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5 Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss Out On During The Mid-Autumn Festival

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Farah Fazanna •  Sep 09, 2022

If you’ve been out and about around this time of the year, then you'd notice the lanterns decorating the malls and temples. Late August to early September is when the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place, filled with fun activities and cultural performances. Originating from China, the harvest festival is also known as the Mooncake Festival or the Lantern Festival, and was traditionally meant to offer thanks for a bounteous harvest and in celebration of the full moon. 

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So, countries with a large Chinese population like Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam usually have lively celebrations that you can take part in! Each country in the region has their own take on the celebrations. We’ve put together some of the special activities you can only participate in during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival: 

1. Indulge your sweet tooth with mooncakes

Credit:Alexa Soh onUnsplash

For many, mooncakes are undoubtedly one of their favourite parts of the Mid-Autumn Festival. You can easily find them at most major supermarkets and bakeries. There are also some fancy ones that come in reusable bags! Mooncakes are also commonly given as a gift to family and friends.

The palm-sized delicacy has a crust that is either made of pastry or a mochi-like layer made of glutinous rice (known as “snow skin”). While the filling is often sweet, such as lotus seed paste or sweet bean paste, there are also savoury varieties with meat, as well as a salted egg yolk centre. According to a Chinese legend, Han Chinese rebels used mooncakes to pass secret messages to one another in the final uprising against Mongol rulers, leading to the creation of the Ming Dynasty in 1368. The more you know!

7 Halal Mooncakes In KL For Your Sweet Treat This Mid-Autumn Festival 2022

2. Learn how to paint a paper lantern

Credit: Rumman Amin on Unsplash

You might notice that malls are decorated with lanterns during this time of the year and there’s a reason for that. Lanterns are another significant part of the celebrations, coming in a variety of shapes and colours that draw inspiration from nature and local folklore. 

Nowadays, many places organise workshops and booths that are open to the public, where you can learn how to decorate your own paper lantern. You can also enjoy other handicrafts, such as painting Chinese umbrellas, learning how to make Chinese knots, or trying your hand at Chinese calligraphy. Head over to Pavillion Bukit Jalil where you can take part in traditional lantern-making workshops, creative instrument and dance performances, and a Lantern Parade from now till September 11.

3. Take a stroll among illuminated sculptures

Credit: Pavillion Kuala Lumpur

Shopping malls, parks, and temples will often get into the spirit of the festival by being decked out in beautiful decorations and art installations that turn into dazzling light displays once the sun goes down. Our top picks for the best light displays include Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Kwai Chai Hong in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur and The Linc KL.

4. Enjoy a traditional Chinese performance

Credit: Tony Pham on Unsplash

Traditional Chinese performances are usually held during the festival, from classic Chinese operas to modern dance and music performances. Some performances are even free of charge like the lion dances that will take place in various places in the Klang Valley area, including one on the 10 September at 8pm in Sungai Wang Plaza.

5. Watch a colourful parade

Credit: Adrian Siaril on Unsplash

Watch lion and dragon dance troupes strut their stuff to the beat of drums during a Mid-Autumn Festival parade. Pavilion Bukit Jalil is having a lantern parade from now until 11th September!

Well, there you go! Weekend plans, checked!