Mid-autumn festival will be held in front of Dong Xuan Market gate in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a joyful drum performance and lion dance.

A drum performance at the opening ceremony.

 

Running through October 4, 2017 (on 15 Aug, 2017 as lunar calendar) the festival features a wide range of activities across Hang Ma Street, around the Dong Xuan Market area, Hang Cot st (Near to The Hanoian Hotel) and along the pedestrian streets of Hang Dao, Dong Xuan and Hang Giay as well as cultural venues in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Cultural events are also scheduled in the Ancient House, 87 Ma May street; Kim Ngan temple, 42 - 44 Hang Bac Street; and Centre of Old Quarter's culture exchange, 50 Dao Duy Tu street. Children are invited to try their hands at making moon cakes, participate in lion dances, a lantern procession, and compete in various folk games.

 

According to Vice Chairman of Hanoi city People’s Committee, Dinh Hong Phong, the event has been held annually to illustrate the city authority’s care and support for children while providing them with an entertainment space on the traditional mid-autumn festival. At the opening ceremony, Hoan Kiem District’s authorities presented 15 bicycles to children living in difficult circumstances in the area.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese people. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with the full moon at night, corresponding to late September to early October of the Gregorian calendar with the full moon at night.

In the Vietnamese culture, it is considered the second-most important holiday tradition after Tet. Due to China's influence, Mid-Autumn Festival is also celebrated in other parts of Asia. Mooncakes have also appeared in western countries as a form of delicacy.