The Hue Festival is a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture and history held every two years in the charming city of Hue, Vietnam’s former capital. Hue Festival Week 2024 promises a unique experience, with a series of events themed “Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development.”
The festival offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich past at the Imperial City of Hue. Witness a colorful parade of traditional costumes, showcasing the elegance of different eras. Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional music and dance performances, including the Hue royal court music, a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
History of Hue Festival- A Celebration Rooted in History
The Hue Festival’s story began in 1992 with the inaugural Vietnam-France Festival. This initial collaboration between Thua Thien Hue province and the French Embassy in Vietnam planted the seeds for a much grander event.
Fast forward to 1998, the Vietnamese government officially authorized Thua Thien Hue province to organize a biennial festival – the Huế Festival as we know it today. Launched in 2000, the festival aimed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Huế, a former imperial capital of Vietnam.
The celebration goes beyond just entertainment. It’s a commitment to preserving the region’s unique traditions and art forms. The vibrant parades, captivating performances, and cultural competitions breathe new life into the city, solidifying Hue’s position as a cultural and historical powerhouse.
Hue Festival Traditions
Indulge in a culinary adventure as you savor Huế-style beef noodle soup (Bun Bo Huế) and delectable Banh Khoai (sweet and savory pancakes). Explore the vibrant street food scene, offering everything from traditional Vietnamese treats to international favorites.
Hue Festival embraces the present with a showcase of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Witness the fashion show, featuring designs by local and international talents, offering a glimpse into the future of Vietnamese fashion.
The festival is more than just performances. Explore Hue’s historical monuments like the Imperial City, royal tombs, and ancient pagodas. Participate in craft workshops and demonstrations to learn about traditional Vietnamese crafts.
Hue Festival 2024 – Dates and Getting There
Festival Huế 2024 isn’t just a week-long event – it’s a year-long exploration of Vietnamese culture. The highlight, however, is the Huế Festival Week from June 7th to June 12th, 2024 at Kien Trung Palace, in Thua Thien-Hue.
With over 50 main activities and nearly 100 smaller events, each season offers a unique perspective on Hue’s heritage.
Spring: “Spring in the Old Citadel” (January – March)
- Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, with traditional festivals, courtyard celebrations, and folk events.
- Witness the opening ceremony of the Huế Four Seasons Festival and the Ban Soc ceremony, marking the start of the year.
- Explore the rich traditions of Huế through cultural spaces, fun activities, and celebrations commemorating Thua Thien Hue’s Liberation Day.
Summer: “The Brilliant Citadel” (April – June)
- The highlight of summer is the Hue Festival Week 2024, taking place from June 7th to June 12th, 2024. This week focuses on the theme “Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development” and features a variety of cultural performances and activities.
Autumn: “Autumn in Huế” (July – September)
- Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the dazzling Hue International Lantern Festival 2024. Witness vibrant lantern displays, parades, and lion dance performances.
Winter: “Winter Season in Huế” (October – December)
- Embrace the festive spirit with brand new winter activities designed to warm the heart and liven up the atmosphere of Hue.
- Enjoy various forms of entertainment, including International Music Week and a special New Year’s Eve Countdown program.
Hue is located in central Vietnam and is easily accessible by plane, train, or bus. Many domestic flights connect Huế city to major Vietnamese cities. You can book your Vietnam bus tickets via redBus and save more on your bus bookings from nearby cities. Choose from sleeper buses and limousine buses from several bus operators like Queen Cafe, Travelbus, Camel Travel, Green Trips and others serve the city of Hue with regular trips on a daily basis across routes.
Popular Bus Routes to Hue
- Hanoi to Huế
- Hoi An to Huế
- Phong Nha to Huế
- Da Nang to Huế
Festival Huế 2024 promises an unforgettable experience, blending cultural exploration with artistic expression. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Vietnam and create lasting memories in this captivating city.