A variety of activities have been launched in China's special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival which falls on Tuesday this year, offering an opportunity for residents and tourists to feel the traditional culture charm.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time-honored Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the reunion of family and friends.
Starting from Monday, a traditional fire dragon dance is scheduled to be performed for three days in the Tai Hang area in Hong Kong, a neighborhood in the vicinity of Victoria Park.
It is a giant glowing dragon made of thousands of burning incense sticks and hoisted by hundreds of people.
"We traveled to Hong Kong for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and happened to know that there is such a celebration of the festival, so we come to find the difference in how the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated between Hong Kong and Xi'an," said a tourist from the mainland.
The fire dragon dance was listed as a national tangible cultural heritage item in 2011.
"The festive atmosphere is very strong this year. The glowing dragon dance is a reflection of Hong Kong's cultural heritage. I feel very proud to see the dragon shuttling among the people, as it shows the unique cultural charm of Hong Kong," said Michelle Au Yeung, a local resident.
In Macao, landmarks including the Ruins of St. Paul's and the Largo Do Senado are decorated with a variety of lanterns to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, attracting many people to visit and take photos.
"The city of Macao is filled with festivity this year, so we take the child to visit the night market to feel the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival," said Mr. Lee, a local resident.
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. We hope to hold a variety of activities to celebrate the festival and carry forward our traditional culture. At the same time, I would like to express my special thanks to our country for its care and support for us Macao residents. Since the return to the motherland, our life has become better and better, and the residents are all happy living and working here," said Wan Gan, vice chairman of the Association of Mutual Aid of San Kio Neighborhood Residents.
HK, Macao celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with traditional activities
