Vietnam is set to introduce a new national holiday dedicated to celebrating Vietnamese culture, following the issuance of a major cultural development resolution by the country’s top leadership, VietnamNet reports.
The proposal is linked to Resolution 80, recently signed on behalf of the Politburo by General Secretary To Lam. The resolution identifies culture and human development as foundational resources and key drivers of rapid and sustainable national progress, framing culture as both a pillar and a guiding force across all sectors of society.
Under the plan, November 24 would be designated National Culture Day, with full paid leave for workers. The aim is to encourage public participation in cultural activities, support artists and creative industries, and strengthen a shared sense of national identity.
The resolution sets out ambitious targets, including allocating at least 2% of the annual state budget to culture, digitising all nationally ranked cultural heritage sites by 2026, and ensuring students across the education system regularly engage in arts and cultural heritage education. Cultural industries are expected to contribute 7% of GDP, with national brands developed in areas such as cinema, performing arts, design, and cultural tourism.
For Vietnam, the proposed holiday signals a broader shift toward placing culture at the heart of national development and soft power strategy.
