Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Hang Nga, Director of the Viet Nam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts, emphasised that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration for children, contributing to the promotion of the nation's traditional cultural values and providing an opportunity for younger generations to better understand, love and stay connected with their roots.
The Mid-Autumn Festival has long been a cherished feature of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. The full moon, star-shaped lanterns, festive drumbeats and moon-viewing feast trays are associated with childhood memories, passed down and preserved through generations. Since the 1990s, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations held in Van Ho have become a cherished part of the cultural life of children in the capital. The Mid-Autumn seasons not only preserve beautiful childhood memories but also help nurture love for traditional culture.
At the Mid-Autumn Festival 2026, children took part in a wide range of activities. The festival was decorated with scenes reflecting the atmosphere of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. Star-shaped lanterns, revolving lanterns, lion heads, bamboo dragonflies, To He figurines (artful toy in Viet Nam) and paper masks transported children back to a colourful world of childhood, along with beautiful stories from the nation's culture. The moon-viewing feast tray featured familiar seasonal autumn produce, conveying wishes for abundance, family reunion, and happiness.
The “2026 Mid-Autumn Festival” provides a safe and healthy space for children to play, with the support of parents, teachers, and the community, helping nurture their character, foster love for their homeland and country, and raise awareness of preserving the nation's cultural identity.
As part of the opening ceremony, the organising committee presented gifts to the children of trade union members and workers facing difficult circumstances, gave gifts to disadvantaged children, and announced the results and presented prizes for the Mid-Autumn Festival Feast Arrangement Competition.
