Chicago Chinatown
MOON FESTIVAL
Join us as we gather to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chicago Chinatown! This enchanting occasion is one of the Asian tradition's most significant cultural festivals, second only to the Lunar New Year. It's a time when we come together to revel in the brilliance of the full moon and the warmth of family reunions. The streets are adorned with vibrant lanterns that light up the night, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
As we celebrate, we indulge in the delicious tradition of sharing mooncakes, symbolizing unity and togetherness. And to truly embrace the spirit of this festival, we raise a glass of fragrant chrysanthemum flower wine, a beverage steeped in tradition and culture.
Come be a part of this beautiful celebration as we cherish the full moon, strengthen our bonds with loved ones, and revel in the rich traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival right here in Chicago. It's an experience you won't want to miss!
Thank you to our organizers and sponsors!
The History of
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival (simplified Chinese: 中秋节; traditional Chinese: 中秋節) also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian people. It is the second-most important holiday after Chinese New Year with a history dating back 3,000 years, when China's emperors worshipped the moon for bountiful harvests. The celebration is called Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) in Vietnam, Chuseok (autumn eve) in Korea, and Tsukimi (moon-viewing) in Japan.
The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of Autumn.
Lanterns of all size and shapes, are carried and displayed – symbolic beacons that light people's path to prosperity and good fortune. Mooncakes, a rich pastry typically filled with sweet-bean or lotus-seed paste, are traditionally eaten during this festival.
