TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WHAT IS MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL? WHEN IS IT BE HELD?
The Mid-Autumn Festival (Trung Thu) is an important traditional holiday in Vietnam. As the name suggests, it takes place in the middle of Autumn, specifically on the 15th of August according to the Lunar calendar, every year. The exact origins of the Mid-Autumn festival are uncertain, with some theories suggesting it started in China and was introduced to Vietnam, while another theory believes it originated from the rice civilization of ancient Vietnamese people.
Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam is known as:
- Reunions Holiday: All the family members gather together in this festival to share the sweet Mooncake with other people
- Moon Festival: This name emphasizes an important activity in this Mid-Autumn Festival: feasting and moon signting
- Children Festival: This name emphasizes that this festival is special event for children. During the festival, children are given presents and take part numerous of joyful activities.
- Lanterns Mid Autumn: In Mid-Autumn Festival many families and villages will hang lanterns and release flower lanterns, creating a sparkling and brilliant landscape comparable to the splendor of the moonlight on a full moon night..
2. SPECIAL OF VIETNAM MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
Moon cake, lanterns, feasting, lion dance, lantern parade are the 5 most special features of the Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival
2.1. Mooncake
Mooncake is the common name for baked cake (with a fragrant golden crust), flexible cake (soft crust like mochi). This is an indispensable gift on Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. Moon cakes are usually round (representing the full moon on the full moon day, symbolizing reunion, fullness, and fullness) and square (representing heaven and earth, freedom and happiness).
Vietnamese Mooncakes have many flavors, both sweet and salty, with fillings ranging from traditional fillings (including peanuts, sesame seeds, lotus seeds, sausage, char siu, lemon leaves, pumpkin jam,…) to filled with green beans, taro, green tea, etc. You will definitely find a flavor you love.
Moon cakes are not only sold on Mid-Autumn Festival but are sold all year round and are sold the most about 1 month before the full moon day of the eighth lunar month. At this time, if you come to Vietnam, you will see many moon cake stalls placed on major streets. Vietnamese people buy moon cakes not only to eat on holidays but also to worship their ancestors; as gifts for relatives, friends, customers and business partners.
2.2. Lantern
During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, lanterns are an essential part of the celebration. Traditionally, lanterns are star-shaped and are made from bamboo frames and colored paper, with a candle placed inside.
These days, lanterns come in various shapes such as carp and rabbit shapes, and candles have been replaced with LED lights for safety and better illumination. Lanterns are used for decoration and are also carried by children during the lantern procession ritual.
2.3. Feasting and moon sighting
Feasting is an eagerly anticipated activity for both children and adults during the Mid-Autumn Festival. On the night of the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, Vietnamese families gather to prepare a traditional feast featuring pies, cakes, sweets, grapefruits, pomegranates, and additional decorations such as fresh flowers, star lights, and carp lights. When the moon rises, everyone comes together to “break the feast,” enjoying candy, fruit, and lively conversation.
2.4. Lantern Parade
After feasting with their families, children will carry lanterns around the alleys and play drums together, singing songs about the Mid-Autumn Festival. The sound of drums, singing, bustling laughter and sparkling light from lanterns create a warm, cheerful scene.
Lantern procession on the full moon night is not only an entertainment activity but also has profound cultural significance. This is an opportunity to convey and preserve traditional values, connecting family and community. With lanterns in hand, the children not only bring joy but also light up dreams and hopes for the future.
2.5. Lion Dance
The lion dance, also known as dragon dance, is a unique art form that combines music, dance, and colorful costumes. The lion dance team typically consists of two people in lion costumes; one person controls the head, and the other controls the tail, creating flexible, powerful, and lively movements.
The sounds of drums and gongs create a vibrant rhythm, blending with the strong dance steps of the lion dancers, creating an exciting atmosphere. The lion dance is not only entertaining but also holds spiritual significance. It is a symbol of luck, prosperity, and the warding off of bad things.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, lion dances often take place in neighborhoods and public places, attracting a large number of people to participate and cheer. For children, lion dancing is one of the most anticipated activities. It brings joy, excitement, and creates memorable memories.
3. WHERE IS VIETNAM MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL BE HELD?
Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in all provinces and cities of Vietnam, but there are some locations that stand out with more unique and vibrant festival activities than others.
3.1. Hanoi
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Hanoi’s Old Quarter becomes more vibrant and bustling. Many streets, such as Hang Ma street, are adorned with colorful lanterns, star lamps, paper masks, traditional toys, and other decorative objects. Numerous events will take place in Hanoi’s Old Quarter during the Mid-Autumn Festival, including singing, dancing, and craft-making activities.
3.2. Tuyen Quang Province
Tuyen Quang city may not be a well-known destination for foreign tourists, but it hosts the largest Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. During this festival, thousands of Tuyen Quang residents of all ages carry giant lanterns of various shapes and colors and parade through the streets. Some of these lanterns are as big as buses.
3.3. Hoi An
The Hoi An Lantern Festival, also known as the full moon festival, takes place every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar to celebrate the full moon night. Lanterns are the main highlight of this event. In and around the old town, sparkling lanterns are hung.
During the festival, you can walk around the old town, observe people playing Chinese chess, enjoying performances, and more. Taking a boat on the Hoai River is also a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere here.
3.4. Ho Chi Minh City
During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, there are numerous appealing entertainment spots to explore. You can experience the vibrant atmosphere at Luong Nhu Hoc lantern street or Nguyen Hue walking street. Additionally, you can take a leisurely stroll around the Starlight Bridge and Crescent Lake, or visit the White Rabbit amusement park.
If you have the chance to visit Vietnam during the Mid-Autumn Festival, be sure to try some sticky rice cakes and pies. Don’t miss the chance to visit the lantern-lit streets and take part in the lantern procession on a beautiful full moon night!