The Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese. A very important festival for the Chinese people, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Lunar Calendar. This is when the moon is believed to be in its fullest and roundest. This year, it falls on October 3, Saturday.
In Chinese culture, the full moon is a symbol of peace and prosperity for the whole family. Its roundness symbolizes wholeness and togetherness. The number 8 is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
This year, the Davao City Chinatown Development Council is holding the very first Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
On the eve of the moon festival, October 2 (Friday) at 6 p.m. the festivities will begin simultaneously at the Unity and Friendship archways along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue and Peace Archway along Sta. Ana Avenue, which is all located within Davao City’s Chinatown.
Starting on Friday, the Night Market will be opened to the public at the Unity Archway. Traditional festival activities will be held at the Peace Archway where a Lantern Lighting and Making contest, the city and barangay Mooncake Dice Game will be played and presented. The Food and Entertainment Fiesta along Chavez Street will also commence.
On the night of the festival on Saturday, a Moon Gazing and a Musical Showdown will be held and participated by various Chinese schools in the city at the Peace Archway. The awarding for the winners will also be held on the same night.
The festivities will continue on October 4, Sunday, with the Food and Entertainment Fiesta. For more information, contact the City Tourism Office at 222-1956 up to 57.
I have never taken part in any Chinese Moon Festivals before. I will definitely have to mark my calendar so I can attend the Year 2010 Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in Davao. Thank you for sharing such an interesting and informative article. - Pilipino
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