"Mid-Autumn Moonlight" Shines with Vietnamese Spirit in Central Africa

Amidst the sweltering heat of Central Africa, the grounds of the House of Charity (Foyer de Charité) in Bangui (Central African Republic) are illuminated by the vibrant colors of star-shaped lanterns, the cheerful laughter of children, and the joyful melodies of Vietnamese children's songs.

Wearing their United Nations blue uniforms, Vietnamese peacekeeping officers mingled with the children, organizing many meaningful activities such as playing games, teaching them how to make lanterns, wrapping spring rolls, coloring pictures, and telling stories about the Mid-Autumn Festival - a cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people.

The working group took a commemorative photo at the House of Charity.

Spreading Vietnamese culture in the heart of Africa.

On the occasion of the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival, the Vietnamese Task Force at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) organized a special cultural exchange program for underprivileged children at the Foyer de Charité in Bangui. This event, imbued with profound humanitarian significance, not only spread the beauty of Vietnamese traditions but also contributed to strengthening the friendship between the people of Vietnam and the Central African Republic.

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the major traditional holidays of the Vietnamese people, associated with the image of the full moon – a symbol of reunion, happiness, and love. On this occasion, children usually receive gifts, carry lanterns, enjoy feasts, play lion dances, and admire the moon. These simple, heartwarming traditions have been vividly recreated by the Vietnamese Task Force in the heart of the distant capital, Bangui.

In his opening remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Duy Van Son, Head of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence Task Force at the MINUSCA Mission, shared: “We hope to bring to the children of Central Africa not only joy during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also to spread the spirit of compassion and traditional Vietnamese culture – where children are always loved, cared for, and given the best things.”

Following an introduction to the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Vietnamese officers organized many engaging activities. Many children were delighted to be guided in making traditional spring rolls – a simple yet refined dish that harmoniously combines vegetables, meat, vermicelli, and rice paper. Under the patient guidance of the "green beret chefs," the children skillfully rolled each spring roll, waited for them to be fried until golden brown and crispy, and then enjoyed them together with radiant smiles.

Alongside this, the coloring and lantern-making area became the most attractive highlight. Brightly colored paper, crayons, small scissors, and glue were passed around amidst joyful laughter. Vietnamese officers meticulously guided the children through each step of folding, gluing, and assembling the frame to create five-pointed star lanterns – a familiar symbol of the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival. Then, as the afternoon sun faded, the lanterns were lit, shimmering in the children's hands. That light not only ignited joy but also illuminated hope and human kindness that transcended all borders.

Traditional games like "Dragon and Snake," "Tug of War," and " Musical Chair" filled the grounds of the Foyer de Charité in Bangui with laughter. Ten-year-old Gimba shared: "I'm so happy to play with the Vietnamese adults. This is the first time I've experienced the Mid-Autumn Festival. I like the lanterns the most because they're bright and beautiful like the moonlight."

Instructing local people on how to make spring rolls.

Gifts that convey love

Beyond simply bringing joy, the Vietnamese Task Force at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) also prepared many practical and meaningful gifts, including books, school supplies, toys, candies, and star-shaped lanterns, to give to the children. These simple gifts were wrapped in the affection and sharing spirit of the blue beret soldiers – Vietnam's peace envoys in a foreign land.

Major To Ngoc Anh, a female member of the task force, shared: “Many children here have never had the opportunity to celebrate a holiday specifically for them. When we see them smile, we clearly feel the value of bringing joy and spreading love. Our Mid-Autumn Festival therefore becomes more meaningful than ever.”

This charitable activity also received active support and coordination from local authorities and units of the MINUSCA Mission. Representatives of the Foyer de Charité in Bangui expressed their deep gratitude, affirming that the program not only brought joy to children but also served as a cultural bridge between the two nations. “Central Africa is one of the countries still facing many socio -economic difficulties, especially for poor children. In this context, the humanitarian activities of the Vietnamese peacekeeping forces have provided invaluable moral support. The sincere feelings, friendly smiles, and sharing of the Vietnamese officers have left a deep impression on the local people,” said the representative of the Foyer de Charité.

More than just a celebration, the "Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Moonlight" program also contributes to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people – friendly, kind, and peace-loving – to international friends. Through this, it clearly demonstrates the role, responsibility, and capabilities of Vietnamese peacekeeping forces in fulfilling the common mission of the United Nations: bringing peace, stability, and development to countries affected by conflict.

As the program concluded, the full moon in Vietnam rose high, casting its gentle light upon the streets filled with laughter on this Mid-Autumn Festival night. Halfway around the world, children in Central Africa lit their star-shaped lanterns, extending the Vietnamese moonlight into Africa. It was not just the light of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also the light of friendship, sharing, and faith in a better future – a future where every child, wherever they may be, can live in peace and love.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/anh-trang-trung-thu-toa-sang-tinh-than-viet-tai-trung-phi-719793.html