Despite being Chinese, Mid-Autumn Festival was never made to be a big deal in my family since moving to the United States. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself caught in the middle of weeks long celebrations during my exchange in Hong Kong. September 28th, 2023 marked the official day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the festivities in Hong Kong lasted over a week.
Variations of the holiday are celebrated amongst many Asian cultures. Some may also know the holiday as "Moon Festival," "Mooncake Festival." Though I couldn't attend every event the city had to offer, I did manage to eat many mooncakes and have fun with new friends.
1. Mini celebration for exchange students in IASP (International Asian Studies Programme)
- Folktale history and suggestions for events to attend in the city (presented by full time CUHK students from Mainland China, HK, and Taiwan);
- Lantern painting;
- Finish the riddle guessing game;
- Snacks! (Mooncakes, tea, star fruits).
2. Moonlight picnic on the terrace with Morningside College (basically the equivalent of my Hogwarts House)
- Picnic blankets with board games
- Lanterns
- Chinese hot tea
- Tangyuan (glutenous rice balls filled with peanuts and sesame in a ginger syrup broth)
- Ice cream mooncakes
3. Victoria Park Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival
- Lots of pretty light displays!
- Mooncakes for dessert
4. "Moon Fest Lumiere" over Lee Tung Avenue
- Pedestrian street with lanterns
- Egg tarts for dessert
In my family, there's usually minimal fanfare, maybe a few mooncakes exchanged between relatives. Seeing the entire city of Hong Kong light up with excitement is something I will never forget!
Hunter Hom
Fall 2023
GW Exchange - Chinese University of Hong Kong
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Political Science and Economic Major