The Mid-Autumn Festival is a special time in Vietnam, and the vibrant streets of Hang Ma in Hanoi and Luong Nhu Hoc in Ho Chi Minh City come alive with colorful lanterns. These festive streets attract many visitors, not just for the fun and games but also to admire the beautiful lanterns on display.
In recent years, the lantern market has diversified, offering a wide range of options beyond the classic paper lanterns. This year, plastic lanterns mimicking bamboo and shaped like adorable animals such as Capybara and Labubu have captured the hearts of many.
Capybara and Labubu lanterns are the latest trends among the youth this Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo: Viet Thanh)
The Capybara lantern, inspired by the world’s largest rodent, features large, round eyes and an adorable expression. It has become a sought-after toy for young people, and entrepreneurs have been quick to offer creative variations, such as the Capybara holding a heart-shaped bubble blower or a heart-shaped pull-along lantern.
In addition to the traditional lantern style, there are also modern variations like hoop lanterns with voile fabric and LED lights, perfect for capturing memorable photos during the Mid-Autumn Festival evenings. Similarly, the Labubu lantern also comes in various unique designs and colors.
Modern lanterns with unique designs are widely available. (Photo: Viet Thanh)
While modern lanterns are gaining popularity, traditional lanterns hold a special place in the hearts of many, especially those who cherish cultural values. The traditional lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival are crafted from everyday materials such as paper, fabric, silk, colorful nylon paper, bamboo, and candles, each carrying a unique significance.
The diverse shapes and forms of traditional lanterns, such as the carp-shaped lantern, the five-pointed star lantern, and the military lantern, evoke childhood memories and hold different meanings for individuals.
Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns continue to captivate many. (Photo: Thread: Tuk| Kiet Tran)
The five-pointed star lantern, made of bamboo and covered with colorful cellophane paper, has become an iconic symbol of the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival. These lanterns evoke fond memories of childhood, when children would carry their lanterns during the full moon night, filling the villages with laughter and joy.
The colorful five-pointed star lanterns remind many of their childhood Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. (Photo: H. Trang)
Crafting a traditional five-pointed star lantern is a meticulous process that requires careful attention to detail. Artisans must skillfully split the bamboo, construct the frame, and then cut and paste colorful paper decorations. These lanterns are handmade, reflecting the artisans’ dedication and sincerity toward this special festival. Additionally, the lanterns are often made from recycled materials like plastic straws, cake boxes, bottle caps, and old plastic containers, promoting environmental protection and raising awareness about recycling and sustainable practices among the younger generation.
While new lantern designs may offer convenience and visual appeal, traditional lanterns, like the five-pointed star lantern, remain a popular choice for many during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They not only promote environmental protection but also evoke fond memories of moonlit nights and the simple joys of childhood.
The Long Wait: Customers Queue for Hours to Indulge in Mid-Autumn Festival Delights
In recent days, long queues have been spotted in Hanoi, with residents waiting patiently for hours to get their hands on traditional Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes on Thuy Khue Street, in the city’s Tay Ho district.
The Twisted Stall: Post-Super Typhoon Blues Leave Baker’s Treats Twisted and Unsold
The recent typhoon Yagi left many mooncake stalls in Hanoi’s streets battered and bruised, with roofs blown off and covers torn. The storm has also taken a toll on consumer demand, which has noticeably waned.
A Long Queue of Eager Customers From Morning Till Late at Night to Buy Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes at Bao Phuong Bakery
Unlike the deserted scene of previous days, Bao Phuong’s mooncake shop was bustling with customers in the days leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Ultimate Mid-Autumn Treat: Indulge in Our Exquisite Mooncakes, Priced at Almost 300,000 VND Each, But Buy One and Get… 3 for Free!
With an array of enticing promotions such as “buy one, get three or four” and competitive pricing, mooncake sellers at markets and sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh City are pulling out all the stops to attract customers. Despite their efforts, many of these businesses are still struggling with low sales and empty stalls.
Mooncake Promotion Madness: Buy One, Get Three Free Across Ho Chi Minh City
The Mid-Autumn Festival is here, and mooncake sellers are pulling out all the stops with their promotions and discounts. But are these deals too good to be true? It seems that many of these so-called “deep discounts” are merely illusory, with sellers employing clever marketing tactics to create a sense of urgency and entice customers.
