In a joyful weekend of activities, Manchester Museum’s visitors joined in the celebrations and found out more about the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, sometimes called the Moon Festival, is the second-largest celebration in China and is celebrated across many Asian countries. The festival takes place annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. On the night of the festival, people gather celebrate the full moon and gives thanks for the Autumn harvest, and to partake in traditions like feasting on mooncakes, playing with lanterns, and moon gazing.

The University’s Manchester Museum is dedicated to being inclusive and caring by building understanding between cultures. The Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery offers a diverse and dynamic understanding of Chinese culture to inspire empathy and build understanding. Engaging with festivals is one of the simplest ways to initiate exploration of a different culture, and a beautiful way to build community.

This year, Mid-Autumn Festival was on 17 September, and throughout the weekend before, the Museum hosted captivating family lantern-making sessions, a lantern riddle guessing game, and mooncake tasting for all! In collaboration with artist Pui Lee, we crafted a huge paper sculpture in the gallery featuring a rabbit and the moon—a symbolic representation of the festival. Visitors were invited to write their wishes on paper and attach them to the sculpture.

Feedback from some of the visitors included: 

“It’s great to be introduced to different cultures, my children were very engaged.” 

“The museum is a great visit. Lovely to see Mid-Autumn Festival being celebrated.” 

“The staff were friendly and approachable even when busy. The materials and activities were great.”

A whole range of of visitors participated in the event. As well as the local Chinese community, the Museum welcomed local visitors, students, and tourists, who connected with the activities and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.