Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Date: October 6, 2025 (Monday)
Country: Vietnam Public Holidays
Description
Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a special time to celebrate the full moon. People see the bright moon as a sign of warmth, hope, and plenty. It is a gentle reminder to appreciate what we have.
The holiday falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. That usually means late September or early October in the Western calendar. The moon is at its fullest and brightest then, which gives the holiday its name.
This day is important because it marks the harvest season. Farmers give thanks for the crops and food that helped the whole community survive the year. It is a moment to feel grateful for nature and the land.
The festival also strengthens family and community bonds. It connects people to old stories, poems, and shared memories. For many Vietnamese, it is a warm time to remember the past and look forward with hope.
Traditions
Families hang colorful lanterns and children walk in neighborhood parades at night. Kids carry star shaped paper lanterns or plastic lamps while singing and playing. Lion dances appear in streets to bring excitement and music.
People make and share mooncakes and banh deo sticky rice cakes. Sweet and savory mooncakes are given to friends and elders. Homes put out fruit trays shaped like flowers and animals for the altar.
Households set up a small altar with offerings for ancestors and the moon. They light incense, arrange food, and sometimes chant simple prayers. Rituals are gentle and focus on family togetherness.
Villages host games, puppet shows, and mask parades. Children wear colorful masks and perform little plays. Streets feel bright and festive with food, music, and laughter.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and government offices close or open late during the Mid Autumn holiday. Book trains and buses in advance and expect crowded stations the evening before and the day after. Plan city moves early in the morning or late at night.
Join organized events in parks or public squares to stay safe and find helpful staff. Keep valuables secure in crowds and follow local police directions. Visit night markets for snacks and light shows, and be respectful of quiet residential areas when crowds gather.