Mid-Autumn magic returns to Hanoi’s Old Quarter

THE HANOI TIMES — The  2025 Old Quarter Mid-Autumn Festival officially opened on the evening of September 26, filling the ancient streets of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward with the joyful sounds of drums, laughter, and lantern-lit magic.

With over 500 attendees, including local leaders, master artisans, and more than 300 children, this year’s opening night was a vibrant celebration of tradition, childhood, and community.

The festival began with a traditional drum and lion dance performance, igniting the streets with energy and anticipation. Children paraded under glowing lanterns while enjoying musical shows and folk performances that captured the essence of Vietnamese Mid-Autumn traditions.

Beyond entertainment, the event showcased the heartfelt dedication of Hoan Kiem authorities and residents in nurturing the next generation, with gifts thoughtfully given to all children attending, as well as those facing hardships in the community.

Among the festival’s highlights was the presence of artisan Dang Van Tien, a master of traditional Mid-Autumn toys and a representative of the long-standing craft community of Hang Ma Street. Speaking with heartfelt pride, he shared: “To he (figurine) is more than a toy. It’s the essence of Vietnamese nature and imagination. Under the hands of craftsmen, simple rice dough transforms into a vibrant world of figures, bringing joy and nurturing the spirit of generations of Vietnamese children.”

Pham Binh Minh, a student at Tran Nhat Duat Primary School, expressed his joy at participating in the festival: “This Mid-Autumn Festival is so exciting. Through the folk games and stories, we learn about the lives of our grandparents and feel more connected to our family and the beloved city where we were born.”

According to Nguyen Hong Trang, Vice Chairwoman of the Hoan Kiem Ward People’s Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee, the festival, which lasts until October 6, will serve as a living museum of Vietnamese cultural identity.

This year’s festival will unfold across iconic locations, including Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square; Hoan Kiem Lake walking space and surrounding areas; Phung Hung Street Mural Space (from Le Van Linh Street to Hang Cot Street); Dong Xuan Market Main Entrance Area; Hang Ma, Hang Luoc, Hang Ruoi Streets and cultural relic sites in Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi.

The 2025 Old Quarter Mid-Autumn Festival aims to create an engaging playground for children, bringing joy to them, the community, and visitors, while proudly showcasing the enduring values of Vietnamese rich traditional culture.