Knitting arms with friends from all over

Chanthavong Aphaphone (left) and his hometown friend Bounsavath Ameena enjoy the experience of moon cakes. Photo: Character provided — Chanthavong Aphaphone (left) and his hometown friend Bounsavath Ameena enjoy the experience of moon cakes. Photo: NVCC

Among the bustling crowd, it is easy to see the faces of foreigners living, studying and working in Da Nang . Like colorful puzzle pieces, their presence contributes to portraying the image of a youthful, peaceful, connected, integrated city that still retains its identity.

From hometown memories to new experiences

For Laotian student Chanthavong Aphaphone (20 years old), Faculty of Biology - Agriculture - Environment, University of Education (University of Danang), the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam brings a feeling of reunion in a foreign land and reminds her of memories of her hometown customs.

“In Laos, the full moon of the eighth lunar month according to the Buddhist calendar is the beginning of the Khaophansa festival (lent). This is an occasion for families to gather, carry candles, and release floating boats... During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, I feel homesick but also feel the familiarity and warmth,” Chanthavong shared in slow Vietnamese.

These days, despite her busy school schedule, she still takes the time to stroll through lantern shops and mooncake shops to feel the atmosphere of the holiday season.

Interestingly, Chanthavong’s 20th birthday coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival this year. The small party in the dormitory room prepared by the “second mothers” in Vietnam was filled with the colors of the moon season with a fruit tray shaped like a jade rabbit, a golden moon cake imbued with a sweet taste...

For Chanthavong, the Mid-Autumn Festival in his “second homeland” is not strange at all, but rather contains a source of continuing common values of family affection, community connection and the full moon that are deeply engraved in the memories of East Asians. It is a memorable experience of youth and also a lesson in the spirit of sharing.

The moment when Lao students and their Vietnamese "godmothers" gathered together in a simple party like that became a bond, contributing to fostering the special close relationship between the two neighboring countries Vietnam and Laos.

“I have never experienced a festival in a foreign land that has impressed me so much” - Nico Pendragon (46 years old, South African) said about his first Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. Having lived in Da Nang for more than 10 years and taught at a foreign language center in Son Tra ward, he still clearly remembers the time he participated in the “Full Moon Festival” with his students.

In the bustling and cheerful atmosphere, Nico was unexpectedly assigned to try the lion dance. The awkward and clumsy appearance of the “foreign rookie” made the children clap and laugh. Blushing but then laughing along, he clearly felt the warm and friendly welcome from everyone.

Before that, Nico also tried making paper lanterns. With the initial distorted folds quickly corrected by his Vietnamese colleagues, the finished lantern, although not perfect, made him happy.

“In South Africa, we have music festivals and street carnivals, but never one with a full moon and children like this. I feel like I have found an extended family where friends, colleagues and even strangers can join in the fun,” Nico confided.

Spreading unique cultural brands

Coming to Da Nang during the Mid-Autumn Festival, tourists almost cannot miss the charm of Hoi An. When the full moon shines, the ancient town seems to put on a coat of colorful lanterns, with an ancient and quiet beauty but bustling with festival rhythm.

Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An 2025 takes place from October 3 to 6 (August 12 to 15 of the lunar calendar), crystallizing many unique traditional cultural values.

Tourists can both “see” the shape of the festival season and “feel” the many layers of local culture when they join the lantern procession around the old town, release flower lanterns to send their wishes, and enjoy rustic dishes with the friendly townspeople. Many people also record 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 reunion in their homeland, where families gather around the dinner table and enjoy "songpyeon", traditional half-moon shaped rice cakes. In the space of the old town, experiencing the sweet Vietnamese moon cakes, they suddenly missed the taste of their homeland...

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a special cultural and religious occasion of the year for the people of Hoi An. From this belief, many cultural values as well as unique folk knowledge have been formed in Hoi An. When recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2023, Hoi An will have more opportunities to promote the 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 or Nico can become silent “cultural ambassadors”, telling friends and relatives about the warmth and hospitality of Vietnam.

In the era of integration, cultural exchange contributes practically to strongly promoting the national image, and such unique festivals are a close and convincing greeting from Vietnam.

The full moon reflects smiles and hearts that resonate across cultures. Perhaps, that is the most beautiful message: despite differences in language or culture, people still find harmony in joy, connection and sharing.

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