You may have heard of lantern festivals often around Vesak Day, which is celebrated annually at Borobudur Temple in Magelang. In fact, lantern festivals are held in various other countries. In Vietnam, for instance, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is celebrated monthly.
The history of this lantern festival dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and originated with immigrants from Fujian, Guangdong, and Chaozhou provinces in China. These immigrants brought their lantern-making culture when they emigrated to Hoi An. They hung lanterns in front of their homes to feel connected to their hometowns.
Eventually, lantern-making became a big business and part of the celebrations in Hoi An. Vietnamese people even believe that these brightly lit lanterns bring luck and happiness. In 1988, Hoi An City began holding the lantern festival regularly every month. During the festival, all electric lights would be replaced with glowing lanterns, creating a warm atmosphere throughout the city.
While in Hoi An City, you can experience a different city atmosphere during the lantern festival. It is not only because all electric lights are replaced with lanterns, but also because the city is illuminated solely by lanterns and the bright moonlight. This is something you will not experience in other cities.
Apart from enjoying the beauty of the city in a different light, you can also take part in various activities such as:
● Experiencing Traditional Activities
During the festival, you can observe local people participating in traditional activities. For example, Bai Choi, a traditional performance combining music, play, and poetry. It typically portrays the daily activities of the locals and is still interesting to watch, even if you need help understanding the language.
● Releasing Lanterns into the Hoai River
Have you ever wanted to experience yourself releasing a lantern into the river, something you may have only seen in the dramas you watch? Well, this is your chance to do it. You can buy a lantern for around ₫10-₫20,000 there and release it into the river. Locals believe that each lantern released represents a wish from the person releasing it.
● Indulging in Culinary Delights
Every festival is complete with culinary delights. There, you can have your dinner while enjoying the beauty of a city adorned with lanterns. Additionally, there are plenty of snacks and nibbles to try out.
For local people or residents of Hoi An City, this festival also holds significance as a time to remember the dead. Families make offerings of food, drinks, or floral arrangements to their departed relatives. They believe that doing so would bring them luck and prosperity in the future.
Are you excited about this lantern festival? For those interested in visiting, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is held regularly every month on the 14th day of the lunar month. It takes place during full moon in Hoi An City from 5 PM until about 10 PM. You can arrive by 5 PM to catch the sunset before the festival begins.
Hoi An City will be decorated with lanterns during the festival, especially around the Hoai River, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Hoi Bridge. These colorful lanterns brighten up the city, adding to its lively and festive atmosphere.
For those wishing to visit the lantern festival, you can come to Hoi An City on the following dates:
● 19 July 2024
● 17 August 2024
● 16 September 2024
● 16 October 2024
● 14 November 2024
● 14 December 2024
Interested in experiencing the Hoi An Lantern Festival? Start planning your trip to Hoi An City, Vietnam. While there are no specific rules to follow when visiting, remember to always be well-behaved and respectful of the local customs and beliefs. To have peace of mind while enjoying all the activities during the lantern festival, make sure to purchase International Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. Happy travels and may your trip be delightful!
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