Weaving bracelets for friends from all corners of the world.

On the night of the full moon in August, Da Nang is illuminated with countless colorful lanterns and the lively sound of drums. Locals and international friends alike join in the clear, warm atmosphere of the moon festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival becomes a cultural bridge, connecting kindred hearts from many different cultures.

Chanthavong Aphaphone (left) and his fellow villager Bounsavath Ameena enjoy tasting mooncakes. Photo: Provided by the artist.

Amidst the bustling crowds, it's easy to spot the faces of foreigners living, studying, and working in Da Nang . Like colorful pieces of a puzzle, their presence contributes to portraying the image of a youthful, peaceful, connected, and integrated city that still retains its unique identity.

From memories of home to novel experiences.

For Chanthavong Aphaphone, a 20-year-old Lao student from the Faculty of Biology, Agriculture , and Environment at the University of Education (Da Nang University), the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam brings a feeling of togetherness in a foreign land and evokes memories of customs from her homeland.

“In Laos, the full moon of the eighth month of the Buddhist calendar marks the beginning of the Khaophansa festival (the Lenten season). This is a time for families to gather, carry candles, and release floating lanterns… During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, I feel nostalgic for home but also a sense of familiarity and warmth,” Chanthavong shared slowly in Vietnamese.

These days, despite her busy study schedule, she still makes time to stroll through lantern shops and mooncake stores to fully experience the festive atmosphere.

Interestingly, Chanthavong's 20th birthday coincided with this year's Mid-Autumn Festival. A small party in her dorm room, prepared by her "second mothers" in Vietnam, was filled with the colors of the moon festival, featuring a fruit platter shaped like a jade rabbit, and golden mooncakes with a delicate sweetness...

For Chanthavong, the Mid-Autumn Festival in his "second homeland" is not unfamiliar at all, but rather embodies a continuing stream of shared values ​​about the flavor of kinship, community bonding, and the full moon itself, deeply ingrained in the memories of East Asians. It is a memorable experience of his youth and also a lesson in the spirit of sharing.

The moment when Lao students studying abroad and their Vietnamese "godmothers" gathered together for such a simple meal has become a bond, contributing to the cultivation of the special and close relationship between the two neighboring countries, Vietnam and Laos.

“I’ve never experienced a festival in a foreign land that impressed me so much,” said Nico Pendragon (46, from South Africa), recounting his first Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. Having lived in Da Nang for over 10 years and taught at a language center in Son Tra ward, he still vividly remembers participating in the “Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration” with his students.

In the lively and joyful atmosphere, Nico was unexpectedly given the opportunity to try the lion dance. The awkward and clumsy demeanor of the "foreign newcomer" made the children clap and laugh uncontrollably. Blushing but then laughing along, he clearly felt the warm and friendly welcome of everyone.

Earlier, Nico also tried making paper lanterns. With the initial crooked folds quickly corrected by his Vietnamese colleagues, the finished lantern, though not perfect, brought him joy.

“In South Africa, we have music festivals and street carnivals, but there has never been a celebration associated with the full moon and children like this one. I feel like I’ve just found an extended family, where friends, colleagues, and even strangers can all share in this meaningful joy,” Nico confided.

Spreading the brand of unique cultural heritage.

Visiting Da Nang during the Mid-Autumn Festival, tourists can hardly miss the charm of Hoi An. When the full moon shines, the ancient town seems to be adorned with a vibrant cloak of colorful lanterns, with its tranquil, ancient charm yet bustling with festive energy.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An 2025, taking place from October 3rd to 6th (corresponding to the 12th to 15th day of the 8th lunar month), embodies many unique traditional cultural values.

Visitors can both "see" the festive atmosphere and "feel" the multi-layered local culture when they have the opportunity to join the lantern procession around the old town, release floating lanterns to express their wishes, and enjoy traditional dishes with kind-hearted townspeople. Many also capture these moments to share with their families back home.

A group of young Korean tourists compared the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival to Chuseok, a time of thanksgiving and family reunion in their homeland, where families gather around a meal and enjoy "songpyeon," traditional crescent-shaped rice cakes. Experiencing the sweet and chewy Vietnamese rice cakes amidst the atmosphere of the old town, they were suddenly reminded of the flavors of home...

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a special cultural and religious event of the year for the people of Hoi An. This belief has given rise to many unique cultural values ​​and folk knowledge specific to Hoi An. With its recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023, Hoi An has even more opportunities to promote its local heritage identity.

From a broader perspective, the Mid-Autumn Festival, with the participation of the expatriate community and tourists in Da Nang, contributes to promoting people-to-people exchanges. Foreign friends like Chanthavong and Nico can become silent "cultural ambassadors," telling their friends and relatives about the warmth and hospitality of Vietnam.

In this era of globalization, cultural exchange makes a practical contribution to strongly promoting the national image, and unique festivals like these are a warm and persuasive greeting from Vietnam.

The full moon reflects smiles and hearts beating in unison from many cultures. Perhaps that is the most beautiful message: despite language and cultural differences, people still find harmony in joy, connection, and sharing.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/dan-vong-tay-ban-be-bon-phuong-3305443.html