Hanoi is the land of heroic exploits of the country as well as the land of traditional festivals with a strong national identity. Today, let’s explore the top 10 unique and famous festivals in Hanoi.
1 Co Loa Festival
Co Loa Festival
As one of the traditional and famous festivals in Hanoi, Co Loa Festival is an opportunity for people to commemorate An Duong Vuong Thuc Phan – the symbol of the hero of Vietnamese history. This festival expresses the memory of the great king of the country and reminds people of the tradition “remembering one’s roots” that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Co Loa Festival takes place in Co Loa village – Dong Anh district, Hanoi, from the 6th to the 16th day of the Lunar New Year.
2 Dong Da Festival
Dong Da Festival
Dong Da Festival, also known as Gò Đống Đa Festival, is a festival to celebrate the victory of Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ, in the historic triumph in Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da. Dong Da Festival has gone through more than 200 years of history, it is a relatively big festival and has become a symbol of the city on each occasion of the new year.
The festival takes place at Gò Đống Đa, Quang Trung ward, Hanoi. The festival takes place on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year every year.
3 Perfume Pagoda Festival
Perfume Pagoda Festival
The Perfume Pagoda is one of the sacred pagodas and also the place where the famous Perfume Pagoda Festival is held. The Perfume Pagoda Festival is a place to visit the sacred place and also a place for people to find trust and peace in the land of Buddha. In the Perfume Pagoda Festival, there will be many unique entertainment activities such as boat racing, mountain climbing, and enjoying traditional folk songs, etc.
The festival takes place at Huong Son commune – My Duc district, Hanoi and takes place from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year to the middle of the third lunar month.
4 Soc Temple Festival
Soc Temple Festival
Soc Temple Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the country, this festival bears the cultural and spiritual identity to commemorate the monk Tu Dao Hanh with his 3 lives so it attracts a large number of visitors every year. In the festival, there will be many interesting activities for visitors such as mountain climbing, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, and enjoying the folk songs.
The festival is held in Sai Son commune, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi and takes place from the 5th to the 7th day of the 3rd lunar month every year.
5 Bat Trang Ceramic Village Festival
Bat Trang Ceramic Village Festival
The Bat Trang Festival is one of the big festivals during the year to honor and preserve the traditional beauty of pottery in Vietnam. In the festival, there will be many unique traditional activities such as water procession, ritual bathing, and pottery making experience for visitors from all over the world.
The festival takes place at Bat Trang Communal House, Bat Trang village, Gia Lam district, Hanoi, from the 14th to the end of the 16th day of the 2nd lunar month every year.
6 Gio Soc Temple Festival
Gio Soc Temple Festival
Gio Soc Temple Festival is a festival to commemorate and honor the hero Giong who bravely fought the invaders in the ancient time. This gratitude tradition has been preserved and passed down from many generations and is expressed through 3 solemn days at Giong Temple in Soc Son district. There will be many exciting activities during the festival, especially the grand and impressive elephant processions.
The festival takes place annually in Phu Linh commune, Soc Son district, Hanoi from the 6th to the 8th day of the 1st lunar month
7 Hai Ba Trung – Me Linh Temple Festival
Hai Ba Trung – Me Linh Temple Festival
Hai Ba Trung – Me Linh Temple Festival is a festival to commemorate and honor the two female heroes of the Vietnamese nation, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi. The special and prominent point of this festival is the traditional procession, the procession of Trung Trac will go first and then the procession of Trung Nhi will follow, this is considered a delicate symbol to show the love and unity of the two national heroines.
The festival takes place at Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune, Me Linh district, Hanoi, on the 6th day of the first lunar month.
8 Vong La Festival
Vong La Festival
Vong La Festival is one of the biggest festivals of the year and attracts a large number of tourists to participate every year. Vong La Festival is a day to honor the five deities including Quoc Cong Dai Vuong, La Nhuong Phu Nhan Dai Vuong with their three children Linh Khong (First Linh To Dai Vuong), Minh Chieu (Second Linh To Dai Vuong), and Cung Muc (Third Linh To Dai Vuong).
The festival is held at the Đại Độ communal house, Vong La village, Vong La commune, Đong Anh district, Hanoi. The festival takes place from the 13th to the 15th day of the first lunar month.
9 Le Mat Snake Village Festival
Le Mat Snake Village Festival
Le Mat Snake Village Festival takes place to commemorate the founding father Le Mat, he is the one who established 13 western farms in Thang Long – now belonging to Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. The typical point of the festival is the artistic snake dance, at that time, a snake will be made by the locals from bamboo and a piece of cloth to symbolize a water monster, then it will be defeated by the strength and will of the people of the Hoang family.
The festival takes place annually in Le Mat village, Viet Hung commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi, on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.
10 Hanoi Beer Festival
Hanoi Beer Festival
The Hanoi Beer Festival is one of the unique and vibrant festivals held annually to deeply appreciate the HABECO beer brand – a beer brand that has been accompanying the people for many generations. At the festival, visitors will enjoy many unique beers and also have the opportunity to explore the production process of beer.
These are the top 10 major festivals in Hanoi that you may not know about. We hope that through this article, you will have more useful information and in the upcoming Lunar New Year, you can participate in these unique and interesting festivals with your family, friends, and loved ones.
1. Tet Holiday: Tet Holiday, or Lunar New Year, is the most significant festival in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions, traditional rituals, and vibrant celebrations.
2. Ba Dinh Square Festival: This festival commemorates the historic declaration of independence by Ho Chi Minh in 1945. It features cultural performances, parades, and displays of traditional Vietnamese culture.
3. Hanoi International Film Festival: This annual event showcases the best of Vietnamese and international cinema, with screenings, workshops, and awards.
4. Hung Kings’ Festival: A celebration honoring the founders of the nation, featuring traditional rituals, folk games, and cultural performances.
5. Mid-Autumn Festival: A colorful festival celebrated with lion dances, lantern releases, and delicious mooncakes.
6. Hanoi Ceramic Festival: A unique festival showcasing Vietnam’s ceramic heritage, with exhibitions, workshops, and a vibrant market.
7. Perfume Pagoda Festival: A spiritual journey to the Perfume Pagoda, a sacred Buddhist site, with thousands of pilgrims and tourists attending.
8. Quan Ho Folk Song Festival: A celebration of traditional folk songs and culture, with performances, competitions, and a vibrant atmosphere.
9. Hanoi Dragon Boat Race: An exciting race on West Lake, featuring traditional dragon boats and energetic teams.
10. Giong Festival: A unique festival honoring legendary hero Saint Giong, with rituals, performances, and a vibrant procession.
