When Is Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, meaning the date in the Gregorian calendar varies each year. This is because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, while the Gregorian calendar follows the sun. Here are the dates for the upcoming years:
- 2025: October 6th
- 2026: September 25th
- 2027: September 15th
- 2028: October 3rd
- 2029: September 22nd
More Than Just One Night
While the Mid-Autumn Festival officially lasts for one day, the excitement and festivities begin weeks in advance! The streets come alive with the sounds of lion dancers practicing their routines, while vendors set up colorful stalls overflowing with mooncakes, lanterns, and toys. The atmosphere is electric, and experiencing this build-up is a treat in itself.
What is Mid-Autumn festival in Vietnam?
Tết Trung Thu is a vibrant celebration that blends Vietnamese traditions with Chinese influences. It’s a time for families to gather, give thanks for the harvest, and revel in the beauty of the full moon. While often associated with China due to its historical ties, Vietnam has woven its own unique tapestry of customs and legends into this festival.
At its heart, Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn) is a festival of gratitude. It’s a time to honor the Earth God (Ông Địa) for the bountiful harvest and to pay respects to ancestors. The full moon symbolizes unity, harmony, and prosperity, and many Vietnamese people make offerings to the moon as a way of expressing gratitude and seeking blessings.
While it’s a joyous occasion for everyone, children especially adore Mid-Autumn Festival. They eagerly anticipate the festivities, often favoring it even over Tết, the Vietnamese New Year. Lanterns, special foods like mooncakes, and captivating lion dances are just a few of the highlights that make this festival so special for young and old alike.
History of Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a rich history, with roots that stretch back thousands of years. One popular Vietnamese legend tells the story of Cuội, a man who clung to a magical banyan tree as it ascended to the moon. It is said that if you look closely at the full moon, you can see Cuội sitting beneath the tree. During the festival, children parade with lanterns, symbolically lighting Cuội’s way back to earth.
Tết Trung Thu also holds strong ties to the harvest season. As many Vietnamese people traditionally worked as farmers, this festival marked a time of celebration and gratitude for the bountiful harvest. It provided a well-deserved break for families to come together and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Best activities during mid Mid Autumn Festival In Vietnam
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful array of activities and sights. While the main event falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the excitement begins weeks in advance, with preparations, rehearsals, and vibrant markets adding to the festive atmosphere. Here are some of the must-see activities:
1. Lion dancing
Lion dancing, or múa lân, is an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in Vietnam. Groups of children, each holding a colorful lantern, gather to watch as the lion dancers perform their mesmerizing routines.
With their elaborate costumes, acrobatic skills, and playful interactions with the crowd, the lion dancers bring laughter and excitement to the festivities. The lion itself is a sight to behold, with its giant head, expressive eyes, and shimmering body.
2. Eating mooncakes
No Mid-Autumn Festival celebration is complete without indulging in mooncakes. These beautifully decorated treats are not just delicious, they also symbolize unity and prosperity. Families often gather under the moonlight to share mooncakes and give thanks for the harvest.
Mooncakes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. The two most popular types are bánh dẻo, a soft and chewy cake with a mochi-like texture, and bánh nướng, a baked cake with a rich, flaky crust. From sweet fillings like lotus seed paste and red bean to savory options with salted egg yolk or mixed nuts, there’s a mooncake to satisfy every palate.
3. Lantern shopping
In the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the streets of Vietnam transform into a dazzling display of lanterns. These colorful creations come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional star-shaped lanterns to elaborate designs depicting animals, characters from folklore, and even modern-day icons.
Children eagerly anticipate the chance to carry their own lanterns during the festival processions, and the act of lighting a lantern is believed to bring good luck and happiness. Visiting the lantern markets is a feast for the eyes, with entire streets dedicated to these glowing works of art. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are particularly renowned for their vibrant lantern displays.
4. Children’s Activities
The night of the full moon is the culmination of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Children parade through the streets, singing songs and spreading joy. They participate in lantern processions, where they carry colorful lanterns and parade through the streets. They also enjoy various activities such as lion dances, traditional games, and performances of traditional songs and dances.
Amidst the festivities, you might spot a unique character: Ông Địa, the Earth God. Represented by a male dancer wearing a cheerful mask and a round belly, Ông Địa symbolizes the abundance of the earth and reminds everyone to be grateful for its blessings.
5. Moon Worship
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people engage in moon worship as a way to express gratitude and seek blessings. Families gather outdoors or near windows to admire the moon’s beauty and make offerings such as fruits, sweets, and incense. This act of worship reflects the cultural reverence for the moon as a celestial symbol.
Where to celebrate the Mid-autumn Festival in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a variety of fantastic destinations to experience the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Each location brings its own unique charm and traditions to the celebrations. Here are a few top picks:
Hoi An
This enchanting ancient town is renowned for its captivating full moon celebrations throughout the year, and the Mid-Autumn Festival takes it to another level. The streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town are closed to traffic, allowing visitors to wander freely and soak in the festive atmosphere. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes adorn every corner, casting a magical glow over the town.
The Thu Bồn River becomes a focal point, with locals and tourists gathering along its banks to release floating lanterns, each carrying a wish for good fortune. Traditional music performances, lion dances, and vibrant markets add to the lively ambiance. Hoi An truly comes alive during the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
Ho Chi Minh City
For a bustling and energetic celebration, head to Ho Chi Minh City. The Chợ Lớn district, the city’s Chinatown, is a hub of Mid-Autumn Festival activity. Lương Như Hộc Street is a must-visit, with its overflowing stalls of lanterns, masks, and lion heads. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or simply marvel at the craftsmanship.
The atmosphere in Chợ Lớn is lively, with crowds of people enjoying street food, watching lion dances, and soaking in the festive spirit. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the renowned lion head shop at 109 Triệu Quang Phục Street, which has been supplying the city’s best dancers for decades.
Hanoi
Hanoi offers a blend of traditional and modern Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. In the weeks leading up to the festival, the streets of Hàng Mã and Lương Văn Can transform into a vibrant marketplace, overflowing with toys, lanterns, and festive decorations. It’s a great place to experience the excitement and anticipation building up to the main event.
For a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship, visit 87 Mã Mây, where you can witness skilled artisans creating intricate festival crafts. On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Youth Theatre on Ngô Thì Nhậm Street and the Children’s Palace on Lý Thái Tổ Street host captivating children’s musical shows.
Other important national events and holidays in Vietnam
While the Mid-Autumn Festival is a highlight of Vietnam’s cultural calendar, there are many other fascinating events and holidays celebrated throughout the year. Here are a few notable ones:
- Vietnamese Tet New Year: This is the most significant festival in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. Families gather for elaborate feasts, exchange lucky money, and participate in traditional rituals. Learn more about the vibrant traditions and customs of Tet in our comprehensive guide to Vietnamese Tet New Year.
- Reunification Day: Celebrated on April 30th, Reunification Day commemorates the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. It’s a day of national pride and reflection, with parades and ceremonies held across the country.
- Vietnam National Day: Observed on September 2nd, this holiday marks Vietnam’s declaration of independence from France in 1945. It’s a day of patriotic celebrations, with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and fireworks displays. Read what you can expect here.
To delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and explore the full spectrum of holidays and festivals, be sure to check out our comprehensive article on Vietnam’s cultural calendar.
