Hanoi’s iconic tourist attraction once again come alive with vibrant festivities, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for children, residents and visitors on the occasion of Mid-autumn festival.
A striking display of Mid-Autumn Festival toys at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
An annual highlight on Hanoi’s cultural calendar, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival at the Citadel promises a diverse program of traditional and historical exhibitions, interactive workshops, and festive performances. The event will take place until October 7 within the historic grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The exhibition space is thoughtfully curated under two main themes of “Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival” and “Royal Mid-Autumn Festival of the Ly Dynasty.” The traditional display invites visitors to journey back in time through a collection of handcrafted toys and decorative lanterns, including rabbit lamps, star lanterns, drum lamps, and double fish lanterns. Some of them are meticulously recreated by artisans based on archival photographs from the Quai Branly Museum and the École française d’Extrême-Orient, France.
Crafted from Do paper and cellophane, these colorful lanterns capture the nostalgic charm and artistic sophistication of Vietnamese Mid-Autumn traditions, evoking warm memories for older generations while inspiring awe in younger ones.
The paper doctors, the iconic traditional Vietnamese toys for the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolize the people’s deep respect for learning and education.
In a cultural first, the Royal Mid-Autumn Festival of the Ly Dynasty will be reimagined through an immersive exhibition that brings to life the grandeur of imperial celebrations during the 11th to 12th centuries. A comprehensive display of historical documents and evocative paintings will guide visitors through the royal customs of over 1,000 years ago, highlighting ceremonial boat races and water puppet performances once staged by soldiers and villagers in homage to the monarchy.
Beyond the exhibitions, festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities including traditional toy-making workshops, lion dance performances, and opportunities to engage directly with heritage artisans.
The Mid-Autumn Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel stands as a heartfelt tribute to Vietnam’s enduring cultural legacy, creating a meaningful space where heritage, history, and community spirit converge.
By Jenna Duong
