The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節) is one of the most important annual festivals for Chinese and it is also a day for family reunion. The festival takes place every year on the 15th day of the 8th Chinese lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. On this day, everyone gathers together to celebrate by eating moon cakes and appreciating the spectacular beauty of the full moon. The occasion is usually a happy and joyful one.
Top things to do during Mid-Autumn Festival:
- Gazing at and Appreciating the Moon
In celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, it is an important traditional custom for all participants to gaze at and appreciate the glorious full moon while it is at its brightest and roundest point of the whole year. This has been a classic activity since ancient times. The custom of appreciating the moon originated from a memorial ceremony that was held during which sacrifices were offered to the dear moon.
In Taipei, the most picturesque spots to view the full moon include Yangmingshan, Daan Park, Danshui Fisherman’s Wharf and Maokong.
Other good viewing spots around the island include Wuling Farm in Taichung, Alishan in Chiayi County, Anping in Tainan, Sizhi Bay in Kaohsiung, Nanwan in Pingtung, and Dongshan River Water Park in Yilan.
- Eating Moon Cake
The Moon Cake is the special food of Mid-Autumn Festival. On that day, people sacrifice moon cakes to the moon as an offering and eat them for celebration. Moon cakes come in various flavors according to the region. The moon cakes are round, symbolizing the reunion of a family, so it is easy to understand how the eating of moon cakes under the round moon can evoke longing for distant relatives and friends. Nowadays, people present moon cakes to relatives and friends to demonstrate that they wish them a long and happy life.
3. BBQ
In Taiwan, the celebration consists mainly of eating moon cakes, pomelos, and BBQ. In recent years, the most popular way for people to mark the occasion is to gather with friends and relatives and barbecue on the sidewalk in front of one’s house or business, in public parks, and along riverside parks.
During the moon festival holiday, the Taipei city government will open up a total of 20 riverside parks to allow public barbecuing. One of the most popular is Dajia Riverside Park, which is in sight of Dazhi Bridge and the Grand Hotel.