Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Vietnam. The duration of Tet varies, but typically it lasts for three days. However, the festivities and preparations often extend beyond these three days.
The specific dates of Tet vary each year since they are based on the lunar calendar. Generally, Tet falls between late January and mid-February in the Gregorian calendar. The celebration officially begins on the last day of the lunar year and continues through the first three days of the new lunar year.
In addition to the three main days, there are several significant customs and rituals associated with Tet that are observed before and after the official holiday period. These customs include cleaning the house, visiting relatives and friends, paying respects to ancestors, giving and receiving red envelopes (Lì Xì), and enjoying special Tet foods.
Overall, Tet is a significant and festive time in Vietnam, and the entire holiday period, including preparation and celebration, can span up to a week or more, depending on individual family traditions and regional customs.