A day marked by family get-togethers, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place when the moon is at its fullest which falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of China’s lunar calendar. In 2011, this day falls on September 12th. During this time it is common for the streets to be decorated with lanterns, while families stay up late and enjoy the sight of the full moon.
Those visiting Singapore can head to the Chinatown area where one will find the main festivities taking place throughout the month including an official opening ceremony. Set amidst a myriad of colourful lights and lanterns, Chinatown plays host to over 300 stalls set up for the festival selling everything from traditional dishes to both modern and conventional paper lanterns. A beehive of activity, the area also hosts a variety of stage shows and street bazaars, giving one a chance to experience the local culture.
A great way to join in the festivities is by purchasing one of the numerous lanterns on sale and joining in on the mass lantern walk which commences from Chinatown. Those looking to take in cultural shows can head to Kreta Ayer Square, while a fascinating feature of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore are the dragon dancers who weave their way in and out of revellers and passersby.
Another popular feature of the festival are the speciality Chinese mooncakes that are sold at shops in Chinatown along with a variety of other traditional dishes, both savoury and sweet. Other well known dishes include lobster, pomelo, sponge cakes and pomegranates.
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