China's Macao Sepcial Administrative region (SAR) celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with meticulously organized cultural events, providing rich and joyful experiences for both locals and visitors.
The time-honored festival, celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Sept 17 this year. As one of China's most important traditional holidays, it is a joyous time when families come together, appreciate the full moon and share mooncakes, a traditional pastry, to mark the harvest season.
On Tuesday night, the vibrant region came alive with festive celebrations as the SAR government organized various cultural events for the special holiday.
Held at the historic Ruins of St. Paul's, the themed concert was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening.
"Having the chance to listen to our traditional Chinese Music, my child also loves folk music, and she also has the opportunity to wear such Hanfu. We think it is a very memorable and meaningful experience," said Li Xingyuan, a tourist from the mainland.
The concert featured classic pieces ranging from domestic to international and from traditional to modern, showcasing the distinctive allure of cultural diversity.
"The purpose of holding this concert at the Ruins of St. Paul's is to highlight the importance of Macau as a place where Chinese and Western cultures converge," said Liang Huimin, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR government.
Macao's parks also extended their opening hours to host various activities, such as lantern displays and riddle-solving, allowing locals and visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
With the cozy night breeze, many families set up tables along the seawall, sipping tea and eating mooncakes while admiring the full moon.
Macao SAR celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with colorful festivities
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months by an overwhelming margin.
The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions, during the UNGA's 10th emergency special session considering Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The resolution demanding that Israel comply with all its legal obligations under international law, including advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice, was introduced by the State of Palestine on Tuesday and was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations.
By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."
The UNGA also demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice.
In remarks before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be addressed through unimpeded access to those in need, a ceasefire deal and the full implementation of all related Security Council resolutions.
A credible peace process must be relaunched to work towards a two-State solution to diffuse this conflict, he said, expressing support for the State of Palestine's full statehood and UN membership. "The time has come to end the suffering," he noted.
Introducing the draft resolution on Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination.
"The Palestinians want to live, not survive -- they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit," said Mansour.
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
