On the evening of September 17, the streets of Hang Ma, along with nearby Hang Luoc and Hang Can, in Hoan Kiem District, became the epicenter of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in Hanoi. 

A week before the festival, these streets are already buzzing with activity, drawing families, young people, and couples eager to partake in the festive atmosphere.

Enthusiastic locals and visitors fill Hang Ma Street to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival

The area is renowned for its array of stalls offering traditional and contemporary toys, attracting crowds eager to purchase items ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 VND.

Stalls lined with colorful toys become a major attraction.

Among the revelers was Ms. Thao from Ha Dong district, who brought her young child to the celebration. "Celebrating under the moonlight with my family feels truly special," she shared.

Families like Ms. Thao’s enjoy the unique charm of the Mid-Autumn festivities.

The streets also featured cultural performances such as lion dances, performed by local youths, adding to the vibrant street scene as the night progressed.

Despite the festive congestion, with intersections like Hang Ga and Hang Ma becoming gridlocked by 8:30 PM, the spirit of the festival remained undampened. 

Many attendees navigated the crowds with determination, reflecting the strong cultural bond and the community’s commitment to passing down traditions.

Heavy traffic does little to deter the festive spirit in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

The festive atmosphere intensifies as the night progresses.

As night fell, the crowds only thickened, with people of all ages coming together to celebrate, shop, and immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Parking areas were overwhelmed, with motorcycle parking fees reaching 30,000 VND, underscoring the festival's popularity.

This annual event not only serves as a celebration but also as an educational experience for the younger generation, teaching them about Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Hung Nguyen