Under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hang Ma - Hanoi’s largest toy street – has experienced an unprecedented mid-autumn festival this year. No more images of colorful toys hanging in front of shops and no more scenes of thousands of people busy shopping on the days before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Previously, every Mid-Autumn Festival (the full moon of the 8th lunar month), people used to flock to Hang Ma Street to buy toys and decorations and enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere. Several weeks before the festival, this street used to be brilliantly colorful with star lanterns, unicorn heads, drums, masks, etc. Young people and children used to come here to take a walk and take pictures.

This year, Hang Ma street is quiet. Most of the shops are closed because the capital city is imposing social distancing measures.

On the morning of September 20, one day before the Mid-autumn Festival, fences were placed on Hang Ma - Dong Xuan streets. Some customers who came to buy Mid-Autumn toys for their children had to leave. Right at the fence, only one shop hung a few star lanterns and masks.

Shop owners said that Hang Ma Street has never been so sad and gloomy. All stores must close. Some stores sell toys online but customers are few.

VietNamNet took some pictures of Hang Ma Street on September 20:

Pham Hai - Chau Giang

Photos show difference between old and modern Full Moon Festival celebrations

Although celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival have evolved over the years, the annual event has kept the same meaning, providing a special occasion for family reunions, vibrant dragon dances, colourful lanterns, and delicious moon cakes.