Celebrate the Moon Festival

The annual Moon Festival, which falls on Sept. 17 this year, is celebrated by many Asian communities around the world. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s a joyous time to gather with family and friends to appreciate the full moon, which symbolizes unity and harmony. Whether you’re celebrating the Moon Festival for the first time or continuing a long-standing family tradition, here are five essential activities to make it memorable.

1. Eat Moon Cakes

Moon cakes are the quintessential treat of the Moon Festival. The round pastries symbolize reunion and completeness, making them the perfect gift for family and friends. Moon cakes come in different flavors, from traditional lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk, to more modern fillings like chocolate or matcha. Sharing delicious moon cakes is a heartfelt way to express love and appreciation for those close to you. If you’re feeling adventurous, here’s a recipe to make your own moon cakes: www.byyobeqiu.com/blogs/blogpost-easy-mooncake-recipe. If not, San Diego has a plethora of Asian bakeries and grocery stores, so call to see if your favorite spot is offering moon cakes this month (some only offer them seasonally). Here are suggestions:

• Huy Ky Bakery, near City Heights

• 99 Ranch Market (3 locations)

• 85ºC Bakery (seasonal moon cakes; 5 locations)

• Yiko Yiko, Kearny Mesa

2. Share a Meal Together

The Moon Festival is all about togetherness, so there’s no better way to honor this than by sharing a meal with loved ones. Gather family and friends to enjoy a festive dinner, filled with traditional dishes that symbolize prosperity, harmony and happiness. Popular foods (in addition to moon cakes) include roast duck, taro and pomelo, each with its own cultural significance. Hosting or attending a Moon Festival meal is a wonderful way to reconnect, share stories, strengthen family bonds and celebrate the joy of togetherness.

3. Observe the Moon

The full moon is a symbol of family reunion and harmony. Take time during the Mid-Autumn Festival to step outside to admire the moon’s beauty, reflecting on its significance and the traditions it represents. This age-old practice connects people with nature and with loved ones, near and far. Families often gather outdoors or on rooftops to look up at the night sky while sharing stories and fostering a sense of unity.

4. Make Colorful Lanterns

Lantern-making is a fun, creative activity that adds a vibrant touch to Moon Festival celebrations. Crafting lanterns in various shapes, sizes and colors encourages collaboration while honoring tradition and getting everyone in a festive spirit. Once complete, hang them around the house, carry in a lantern parade, or float on water, creating a magical atmosphere with their gentle glow.

5. Read Books

Reading books to (or with) children is always an excellent way to help them understand the meanings behind various celebrations, cultures and traditions. Consider Our Moon Festival by Yobe Qiu or A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin (both for ages 4–8) or All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr for ages 8–12.

The Moon Festival is a time of joy, reflection and togetherness. Engaging in these five activities helps families fully embrace the festival spirit. Each tradition offers a unique way to connect with loved ones, celebrate cultural heritage and create lasting memories. May this Moon Festival bring you and your family happiness, harmony and a deeper appreciation for the bonds that unite us. v

Yobe Qiu is a mom and book author who is passionate about educating families about Asian culture and traditions. Connect with her on FB or IG @byyobeqiu.

More fun ways to celebrate:

Have a family movie night! Watch the animated movie “Over the Moon” (on Netflix); it’s about a determined girl who builds a rocket to fly to the moon so she can prove that the legendary moon goddess is real.

Join forces with NASA for International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, Sept. 14. Find out how to participate with your family at https://moon.nasa.gov/ observe-the-moon-night.