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The Magic of March: A Cultural Calendar of Vietnam and Beyond

What are the special dates in March? A comprehensive overview of the Vietnamese lunar and solar holidays, as well as international celebrations, that fall within this vibrant month.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

Have you ever wondered how many solar and lunar holidays there are in March? If so, join us as we go through the solar and lunar holidays of March in Vietnam and around the world!

1. Vietnam’s Solar Holidays in March

Traditional Day of the Border Guard Force (March 3rd)

On June 17, 2003, at the 3rd Session, the Government passed the Law on National Border and decided that March 3rd of each year would be the People’s Border Guard Day to honor the Border Guard Force and, at the same time, strengthen the ideology and promote the strength of the people in protecting national sovereignty, security, and border areas.

2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the People’s Border Guard Day (March 3, 1989 – March 3, 2024) and the 65th anniversary of the construction, combat, and maturity of the Border Guard Force (March 3, 1959 – March 3, 2024).

Traditional Day of the Border Guard Force (March 3)

Establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26th)

On March 26, 1931, under the chairmanship of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Labor Youth Union, with the permission of President Ho Chi Minh and the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Party, the 3rd National Congress unanimously decided to celebrate the establishment of the Union on March 26th every year.

Establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26)

Since then, March 26th has become an annual event to look back on the five-year formation and development of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, while also honoring, preserving, and promoting the glorious traditions of Vietnamese youth in the country’s construction and development.

2024 marks the 93rd anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 – March 26, 2024).

Vietnam Sports Day (March 27th)

On March 27, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 38 establishing the Youth and Physical Education Department under the Ministry of National Education. This is considered the first charter marking the birth of Vietnamese physical education and sports in the new regime.

March Holiday: Vietnam Sports Day

Therefore, on January 29, 1991, the Council of Ministers issued a decision to choose March 27th every year as Vietnam Sports Day to attract all people to participate in the movement to improve their health.

See also: Understanding the history and significance

Establishment of the People’s Self-Defense Force (March 28th)

At the First National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam held in Macau (China) on March 28, 1935, the Party passed a resolution on the Self-Defense Force.

March Holiday: Establishment of the People’s Self-Defense Force

Therefore, the birth of this resolution is also considered the Establishment of the People’s Self-Defense Force of Vietnam and the traditional day of the People’s Self-Defense Force of Vietnam.

2024 marks the 89th anniversary of the People’s Self-Defense Force (March 28, 1935 – March 28, 2024).

See also: Summary of all public holidays in Vietnam in 2024

2. Vietnam’s Lunar Holidays in March

Cold Food Festival (March 3rd of the Lunar Calendar)

is one of the most important lunar holidays for Vietnamese people. This holiday is an opportunity for people to remember and honor their ancestors and the nurturing merits of the deceased.

March Holiday: Cold Food Festival

On this holiday, Vietnamese families are busy preparing plates of floating and vegetarian cakes to worship their ancestors. These cakes, made from fragrant glutinous rice flour, are the fruits of hard labor offered to the deceased ancestors, reflecting the long-standing rice culture of the Vietnamese people.

Cold Food Festival 2024 (3rd of the 3rd lunar month) will fall on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the solar calendar.

Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (March 10th of the Lunar Calendar)

is a particularly important national holiday in Vietnamese culture. This is the day to honor and express gratitude to the Hung Kings, who founded and protected the country.

To show their respect, people from all over the country often participate in the procession and incense offering at the Upper Temple in the Hung Kings Temple historical site in Viet Tri, Phu Tho.

See also:

March Holiday: Hung Kings’ Temple Festival

Since the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival is a statutory holiday under the Labor Law, employees are entitled to a day off with full pay.

In 2024, the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (10th of the 3rd lunar month) will fall on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in the solar calendar.

See also: Summary of all public holidays in Vietnam

3. International Holidays in March

International Day against Discrimination (March 1st)

With the desire to promote social equality, the United Nations has unanimously chosen March 1st of each year as the International Day against Discrimination (Zero Discrimination Day).

March Holiday: International Day against Discrimination

This day aims to honor the right to live, equality, and dignity of all people. From there, it promotes global solidarity and puts an end to all forms of discrimination.

World Wildlife Day (March 3rd)

March Holiday: World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day (World Wildlife Day) is a day chosen by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about wildlife and plants worldwide and affirm their role and contribution to ecology, genetics, society, and the economy.

International Women’s Day (March 8th)

or the United Nations International Women’s Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace (International Women’s Day) was chosen by the United Nations to be held on March 8th every year and officially recognized in 1977.

March Holiday: International Women’s Day

Since then, International Women’s Day has become a day to honor the beauty and sacrifice of women, half of the world. It is also a major holiday in many countries.

In Vietnam, International Women’s Day on March 8th is also considered the anniversary of the uprising of the Trưng Sisters, two female heroes of the nation.

White Day (March 14th)

is a holiday that originated in Japan and has since spread throughout Asia and the world.

March Holiday: White Day

White Day is when boys respond to girls who expressed their feelings on Valentine’s Day a month earlier.

International Day of Happiness (March 20th)

On June 20, 2012, the United Nations and 193 member states adopted resolution A/RES/66/281 and decided to choose March 20th every year as the International Day of Happiness (International Day of Happiness).

March Holiday: International Day of Happiness

This international holiday aims to convey positive messages about happiness and promote the development and enhancement of happiness for humanity globally.

World Poetry Day (March 21st)

March Holiday: World Poetry Day

On November 15, 1999, UNESCO decided to choose March 21st every year as World Poetry Day (World Poetry Day) to emphasize the value and role of poetry in society and encourage people, especially the youth, to discover their roots.

World Down Syndrome Day (March 21st)

World Down Syndrome Day (World Down Syndrome Day) was recognized as an international holiday by the United Nations in Resolution A/RES/66/149.

March Holiday: World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day is held on March 21st every year. On this day, Down syndrome organizations worldwide organize various activities and events to raise public awareness about Down syndrome.

International Day of Forests (March 21st)

The International Day of Forests (International Day of Forests) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution A/RES/67/200.

March Holiday: International Day of Forests

The International Day of Forests was first held on March 21, 2013. On this day, many activities and events are organized to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of forests to life worldwide.

World Water Day (March 22nd)

World Water Day or World Clean Water Day (World Water Day) is celebrated by the United Nations on March

Frequently asked questions

March is a month filled with cultural celebrations in Vietnam and beyond. In Vietnam, the month kicks off with the Tet Nguyen Tieu festival, also known as the God of Wealth Festival, which is a time to honor the gods and pray for a prosperous year ahead. This is followed by the Thuong Nguyen Festival, a unique occasion to worship the God of Death, and the Tet Han Thuc, a festival celebrating the moon and featuring traditional dishes like ‘banh troi’ and ‘banh chay’. Beyond Vietnam, March also holds cultural significance with Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, and Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebrated across the Middle East and parts of Asia.

During the Tet Nguyen Tieu festival, Vietnamese families offer prayers and sacrifices to the God of Wealth, hoping for a year filled with abundance and good fortune. They also take this opportunity to clean their houses, decorate with flowers and bright colors, and prepare special dishes like ‘banh tet’ and ‘banh chung’. It’s a time for family reunions, exchanging best wishes, and enjoying folk games and cultural activities across the country.

The Thuong Nguyen Festival, also known as the God of Death Festival, is a unique Vietnamese tradition. It is held on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month and is dedicated to worshipping the God of Death, also known as the ‘Ong Tao’. Families offer sacrifices and prayers to the ‘Ong Tao’, asking for protection and good health for their loved ones. It is believed that during this festival, the ‘Ong Tao’ returns to Heaven to report on the activities of each household, so it’s a time for reflection and seeking forgiveness.

The Tet Han Thuc is a traditional Vietnamese festival that honors the moon and celebrates the arrival of spring. During this festival, people make and enjoy ‘banh troi’ (floating cake) and ‘banh chay’ (sweet soup cake), which are considered sacred foods. ‘Banh troi’ is made from glutinous rice flour and is filled with a sweet mung bean or sesame paste, while ‘banh chay’ is a similar dessert soup with a lighter, more liquid consistency.

Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated across India and by Indian communities worldwide. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. People gather in open spaces, sing, dance, and play by throwing colored powder and water at each other, creating a colorful and festive atmosphere. It’s a time for fun, forgiveness, and the strengthening of bonds between friends and family.

Nowruz, or Persian New Year, marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the spring equinox. It has a long history, dating back over 3,000 years, and is observed by people of various ethnicities and religions across the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. Nowruz symbolizes renewal and unity, and celebrations include traditional meals, family gatherings, and the decoration of homes with symbolic items like ‘Haft-Seen’ tables.