Vietnamese Festival Calendar 2026
From Sinulog's million-strong street dances to Batanes' quiet community gatherings — time your trip to the celebrations that define each destination.
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Vietnam loves a celebration — and they've built an entire culture around proving it. There are festivals for harvests, ancestors, historical events, and things that don't need a reason at all. From the explosive energy of Tet to the lantern-lit beauty of Mid-Autumn Festival, there's always something happening somewhere. It's part of what makes Vietnam feel so alive, and I try to plan around at least one every trip.
— Scott
Festivals by Month
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Sinulog (Cebu, January), Ati-Atihan (Aklan, January), and Dinagyang (Iloilo, January) are the 'Big Three' — massive street dance festivals honoring the Santo Niño. MassKara (Bacolod, October) and Panagbenga (Baguio, February) draw huge crowds. Moriones (Marinduque, Holy Week) is the most dramatic. Each attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Sinulog is held on the third Sunday of January, with a week of celebrations leading up to the grand parade. The main event features street dancing from early morning through the afternoon along the major roads of Cebu City. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead — Cebu fills up completely during Sinulog week.
Pick your festival, then book accommodation 2-3 months early (prices double during major festivals). Arrive 2-3 days before the main event — the lead-up street parties and rehearsals are often more fun than the grand parade. Use our AI Trip Planner at /plan/ to build a festival-centered itinerary with hotel and transport bookings.
Vietnamese festivals are very safe and locals are welcoming to foreign visitors. The main risks are pickpockets in dense crowds and sunburn from long outdoor exposure. Keep valuables in a front pocket or neck pouch, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen. Police presence is heavy during major festivals.
Lightweight, breathable clothing — it's hot and you'll be in crowds for hours. Comfortable closed-toe shoes for dancing and walking on streets. Avoid expensive jewelry or accessories. Bring a small waterproof bag for your phone (water-throwing is common at some festivals). Sunglasses, hat, and reef-safe sunscreen are essential.
January is peak festival season. Sinulog (Cebu), Ati-Atihan (Kalibo, Aklan), and Dinagyang (Iloilo) all happen in the third or fourth week. These three Santo Niño festivals are the country's biggest and most energetic celebrations, featuring elaborate costumes, street dancing, and all-night parties.