Mid-Autumn Festival

The mid-Autumn festival, also known as Moon Festival, falls in the middle of the eighth month when the moon is at its fullest. A bright, full moon is considered a symbol of happiness and is celebrated mainly through family reunions and the eating of fluffy moon cakes which symbolize unity and togetherness. The myth of Chang-E flying to the moon after secretly drinking her husband’s elixir of life is often told during this festival and dragon dances, floating lanterns and firework displays are also common.

In Taiwan, Mid-Autumn is also known as the Barbecue Festival, where in addition to eating moon cakes, barbecuing is also an essential activity. The custom of barbequing was started inadvertently by a barbecue sauce advertisement contest in the 1990s. Now, whenever Mid-Autumn arrives, the streets of Taiwan are filled with the delicious aroma of barbeque and of families eating mooncakes together while admiring the full moon.

When: 15th Lunar August