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.

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Did you know about the solar and lunar holidays and International holidays in February? If not, let’s join Bach Hoa XANH to explore the special days in February right after the article below!

1 Solar Holidays in February in Vietnam

Vietnamese Communist Party Foundation Day

February Holidays: Vietnamese Communist Party Foundation Day

On February 3, 2024, the Vietnamese people proudly celebrated the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The birth of the Party was a significant event and a turning point in the revolutionary cause of the entire Vietnamese nation. Thanks to the leadership and correct guidelines of the Communist Party of Vietnam, our revolution has achieved victory, and our country has been liberated.

See also: Comprehensive list of public holidays in Vietnam in 2024

Vietnamese Doctors’ Day

February Holidays: Vietnamese Doctors’ Day

On February 27, 1955, President Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter to the Conference of Medical Staff, instructing doctors to be sincere, united, and loving towards patients, and to contribute to the development of Vietnamese medicine.

On February 6, 1985, the government decided to choose February 27 as Vietnamese Doctors’ Day. This day aims to honor doctors, nurses, and all those working in the Vietnamese healthcare sector.

See also: : History and significance of February 27

2 Lunar Holidays in February in Vietnam

Tram Temple Festival (February 2nd on the Lunar Calendar)

Tram Temple belongs to a complex of three temples: Tram Temple, Hang Temple, and Vo Vi Temple, located at Tram Mountain (Tu Tram Son), Chuong My District, Hanoi.

The temple was built in the 16th century by a general who became a monk. On the 2nd of February of the lunar calendar every year, many people come here to worship.

Tram Temple Festival (February 2nd on the Lunar Calendar)

Son-in-Law Choosing Festival (February 2nd on the Lunar Calendar)

This unique folk festival takes place in Duong Yen village, the ancient Kinh Bac region (now Dong Anh district). The festival mimics the day when Lady Le Hoa (one of the Two Trung Sisters) defeated the enemy and chose a talented man as her husband.

Son-in-Law Choosing Festival (February 2nd on the Lunar Calendar)

Mr. Dia Temple was built in the 19th century and was officially recognized by King Tu Duc in 1852. The festival takes place on February 2nd of the lunar calendar, which is the birthday of the Earth God Phuc Duc Chinh Than.

Mr. Dia Temple Festival (February 2nd on the Lunar Calendar)

Long Hai Goddess Welcoming Festival (February 10th-12th on the Lunar Calendar)

This is one of the largest festivals for fishermen in the Southern provinces. The festival combines the Fishermen’s Prayer Ceremony with the worship of the Sea Goddess and the Mother Goddess belief.

The festival is held annually on February 10-12 of the lunar calendar at the Dinh Co (Long Dien, Ba Ria Vung Tau) and attracts many visitors.

Long Hai Goddess Welcoming Festival (February 10th-12th on the Lunar Calendar)

Tay Thien Festival (February 15th on the Lunar Calendar)

This festival takes place at the Temple of the National Mother of Tay Thien on the 15th of February of the lunar calendar. The National Mother’s real name was Lang Thi Tieu, who helped Hung Chieu Vung defeat the enemy and expand the territory.

Tay Thien Festival (February 15th on the Lunar Calendar)

Quan The Am Festival (February 19th on the Lunar Calendar)

This festival is held annually at the Ngu Hanh Son tourist area in Da Nang. The festival was first held in 1960 and has been preserved and promoted to this day.

Quan The Am Festival (February 19th on the Lunar Calendar)

Thanh Minh Festival (February 26th on the Lunar Calendar)

Thanh Minh Festival in 2024 falls on April 4th of the solar calendar (February 26th of the lunar calendar). This is a day for descendants to remember their ancestors and visit their graves.

On this day, descendants often prepare offerings to worship their ancestors and clean their graves to make them neat and tidy.

See also: What is Thanh Minh? Date of Thanh Minh Festival in 2024

Thanh Minh Festival (February 26th on the Lunar Calendar)

See also: Comprehensive list of public holidays in Vietnam

3 International Holidays in February

World Cancer Day

February Holidays: World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is a global event, held annually on February 4th, to raise awareness about cancer and how to prevent, control, and treat it.

The goal of this day is to spread knowledge about the dangers, prevention, and treatment of cancer to reduce the number of people affected by and dying from this disease, especially children.

International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers

February Holidays: International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers

The International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day, is observed on February 12th to call for action against the use of children in armed conflicts.

Red Hand Day was initiated in 2002 and came into effect on February 12th of the same year. Several international organizations, such as UNICEF, Amnesty International, and Terre des Hommes, are actively working to combat the use of child soldiers worldwide.

Valentine’s Day

February Holidays: Valentine’s Day

February 14th – Valentine’s Day or Lover’s Day – is a day to celebrate romantic love. Couples express their feelings by giving flowers, chocolates, and handmade cards to their loved ones.

Legend has it that in the 1400s, a priest named Valentine in Rome secretly helped Christian couples get married, despite a ban on marriages by Emperor Claudius II. Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, and to honor him, people began celebrating this day as a testament to their deep love.

See also: When is Valentine’s Day? How many days until Valentine’s Day?

International Mother Language Day

February Holidays: International Mother Language Day

At a conference on November 17, 1999, UNESCO chose February 21st as International Mother Language Day (International Mother Language Day), and this decision was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008.

This day is celebrated annually by UNESCO member states at their respective UNESCO headquarters to promote linguistic and cultural diversity.

Frequently asked questions

February is a month filled with cultural and historical significance across the globe. It marks a time to honor and celebrate various traditions, with a particular focus on love, friendship, and cultural heritage.

Valentine’s Day in Vietnam is often referred to as ‘Western Valentine’s Day’ and is celebrated on February 14th. While it is a relatively new holiday in the country, it has gained immense popularity, especially among the youth. Young couples exchange gifts, cards, and flowers, and enjoy romantic dates. However, what sets Vietnam apart are the unique traditions like the ‘Meeting Day of Lone Wild Souls’ on April 28th, which is similar to Valentine’s Day but with a focus on finding love for single people.

Yes, Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage, and February marks an important time for several traditional festivals. The most prominent one is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as ‘Tet Nguyen Dan’ or simply ‘Tet.’ It is the most significant holiday in the country, celebrated from the first to the third day of the lunar calendar. Families gather, feast, and pay respect to their ancestors during this festive period.

February is a month packed with cultural diversity and celebrations worldwide. Some notable global events include the Chinese New Year, which often overlaps with Vietnam’s Tet holiday. It is a grand festival celebrated by Chinese communities across the globe. Additionally, there is the International Mother Language Day on February 21st, promoting linguistic and cultural diversity, and the famous Rio Carnival in Brazil, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture leading up to Lent.

February presents a range of opportunities for creative marketing campaigns. With a focus on love and cultural heritage, businesses can tailor their promotions to align with these themes. For example, offering couples’ discounts or organizing cultural events can engage customers. Additionally, with the rise of digital marketing, creating online content and social media campaigns centered around these holidays can effectively reach and connect with target audiences.