Autumn moon fest sets Chinatown astir
Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s Chinatown bustled with colorful costumes and creative choreography Saturday as the 33rd annual Autumn Moon Festival kicked off.
The festival is one of the most important events in Chinese culture and is held around the autumn equinox, with similar holidays celebrated in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and other countries in East and Southeast Asia.
The events celebrate three concepts: gathering of family and friends, thanksgiving for the harvest, and praying for loved ones and prosperity.
Lanterns of various shapes and sizes, symbolizing the path to prosperity, are prominent at the events, known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival in other regions. Mooncakes, a rich pastry with a sweet filling, are served at the gatherings.
Saturday’s Chinatown events included an opening parade, lion dancing and martial arts from Yau Kung Moon, a mooncake preparation demonstration from celebrity chef Martin Yan and AA Bakery, more entertainment on the main stage, and food vendors and performers along Grant Avenue, from Broadway to California Street.
“Honored to join the San Francisco Chinatown Merchants Association and the community to kick off the Autumn Moon Festival,” Supervisor Catherine Stefani wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Our Chinatown is truly remarkable — come experience nonstop entertainment and delectable cuisine that highlight this vibrant neighborhood.”
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, who attended the opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting, posted on X: “The event had an amazing turnout — we were honored to be alongside our local community members.”