Australia might have opposite seasons to China, but the mid-autumn harvest festival celebrated across Asia for centuries is becoming a firm local favourite.
About 25,000 people gathered in Adelaide’s city centre on Sunday night for the annual Moon Lantern parade, which is a key part of the ancient tradition and takes place as part of OzAsia Festival.
Eric Lai, President of the Chinatown Adelaide Association SA, says the festival is historically a show of thanks for a bountiful harvest, but more recently has become a time for family reunions.
“The Moon Lantern Festival is probably the second-most important festival for the Chinese community other than Lunar New Year,” he said.
“It brings together families [for] reunions, and that’s why it’s important to us.”
Dozens of large artisan lanterns floated through the crowd depicting either traditional symbols, such as the Hong Kong dragon. Adding a modern twist, a lantern displayed a likeness to the control tower from Adelaide Airport.
Lantern maker Kathryn Sproul helped dozens of community groups with their creations.
“This is about sharing culture, this is about sharing experiences that are occurring all over the world, and that we can bring to the shores of Australia and share together here, and make new traditions together,” she said.
This year, part of the lantern parade started in Chinatown.
Jeng Kong, co-owner of Han’s Patisserie, which makes thousands of Mooncakes to sell during the festive season, welcomed the inclusion, saying the area needs more support.
“Some of the shops have been vacant for a few years and not reopened,” he said.
He supports a $100,000 investment approved by Adelaide City Council to reinvigorate the precinct, but says more could be done to help revitalise the area.
“I would say money is always a good incentive. It would help for a longer rent-free period or some incentive that the landlord is able to give,” he said.
The festive season is providing at least a small boost for now.
Han’s Patisserie expects to sell around 10,000 sweet and savoury-filled Mooncakes during the mid-autumn harvest, which is officially observed on October 4.
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