Travel to Vietnam, a country rich in cultural and historical diversity, is the stage for numerous large-scale traditional festivities. Among these, the Hue Festival stands out as a cultural icon, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
If you are planning your trip for the year 2024, make sure not to miss the opportunity to participate in one of the biggest and most memorable events in Vietnam.
Discover the Hue Festival and its exceptional cultural events in the former capital of Vietnam
Overview of the Hue Festival in Vietnam
The Hue Festival is one of the biggest celebrations in Vietnam, held annually to honor the cultural and historical heritage of the ancient citadel of Hue – the historic city located in the center of the country. This colorful and lively festival showcases the cultural and artistic richness of the region. During the Hue Festival, the streets come alive with parades, traditional dance performances, musical shows, and art exhibitions. Visitors have the opportunity to explore traditional Vietnamese costumes, savor delicious local cuisine, and admire unique artworks.
Opening of the Hue Festival in Vietnam
The festival also highlights the history and heritage of Hue, with guided tours of historical monuments such as the Imperial City, royal tombs, and ancient pagodas. Cultural activities such as craft workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts are also offered.
History of the Hue Festival
In 1992, the very first Hue Festival, named the Vietnam – France Festival, was inaugurated. This initiative gained momentum in October 1998 when the government issued a decision authorizing the Thua Thien Hue province to collaborate with the Embassy of France in Vietnam for the organization of this event. Since that decision, the festival has been held regularly every two years, specifically in even-numbered years.
The Hue Festival, inaugurated in 2000, draws its roots from the prestigious history of the imperial city of Hue, one of the former capitals of Vietnam. Its initial aim was to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region. This annual celebration, harmoniously blending tradition and modernity, showcases the unique traditions, customs, and artistic forms of Hue. Through a range of events such as lavish parades, artistic performances, and cultural competitions, the Hue festival injects new energy into the city and consolidates its status as a leading cultural and historical center.
Beyond its festive dimension, the Hue Festival embodies a continued commitment to heritage preservation and the promotion of cultural tourism, thus contributing to creating a living legacy for future generations. By revisiting history through this annual celebration, this festival manages to unite the past and present in an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
Themes of the Hue Festival over the years
| 2000 | “Hue – The city of the art of living” |
| 2002 | “Exploring the art of living in the ancient city of Hue” |
| 2004 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2006 | “700 years of Thuan Hoa – Phu Xuan – Thua Thien Hue, Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2008 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2010 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2012 | “Meeting of historical cities” |
| 2014 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2016 | “710 years of Thuan Hoa – Phu Xuan – Thua Thien Hue” |
| 2018 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development – Hue, a place with 5 heritages” |
| 2020 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development – Hue perpetually renewed” |
| 2022 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2023 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
| 2024 | “Cultural heritage with integration and development” |
The organizing committee announced the series of events of Hue Festival 2023
What is the scheduled date for the Hue Festival in 2025?
With the theme “The capital of creative culture,” the Hue Festival 2025 will be organized with continuous activities throughout the year, starting with the opening program – the Ban Soc ceremony on January 1, 2025, and ending with the “Countdown” program on December 31, 2025.
A Variety of Activities and Events during the Festival
The Hue Festival is not limited to a simple celebration but also offers an opportunity for visitors to discover and appreciate the unique culture of Vietnam. Festival activities and events include traditional parades, art exhibitions, musical and artistic performances, as well as cultural competitions.
This is a good time for you to take a family vacation to Vietnam. The Hue Festival 2025 included over 50 main activities and nearly 100 associated activities that took place throughout the year according to the theme of the four seasons, with topics such as: “Spring in the old citadel,” “The brilliant citadel,” “Autumn in Hue,” “Winter season in Hue.”
- In detail, the Spring Festival “Spring in the old citadel” (January – March) includes courtyard festivals, traditional festivals, specific folk festivals, highlighting the opening program of the Hue Four Seasons Festival 2025 and the Ban Soc ceremony as well as many Lunar New Year activities both from the court and popular, extremely rich and unique with Tet traditions, traditional Tet cultural spaces, as well as fun and entertainment activities of the ancient capital Hue in commemoration of the Liberation Day of Thua Thien Hue.
- The Summer Festival “The brilliant citadel” (April – June) will take place during the Hue Festival Week 2025 with the highlight being the theme “The capital of creative culture” from June 7 to June 12, 2025.
- The Autumn Festival “Autumn in Hue” (July – September): With highlights such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as the Hue International Lantern Festival 2025 combined with exhibitions, arrangements, lantern parades, lion dance performances…
- The Winter Festival “Winter season in Hue” (October – December) will organize several new festive activities to make the atmosphere of Hue’s winter more lively and warm, while offering various forms of entertainment for visitors staying in the old citadel of Hue, including the International Music Week and the Countdown Program to welcome the new year.
With the International Music Festival being a significant cultural and artistic event aimed at promoting international cooperation and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and international friends.
Hue Ao Dai Festival: “Stories told from the river” – One of the highlights of the autumn activities series of the Hue Festival.
The fusion of modernity and tradition
The Hue Festival stands out for its ability to weave a perfect harmony between modernity and tradition, thus offering a unique experience to visitors. This fusion is evident through contemporary events that evoke the vibrancy of the present era. Festival-goers have the opportunity to participate in dynamic and current activities while being immersed in the authenticity of Vietnamese traditions and history.
Artistic performances, exhibitions, and cultural competitions showcase this successful symbiosis between modern elements and the traditional richness of Vietnam. By exploring this duality, visitors are invited to live a comprehensive cultural experience that transcends eras.
An ideal location for organizing this festival
Hue, as a gem in the heart of central Vietnam, offers much more than its ancient architecture. The city presents itself as an ideal destination for travelers eager for cultural and historical discoveries. Wandering through the alleys of the old citadel of Hue, visitors can admire architectural treasures and feel the deep historical imprint that permeates every stone of this imperial city.
The Linh Mu Temple, an iconic site, bears witness to Vietnamese spirituality, while the majestic Ngu Binh mountain offers a picturesque panorama of the region, as does Lang Co Beach, one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. Hue, with its historically significant sites, allows travelers to immerse themselves in the rich Vietnamese culture and discover the refined beauty that characterizes this region of the world.
Royal Night, art program within the framework of Hue Festival, held at Hue Imperial City – UNESCO Heritage
When traveling to Central Vietnam, the Hue Festival is not just a festive event, but an opportunity for travelers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Vietnamese culture. With a delicate fusion of modernity and tradition, it’s a must-visit experience for those planning to explore the country in 2025. Be sure to include this memorable celebration in your itinerary and participate in one of Vietnam’s most impressive festivals!
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