As the Thanh Minh festival unfolds this year, from April 4 to April 19, families across Vietnam are partaking in a cherished tradition that honors their ancestors. This year, the festival began on a Friday, coinciding with the lunar calendar's seventh day of the third month, and many families opted to visit graves over the weekend to ensure all members could participate in the solemn observance.
One of the most popular destinations for these memorial visits is the Lac Hong Vien spiritual park in Hoa Binh City, where crowds gathered to pay their respects. For instance, Mr. Nguyen Hong Truong, who traveled over two hours from My Dinh ward in Hanoi, expressed the importance of this tradition to his family. “Visiting graves during the Thanh Minh festival is a tradition that my family has preserved for generations. On the seventh day of the third lunar month each year, we come to the cemetery to light incense, clean the graves, and remember those who have passed. This is a time for us to show gratitude to our ancestors, the founders of our family, and a reminder for the younger generation to always remember their roots and live kindly to bring blessings to themselves and their families,” he shared.
Mr. Truong was not alone in his observance; hundreds of other families, including children, flocked to the graves of their loved ones during the weekend. Mr. Nguyen Tri Anh, who also made the trip from Hanoi, spoke about the emotional significance of the festival. “During the Thanh Minh holiday, I prepare offerings to visit my mother’s grave. This day holds special meaning in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people; it’s a time to remember our ancestors and loved ones who have passed, as well as to reflect on cherished memories with family. Every time I visit Lac Hong Vien, I feel deeply moved. I always pray for my mother’s soul and for all those resting here to find peace and for their blessings to support our family’s health and happiness. This year, the weather is pleasant and cool, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for grave visits. I noticed that each year, Lac Hong Vien undergoes positive changes, with improved infrastructure and increasingly professional services,” he stated.
Likewise, Mr. Nguyen Van Yen from Cau Giay district in Hanoi shared his family's experience. “Today, I came with my wife and daughter to the cemetery to perform the Thanh Minh ceremony and honor our ancestors. We prepared offerings including fruits and paper money to present to our ancestors. My family always wishes for peace, health, and good fortune for our descendants,” he said.
According to Great Buddhist Monk Thich Tri Thinh, the Deputy Head of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Hoa Binh province and the abbot of Kim Son Lac Hong Pagoda, the Thanh Minh festival is not confined to a single day but spans 15 days. “During this time, families wish to gather together and remember the contributions of their ancestors, grandparents, and parents. When visiting graves during the Thanh Minh festival, families need to prepare offerings carefully, but what is more important is sincerity,” he emphasized. This sentiment resonates deeply within the Vietnamese culture, where honoring ancestors is a fundamental aspect of familial duty.
As families engage in these time-honored practices, the Thanh Minh festival stands as a poignant reminder of the connections that bind generations together, emphasizing respect, gratitude, and remembrance.
In a related note, the Hung Kings Commemoration Day this year also saw a three-day holiday, attracting many tourists to Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province. Reports indicate a slight increase in visitor numbers during this holiday period, as travelers from surrounding provinces flocked to the coastal city.
VinWonders Nha Trang emerged as a favored destination, offering a variety of thrill-seeking activities and artistic performances that captivated both local residents and tourists. Notable attractions included the Ponagar Tower Relic Site, which welcomed approximately 16,000 visitors over the three-day holiday, while the Institute of Oceanography hosted around 15,000 guests.
Mr. Tran Van Phu, Head of the Nha Trang Tourist Wharf Management Department, noted the uptick in visitors. “During the three-day holiday from April 5 to April 7, the Nha Trang Tourist Wharf welcomed nearly 16,000 visitors to various destinations in Nha Trang Bay, such as Bai Tranh, Hon Tam, and Con Se Tre. The peak day was April 6, with 7,200 visitors, marking a 25% increase compared to typical weekends,” he reported.
Moreover, the Hoa Lan Island Tourist Area and Monkey Island Tourist Area, managed by Long Phu Tourism Joint Stock Company, experienced a surge of about 3,500 visitors, which is a 30% increase from regular weekend traffic. Traditional cultural sites, such as the Trường Sơn craft village and the Nha Trang ancient town, also drew significant crowds eager to enjoy local cuisine and experiences.
Leaders from the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism noted that this year’s Hung Kings Commemoration Day closely precedes the upcoming April 30 and May 1 holidays, which last five days. This proximity has led many tourists to keep their travel plans closer to home, reserving trips for the longer holiday period. The modest increase in visitors during the Hung Kings Commemoration Day indicates a rising demand for domestic tourism, suggesting a potential boom in visitor numbers during the forthcoming April holidays.
As Vietnam's cultural traditions continue to thrive and evolve, both the Thanh Minh festival and the Hung Kings Commemoration Day serve as vital expressions of national identity, community, and familial bonds, fostering a spirit of remembrance and celebration.
