Vibrant events celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring cultural performances and interactive activities, unfolded in various countries, bringing together local residents and overseas Chinese to share and appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture.
On the past weekend, Manchester, UK, hosted a vibrant festival celebration, with the attendees immersed in the festive spirit through cultural performances, mooncake tasting, and interactive workshops on calligraphy and traditional lacquer fan making.
"It's raining today, you look, how many people have been here, how many people from different cultures, not just from the Chinese culture," said Carmine Grimshaw, Lord Mayor of Manchester.
"I really love Chinese foods, so I think aside from foods, I also want to learn more about the Chinese culture. I also saw the Chinese dance, which is very beautiful," said a resident.
"Originally, I only knew Mid-Autumn Festival as a festival of reunification and prosperity and because the moon is full. And also, we eat mooncakes, which are very tasty. I've cooked them as well. (switch to Chinese) Happy Mid-Autumn Festival," said Henry Harris, a performer.
On Saturday, a Mid-Autumn Festival gala took place at the sightseeing square in front of the Itaipu Dam in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, featuring a collaborative performance by overseas Chinese art troupes and local artists.
The celebration kicked off with these cultural performances and culminated in a lighting ceremony and fireworks display at the dam, providing a grand finale to the festive event.
"This is my first time attending a Mid-Autumn Festival gala. I am very happy. It is a wonderful event," said Augusto Matos, international advisor of the municipal government of Foz do Iguacu.
Chinese and local employees working on the Central Business District (CBD) project of Egypt's new administrative capital also gathered to make mooncakes, craft lanterns, and practice calligraphy in celebration of the traditional Chinese festival on the past weekend.
"I have been working here for three years. Every year, I participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with my Chinese colleagues. I feel that through these activities, I have got closer to China and experienced the beauty of Chinese culture," said Nora, an Egyptian employee of the project.
On Saturday, a vibrant cultural event kicked off in downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil, attracting representatives from various sectors, overseas Chinese, and local residents to celebrate the festival. The event featured a series of performances by artists from both countries, showcasing the rich elements of Chinese culture.
Along the streets, diverse food stalls lined both sides, while interactive zones offered hands-on experiences in Chinese painting, calligraphy, paper-cutting, and traditional Chinese medicine, attracting large numbers of Brazilian visitors.
From Chinatown to major public gardens like Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with vibrant lantern displays. These intricate and colorful installations light up the night sky across the country, enhancing the festive mood.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This year, the festival falls on Oct 6.
During the festival, family members gather to admire the moon, share mooncakes, and light lanterns to enjoy the happiness of family reunion.
Colorful events unfold worldwide to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
