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| Visitors enjoying spring outings at the Imperial Citadel |
Unlike the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the Summer Festival, highlighted by “The Citadel Shines” during the peak festival week, the Spring Festival - Spring in the Ancient Capital - captivates visitors with its unique charm, blending the quiet, timeless elegance of heritage with the gentle breath of spring. It offers experiences of traditional royal Tet celebrations, along with folk and traditional festivals that eagerly await the arrival of the Lunar New Year.
Hue is one of the rare places where royal rituals have been preserved almost intact. As usual, the Spring Festival of the 2026 Hue Four Seasons Festival begins with the announcement and reenactment of the Ban Soc ceremony (the royal calendar proclamation), a court ritual. During the Lunar New Year, other ceremonies such as Thuong Tieu (raising the ceremonial pole), the New Year court session, and a wide range of imperial Tet activities are also held, featuring distinctive and rich traditional customs.
Royal rituals are not merely relics of a dynasty but reflections of profound cultural values. Preserving and reenacting Hue’s imperial Tet ceremonies not only helps future generations better understand history but also safeguards the essence of traditional culture within the flow of modern life. In spring, the Imperial Citadel is not only a tourist destination but also a place that preserves memory, pride and identity of Hue ancient capital. Flowing Ao-dai, families gathering, and friends meetings with photos taken during New Year days; together, create a spring atmosphere deeply rooted in tradition yet filled with the joy of reunion.
Alongside these are traditional folk festivals that begin during Tet and continue into the first lunar month: the swinging festival in Gia Vien and The Chi Tay villages; wrestling festivals in Thu Le and Sinh (Lai An) villages; and the whale worship festival in Thai Duong village, all carrying strong traditional values. More recently, festivals such as Hoang Mai and Huyen Tran have also been added.
Duong Phuoc Thu, a researcher, noted: “Over time, despite changes in people, climate, weather, religions and beliefs, Hue has preserved its harmony and retained the identity of purely Vietnamese festivals. The spirit of these festivals is one of education, integration, exchange, reunion and, above all, the renewal of energy for people as they step into a new life.”
By late March, as the Spring Festival of the Hue Four Seasons Festival comes to a close, the city also celebrates the anniversary of Hue’s Liberation Day (March 26). This is truly a comprehensive festival that blends tradition and modernity, not only an occasion to revisit history and honor a heroic past, but also a reflection of a modern, dynamic Hue that still preserves its timeless soul.