Hoi An Lantern Festival - June

   What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?The Hoi An lantern festival is held monthly when the moon is fullest and brightest – an auspicious and sacred time in Buddhist cultures as it is believed that the Buddha was both born and obtained enlightenment at the full moon.From around 8 pm all possible lights are switched off in the Old Town and the lanterns glow in all their glory. Locals gather to float lanterns down the river with wishes of love, happiness and prosperity and food stalls sell mouth-watering local treats. The Old Town of Hoi An is completely pedestrianized, which adds to the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.Need to KnowThis is a very easy festival to attend - it happens monthly on the 14th day of each lunar month. February brings the first full moon of the new year – which also brings the largest celebrations.Did You Know?Hoi An is known as ‘The Lantern City’. The town’s obsession with lanterns began in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Japanese. The Japanese would hang lanterns outside of their homes, a practice that locals began to adopt – hoping the lanterns would bring good luck!