The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association (GCCCEA) is hosting the 2021 Cincinnati Moon Festival in Fountain Square Saturday.
The festival showcases cultural exhibits, DIY souvenirs, food sampling, performances, a lantern display and more, per a Facebook post from the association.
Performances start at 4 p.m. and include a Chinese Folk Music Ensemble, individual and group dances and multiple violin solos.
According to an article from Asianati, the Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival, is on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the year (which was Sept. 21 this year). The fest honors the autumn harvest and is a time to celebrate the moon, specifically the full moon, and gather with friends and family.
In Chinese tradition, Asianati says people celebrate by gifting mooncakes, a sweet, dense pastry originally made with lotus filling and egg yolk. They say it symbolizes harmony, happiness, togetherness.
Many other Asian countries also celebrate the festival.
“This event combines cultural celebration, family-oriented activities, food, and performing arts into one rich experience. It’s a great opportunity for people who are interested in experiencing a different culture and having a cultural dialogue with the Asian community,” says Felicity Tao, chair of the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association, in a release.
“Cincinnati’s growing Asian community continues to contribute to the cultural fabric of this wonderful region with multi-cultural roots and the Moon Festival is one of the largest events presented by the community to celebrate our heritage and support diversity and inclusion in this region.”
3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Admission is free. Fountain Square is located at 520 Vine St., Downtown. Find more information on the Facebook event page.
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