Mid-Autumn Festival – A celebration for children, a festival of reunion
On these days, millions of Vietnamese children eagerly await the Mid-Autumn Festival — a festival for children and a time of reunion and gathering which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month annually.
More than just an occasion for children to play, enjoy festive treats, and parade with lanterns, the festival is a beautiful expression of Vietnam’s traditional cultural values, preserved and passed down through generations.
Joyful festivities across the country
During the eighth lunar month, the lively atmosphere of the festival fills every corner of Vietnam. From Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel; from Hue and Hoi An to the Central Highlands, the South, and even among overseas Vietnamese communities, the colourful and radiant Mid-Autumn celebrations bring joy to millions of children, serving as a meaningful bond that connects communities everywhere.
The 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival, which is being organised at the Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts from October 2 to 5 under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, features a variety of engaging experiential activities and captivating art programs for children.
This year’s event conjures a Mid-Autumn panorama, with display areas awash in the vivid iconography of youth, such as lion heads, paper mâché masks, paper mandarins, lanterns, frog drums, cotton swans, and fruit trays. These setups aim to evoke nostalgic childhood memories while offering check-in for visitors. Distinctive photo booths mix old-school Vietnamese vibes with modern flair, serving perfect shots for youngsters.
A key draw is hands-on activities, where children can dive into pottery making, statue painting, folk woodblock printing, crochet, scented wax crafting, and poonah paper lantern creation. These workshops are designed to deepen kids’ appreciation of traditional crafts while letting them craft their own Mid-Autumn keepsakes.
According to Tran Quang Vinh, Deputy Director of the centre, the annual organization of the festival conveys a profound message of society’s care and attention toward future generations. At the same time, it serves as a practical activity to preserve and promote the nation’s cultural values in contemporary life.
At the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi capital city, the “Enjoying Mid-Autumn Festival 2025” program recreates two spaces with two themes: the Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival and the Royal Mid-Autumn Festival of the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225). The display of rotating lanterns, paper mâché masks, toy drums, and ‘to he’ (traditional figurines made of coloured rice powder), along with artifacts restored from over a thousand years ago, brings visitors back to the festive atmosphere of ancient Thang Long.
In the central city of Hue, the “Royal Mid-Autumn Festival” program will open free of charge at the Imperial City from October 6-7, featuring Bao La lanterns, lion dances, lantern parades, and traditional royal games such as ‘bai vu’ (spinning top game) and ‘xam huong’ (fortune drawing).
Sharing the same festive spirit, thousands of children in disadvantaged and remote areas from Lam Dong to Tay Ninh have also enjoyed a warm and joyful celebration. In Tuyen Quang, nearly 4,500 underprivileged children have received scholarships and gifts worth nearly 2 billion VND (75,800 USD). In Tay Ninh, 250 children of factory workers joined the “Full Moon Night of Love,” where they watched lion dances, and received presents. These activities reflect how the festival serves as a bridge of community solidarity - a time for people to share love and compassion.
Not only in Vietnam, but the Vietnamese community in Spain has also celebrated a warm and joyful Mid-Autumn Festival. Around 200 parents, children, and international friends joined in lantern-making, enjoyed traditional mooncakes, and took part in lantern parades and festive gatherings, according to VNA.
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| A lantern parade around Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo: VNA) |
Attending this celebration, Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung expressed his delight at participating in such a meaningful event with the Vietnamese community in Spain.
He emphasized that the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of Vietnam’s most important celebrations, along with the Lunar New Year, National Day, and other significant national occasions. These festivals bring families together, strengthening bonds of love and care, while encouraging everyone to cherish and preserve the nation’s distinctive traditional cultural values.
A festival of affection and cultural roots
In Vietnamese cultural life, it is regarded as the “Festival of Childhood.” Historical records show that as early as the Ly Dynasty, the festival had become a major celebration in the capital of Thang Long. The king organised grand festivities both in the royal court and among the common people, featuring banquets, water puppetry, boat racing, and lion dancing. The entire capital was beautifully decorated with lanterns and flowers, and the people joyfully took part in the celebrations. Traditional customs such as ancestral worship, preparing trays of fruits, hanging lanterns, enjoying mooncakes, and lantern parades have been passed down through generations and remain a cherished part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage today.
Through thousands of years, every Mid-Autumn season continues to fill children with excitement as they look forward to lantern parades, lion dances, and festive treats. For adults, the festival symbolises reunion - a time to gather with family and loved ones. The festival, therefore, is deeply tied to warm, nostalgic memories of childhood and togetherness for every Vietnamese person.
In his letter to children nationwide on the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival which falls on October 6 this year, State President Luong Cuong emphasized that the festival has, for generations, been an indispensable part of Vietnamese cultural life. It is an occasion for children to enjoy joyful activities, reunite, and gather happily with their families and friends.
"The Party, State, and society always give special attention to children, ensuring the best conditions for them to study, play safely, and develop comprehensively," he stated, showing his hope that they will uphold their love for learning, remain diligent and kind, stay united, support one another, and grow together, so that they can contribute to building a more prosperous and civilized Vietnam.
The President wished children a joyful, meaningful, safe, and warm celebration with their families, teachers, and friends. He expressed his hope that disadvantaged children and those in areas struck by floods and storms would remain resilient, never back down in the face of hardship, keep their innocent, radiant smiles, and continue to nurture beautiful dreams, so that when the storms pass, their lives will once again be filled with light and joy.
He expressed his belief that with the care and support of the Party and State, along with the solidarity, compassion, and protection of the entire nation, the children and their families will overcome difficulties, soon stabilize their lives, and continue studying and nurturing their dreams.
Direct link between Vietnam and Africa takes off
Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched its Addis Ababa–Hanoi service, creating the first direct air link between Vietnam and Africa.
The new route, inaugurated in July 2025, marks a strategic milestone in Vietnam’s global connectivity and is expected to boost trade, tourism and investment flows.
On October 3, Ethiopian Airlines, in partnership with Deks Air Vietnam, held a seminar in Hanoi to introduce its products, route network and policies for the Vietnamese market, reported VOV.
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| Leulseged Desalegn, Chief Representative of Ethiopian Airlines in Vietnam shared at the seminar. (Photo courtesy of the airlines) |
“Vietnam is entering a new era of growth and deserves world-class connections,” said Leulseged Desalegn, Chief Representative of Ethiopian Airlines in Vietnam.
“Our co-operation with Deks Air Vietnam will unlock untapped potential and strengthen Vietnam’s role as a gateway in Ethiopian Airlines’ global network spanning Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.”
The Addis Ababa–Hanoi route is currently served four times per week with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, including a dedicated weekly cargo service. For Vietnamese businesses, this provides a direct and reliable transport corridor to Africa and beyond.
“Our goal is to deliver a trustworthy cargo route for Vietnamese exporters and traders while elevating Vietnam’s position as a global connector,” Desalegn added, noting plans to increase frequency in line with rising demand.
With a network of more than 66 African destinations and 145 global points, Ethiopian Airlines allows Vietnamese passengers to reach cities such as Nairobi, Cape Town and Zanzibar with only one stop, while offering seamless onward connections to Europe and the Americas.
At the event, the airline announced special incentives for the Vietnamese market, including competitive fares for groups of 10 or more, flexible name changes and payment options, and dedicated corporate and government packages. Passengers can also benefit from the ShebaMiles frequent flyer program.
To support local travel agents and partners, Ethiopian Airlines introduced online portals, training programs and customer services designed to make its products more accessible.
Industry experts say Ethiopian Airlines’ choice of Vietnam as a destination reflects the country’s growing role in international supply chains and global air transport. Beyond passenger services, the route highlights Vietnam’s increasing importance as a bridge between Asia and Africa.
With more than 80 years of history, a young fleet of over 160 aircraft, and consecutive awards as “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax, Ethiopian Airlines is implementing its Vision 2035 strategy to become one of the world’s top 20 airline groups — with Vietnam now part of that ambition.
“This is more than a new air service,” Desalegn said. “It is a golden bridge that brings Vietnam closer to Africa and connects both regions to the wider world.”
Typhoon Matmo heading to Quang Ninh with powerful winds
Typhoon Matmo, the 11th storm to hit the East Sea, is forecast to be over the waters of Quang Ninh on the night of October 5, with very strong winds of level 12–13 and gusts reaching level 16, said Associate Professor Dr. Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).
At 10 pm on October 5, the storm is expected to be located over the sea area off Quang Ninh with winds at level 11–12, gusting up to level 15, moving west-northwest at a speed of 20–25 km per hour. Affected areas include the north-western part of the northern East Sea, the northern Gulf of Tonkin, and coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Hung Yen and Lang Son provinces. The disaster risk level is assessed at level 3.
By 10 am on October 6, the typhoon is forecast to reach the border area between Lang Son (Vietnam) and Guangxi (China), with winds of level 6–7, gusting to level 9, continuing west-northwest at about 20 km per hour. The affected areas remain the northern Gulf of Tonkin and coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Hung Yen, including Lang Son. The disaster risk level remains at level 3.
By 10 pm on October 6, the storm will have weakened into a tropical depression over the northern mountainous region, with winds below level 6, moving west-northwest at around 20 km per hour.
Due to the impact of the typhoon, the north-western waters of the northern East Sea will experience strong winds at levels 8–10, increasing to 11–13 near the storm’s centre, with gusts up to level 15–16. Wave heights are forecast at 4–6m, reaching 6–8m near the eye of the storm, causing extremely rough seas with destructive potential capable of sinking large vessels.
Coastal and island areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces will see storm surges of 0.4–0.6 m. Low-lying coastal and estuarine areas are advised to take precautions against flooding and high waves from the afternoon and evening of October 5, cited VOV.
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| Photo: Screenshot |
Weather conditions at sea and in coastal areas during the storm will be extremely hazardous, unsafe for all vessels and structures within the affected zones. Strong winds, large waves and storm surges could overturn or destroy boats and cause coastal flooding.
From the night of October 5 to the night of October 7, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across the northern midland and mountainous regions, with common rainfall of 150–250mm and isolated areas exceeding 400mm.
The northern delta and Thanh Hoa provinces are expected to see moderate to heavy rain, ranging from 70–150mm, with localised downpours above 200mm. Rainfall intensity may exceed 150mm within three hours in some areas.
Total rainfall between October 5 and 7 is projected at 150–250mm in the northern mountainous and midland regions, with some areas surpassing 400mm, while the northern delta and Thanh Hoa may record 70–150mm, locally above 200mm.
Heavy rains could cause flooding in low-lying and urban areas, flash floods in small rivers and streams, and landslides on steep slopes.
The NCHMF also warned of potential flooding on rivers in the northern region and Thanh Hoa, with disaster risk at level 2.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), airports forecast to be directly affected include Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province and Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong City. Meanwhile, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, as well as Tho Xuan, Vinh and Dien Bien airports in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Dien Bien provinces, respectively, have been advised to stay updated and prepared for any abnormal developments of the storm.
The keeper of gong culture in the heart of the Central Highlands
Living amid the majestic forests of the Central Highlands, artisan A Lip, a respected member of the Ba Na ethnic community in Groi Village, Dak Doa Commune, Gia Lai Province, has devoted nearly his entire life to preserving and passing down gong music to the younger generation.
Although in the twilight of his life and no longer in good health, he quietly fulfils his mission of safeguarding this unique intangible cultural heritage, kindling the younger generation’s passion amid the increasingly hectic pace of modern life.
Instilling pride in the younger generation
For years, local people have been familiar with the image of a thin, grey-haired man on an old motorbike, carrying sets of gongs from village to village and to schools to teach children how to play. That man is A Lip, who, despite his age, remains unwavering in his devotion to folk music.
Born into a family steeped in Ba Na cultural traditions, A Lip was carried on his father’s back to village festivals from a young age, whether celebrating the new rice crop, offering thanks for water sources, or attending funeral rites. By the age of 11, he was already proficient in playing traditional gong melodies.
“In the past, my family had many gongs. When my father passed away, he wished to be buried with them, so those precious sets now lie in his grave. Later, I collected ten valuable sets, but some I gave away, and others were lost. Now I have only three left, which I keep for festivals, cultural exchanges and teaching the village children,” recalled A Lip.
For many years, his modest home has become a familiar “gong classroom” for village children. Every afternoon after school, they gather at A Lip’s house to practise rhythms and learn gong pieces according to Ba Na musical traditions. With no textbooks or blackboard, his classroom is simply a small veranda, where the joyful sound of gongs echoes across the hills, NDO reported.
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| A Lip’s home has become a place where children come to learn the gongs. |
Dinh Phat, a member of the village’s children’s gong team, shared: “Every afternoon after school, we come to Mr A Lip’s house to learn to play. It’s a lot of fun; we learn so much. Recently, some of us even performed with adults, meeting lots of people, which was very exciting. I hope one day I can play the gongs as well as the artisans.”
Yet, with the rapid spread of Western music and electronic sounds reaching even remote Central Highlands villages, the sounds of the gongs are heard less often. Concerned that these traditions may fade, A Lip confided: “In the past, every festival would resound with gongs. Everyone wanted to play, to do the xoang dance. It was an honour. Now, with no one teaching, the young may forget, so I must try to keep it alive.”
A lifetime devoted to gongs
Beyond teaching the village children, A Lip has also worked with schools in Dak Doa and A Dok communes to introduce gong music to pupils. To date, he has helped around 200 children learn to play.
Nguyen Van Hung, Principal of Groi Village Primary School No.1, said: “For many years, our school has had a children’s gong team of 20 pupils, all taught by artisan A Lip. The team has often achieved high results in cultural festivals. A Lip is truly dedicated, teaching entirely on a voluntary basis.”
Thanks to his efforts, Groi Village now has two gong ensembles. The adult team consists of 21 members aged between 23 and 70, while the children’s team has 20 members aged 6 to 12. Together, they ensure the preservation and continuation of Ba Na gong culture in modern life.
In addition to teaching, A Lip is also a collector and guardian of rare gongs. For him, the gongs are not merely instruments, but “cultural treasures” that carry the memories, rituals and spiritual essence of the Ba Na people. Each time he strikes the gongs, it awakens village memories and stirs pride in the hearts of the young.
“I don’t keep gongs as ornaments, but to pass them on to our children. As long as the gongs remain, the soul of the village endures. With gongs, the Ba Na people endure,” he emphasized.
In recognition of his tireless contributions, the President awarded him the title of Meritorious Artisan in Folk Performing Arts - a fitting honour for a man who has dedicated his life to national culture.
Gia Lai Province has introduced many policies to support artisans, organise gong music classes, and maintain gong ensembles at the grassroots level. However, challenges remain, from limited funding to uneven local support. Greater community involvement is therefore vital to preserving ethnic minority culture. At the same time, honouring artisans should go beyond certificates of merit to include tangible material and spiritual support, so they can continue teaching with peace of mind.
Amid the windswept forests, the sound of artisan A Lip’s gongs still reverberates, as if reminding the younger generation to cherish and uphold their traditional values. He is not merely teaching an instrument, but nurturing in the young a love for their cultural identity - a flame that will continue burning brightly in the vast Central Highlands.
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