Traditional lanterns on display at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The "Shimmering Autumn Lights" program will be held at Thang Long Imperial Citadel from September 27 to 29 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and Hanoi Autumn Festival.

To celebrate the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center has planned a special night tour program with the theme "Shimmering Autumn Lights" to create a unique atmosphere to provide children and tourists with a more enjoyable cultural experience.

Artisan Nguyen Van Quyen instructs children to make traditional lanterns. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

The 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival program at Thang Long Imperial Citadel has a wide range of activities that are not only interesting but also highly beneficial.

A space of traditional  Mid-Autumn Festival with various types of lanterns are recreated based on the studies of foreign researchers such as Henri Oger, Albert Kant; Quai Branly Museum (France) and Vietnamese researcher Trinh Bach as well as local artisans from craft villages specializing in lantern making.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos in the light of various lanterns in the shape of "carp turning into dragon", carp, crab, rabbit, butterfly, shrimp and drum.

There are also booths displaying traditional Mid-Autumn toys, such as animal-shaped masks, iron ship, rabbit beating drum, stuffed swan.

Various types of lanterns are on display at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

By visiting the exhibition area, children will learn more about old toys and appreciate the nation's culture. For grandparents and parents, it is also an opportunity to remember their childhood.

Toy makers Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Nguyen Van Quyen and Dang Van Khang will be there to share their knowledge and provide interactive experiences for children and tourists on traditional toys dedicated to the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam. Since ancient times, farmers often observed the moon to predict weather and crops.

Mid-Autumn Festival has been a national festival since the Ly Dynasty (10th century). It takes place at the royal court as well as among the people.

In addition to important royal rituals, the King inaugurated a three-day celebration for the commoners. The entire Thang Long Imperial Citadel was adorned with magnificent flower lights and brocade decorations.

Throughout the following feudal dynasties, the Mid-Autumn Festival retained its significance as a crucial celebration for both the monarchy and the nation. In addition to the customary folk celebrations, families often prepare a grand feast to pay homage to their ancestors during the day, and a sumptuous feast to pay tribute to the moon at night.