The Mid-Autumn Festival 2009 and the Mid-Autumn Fair opened on September 19 (the first day of the 8th lunar month) in Hanoi’s ancient quarter.
The festival, hosted by the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem District, is the first of a series of activities to mark the 999th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi and 55 years of the capital’s liberation.
The festival will last until October 3 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month) with a wide range of activities taking place on an outdoor stage in front of Dong Xuan Market, including folk game nights, a festival of lion dances and traditional art performances such as hat xam (song of a strolling blind musician), ca tru (ceremonial song) and cheo (traditional opera).
The full-moon night, which falls on October 3, will be celebrated with a lantern parade, lion dances and a children’s party to serve out festival cakes and fruits.
Documentary images of traditional mid-autumn festivals will be displayed at a preserved ancient house at 87 Ma May Street.
On the occasion, the Hoan Kiem District will present gifts to disadvantaged students with an outstanding education record.