The Mid-Autumn Festival is a major traditional holiday celebrated in China and across East Asia. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually lands in September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
Key traditions:
· Mooncakes – round pastries with sweet or savory fillings, often given as gifts
· Moon gazing – the full moon symbolizes reunion and completeness
· Lanterns – children carry lanterns, and some places hold lantern displays
· Family reunions – it's traditionally a time to gather with loved ones
Common greetings:
· 中秋节快乐 (Zhōngqiū Jié kuàilè) – Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
· 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 – A famous poetic line wishing loved ones well even when far apart
Also celebrated in: Vietnam (Tết Trung Thu), Korea (Chuseok), Japan (Tsukimi), and other Asian communities worldwide.
In 2026, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 25.
