Vietnam Festivals

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VIETNAM FESTIVALS 2012


INTRODUCTION
There are a considerable number of festivals staged in Vietnam each year. The problem is to find out when & where, recognising that festivals are staged in accordance with the Vietnam (Chinese) lunar calendar & so fluctuate from year to year. The information here applies to 2012 only.

Readers are urged, therefore, to reconfirm details & dates for events they may consider attending. Dates supplied here relate to the 'western' calendar.

With the considerable help of Hang at Flamingo Travel in Hanoi I have formulated a list of the better known festivals & celebrations with a brief note explaining each festival.

I trust that anyone participating in a festival by virtue of this post will furnish a report whereby this list can be added to & refined for the benefit of all.


January
25-27
Hmong Spring Festival. Held at various venues throughout the mountains of Lai Chau, Lao Cai & Ha Giang provinces with offerings for a good harvest.

28
Co Lao Festival. At An Duong Vuong Temple in Dong Anh. A large & colourful procession involving 7 communes to celebrate King An Duong Vuong


February
1
Yen Tu Festival (for 3 months). 130km N of Hanoi (14km N of Uong Bi). A pilgrimage in a wonderfully scenic setting worshipping the Sakyamuni Buddah.

4
Lim Festival. At Lim, Tien Du, Bach Ninh; east of Hanoi. Festival to honour the patriarchs of Quan Ho singing.

6/2-10/3
Huong Pagoda Festival. At Huong Son, 60km s/w of Hanoi. A major festival celebrating the sakyamuni Buddah, Avalokitesvara & the Holy Mothers.

10-12
Qua Son Temple Festival. Boi Son, Do Luong, Nghe An. Worshipping ceremony involving Dragon Boat racing.

26
Xen Muong Festival. Muong Than, Than Uyen, Lai Chau. Buffalo offering & folk dancing.

Ban Flower Festival of the Thai. Held throughout much of February the festival, praying for good crops & happiness, is celebrated around Dien Bien Province.


March
(6/2-10/3 - Huong Pagoda Festival. At Huong Son, 60km s/w of Hanoi. See details above).

7
Festival of the Perfume Pagoda (3 months). 65km SW of Hanoi at My Duc. Huge ceremony is a spectacular setting known as Buddah's heaven.
(See: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...-Trip-(broken)

26-28
Thay Pagoda Festival. 32km W of Hanoi at Ha Thay. (Water Puppets).

Dak Lek Elephant Race Festival. Held mid to late March in Buon Don Village, west of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lek province by the Mnong people famous for their skills with elephants praying for a good harvest.
(See details in: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...Elephant-Races


April
17
Khau Vai Love Market. Legendary market where hill-tribes people would trade their husbands & wives.




September
4
Do Son Buffalo Fighting. Hai Phong City. Famous buffalo fighting gathering.

30
Full-Moon Party. The chance to see lanterns launched.


October
27-29
Keo Pagoda Festival. At Thai Binh. Boat racing & dancing celebrating the monk Khong Lo.


November
Oc Bom Bok Festival . Massive gathering in Soc Trang to witness long-boat racing.
(See: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...5632-Soc-Trang ).

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A couple of festivals to be considered by those travelling in the areas concerned over April:

APRIL 7th-15th inclusive
Hue Festival.
Held every 2 years, its Vietnam's biggest cultural event - a huge festival of art, theatre, music, dance......many staged within the Citadel.
Fantastic event, if you can find accommodation.
(See: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...195#post278195 )


APRIL 29th & 30th
Da Nang Firework Festival.
A massive event involving competing teams from invited countries - this year France, Italy, Canada, China - who will join with Vietnam in a magical display of light & sound over the scenic Han River with the city of Da Nang as a backdrop.