Mid-Autumn Festivals in Da Nang and Hoi An

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is one of the most anticipated and colorful celebrations in Vietnam, particularly in the cities of Da Nang and Hoi An. This traditional festival, usually held in September or early October, marks the harvest season and is a time for families to reunite, children to enjoy special treats, and everyone to celebrate under the light of the full moon.

In Da Nang and Hoi An, the Mid-Autumn Festival transforms the cities into vibrant scenes of lanterns, lion dances, and joyful street parades. While it is a nationwide celebration, these two cities offer unique experiences for visitors. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the festival, what to expect in both Da Nang and Hoi An, and how to make the most of your visit during this magical time.

What Is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated for centuries across Vietnam, deeply rooted in agricultural traditions and mythology. According to legend, the festival is connected to Cúi, a figure from folklore who is said to live on the moon with a magical banyan tree. The festival is also tied to the ancient practice of thanking the moon for a bountiful harvest, while modern celebrations focus on children, who are considered symbols of innocence and hope.

The festival is marked by several iconic traditions:

Lanterns: Traditionally handmade, these colorful lanterns are hung in homes and on streets and are carried by children in processions.
Mooncakes: A special pastry filled with ingredients like lotus seed paste, red bean, and salted egg yolk, mooncakes are gifted and enjoyed during the festival.
Lion Dances: Energetic lion dances are performed in streets, homes, and businesses to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits.

Celebrating in Hoi An: Lanterns and Tradition

Hoi An, known for its lantern-filled streets year-round, becomes especially magical during the Mid-Autumn Festival. As a UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved Ancient Town, Hoi An is the ideal place to experience the cultural and aesthetic beauty of the festival.

Lantern Festival on the Full Moon

The Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with Hoi An’s monthly Lantern Festival, where the Ancient Town turns off its electric lights and glows under the soft light of colorful lanterns. Local families, businesses, and visitors hang lanterns in front of their homes and shops, while the streets are filled with processions of children carrying their own handmade lanterns.

One of the most iconic images of Hoi An during this time is the sight of floating lanterns released onto the Thu Bon River. Visitors can participate by purchasing a lantern and releasing it into the water, a gesture meant to bring luck, happiness, and good fortune.

Cultural Performances

Hoi An offers a wide range of cultural activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These include traditional music performances, folk games, and lion dances that take place throughout the Ancient Town. Some families also set up small altars with offerings of mooncakes, fruit, and tea to celebrate the full moon and honor their ancestors.

Visiting with Children

Hoi An is particularly child-friendly during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Streets fill with parades of young children carrying star-shaped lanterns, and there are numerous activities for kids, including puppet shows, mask-making, and dragon dances. If you’re traveling with children, this is a fantastic time to immerse them in Vietnamese culture and tradition.

Celebrating in Da Nang: Modern Vibrance and Family Fun

While Hoi An offers a more traditional and intimate atmosphere, Da Nang, a larger and more modern city, brings a different energy to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Here, the festival is celebrated with grand events, public performances, and family-centered activities.

Street Parades and Lion Dances

In Da Nang, the Mid-Autumn Festival brings the city’s streets to life with energetic lion dance performances. These are often held at local businesses, homes, and public areas to attract good luck. Street parades, where children carry lanterns and families gather to watch the festivities, are a common sight, especially in areas like Bach Dang Street and around Dragon Bridge.

Family Gatherings and Public Events

Da Nang’s community-oriented celebration places a large emphasis on family. Families often gather at local parks or beaches to celebrate with picnics and mooncakes. Many hotels and restaurants also organize special Mid-Autumn events, offering tourists and locals alike a chance to join in the festivities. If you’re staying in a resort or hotel, ask if they are hosting any special moon-viewing parties or lantern-making workshops.

Children’s Activities

In Da Nang, the focus of the Mid-Autumn Festival is on children, and the city often organizes large-scale events just for them. Public parks, shopping malls, and cultural centers host games, storytelling sessions, and craft workshops where children can make their own lanterns or Mid-Autumn masks. The Asia Park amusement park and Da Nang Children’s Cultural Palace often host special Mid-Autumn events.

Mooncakes: A Festival Delicacy

No Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without mooncakes, the rich, round pastries symbolizing the full moon and family unity. In both Da Nang and Hoi An, you’ll find an abundance of mooncakes being sold in markets, bakeries, and restaurants. The cakes come in two main varieties:

Bánh nướng: A baked mooncake with a golden-brown crust, often filled with a mix of sweet and savory ingredients like lotus seeds, mung beans, and salted egg yolk.
Bánh dẻo: A sticky, soft mooncake with a chewy exterior made from glutinous rice flour, usually filled with sweet bean paste.

During the festival, it’s common for people to gift mooncakes to family members, friends, and business associates as a gesture of goodwill and celebration.

Tips for Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival in Da Nang and Hoi An

To fully experience the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Da Nang and Hoi An, here are some helpful tips:

Plan Ahead

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular time for both locals and tourists, so it’s essential to book your accommodation early if you’re planning to stay in either city. Hotels in Hoi An, in particular, can fill up quickly during the festival period.

Join a Lantern-Making Workshop

Both Da Nang and Hoi An offer lantern-making workshops during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These workshops are a fantastic way to learn about local craftsmanship while creating a keepsake to take home. Many workshops are child-friendly, making them a perfect family activity.

Explore Local Markets

In the lead-up to the festival, markets in Da Nang and Hoi An are filled with lanterns, mooncakes, and other traditional items. A visit to these markets is a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere and pick up unique souvenirs.

Capture the Moment

The Mid-Autumn Festival is an Instagram-worthy event, especially in Hoi An with its lantern-lit streets and floating river lights. Don’t forget your camera, and take advantage of the festival’s beautiful backdrop to capture the special moments.

Why Visit Da Nang and Hoi An During the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Da Nang and Hoi An is a celebration that captures the heart of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re enchanted by the traditional atmosphere of Hoi An’s ancient streets, glowing with lanterns, or energized by Da Nang’s modern vibrancy, the festival offers a unique experience for travelers.

From the delightful mooncakes to the colorful lanterns and lively street performances, the Mid-Autumn Festival in central Vietnam is a time of joy, family, and community. Whether you’re traveling with children or simply looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, this festival will leave you with unforgettable memories. Make sure to plan your visit during this magical time, and experience the full cultural beauty of Da Nang and Hoi An!