VietNamNet Bridge – Thu Vong Nguyet, the biggest cultural event celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival, will be held at Ha Noi’s Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) from September 29 to October 1. The event, held this year for the first time, aims to combine the festivities of the past and present, old and new, traditional and modern.

Kid’s play: Famous comedian Xuan Bac (in white) will attend the Thu Vong Nguyet Festival this week at Ha Noi’s Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature). — VNS file photo

The event is organised by the Quan An Ngon Restaurant chain, with support from the Ha Noi People’s Committee, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Van Mieu Management Board.

The celebration is slated to include nearly 500 artists, including folk artisans, cultural and historical researchers, fashion designers and many others.

Pham Thi Bich Hanh, owner and general director of the Quan An Ngon Restaurant chain, said children will have the chance to discover a giant dragon egg, appearing for the first time in Ha Noi. 

“Artisans from across the nation will join in cutting and trimming fruit, and designing the mid-Autumn tray of the past and present, making traditional moon cakes, and showing off their skills to visitors, particularly children,” she said.

Hanoian Hoang Thu Hang, said “both adults and children are very excited for the event because the festival will let children have a chance to enjoy traditional games and food while adults remember to Mid Autumns of the past.”

Hang’s son, Anh Thai, 12, said his younger sister and friends will attend the festival and play traditional games such as o an quan (mandarin square capturing), ban bi (marbles), rong ran len may (dragon dance) and nhay day (rope skipping).

“But most are excited to join in with activities like helping artisans to make lanterns, marks and toy figurines,” said Thai.

The festival not only brings joy to children but also offers families the opportunity to gather at the Temple of Literature and exchange views and remember the old Mid Autumn festivals. Talks and documents by historical researcher Duong Trung Quoc, Dr Nguyen Nha and cultural and traditional folk researcher Trinh Bach will entertain and educate visitors, said Hanh.

“We aim to restore and preserve our traditional activities to welcome the Autumn festival, it’s like a really big Tet for children,” Bach said.

In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a play titled Dong song anh sang (The River of Light) by leading artists and watch an Ao Dai fashion show by renowned designers Anh Thu, Ha Linh Thu and Duc Hung.

An official from the Ha Noi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the huge event not only captures the characteristics of Ha Noi but also popularises folk culture and preservation of national spirit.

The three-day event is expected to welcome thousands of local and foreign visitors, and will end on October 1. 

VNS