The Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Ancient Town, in collaboration with the National Archives Center I (State Records and Archives Department), is organizing an exhibition of materials under the theme “Revisiting the Ancient Mid-Autumn Festival” from September 22 to 29, 2023.
This cultural event is part of a series of activities taking place at historical sites in Hanoi’s Ancient Town and the mural space of Phung Hung Street, celebrating the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in 2023.
At the Hanoi Ancient Town Cultural Exchange Center (50 Dao Duy Tu), the exhibition “Revisiting the Ancient Mid-Autumn Festival” will showcase nearly 80 documents, materials, and images depicting the Mid-Autumn festivities in the ancient royal court, along with vibrant stalls reminiscent of Hang Gai Street and exquisite toys, creating a picturesque and artistically colorful display.
At the Heritage House (87 Ma May), there will be a presentation of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival ambiance of Hanoi families in the past. The exhibition will include a display of traditional Mid-Autumn lanterns reconstructed by researcher Trinh Bach and artisan Nguyen Trong Binh.
At the Cultural and Artistic Center (22 Hang Buom) and Dong Lac Communal House (38 Hang Dao), spaces will be set up to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering demonstrations and guidance on making traditional Mid-Autumn toys.
The mural space on Phung Hung Street will feature booths introducing Mid-Autumn toys, providing guidance on crafting, and recreating traditional folk games played during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There will also be performances of children’s fashion and musical presentations.
A past store selling Mid-Autumn Festival toys
The traditional Mid-Autumn Festival has become one of the largest annual traditional celebrations, observed in various regions with distinct local customs. It takes place on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, radiating the brightest light of the year. During this event at the historical sites of Hanoi Ancient Town, children will not only learn about the ancient Mid-Autumn Festival but also engage in various activities with artisans and craftsmen from renowned craft villages. These activities include experiencing the making of traditional dough figurines with the “To He Class” led by artisan Dang Van Hau from Xuan La Village, crafting traditional star-shaped lanterns with artisan Nguyen Thi Tuyen from Van Canh Commune, Hoai Duc District, and creating traditional Mid-Autumn toys such as paper masks, decorating paper kites, and playing Evereto Puzzle Game.
The program aims to contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values, providing children with a delightful and educational space during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Simultaneously, it seeks to boost tourism development, promote the image of Hanoi Ancient Tow, and showcase the overall charm of the capital city.
H.A