Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town
The lantern festival is an iconic event in Hoi An, initiated in 1998. The festival aims to honor the cultural and spiritual beauty of Hoi An locals and the Vietnamese people in general. According to folklore, each lit lantern released on the Hoai River is a prayer for luck, health, peace, and love.
The festival starts from 6:00 PM and concludes at 10:00 PM. During this time, the entire ancient town turns off electric lights, illuminated only by lanterns hanging along the streets, restaurants, cafes, and shops. The atmosphere becomes poetic and impressive as tourists stroll along the streets or enjoy tea at riverside cafes.
The highlight of the festival is the activity of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River. You can purchase lanterns at a very affordable price, around 5,000 VND each, from stalls along the riverbank or from small street vendors. Lanterns come in various shapes and colors, such as stars, hearts, and lotus flowers. You can release the lantern from the riverbank or hire boatwomen to release them for you. As the lantern drifts away, you can make a wish with your loved ones.
Additionally, you can enjoy various cultural, artistic, and folk activities during the festival, such as water puppetry, Bai Choi singing, and playing "Bau cua ca cop" (a simple yet captivating dice game with six faces: gourd, crab, fish, tiger, rooster, and shrimp).
The water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form performed on the water by puppeteers manipulating puppets with strings and sticks beneath the water's surface. The puppets often depict characters from folk tales, agricultural activities, or technical performances. Bai Choi singing is a popular folk opera in Central Vietnam, known for its high entertainment value and reflection of the emotions, feelings, and daily life of the people. Playing "Bau cua ca cop" is a simple game of chance but highly engaging.
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town is a distinctive and culturally significant celebration. The festival not only allows tourists to admire the ancient and dazzling beauty of the ancient town but also provides insights into the culture and spirituality of Hoi An residents. The festival is also an opportunity for tourists to socialize, bond, and have meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town is a traditional event with significant importance for the locals of Hoi An and visitors alike. The festival is not only a chance to appreciate the sparkling and warm charm of Hoi An Ancient Town but also an opportunity to participate in the lantern releasing activity on the Hoai River, symbolizing wishes for good fortune, health, peace, and love. The festival also features various exceptional cultural, artistic, and folk activities, reflecting the identity and spirit of the people of Hoi An.