National Day of Vietnam (2026)

At the end of World War II, on September 2, 1945, Vietnam finally acquired its independence from France. To this day, the Vietnamese observe the 2nd of September every year as the day that President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. Thus, celebrations for National Day are held on this specific day.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day in Vietnam.

Table of Contents

• Is National Day in Vietnam a public holiday?
• History of National \Day in Vietnam
• Important National Day Symbols in Vietnam
• Vietnam National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of National Day in Vietnam

Is National Day in Vietnam a public holiday?

National Day in Vietnam is a public holiday. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed for the day. Moreover, if September 2nd falls on a weekend, the following Monday is observed as a holiday.

History of National Day in Vietnam

Vietnam was part of French Indochina since 1887. During World War II, the country was occupied by the Japanese, although the latter allowed the French to exert its influence. When the war ended, the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, commenced the “August Revolution” in an effort to achieve liberty from the colonizers. On August 25, 1945, the leader of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam, Emperor Bao Dai, abdicated the throne. On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh successfully proclaimed the independence of Vietnam with the new name “Democratic Republic of Vietnam”.

Important National Day Symbols in Vietnam

Vietnam’s national flag and its former President Ho Chi Minh (fondly called “Uncle Ho” by the Vietnamese) are the country’s most significant National Day symbols. The flag of Vietnam is easily remembered as the red flag with a yellow star. The red background symbolizes bloodshed and armed struggle, since the flag was used in the uprising before the Declaration of Independence. The yellow or gold five-pointed star represents the five groups of workers in socialism, namely, intellectuals, peasants, soldiers, workers, and the youth. Meanwhile, President Ho Chi Minh remains an icon of the National Day celebrations in Vietnam, as he was the one who led the revolution which led to the acquisition of independence.

Vietnam National Day Activities and Celebrations

The National Day in Vietnam is celebrated in various ways, including parades, speeches, fireworks displays, and cultural performances. Every single year, there is a large march in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, which was the site of the Declaration of Independence in 1945.

Ordinary citizens join in the celebration through simple ways of hanging the national flag outside of their homes and buildings as well as mounting posters of the former President Ho Chi Minh on city walls. Some people parade the Vietnamese national flag on the streets, too. It seems that the entire country is covered in an ocean of red flags with yellow stars during the National Day. Meanwhile, there are people who choose to spend the day on the beach.

Past and Future Observances of National Day in Vietnam

Below are the past and future observances of National Day in Vietnam: