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May has a total of 31 days, with many holidays and significant events that hold deep meaning for both Vietnam and the international community. So, do you know what holidays are in May yet? Let’s explore the holidays and events of Vietnam and internationally in the following article!
Holidays and events of Vietnam in May
07/5 | Victory Day at Dien Bien Phu
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu, or the Tran Dinh Campaign, was a decisive battle in the First Indochina War, taking place in Muong Thanh, Dien Bien, Lai Chau Province (now Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province). This battle occurred between the People’s Army of Vietnam and the French Union Forces, including the French Far East Expeditionary Corps, the French Foreign Legion, colonial auxiliary troops, and the Vietnamese National Army.
The victory at Dien Bien Phu is considered one of the greatest military victories in Vietnam’s history, ending the First Indochina War (1945–1954). Under the command of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the People’s Army of Vietnam forced the French forces at Dien Bien Phu to surrender on May 7, 1954, after two months of intense fighting.
Thus, the Battle of Dien Bien Phu defeated one of the most modern armies in Europe, with the support of the United States, through a large-scale military campaign. The French defeat here had a significant impact on both domestic and international resistance movements. It ended 400 years of French colonialism in Indochina and inspired independence movements in Africa.
15/5 | Establishment Day of Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization
The Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization (abbreviated as the Organization) is an organization for children and adolescents in Vietnam, established on May 15, 1941, in Na Ma village, Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district, Cao Bang province, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, under the auspices of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. Accordingly, the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization is built on the basis of the activities of the Young Pioneer Movement in communist countries.
The goal of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization is to apply the 5 teachings that Uncle Ho taught to children and adolescents as a motto for training its members, supporting children in studying, and participating in fun activities together. At the same time, it also implements the rights and responsibilities according to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Law on Children.
The Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization is not only an educational organization for Vietnamese children in and outside of schools but also a reserve force of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and a basic force in children’s movement activities.
19/5 | President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday
May 19th is the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh – the great leader of the Party, the people, as well as the teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, the national liberation hero, and a world cultural figure. This is an important occasion for the entire Party, people, and army to express profound gratitude for the great contributions of the beloved leader.
We express our love and gratitude, committing to follow the path of President Ho Chi Minh. From there, everyone together raises the spirit of patriotism, the will of national self-reliance with the desire to contribute to the flourishing development and happiness of the country. At the same time, we aim to successfully implement the resolutions set forth by the Party.
International Holidays in May
01/5 | International Workers’ Day
May 1st is known as International Workers’ Day – a commemoration of the international labor movement and workers worldwide. In many countries, this day is often marked by street demonstrations by millions of workers and labor unions. Communist movements, socialist wings, and non-governmental organizations often participate alongside labor unions to organize marches. This reflects their demands to expand labor rights and social welfare.
03/5 | World Press Freedom Day according to the United Nations
World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) was established by the United Nations (UN) on May 3rd to encourage and raise awareness of the importance of press freedom worldwide.
As proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), May 3rd was recognized as World Press Freedom Day through Resolution 48/432 of the UN General Assembly on December 20, 1993.
The goal of World Press Freedom Day according to the United Nations is to enhance awareness of the importance of press freedom and emphasize the responsibility of governments to protect freedom of speech as stipulated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Additionally, this day also commemorates the Windhoek Declaration on media principles of press freedom made by African journalists in 1991.
12/5 | Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a celebration to honor mothers worldwide. It also celebrates the immense and sacred values along with the boundless love they bring to life. This is a precious opportunity for children to express deep love and gratitude to their mothers. Usually, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May, corresponding to May 12th, 2024.
08/5 | International Red Cross Day
International Red Cross Day is observed on May 8th every year to honor the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement internationally. This day is also the birthday of Henry Dunant – a founder of the International Red Cross movement.
In 1863, Henry Dunant witnessed the tragic scenes of wounded soldiers in the Battle of Solferino in Italy. He called upon local residents to help them, leading to the establishment of the Red Cross movement. In 1928, the 14th International Red Cross Conference decided to designate May 8th as International Red Cross Day.
09/5 | Victory Day over Fascism
May 9th, 1945, is Victory Day over Fascism or simply Victory Day. This day entered human history when the war against fascism ended, bringing a resounding victory for the Soviet Union and the Allies. This victory also paved the way for the end of World War II, eliminating the catastrophe for humanity. Therefore, May 9th each year serves as a commemoration of those who sacrificed to defend the nation, as well as an expression of love for peace, freedom, and humanity.
15/5 | International Day of Families
International Day of Families (IDF) is an international observance established by the United Nations to promote awareness of family issues worldwide. The UN General Assembly adopted “Resolution A/RES/47/237” designating May 15th every year as the “International Day of Families.”
Previously, in 1980, through Resolution 44/82, the United Nations General Assembly declared 1994 as the “International Year of Families” to enhance awareness of family issues and improve the ability to implement comprehensive family-related policies by countries.
17/5 | International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is observed on May 17th each year to increase awareness of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people.
Additionally, this day draws attention to LGBT rights activities worldwide. May 17th, 1990, is also the time when the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.
21/5 | World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, or simply World Diversity Day, is a day approved by the United Nations to promote cultural diversity and dialogue among cultures. Accordingly, this day is celebrated on May 21st, 2002.
Events on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development usually focus on bringing together experts from various cultural fields representing government and non-governmental organizations. Since 2011, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has implemented the “Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion” campaign in collaboration with UNESCO and other public and private organizations. This campaign encourages people to use World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development to learn about other cultures or share their own culture with others.
22/5 | International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for Biological Diversity, or simply World Biodiversity Day, is a day established by the United Nations to promote awareness of issues related to biological diversity. Currently, this day is celebrated on May 22nd every year.
Since its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly based on Resolution A/RES/49/119 in 1993 until 2000, the International Day for Biological Diversity was celebrated on December 29th each year to commemorate the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
However, on December 20th, 2000, this day was moved to May 22nd each year to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development or the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on May 22nd, 1992. This change also partly aimed to avoid overlap with many other holidays occurring at the end of December.
29/5 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
May 29th every year is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, honoring the contributions of United Nations peacekeeping forces in protecting global peace and security.
This day also commemorates the establishment of the first United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNOGIL) in the Middle East in 1948. The United Nations General Assembly decided to designate May 29th as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers since 2002.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is an opportunity to honor the sacrifice and dedication of UN peacekeepers, as well as to raise community awareness of the important role of UN peacekeeping activities. Additionally, this day promotes community support for UN peacekeeping efforts.
31/5 | World No Tobacco Day
May 31st each year is recognized internationally as World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), according to World Health Organization (WHO) Resolution 42.19. This resolution aims to create and promote a tobacco-free world for 24 hours.
The broader goal of World No Tobacco Day is to increase community awareness of the consequences of tobacco use for both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke.
Hopefully, this article helps you understand the holidays in May. This can be a suggestion for business owners to implement marketing programs or promotions to attract customers. Especially, knowing the holidays and events in May is simply to commemorate important occasions of the country in particular and the world in general. Follow the Festivals section to keep up with the latest business experiences!
