1. Overview of festivals in Hai Phong
Hai Phong is a land of festivals. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong is not only famous for its island scenery and rich cuisine, but is also known as a land of festivals imbued with national cultural identity. Each festival here is a vivid picture recreating the history, beliefs, and solidarity of the people of the port city, attracting thousands of visitors from all directions each year.
1.1. Why do festivals in Hai Phong attract tourists?
The unique attraction of festivals in Hai Phong is the warm gathering atmosphere and the diversity of event types. For a long time, festivals have become a thread connecting the community, while awakening pride and solidarity among the people of the port city. Through each festival season, traditional values, ancient beliefs, and local cultural identity are preserved and promoted, contributing to Hai Phong's unique imprint.
When participating in festivals here, visitors will experience unique traditional spaces such as village festivals, temple festivals, memorial ceremonies for dignitaries, alongside large-scale modern cultural and tourism events like the Red Flamboyant Festival. Each festival not only shows cultural depth but also offers an opportunity to learn about the spiritual life characteristic of Hai Phong people.
Furthermore, festivals also serve as a tool to promote the local image, contributing to the development of tourism through artistic activities, parades, cultural experiences, and characteristic cuisine. As a result, Hai Phong is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
1.2. Timing of major festivals in 2025
In 2025, festivals in Hai Phong promise to bring many vibrant and unique activities. The highlight is the Red Flamboyant Festival, expected to take place on the evening of May 13, 2025, at the Central Political-Administrative Square in the New Urban Area of North Cam River, Thuy Nguyen. This event coincides with the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong's Liberation Day, promising a large-scale festival program, combining special art and attractive cultural activities.
Meanwhile, the Con Son Kiep Bac Autumn Festival 2025 will be held from October 1 to 12 (corresponding to August 10-21 in the lunar calendar), attracting a large number of people from many northern provinces. The festival recreates traditional rituals rich in religious value, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the solemn and sacred atmosphere of one of the region's prominent festival events.
In addition, other traditional festivals in Hai Phong usually take place in spring and autumn, with separate organization times at each village and relic. For example, the Den Nghe Festival often kicks off in early spring, while traditional village festivals continue from the first to the third lunar month, reflecting the characteristic culture and rich spiritual life of the people in the port city.
2. Outstanding traditional festivals in Hai Phong
Traditional festivals in Hai Phong not only reflect the cultural depth and beliefs of the people of the port land but also serve as an occasion for the community to turn towards their roots, honor history, and awaken the spirit of solidarity. Each festival carries its own story, blending spiritual elements, art, and folk activities, creating a proud and distinctive cultural tapestry of Hai Phong.
2.1. Den Nghe Festival
The Nghi Temple Festival is an occasion to honor the contributions of ancestors. (Source: Collected)
Within the system of festivals in Hai Phong, the Nghi Temple Festival (held on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of the second lunar month annually) holds a special spiritual and historical position. The temple was built to commemorate the Female General Le Chan, who contributed to the land reclamation and development and laid the foundation for the Hai Phong region today. The festival is not only an occasion to honor the contributions of ancestors but also signifies prayers for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and embodies the national tradition of “drinking water, remembering the source” (gratitude).
The rituals at the Hai Phong Nghi Temple Festival include incense offering ceremonies, traditional sacrificial rites, palanquin processions, dragon dances, and female official sacrificial rites, conducted with solemnity and care. The temple space is filled with a sacred atmosphere, attracting a large number of visitors from all directions.
The festival part is an opportunity for the community to experience traditional folk games such as Cheo singing, wrestling, tug-of-war, water puppetry, and traditional sports. Additionally, local art performances such as Ca Tru, Cheo, and folk performances contribute to a vibrant and lively atmosphere, while also fostering community cohesion and spreading the unique culture of Hai Phong.
2.2. Con Son – Kiep Bac Festival
The Con Son - Kiep Bac festival attracts a large number of people from Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Among the prominent festivals in Hai Phong, the Con Son Kiep Bac Festival (held from October 1st to October 12th, 2025) leaves its mark with its ability to connect many regions. Organized at the historical relic complex of Con Son – Kiep Bac, the festival attracts a large number of people from Hai Phong along with visitors from northern provinces, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and promoting the unique historical and cultural values of this land.
Notable activities at the Con Son Kiep Bac Hai Phong Festival include a solemn seal opening ceremony, traditional palanquin processions, releasing flower lanterns on the Luc Dau River, along with memorial rituals for national heroes like Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Trai, carrying strong traditional educational significance. Additionally, folk games, boat races, and traditional art performances add to the lively and attractive atmosphere of the festival.
Community spirit is the highlight of the festival, demonstrated through exchange programs, honoring patriotic traditions, and promoting solidarity among localities in the Red River basin as well as the entire Northeast region. This factor has created the special appeal and value for the Con Son Kiep Bac Hai Phong Festival, making it one of the quintessential festivals not to be missed when exploring the culture of the port city.
2.3. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is a famous traditional festival. (Source: Collected)
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, held annually on the 9th day of the 8th lunar month in Do Son, Hai Phong city, is one of the most unique and famous traditional festivals in Vietnam. The event is not only an attractive folk sport but also embodies cultural values, honoring the strength, courage, and community spirit of the coastal villages.
Traditionally, the festival takes place at the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Arena, where villages select strong, agile buffaloes to participate in the fights. The matches not only attract a large number of local residents but also draw domestic and international tourists, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. Besides the buffalo fighting, the festival also includes rituals for good luck, village festivals, and many unique folk games, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the local beliefs, traditional culture, and community life.
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is currently an attractive tourist highlight in Hai Phong, harmoniously combining culture, sports, and entertainment, offering impressive and unforgettable experiences to all attendees.
2.4. Hai Phong Red Flamboyant Flower Festival
Red Flamboyant Flower Festival Hai Phong attracts a large number of tourists. (Source: Collected)
Red Flamboyant Flower Festival Hai Phong (usually held in May annually) is a prominent cultural event, leaving an important mark in the festival system of the port city with historical significance and large scale. This is a typical festival, a characteristic symbol of Hai Phong, attracting thousands of artists and a large number of local people to participate.
In 2025, the festival takes place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Hai Phong, with the theme "Hai Phong – 70 Years of Faith and Aspiration for Development". The city is also honored with the title "Heroic City" awarded by the President, recognizing 70 years of proud construction and development.
This year's event is expected to be organized on the grandest scale ever, including an art night gathering over 1,000 professional and amateur artists. The festival combines real-scene performances, 3D Mapping technology, modern symphony music, and an artistic fireworks display, promising to bring a spectacular visual and emotional experience to the audience.
The tradition connecting the festival and the red flamboyant flower – the symbol of Hai Phong – has been maintained since 2012 until now, becoming a unique cultural tourism brand. The festival not only promotes the local service and tourism industry but also elevates Hai Phong's cultural events to an international scale, contributing to promoting the city's image to domestic and international tourists.
2.5. System of craft village festivals, autumn festivals, heritage events
Besides major festivals, Hai Phong also maintains a network of village festivals, communal house festivals, and events commemorating national heroes throughout 2025. Many areas in the city continuously organize community cultural activities, creating a vibrant, diverse, and familiar festival life close to daily life.
These festivals in Hai Phong not only enrich the cultural landscape but also help promote traditional values, preserve heritage, and boost sustainable tourism. Visitors participating will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique cultural space, experiencing natural heritage and community life authentically.
The diversity of the festivals is clearly demonstrated; Hai Phong's festival culture is not confined to major events but also spreads widely in daily life. Each festival carries its own message, emphasizing the spirit of honoring and protecting traditional values, contributing to maintaining the unique cultural identity of the port land.
3. Experience participating in festivals in Hai Phong
Travel to Cat Ba Island is easy by Sun World cable car when arriving in Hai Phong. (Source: Collection)
Festivals in Hai Phong are not only occasions for tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere but also opportunities to explore the unique cultural features of the red flamboyant flower city. To fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and retain meaningful experiences, you need to prepare attire, attitude, and attendance schedule thoughtfully. Especially, tourists can travel to Cat Ba Island by Sun World cable car to participate in the attractive festivals here.
To fully experience festivals in Hai Phong, choosing appropriate attire plays an important role. Tourists should prioritize wearing polite, neat, and comfortable clothing, while also choosing colors like red and white to blend in with the red flamboyant flower symbol and the festive atmosphere.
To preserve memorable moments, you can use your phone or camera to capture outdoor art performances and light shows. However, pay attention to maintaining order, avoiding jostling, and do not take photos in restricted areas or during important ceremonies.
The most important factor when attending Hai Phong festivals is to show respect for local culture. Tourists need to maintain general hygiene, limit making noise at sacred places, and follow the schedule announced by the organizing committee.
A reasonable itinerary is to combine attending festivals with exploring city center attractions such as Hai Phong Museum, City Post Office, Grand Theatre... Tourists can also travel to Cat Ba Island by Sun World cable car, to experience fishing village festivals, while exploring unique sea and forest landscapes, contributing to a more complete trip.
With a rich cultural tradition and distinctive community spirit, festivals in Hai Phong are always a prominent highlight attracting domestic and international tourists. Each event not only brings a joyful and bustling atmosphere but also expresses the pride, belief, and identity of the people of the Port City. In 2025, festivals in Hai Phong promise to continue offering many new experiences, contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic, friendly, and culturally rich city to friends from all over.
