City of Arcadia Celebrates Moon Festival
Taking place in Arcadia City Hall, the annual Mid-Autumn festival brings nearby residents together in honor of one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture.
In celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the City of Arcadia hosted its annual Moon Festival on September, 14th at Arcadia City Hall. The event was organized by the Arcadia Chinese Association (ACA), the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce and the Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department.
Moon light at the celebration. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, honors harvest and family traditions in Chinese culture. Along with many booth attendees, the celebration on Saturday featured events such as tea tastes, DIY mooncakes, arts and crafts for children and many traditional Chinese performances.
“We did a lot of set-ups, and it’s busier than last year since it was raining. It’s a good turnout this year,” Nicole Blaauw, Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department employee, said. “I am not of Chinese heritage, so I learned a lot and really enjoyed it.”
Blaauw at the event helping with the raffles. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
Attendees at the celebration watching the various featured shows. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
The celebration garnered many attendees, including Arcadia City Council Member April Velato, Congresswoman Judy Chu and former mayor and co-president of Arcadia Chinese Association, Sho Tay.
“This is one of the most important festivals and cultures in Asia with over 3000 years of history. This is where the community comes out; this event is part of the traditions in Arcadia,” Chu said. “I respect it a lot.”
Rep. Chu talks with Taiji performers. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
Performances lasted throughout the event, including various traditional Chinese dances, Chinese songs, Kung Fu, Taiji and stage drama performances.
Performance representing family traditions in the Moon Festival. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
Qigong dance performers before taking the stage. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
Qigong performer, Yiting Wu, spoke in regards to her performance.
“I hope it can bring balance to people’s lives. The lanterns I hold each contain a lighted candle, which I say symbolizes light and warmth. Not everything in life is good, but I hope Qigong brings warmth to people’s hearts,” Wu said.
LED butterfly performance at night. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
The DIY mooncake station, where attendees crafted mooncakes with family and friends, had one of the longest lines at the event.
“I really enjoyed it. The best part is that you can eat the mooncake right after,” participant Travis Xie said.
Participants gather around the DIY mooncake station, crafting traditional mooncakes by hand. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
People wait to see sugar paintings being made, a traditional Chinese art where hot sugar is used to create designs on a marble or metal surface. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
Jonny Blu and his son perform the Chinese song “月亮代表我的心” (“The Moon Represents My Heart”). (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
Winner of Chinese song competition in Monterey Park, Jonny Blu expressed his appreciation for the event.
“I hope there will be more events like this around Los Angeles. It was a beautiful setting with a very nice turnout,” Blu said.
Performers and event organizers take a group picture at the end of the celebration. (Annie Jiang/HS Insider)
