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
The Ultimate Guide to February’s Holidays: A Cultural Journey Through Vietnam and the World
What does February hold? A comprehensive overview of the Vietnamese and international holidays and observances in the second month of the year.
