The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing a draft National Assembly resolution on breakthrough mechanisms and policies for Vietnam's cultural development. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism prepared this draft. It aims to institutionalize Politburo Resolution 80 on developing Vietnamese culture. The resolution is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at its first session of the XVI National Assembly, taking effect in 2026.

The Politburo unanimously selected November 24 annually as Vietnam Culture Day. *Graphics: Ta Lu*

The draft resolution includes a provision designating Vietnam Culture Day. This would allow workers a paid day off. On this day, public cultural and sports institutions will offer free admission to the public.

The drafting agency explained that the current Labor Code already specifies public holidays. Existing regulations only provide ticket exemptions or reductions for specific groups, such as children, students, the elderly, people with disabilities, those who contributed to the revolution, and ethnic minorities.

This initiative represents a new policy by the Party, requiring National Assembly regulation to establish its legal basis. Vietnam Culture Day is not yet stipulated in the Labor Code as a ground for workers to receive a paid day off. Therefore, it needs to be included in the draft resolution for a legal framework until it can be fully incorporated into the Labor Code.

Young women in Ho Chi Minh City at an ao dai festival. *Photo: Thanh Tung*

Previously, the Department of Employment, Ministry of Interior, had proposed adding November 24 as a public holiday during the upcoming amendment of the Labor Code. This action aims to institutionalize the Politburo's decision to designate November 24 annually as Vietnam Culture Day. The policy seeks to enable the public to enhance their cultural enjoyment, encourage artists to create, and contribute to spreading cultural and civilized lifestyles throughout society.

If approved by the National Assembly, the total number of official public holidays in a year will increase to 12. These include: New Year's Day (mot day), Lunar New Year (nam days), Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (mot day), April 30 – May 1 (hai days), National Day (hai days), and Vietnam Culture Day (mot day).

Hong Chieu