Chinatown 808 once again brings the day-long Mid-Autumn Festival and Parade presented by Hawaii National Bank Foundation to Chinatown, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The festivities, centered at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, will offer lots of food and craft vendors, keiki activities, free entertainment, telescopes through which attendees can view the full moon and new this year — a lantern-making contest. This year’s colorful and festive parade will also extend into Chinatown.
Also known as the Moon Festival, which celebrates the end of the harvest season in Asian cultures, the Mid-Autumn Festival is more formal and is widely used in East Asian cultures, explains Leonard Kam, president of Chinatown 808.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar with a full moon at night,” said Kam. “Families and friends typically gather together to admire the moon, share mooncakes and exchange wishes and greetings for good fortune.”
Kam says the festival is widely celebrated, and it’s a common tradition to hold family reunions to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. “Since many of us aren’t farmers, it’s a time for family to gather and give thanks for all that we have and share together. The Asian culture is deeply rooted in filial piety, and it’s customary for children to offer well wishes to their parents and grandparents,” Kam explained.
The most popular food item during this time of year is the moon cake ranging from traditional baked ones to those made with mochi and from different areas in China as well. “There are so many variations that it’s hard to decide which one is your favorite,” said Kam. “All of these have different fillings and even shapes. Attendees will see mainly the traditional ones at the event along with the various Chinese delicacies. Some of the offerings will be similar to those offered during the Lunar New Year celebrations.”
Enjoy a traditional moon cake and other Chinese delicacies. (Photo courtesy of Chinatown 808)
Event schedule:
- 11 a.m. – Festival blessing (Hsing Chung Lion & Dragon Dance Team)
- Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Highlands Middle School Drama Club
- 12:30 to 1 p.m. – Miss Chinatown Hawaii
- 1-1:30 p.m. – Halla Huhm Korean Dance Studio
- 1:30 to 2 p.m. – Mun Lun School
- 2-3 p.m. – Lantern making demonstration
- 3 to 3:45 p.m. – Sing Yung Dragon and Lion Dance Association
- 4 to 4:45 p.m. – Royal Hawaiian Band
- 4:45 to 5 p.m. – Lantern making contest winner announcement
- 5 to 5:45 p.m. – Peony Dance Group
- 6 to 6:45 p.m. – Gee Yung Chinese Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association
- 6:15 to 10 p.m. – Stargazers of Hawaii (second floor)
- 7 to 7:45 p.m. – Hawaii Lion Dance Association
- 8 to 8:45 p.m. – Chinese Lion Dance Association
- 9 to 9:45 p.m. – Yeung Dak Physical Cultural Association
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is an incredible community-driven celebration of Chinatown’s rich cultural and historical heritage that Hawaii National Bank Foundation is pleased to support. The festival offers something for everyone with a full day of performances, food and activities,” said Bryan Luke, president and CEO of Hawaii National Bank, in the release.
A parade will also be part of the event, but it will be longer this year, venturing into Chinatown. Participants are encouraged to dress in Chinese cultural apparel and to bring their own homemade lanterns. The parade is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. at Hawaiian National Bank’s main branch, continuing on King Street up Maunakea Street toward the Sun Yat-sen Mall. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.
According to the release, event organizers will inspect lanterns at check-in and reserve the right to deny participation if necessary. Those who wish to participate can sign up online.
Ready-made lanterns will be available. (Photo courtesy of Chinatown 808)
New this year is the lantern-making contest, in which all ages are invited to design and create their own lanterns to be displayed during the parade. Winners will be judged for creativity and originality, use of recyclable materials and craftsmanship and presentation. Visit the Chinatown 808 event website for more information and to register.
Kam says lanterns were in the parade last year, something that spectators enjoy watching. There is also a deeper significance. “A lantern signifies the lighting of a path toward prosperity, happiness, and good fortune, reflecting a hope for a bright future and the promotion of unity and togetherness within families,” shared Kam. “Our goal is to brighten the path through Chinatown with lanterns.”
Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at [email protected].
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