Mid-Autumn Festival or Children’s Festival, is a vibrant celebration that lights up Vietnam every year. Filled with colorful lanterns, delicious mooncakes, and lively parades, it’s a time for families to come together and celebrate the harvest season. The festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which typically falls in late September or early October. The festivities extend over three days, culminating on the night of the full moon. Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 will be celebrated on September 2.
Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival boasts unique traditions that set it apart from celebrations in other Asian countries. The legend of Cuội, a man who flew to the moon clinging to a banyan tree, adds a touch of whimsy. Children carry lanterns to guide him back to Earth, a heartwarming custom that embodies the spirit of the festival. Additionally, Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the harvest, making it a time to express gratitude for the earth’s bounty and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor.
What to Expect for Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam
Weeks leading up to Mid-Autumn Festival, Vietnamese cities transform into a wonderland of anticipation. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:
Lantern Kingdom
The red cellophane lantern is a quintessential symbol of Mid-Autumn Festival. As the festival nears, streets transform into a kaleidoscope of colors as families prepare their lanterns for the night’s parades.
Toyland Takes Over
Streets are flooded with overflowing toy stores, each vying for attention with the latest games and dolls. The atmosphere is electric as children dream about their upcoming festival haul.
Lion Dancers Take to the Streets
The rhythmic sounds of drums and the captivating movements of lion dancers fill the air. These practice sessions are a prelude to the grand performances that will take place during the festival.
Mooncake Mania
Bakeries and street vendors showcase their finest creations: mooncakes! These sweet or savory treats, often elaborately decorated, come in various flavors and fillings. The aroma of freshly baked mooncakes fills the air, a delightful reminder of the approaching festivities. The round shape of all mooncakes symbolizes luck, happiness, good health, and prosperity, making them a fitting centerpiece for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
Traditionally, mooncakes come in two main varieties: banh nuong and banh deo. Banh nuong boasts a golden, toasted exterior and a rich filling that can include up to 10 ingredients. These fillings might feature surprising yet delightful combinations like savory pork fat, fragrant lemon leaves, and sausage alongside classic lotus seeds and a touch of wine. Banh deo, on the other hand, offers a contrasting texture with its sticky rice exterior. Inside, it typically holds a sweet and satisfying mixture of mung beans, lotus seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Traditional Performances and Events
Witness captivating performances of folk music, dance, and theater. These artistic expressions add another layer of cultural richness to the festival. Several cities host literary and art exhibitions during Mid-Autumn Festival. These events provide a platform for local artists and writers to showcase their talents and delve deeper into the cultural significance of the festival.
Top Destinations for Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations 2024
The night of the full moon is the heart of Mid-Autumn Festival. Here’s what awaits you in some of Vietnam’s most popular destinations:
Hanoi
Immerse yourself in the dazzling display of toys and lanterns on Hàng Mã and Lương Văn Can streets. For a glimpse into traditional crafts, visit 87 Mã Mây and witness artisans creating masterpieces for the festival.
Hội An
This town is renowned for its year-round full moon celebrations with the Hoi An Lantern festival. It truly shines during Mid-Autumn Festival. Witness a riverside party with dancers, vibrant music, and thousands of lanterns adorning the Thu Bồn River. Take a boat ride and release your own lantern, making a wish as it floats on the gentle current.
Ho Chi Minh City
Explore the bustling streets of Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) , a district known for its exciting Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Lương Như Hộc Street, District 5, District 11 are a paradise for carp shaped lanterns, masks, and lion heads. For a unique experience, visit 109 Triệu Quang Phục Street, a renowned shop crafting lion heads for the festival’s dance performances.
Visit the Ben Thanh Market, and Nguyen Hue Street to buy souvenirs. The streets are declared as pedestrian-only zones 3 days before the festival celebrations for easy movement of people.
Takeaway
Today, Mid-Autumn Festival is very much a “second Children’s Day.” While children often purchase pre-made lanterns instead of crafting them by hand, the love and appreciation for children and Vietnamese traditions remain strong. Parents still take pride in showing their love and ensuring their children enjoy the magic of the festival. Mid-Autumn Festival is more than just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of family, harvest, and cultural heritage.
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