The Mid-Autumn Festival will be celebrated in 2018 on Sept. 24. It is a harvest festival that dates back more than 1,000 years where families gather to honor the full moon, which symbolizes reunion, prosperity, and happiness. Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations include lanterns, a fire dragon dance, and mooncakes.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other surrounding countries. Normally held in late September or early October, it always coincides with a full moon. "The holiday is a time for family, thanksgiving, paper lanterns, and of course, eating moon cakes. These round pastries are traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, but modern recipes may substitute in ice cream. In some places, like Hong Kong and Vietnam, you may be able to witness the dragon or lion dance," Smith said.
