The Mid Autumn Festival is a harvest festival and holiday that takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar. Predominately observed across Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and many other ethnic Chinese communities. The Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival begins as early as September 16. The official day of celebration for 2024 is Tuesday, September 17. 

While celebrating the autumn harvest as a whole is a focus of this time of year, depending on which Asian culture and country you are focusing on, you will find different cultural traditions and beliefs such as an emphasis on the moon, gathering with family, and even honoring those who have passed. Across all of these countries, the importance of gathering with family and loved ones can be seen.

Each country has its own name or reference for the Mid Autumn Festival, here are some of them: 

• 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié) & 中秋節 (Jūng-chāu Jit) (Mandarin | Cantonese) 

• Tết Trung Thu & The Children’s Festival (Vietnamese | Vietnam) 

• 추석 / 한가위 (Chuseok / Hangawi) (Korean)

• 月見 (Tsukimi) (Japanese) 

• Lantern Festival (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia) (note: Not the same as the Lantern Festival that takes place on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar calendar) 

• Moon Festival | Mooncake Festival (Hong Kong and also other Asian countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia) 

During the Mid Autumn Festival, you will find many people eating and gifting Mooncakes, a pastry filled with different rich flavors such as red bean or lotus. You may also find crescent-shaped rice cakes called Songpyeon (Korean) filled with either red bean, chestnuts, or even toasted sesame seeds. Similar to other holidays across the world, food plays an important aspect to many during the Mid Autumn Festival. 

To learn more about The Mid Autumn Festival across a couple of different cultures, check out the links below! 

Chuseok in Korea 

Tsukimi, The Moon Festival 

Hong Kong Celebration of The Mid Autumn Festival

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latine/x Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Throughout this time, i3b, UMBC and the country celebrates the important contributions, heritage, and culture of all Hispanics and Latine/x in the United States. 

Our Hispanic and Latine/x community has profoundly and positively influenced our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

So why does Hispanic Heritage Month start in the middle of September and end in Mid-October?

Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

The term Hispanic, refers to the racially and ethnically group of folkswho are from hispanophone (Spanish Speaking) countries that were historically colonized by Spain. This term is inclusive to those who also from Spanish origin. The term Latino however excludes Spain, but includes non-Spanish speaking Latin American countries such as Belize, Brazil, Guyana, and Haiti. Please note that even if folks may have ethnic roots from Latin America, they may identify as either, neither or both Hispanic and/or Latino/e/x.

Share in this special annual tribute by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latine/x Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Curious about the term Latinx? Please click here.

We are excited to share about events The Mosaic is sponsoring/co-sponsoring during this Heritage Month! 

Music & The Mosaic

Wednesday, September 18 | 12pm - 1:15pm | 2B23 The Mosaic

Hear Our Stories: Celebrating Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month 

Wednesday, September 25 | 11:30am - 1pm | The Commons Mainstreet (in front of the Bookstore)

Bachata & Salsa Night 

Friday, September 27 | 6pm - 8pm | The RAC

*This event requires sneakers 

Read about the Presidential proclamation for Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month 2024 here!

Learn more about National Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month at the official website here.