Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations have been held in multiple countries in recent days, serving as a window for people around the world to learn about traditional Chinese culture and promote exchanges among civilizations.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays, falls on Sept. 25 this year. Celebrated on the night of a full moon, it is a time when families gather to share mooncakes, light lanterns and admire the moon, a symbol of reunion.
In London's Chinatown, lion dances, folk dances and instrumental performances drew crowds of British residents and tourists. The traditional Chinese festival has become a cultural bridge, bringing local people and the Chinese community together to celebrate family reunion.
"For me, a family reunion is a place where the family can share a nice moment, be present, they can enjoy some time together, create some really fond memories, and I think this event is perfect to create that atmosphere," said a local resident.
"I've been to China recently, and as we see China becoming more and more part of the global movement of culture generally, I think we should all learn a bit more about China. It makes sense for everybody to do that," said another resident.
At the China Cultural Center in Budapest, Hungary, a mooncake-making workshop allowed Hungarian participants to knead dough, roll wrappers, add fillings and shape the pastries, immersing themselves in the festive tradition. A poetry event hosted by the China National Tourist Office in Budapest featured performances by Chinese and Hungarian artists.
"The Mid-Autumn Festival has brought the Chinese and Hungarian people closer, as well as friends from both countries. It allows us to understand each other's culture more deeply. I wish everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival," said Gabor Cserkesz, vice president of the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Society.
In Cuba, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Chinese Embassy in Havana co-hosted a Mid-Autumn poetry event. Teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Havana recited Chinese poems, while a Cuban violinist performed an adaptation of the classic Chinese piece "Prelude to Water Melody."
The Chinese Embassy in Indonesia held a Mid-Autumn celebration in Jakarta, featuring interactive activities such as tea art demonstrations, calligraphy and mooncake making that gave local residents a close-up experience of Chinese culture.
"The Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally a time for family reunion in Chinese culture. This culture brings different people together. In the future, I hope the relationship between the Indonesian and Chinese people can be even closer." said Nevinta, a Jakarta resident.
Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated worldwide as cultural bridge
