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Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Reunion Festival) is a significant celebration, not only for the people of Vietnam but also for many others across Asia. During this occasion, people from various countries have their own ways to celebrate, each country hosting events and activities that reflect their unique cultural heritage. So, it would be truly exciting if you had the opportunity to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in a different country each year!
Join Klook to explore the distinctive features of Mid-Autumn Festival in various Asian countries!
Essential preparations before embarking on your journey of exploration
Scenic views along the way are countless, you'll surely want to share those priceless moments with loved ones and friends on social media. So, to make worries about 'lost connections' vanish, make sure to get yourself a SIM card or a Wifi device to stay connected anytime, anywhere!
1. Vietnam
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The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam typically takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month each year when the moon is fullest and brightest. People usually start decorating the streets in early August to preserve memories with glowing red lanterns. This festival, often considered a 'reunion festival' or 'children's festival', prompts adults to buy children shimmering lanterns like star lanterns, lion heads, traditional lanterns,... The whole family gathers around the dinner table with two signature cakes: sticky rice cakes and baked cakes with various flavors, either round or square symbolizing heaven and earth or abundance and prosperity. Together, they enjoy cultural performances and indulge in tea and cakes.
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Image source: Thanh Soledas on Unsplash
Around early August in the lunar calendar, strolling along the streets in the Chinese quarters of Saigon, Hang Ma in Hanoi, or in the ancient town of Hoi An, you'll encounter many people dressed in elegant ao dai, capturing stunning photos next to colorful lanterns. In the evening, the streets are adorned with the light of lanterns, shining brightly, this is surely an image you wouldn't want to miss.
Image source: DUKE NG on Pixabay
2. Taiwan
Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan bears resemblance to Vietnam's, however, in recent years, Taiwanese people often gather for barbecue celebrations. According to locals, barbecue symbolizes reunion, happiness, and warmth as families gather around the glowing charcoal stove, grilling and enjoying delicious pieces together. That's why Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan is also known as Barbecue Festival. If you ever get the chance to travel to Taiwan during the Mid-Autumn Festival, don't forget to join in the exciting barbecue party under the glowing charcoal stove!
Moreover, Mooncakes in Taiwan are shaped like peaches, with salted egg yolk fillings inside, symbolizing the desire for a complete life.
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Furthermore, if you wish to fully experience the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Taiwan, don't miss out on a visit to Jiufen Village. During this time, the village will be adorned with colorful lanterns, along with unique activities.
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This village is also a perfect spot for those who want to explore Taiwan's ancient architecture, you'll also have the opportunity to capture photos with strong Taiwanese essence.
3. Singapore
Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore carries strong Chinese influences. The place where you can clearly feel the Mid-Autumn atmosphere is in Chinatown in Singapore. Here, shops sell lanterns and related items for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Typically, this activity is organized months in advance.
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This is the perfect time for people to send wishes and lucky gifts to family, friends, and partners. One of the most commonly used gifts is mooncakes. Mooncakes in Singapore have a similar shape to those in Vietnam, but the flavors are completely different.
If this is your first time in Chinatown, you can join a walking tour of Chinatown and let the guide take you to famous spots in the area. Visiting Chinatown during the Mid-Autumn Festival would definitely be a wise choice. Additionally, there are many food stalls in this area that you shouldn't miss. You can walk around while enjoying delicious food.
Image source: Lily Banse on Unsplash
4. South Korea
The August full moon festival in South Korea, known as Chuseok or Thanksgiving, is a time when people have 3 days off to reunite with family. On Chuseok, people prepare a feast with fresh ingredients and wear traditional hanbok attire to pay respects to their ancestors. Mooncakes in South Korea, called Songpyeon, are made from rice flour, green beans, sugar, and pine leaves, shaped like crescent moons instead of round or square. In addition to the traditional white color, they are also dyed pink, dark green, yellow,...
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During this time, people often wear Hanbok and visit cultural sites, where Mid-Autumn festivities are held. You can visit the Korean Folk Village and Namsangol Hanok Village. Or the ancient palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Changgyeonggung Palace and Deoksugung Palace) in Seoul will be open throughout the holiday.
Klook tip: Don't forget to rent yourself some beautiful Hanbok outfits for stunning photos, not only that, you'll also get free admission to visit the palaces!!!
5. Japan
Otsukimi in Japanese means 'moon viewing'. This traditional festival was introduced to Japan 1,000 years ago. For the people of the land of the rising sun, this is a festival to honor the autumn moon, the fullest moon of the year.
Currently, Japan no longer uses the lunar calendar, but the Mid-Autumn Festival is still celebrated with great enthusiasm. During the festival, the Japanese admire the full moon while enjoying traditional dishes, especially Tsukimi dango – small round rice cakes symbolizing the moon in the sky. Children are given carp-shaped lanterns by their parents to parade with. Carp lanterns symbolize courage, especially for boys.
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If you visit Japan during the Mid-Autumn Festival, be sure to attend the Takayama festival held in the ancient town of Takayama in Gifu prefecture. Many tourists come to the festival to admire the colorful procession floats. Despite the cool autumn weather, the atmosphere of the Takayama festival at Hachiman Shrine is very lively, with 12 colorful floats, decorated with moving and dancing dolls, parading through the ancient streets. The procession usually starts at 9am and ends at 6pm over the 2 days of the Takayama autumn festival.
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To immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, don't forget to rent some beautiful kimonos and yukatas and join a tour to visit Takayama village during the day on Klook to fully enjoy the unique charm of the festival!
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7. Thailand
Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand is also called the 'Moon Worshiping Festival', held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. On this day, everyone, young and old, must participate in the moon worship ceremony. They sit around the altar of Bodhisattva and Ancestors to pray for good things.
If you're planning to explore the land of golden temples, Thailand, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you cannot miss these 3 areas, where you'll get new perspectives on the bright moon event blending between Thai and Chinese cultures.
Each area will have different festival colors, and each area will surely give you many 'mind-blowing' photos!
Posted by: Tình Thắm
Keywords: Explore Asia's Mid-Autumn Festivals with Klook!
