Origin & history
Vietnam's National Day originates from the August Revolution of 1945, when the Việt Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, seized power from the Japanese occupation forces and the Nguyen dynasty. On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square in Hanoi, proclaiming the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This declaration ended over 80 years of French colonial rule and the Japanese occupation, following World War II.
The holiday was officially established shortly after the revolution. Initially celebrated in northern Vietnam, after the Vietnam War ended in 1975 and the country reunified, National Day became a national public holiday for all of Vietnam. The date symbolizes the nation's sovereignty and independence, marking the founding of the modern Vietnamese state.
Key historical figures involved include Ho Chi Minh, who drafted the declaration inspired by the US Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man. The event was a culmination of anti-colonial struggles and set the stage for the First Indochina War. Since 1954, after the Geneva Accords, the holiday was observed in the North; from 1976 onward, it has been celebrated across the entire unified Vietnam.
Customs & traditions
On National Day, Vietnamese people engage in various patriotic activities. The day begins with a flag-raising ceremony at Ba Đình Square in Hanoi, attended by top leaders and crowds. In major cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there are grand parades featuring military displays, floats, and performances showcasing cultural heritage. Fireworks displays are held in the evening, with spectacular shows across cities.
Families often gather for festive meals, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes such as phở, bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes), and nem rán (spring rolls). People also visit historical sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or museums. Many decorate their homes and streets with the national flag, a red field with a yellow star. Schools and workplaces hold ceremonies, and public spaces have exhibitions on Vietnam's revolutionary history.
In recent years, celebrations have become more diverse, including cultural festivals, sports events, and music concerts. However, due to the holiday coinciding with the start of a new school year, the focus remains on patriotic education. Travel peaks as many take advantage of the day off to visit relatives or explore tourist destinations across the country.
Why it is celebrated
National Day is the most important national holiday in Vietnam, embodying the country's sovereignty, independence, and unity. It commemorates the end of colonial rule and the birth of a new nation, instilling pride in Vietnamese identity and history. The day reinforces the ideals of self-determination and the sacrifices made for independence.
Beyond historical reflection, the holiday serves to strengthen national solidarity and patriotism. It is a moment for Vietnamese people, both at home and abroad, to celebrate their cultural heritage and express commitment to the nation's future. Government officials use the occasion to reaffirm the country's accomplishments and development goals, making it a key date for national propaganda and collective remembrance.