Everything you’ll need to know to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown

HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the full moon shines brightly this autumn, Chinatown is preparing for its annual Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival.

Set to take place this Saturday, Sept. 14, the celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza. The day promises to be full of cultural festivities, delectable food and family-friendly activities.

A rich cultural tradition

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a centuries-old celebration that originated in China.

It marks the end of the harvest season and is a time for families to gather, admire the full moon, and enjoy traditional foods like mooncakes.

In Honolulu, the festival has become a vibrant local tradition.

"We've been celebrating this festival in Chinatown for years, and it's always a highlight of the year," said Lee Stack, president of the Chinatown Improvement District. "We revived the event about seven years ago, and it's grown significantly since then."

Festival highlights

This year's Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival is packed with a diverse lineup of activities and performances, offering something for everyone and showcasing the richness of cultural traditions.

The festival will kick off with a poignant and meaningful start, as Reverend Dwayne Pang conducts a traditional blessing ceremony. This ceremonial opening sets a tone of reverence and celebration, marking the beginning of a day filled with vibrant festivities.

As the ceremony concludes, attendees will be treated to a dynamic array of performances that reflect the festival's cultural heritage.

The lion dances, a staple of traditional Chinese celebrations, will bring a burst of energy and color to the festival.

These lively dances, performed by skilled dancers in elaborate lion costumes, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the year ahead.

Adding to the festive atmosphere will be the rhythmic beats of taiko drumming. This traditional Japanese drumming performance will captivate audiences with its powerful rhythms and energetic displays.

The drummers, from local taiko groups, will create a pulsating soundtrack that complements the other activities and adds to the overall excitement of the festival.

The festival will also feature performances from various cultural groups, each bringing their unique traditions to the stage. Filipino dancers from the Lanakila Senior Center will showcase their vibrant and expressive dance forms, while Chinese folk dancers will perform traditional routines that highlight the grace and beauty of Chinese dance.

These performances offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural influences that contribute to the festival's rich tapestry.

Karen Motosue from the Hawaii Heritage Center emphasized the central role of lanterns in the celebration.

"Lanterns are a key part of the Moon Festival," Motosue explained. "They symbolize light and guide the way to prosperity and success. We'll have many beautiful lanterns on display, and there will be workshops for children to make their own."

Lanterns are not just decorative; they hold significant meaning, representing illumination and hope. The festival will feature a stunning display of lanterns, each crafted with care and creativity, adding a magical glow to the event.

For families and children, the festival offers engaging lantern-making workshops. These hands-on activities provide an opportunity for children to create their own lanterns, adding a personal touch to the celebration and allowing them to participate in the festival's traditions.

The workshops will be held throughout the day, ensuring that everyone has a chance to join in the fun.

The festival's schedule is designed to provide a full day of enjoyment, with activities and performances continuing into the evening.

The lantern parade, one of the festival's highlights, will feature children proudly displaying their handcrafted lanterns as they join a colorful procession through the festival grounds. This parade is not only a visual spectacle but also a celebration of community and creativity.

As the day turns to night, the festival will continue with more entertainment, including live music, dance performances, and interactive activities. Each element of the festival is crafted to enhance the experience and create lasting memories for all attendees.

Overall, this year's Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition.

With a diverse range of activities, performances, and workshops, the festival offers something for everyone, making it a perfect occasion for families and friends to come together and celebrate the joys of the Mid-Autumn season.

Delicious delights

Food takes center stage at the Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival, and this year's event promises a tantalizing assortment of culinary delights that reflect both tradition and local flavors. From time-honored dishes to festival specialties, the festival offers something to please every palate.

Royal Kitchen, a beloved local establishment with a reputation for traditional Chinese cuisine, will be showcasing their signature dishes.

As they celebrate their 50th year in business, the restaurant is set to bring a special touch to the festival with their festival-themed snack packs.

"We're thrilled to be a part of the festival and to celebrate our 50th year in business," said Liana Benn, owner of Royal Kitchen. "Our big bao has been a hit for years, and we're excited to share 11 different varieties this year."

Festival-goers can look forward to enjoying Royal Kitchen's renowned chow mein noodles, flavorful chashu bao, and savory pork hash.

These dishes have been staples at Royal Kitchen for decades, and their presence at the festival will offer a taste of authentic, traditional flavors.

The special snack packs are designed to provide a convenient and delicious way to sample some of the restaurant's best-loved dishes.

Another highlight of the culinary experience at the festival will be the array of mooncakes available for purchase.

These iconic pastries are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing family unity and the fullness of life.

Traditionally filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, mooncakes are more than just a treat—they embody the festival's themes of reunion and harmony.

Leonard Kam, president of Chinatown808, emphasized the significance of mooncakes in the festival's celebration.

"Mooncakes are a must-have during the festival," Kam said. "They represent the fullness of the moon and family harmony. We have a variety of mooncakes to enjoy, and they're a key part of the celebration."

Attendees can look forward to a selection of mooncakes with different fillings, including classic lotus seed paste, sweet red bean paste, and modern variations that incorporate flavors like chocolate and matcha.

The festival's food offerings go beyond just Royal Kitchen and mooncakes. A variety of local vendors will be present, each bringing their unique specialties to the event.

From savory street food to delectable desserts, the food stalls will offer a diverse range of options that reflect both traditional and contemporary tastes.

Among the other food highlights are specialty dishes prepared to celebrate the harvest season. Expect to find traditional Chinese dishes such as jiaozi (dumplings), zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and seasonal treats made from ingredients like taro and sweet potato.

These foods not only satisfy the taste buds but also connect festival-goers to the cultural roots of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As you stroll through the festival, sampling the array of culinary offerings, you'll experience the vibrant flavors that make the Mid-Autumn Festival a feast for the senses.

Whether you're savoring a Royal Kitchen snack pack, indulging in a mooncake, or trying out something new from one of the local vendors, the food at the festival is sure to enhance the celebration and bring a sense of unity and joy to all who attend.

Stargazing and celestial fun

Adding a special touch to the Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival, this year's event will feature a captivating stargazing experience.

Nick Bradley, an astronomer with Stargazers of Hawaii, will set up two large telescopes at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, offering festival-goers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the night sky.

The festival's stargazing component is set to be a highlight of the evening.

"The moon will be particularly bright this year," Bradley noted. "It's going to be a stunning sight, and we're thrilled to provide the chance for everyone to experience it up close."

In addition to the moon, attendees will have the rare opportunity to view Saturn, renowned for its striking ring system.

"Saturn will be prominently visible, and its rings will be an incredible sight," Bradley explained. "We're excited to share this celestial wonder with the community."

Stargazers of Hawaii will have the telescopes available from 6:45 p.m. until 10 p.m., allowing plenty of time for guests to take turns peering through the lenses.

Bradley emphasized that this experience is not just about observing distant planets and moons but also about connecting with the cosmos in a tangible way.

"It's an opportunity to engage with the universe and spark curiosity about astronomy," he said.

For those interested in more than just a quick glance, Bradley and his team will provide educational insights about the celestial objects on view.

"We'll be explaining the science behind what people are seeing," he added. "Our goal is to make stargazing both enjoyable and informative."

This addition to the festival offers a unique way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, combining cultural traditions with a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

As families and friends gather to celebrate under the full moon, the chance to explore the night sky through telescopes adds a magical and educational dimension to the festivities.

With the vibrant lantern displays and rich cultural performances earlier in the day, the stargazing portion of the festival will provide a perfect conclusion to an evening of celebration.

So, as you enjoy the festivities, don't forget to look up and take in the awe-inspiring sights of the moon and Saturn—an experience that will surely make this year's Mid-Autumn Festival a memorable one.

Family-friendly activities

The Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival is crafted to be a joyous and interactive experience for attendees of all ages, with a special focus on engaging families and children.

The festival promises a variety of activities designed to entertain and delight the youngest guests while celebrating cultural traditions.

One of the festival's standout features is the lantern-making workshops. These workshops invite children to unleash their creativity and craft their own lanterns using colorful materials and simple tools.

"We'll have free lanterns for kids under ten," said Sarah Liu, Miss Chinatown Hawaii. "They can also create their own lanterns at our booths, which is a fantastic way for them to participate in the festival's traditions."

The lantern parade, a highlight of the evening, will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This cherished tradition allows children to proudly display their handcrafted lanterns as they parade through the festival grounds.

The parade not only adds a festive flair but also fosters a sense of community and excitement among families.

"The lantern parade is a wonderful tradition that brings families together," Liu added. "It's a time when everyone can share in the joy of the festival and create lasting memories."

Ellie Feng, also Miss Chinatown Hawaii, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the festival's role in strengthening community bonds.

"The festival is all about coming together with family and friends to celebrate our cultural heritage," Ms. Feng said. "It's a time for fun, food, and making lasting memories. We want everyone, especially families, to leave with a sense of joy and connection."

In addition to lantern-making and the parade, the festival features a range of other family-friendly activities. Interactive booths will offer crafts and games designed to engage children and spark their curiosity.

There will also be educational activities that introduce kids to the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, from the history of the mooncakes to the symbolism behind the lanterns.

For younger children, there will be dedicated play areas where they can enjoy age-appropriate games and activities. These areas are designed to be safe and entertaining, ensuring that parents can relax and enjoy the festival while their little ones are happily occupied.

Overall, the Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival aims to create an inclusive and festive atmosphere where families can come together to celebrate, learn, and have fun.

With a variety of activities tailored for children and opportunities for family participation, the festival promises to be a memorable event that strengthens community ties and celebrates cultural heritage in a joyful, interactive way.

Community spirit

The Mid-Autumn Moon and Lantern Festival in Chinatown is more than just an event; it's a celebration of cultural heritage and community spirit.

With its vibrant lantern displays, diverse performances, and delicious food, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Chinatown and celebrate the changing seasons.

As the festival approaches, preparations are underway, and organizers are excited to welcome everyone to the Chinatown Cultural Plaza for a day of joy and cultural enrichment.

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Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a cherished tradition and enjoy the beauty of the full moon in Honolulu.