The Mid-Autumn festival is one of the biggest celebrated in China, as well as other neighboring nations where there is a large Chinese population. Singapore is 75% ethnic Chinese, so the festivals here are huge and this one in particular has been taking place in Chinese culture for over 3,000 years!!
The festival is also known as the Moon Festival, because this is the time of the year that the moon is the roundest and brightest. The ancient Chinese observed that the movement of the moon had a close relationship with the changes of the seasons and agricultural production. So, to thank the moon and celebrate the harvest, they offer a sacrifice to the moon on mid-autumn days.
Nowadays, this annual celebration includes dragon and lion dances, lighting of lanterns, fireworks and indulging in moon cakes (a pastry made with a sweet filling made of red bean or lotus plant, with a salted duck egg yolk on top). We didn't stay for all of the festivities as everything began after dark, but we did enjoy some good shopping, food and explored one of the Buddhist temples. That was a first for me and it was impressive!
Singapore is so cosmopolitan and in many ways western. It's not dubbed "Asia Light" for nothing :) Chinatown represents the history of most Singaporeans, whose ancestors arrived in bumboats from China hundreds of years ago. This area shows a much more raw, authentic and historic side of Singapore and I just loved it! So happy to not see a Starbucks or Chanel in sight!!!
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