Hanoi's calendar is anchored by traditional lunar festivals, augmented by modern cultural and sporting events.
* **Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year):** The most important festival of the year. The city empties as people return to their home provinces, but the lead-up is vibrant, with flower markets (especially peach blossoms and kumquat trees) taking over the streets. * **Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu):** Celebrated with mooncakes and lion dances. Hang Ma street in the Old Quarter becomes a bustling, brightly lit market selling lanterns and toys. * **Perfume Pagoda Festival:** Beginning shortly after Tet, this is Vietnam's longest-running festival, drawing thousands of Buddhist pilgrims to the mountainous shrines. * **Hanoi International Film Festival (HANIFF):** A biennial event showcasing domestic and international cinema. * **Marathons:** The city hosts several major running events, including the Hanoi Heritage Marathon, which routes runners past the city's major historical landmarks.
