards the previous generations who contributed to the peace we enjoy today. Specifically, Vietnam observes the following holidays in May:

Victory Day at Dien Bien Phu on May 7th

The victory at Dien Bien Phu on May 7th marks a glorious milestone for our people in the struggle against French colonialism. When mentioning this day, Vietnamese people cannot help but feel proud as it is considered a victory that shines across five continents and shakes the globe.

On the 7th of May 1954, the national flag was proudly hoisted atop De Castries, marking Vietnam's triumph over France. The enemy forces had to sign the Geneva Accords, and Vietnam reclaimed peace. Since signing the Geneva Accords, Vietnam has undergone new transformations in its struggle, development, and defense of the homeland.

The Establishment Day of Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Brigade on the 15th of May

The Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Brigade was founded by Uncle Ho and the Party on the 15th of May 1941 in Cao Bang. This organization is dedicated to young boys and girls, fostering educational activities and training based on the 5 teachings of Uncle Ho. On this day every year, numerous activities for young boys and girls will take place, including cultural performances, sports competitions, collective learning, and more.

Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh on the 19th of May 

This is the day when the entire Party and people of Vietnam pay tribute to Uncle Ho - the beloved leader of the Vietnamese nation - to express deep love and gratitude. To celebrate the 19th of May, many activities following the ideology and ethics of Ho Chi Minh have been held nationwide. Through these activities, the spirit of patriotism and the aspiration for self-reliance and self-improvement of the whole nation are elevated.

What international holidays are there in May? 

Not only in Vietnam, but internationally there are many meaningful and special holidays in May. These holidays often revolve around freedom, equality, compassion, love, dedication, the role of families, and more. Specifically, what holidays are there in May around the world?

International Workers' Day on the 1st of May

When asked about holidays in May, everyone immediately thinks of International Workers' Day on the 1st of May. This day is considered a tribute to the labor force that has dared to fight for peace, equality, and freedom, while also affirming the significant contributions of the working class to social progress. In Vietnam, this day was first organized in 1930. Since then, on the 1st of May every year, all civil servants, officials, and laborers will have a day off. 

World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd of May

This May holiday aims to remind and raise awareness about the freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide. The significance of this day is that everyone has the right to freely express their opinions, access information, assemble, and protest as long as they comply with the law. In 2023, this holiday falls on the 3rd of May. 

International Red Cross Day on the 8th of May

When talking about holidays in May, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (formerly International Red Cross Day) cannot be overlooked. Established on the 8th of May based on the idea of Henry Dunant, the day he first appeared in the world was chosen as International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This is a global occasion to organize humanitarian movements with the theme of love between people. 

Victory in Europe Day on the 9th of May

Among the significant international holidays in May, the victory over Nazi Germany cannot be overlooked. On the 9th of May 1945, marked the complete defeat of Nazi Germany, with the Soviet Union and Allied forces emerging victorious, officially ending World War II in Europe. Since then, the 9th of May has become a shining milestone in human history, especially for the people and the Red Army of the Soviet Union. 

The 9th of May 1945 can be said to symbolize the joy of those who cherish freedom and democracy. Every year on this day, many military parades take place in Europe to commemorate those who sacrificed for the cause of defending the nation and to enhance the spirit of advocating peace and freedom. 

Mother's Day on the 14th of May

When asking about holidays in May, Mother's Day is a day everyone should remember. Mother's Day, celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May, originates from ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Formerly, Mother's Day was not fixed on a specific date. However, later on, most countries around the world chose the 2nd Sunday in May as Mother's Day. In 2023, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, the 14th of May. 

This day honors mothers worldwide. On this day, children often give meaningful gifts to express gratitude for their upbringing and nurturing as well as their love for their devoted mothers. Additionally, the 14th of May is an occasion to praise and appreciate the contributions of mothers, women to the family and society. 

International Day of Families on the 15th of May

What May holiday relates to families? It's the International Day of Families, abbreviated as IDF. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided to designate the 15th of May each year as the International Day of Families to affirm the role of families in social development and raise awareness in communities about family-related issues. 

The family is the basic unit of society, playing a role in maintaining lineage and contributing to community and societal development. Each family is both a place to return to and to rely on, as well as a place for individual character development. Additionally, families serve to preserve and uphold the traditional values of each nation and ethnicity.

International Day for Biological Diversity on the 22nd of May

The 22nd of May each year is designated by the United Nations as the International Day for Biological Diversity. This holiday aims to raise awareness of global biodiversity issues. Conservation of biodiversity is extremely important, directly impacting the interests of current and future generations. 

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on the 29th of May

When asking about holidays in May, one cannot forget the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This is an occasion to praise, remember, and express gratitude to the soldiers in peacekeeping forces who have not hesitated to face difficulties in order to maintain order in every region worldwide. These forces consist of warriors from many countries, nationalities around the world. Their sole purpose is to implement the directives of the United Nations to quell ongoing wars.

Moreover, the 29th of May is also an opportunity to honor and remember the 34,000 soldiers in peacekeeping forces who have sacrificed under the command of the United Nations flag. Until now, peacekeeping forces continue to grow and develop with contributions from military and police from over 124 countries. 

World No Tobacco Day on the 31st of May

This holiday in the last month of May was recognized globally in 1987. It's an occasion to raise awareness about the serious harms of tobacco to human health and the environment. This helps communities recognize the dangerous issue of tobacco and resolve to eliminate this silent killer.

Now you know what holidays May brings and their significance as well as what to prepare for each day. Get ready for these special events to have a meaningful and joyful May. If you want to know about other holidays, stay tuned with Mytour in the coming time.