The Ministry of Justice is appraising the National Assembly's Resolution on a number of breakthrough mechanisms and policies for Vietnamese cultural development, developed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The draft aims to institutionalize Resolution 80 of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture, expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at the first session of the 16th National Assembly and take effect in 2026.
The draft reserves one article regulating Vietnam Culture Day (November 24), employees are entitled to leave work and receive full salary. On this day, public cultural and sports facilities will offer free admission to serve people...
If approved, first of all, the number of annual holidays and Tet holidays for workers will increase to 12 days, which is 1 more day than the current one.
This is very necessary for workers today as well as receiving high consensus. Because compared to many countries in the region, the number of holidays for Vietnamese workers is still very low. For example, Indonesia has about 16 holidays/year, the Philippines about 18 days, and Thailand fluctuates from 16-19 days depending on the year.
In the context of high labor intensity, especially in industrial parks and large cities, one more day off not only helps regenerate labor but also contributes to improving the quality of life.
Especially, if associated with cultural factors, this holiday can also become a channel to contribute to nurturing the spiritual life of society.
But the gap between policy and practical effectiveness is not small. Another day off does not mean that culture will automatically improve.
Because reality shows that many holidays today are simply holidays, when most people choose to rest and shop instead of participating in cultural activities.
If November 24th also follows that "tradition", the goal of institutionalizing Resolution 80 of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture is very easily deviated. At that time, Culture Day will only be a formal holiday.
Therefore, the important thing is not to have one more day off but the way to organize that day off.
A true Vietnamese Cultural Day needs to be accompanied by specific, attractive and spreading activities, from community festivals, street art, heritage experiences to programs associated with schools and residential areas.
When activities are created attractively and captivating enough, people will automatically turn to culture, without urging.
To prevent policies from stopping at symbols, the most important thing is still to turn November 24th into a real-life experience.
On Vietnam Culture Day, workers not only have to take leave and receive full salary, but also truly live in their own cultural space.
