flyingbaran

I know it's going to get crowded but are there any public celebrations for the Mid Autumn Festival? Or is it more about family time?

The holiday falls toward the of my trip in Yunann or Hong Kong and I'm wonder if the holiday offers something to experience. I'm definitely out before the national holidays start a couple days later.

Thanks!

rkkwan

People lit lanterns, gather with family and eat moon cakes in HK. You can go to the Peak or public parks on the night and check it out. Otherwise, not a big deal.

flyingbaran

Thanks for your response. I guess I won't make any detours for this but will check out parks if I'm around for it.


Are there any other speciality foods around this time besides mooncakes?

jobin

After the mooncakes, syrup of ipecac is recommended.

rkkwan

Mooncakes are so not worth the list price. Totally inflated as it's mainly used as gifts to others. No way would I buy a can of 4 for like US$35.

flyingbaran

I tried mooncakes once here and it was okay... I wanted to try local ones since the recipe might be different but not at those prices!

rkkwan

There are newer versions called "ice-skinned" ones that are smaller and less fattening (lots of lard used in traditional ones), but still over-priced. In fact, you can find mooncakes sold at 2for1 next morning after the festival. But with 2 cans of mooncakes (8 of them), it'll last you weeks if not months.

Shanghainese

You nibble on a 1/4 piece of mooncake with tea, if you devour a couple of them at one sitting, you'll have a bloated tummy.

KimFionafromUK192

Hong Kong also celebrates Mid Autumn Festival. The hosting of fiery dragon dances is a very traditional characteristic custom during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong. Each year, beginning from the 14th day of the 8th lunar month, there are grand dragon dance activities in Tai Hang in Causeway Bay, lasting for 3 nights. This authentic experience should not be missed.

rkkwan

That's right about the Tai Hang Fire Dragon. I forgot. Here's their website: http://www.taihangfiredragon.hk/home.html

Sept 26 to 28 this year.

flyingbaran

Wow, 3 nights! Hopefully I'll get a good spot to see.