Successful Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated at Arcadia City Hall

The annual Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture, took place on September 14th at Arcadia City Hall. The event was organized collaboratively by the Arcadia Chinese Association (ACA), the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, and the Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated in honor of family traditions and the harvest. The event featured various activities, including tea tasting, DIY mooncake making, arts and crafts for children, and numerous traditional Chinese performances. Many attendees participated in these cultural activities, highlighting the vibrant spirit of the festival.

Nicole Blaauw, an employee of the Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department, commented on the event’s success. “We did a lot of set-ups, and it’s busier than last year since it was raining then. It’s a good turnout this year,” she said. Blaauw, though not of Chinese descent, found the experience enriching and enjoyable.

Prominent attendees included Arcadia City Council Member April Velato, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and former mayor Sho Tay, who is also a co-president of the Arcadia Chinese Association. Congresswoman Chu remarked, “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.”

The celebration hosted a variety of performances, including traditional Chinese dances, songs, Kung Fu, Taiji, and stage drama. Qigong performer Yiting Wu shared insights into her performance, stating, “I hope it can bring balance to people’s lives. The lanterns I hold each contain a lighted candle, which symbolizes light and warmth.”

The DIY mooncake station proved to be a popular attraction, drawing long lines of participants eager to craft and enjoy mooncakes. Travis Xie, a participant, expressed his delight, “The best part is that you can eat the mooncake right after.”

Musician Jonny Blu, performing with his son, added a personal touch with their rendition of “月亮代表我的心” (“The Moon Represents My Heart”). A previous winner of a Chinese song competition in Monterey Park, Blu shared his appreciation for the festival and expressed a wish for more such events in Los Angeles.