By David Li, bostonese.com
Boston, August 18, 2014, — Tens of thousands people showed up at the August Moon Festival in Boston Chinatown on August 10 as the weather was just perfect. Three candidates for MA Governor: Steve Grossman, Don Berwick and Charlie Baker greeted visors on the stage on Harrison Ave with CCBA-NE president Hung Goon.
Charlie Baker wishes visitors happy August Moon Festival (photo by David Li).
This annual event was organized by CCBA-NE. There were plenty of music, food, activities, storytellers and a dragon parade to celebrate the full moon. State Rep. Donald Wong, Cambridge City Councilor and candidate for Lt. Governor Leland Cheung also joined the festivities.
When asked if he has been in touch with Scott Brown who is running for US Senate in N.H., Charlie Baker said he hasn’t talked with Mr. Brown recently. “I may need to borrow his pick-up truck,” joked Mr. Baker.
The August Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most celebrated Chinese holidays. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. So, it could have two August Moon Festival in a year when the 8th month is the leap month on the lunar calendar. This year, the August Moon Festival is on September 8 on Western calendar.
The following is a video of lion & dragon dance performance at the August Moon Festival by Wong Keung.
Chinese families celebrate the end of the harvest season with a big feast. Unlike the American Thanksgiving dinner, the Chinese have mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with lotus seed paste instead of grandma’ apple pie. The round shape symbolizes the reunion of all family members with the full moon. Friends and relatives also send mooncakes to each other as a way of giving thanks.
The Chinatown Residents Association (CRA) will host its annual August Moon Festival celebration on August 29. The celebration will start from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with music performance featuring by Kuong Dung Musical Association and Boston Chinese Dancing Group.
Please confirm your attendance by clicking RSVP HERE.
If you have any questions regarding the CRA Moon Festival Celebration, please contact Terry Yin, 617-851-1701 or [email protected]