The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar (September 15 this year). Festive vibes permeate the town where main streets are decorated with colorful lanterns to welcome the Festival. As one of the most-celebrated festivities in Chinese culture and so in Macau, the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes a time for family reunion. Locals enjoy eating mooncakes and offer this sweet pastry as a gift to relatives and friends as a tradition for this occasion.
On the Mid-Autumn Festival, families gather for a joyful dinner followed by a night out admiring the beautiful full moon. Others may enjoy a picnic in garden, by the lake or beach, having mooncakes and fruits in season under the moonlight while children play around with glittery lanterns in hand.
Don’t miss the Macau Lantern Festival (September 3 – 10) at One Central Promenade presenting a dazzling exhibit of rabbit lanterns – created on this occasion by renowned Macao artist Carlos Marreiros, some of which are decorated by artists from Hong Kong, Macao and Beijing, blending Chinese traditions with modern Macanese elements.
When: Thursday, September 15
Where: Various locations around Macau
How much: Free admission