After a three-year hiatus, the Manchester Moon Festival is back in the heart of Chinatown for 2022 to commemorate the national Chinese tradition deep rooted in Asian folklore.
The ancient moon or mid-autumn festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with a full moon at night, bringing together families and communities to give thanks and pray.
An important part of the festival is moon worship, as the ancient Chinese believed in the association of rejuvenation and the moon, also linking it with the bringing together of families through dinners, moon worshipping and spectacular lantern shows.
During the 3 day celebration, guests will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the colourful displays of lanterns and a variety of foods related to the event. Stalls will be set up across Chinatown’s central car park featuring some incredible cuisine from surrounding businesses, including; Wong Wong Bakery, PinWei, Chatime Manchester, Rockin Buddha and many others.
Alongside the delicious Chinese food, visitors can also join in with traditional Chinese lion dancing, street kung fu lessons, and archery at its archery game stall. A mystery Chinese legend is also expected to make an appearance at the festival, so keep your eyes peeled for further announcements from the organisers!
In Chinese legend, the Moon Festival relates to the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese Moon goddess of immortality. In one legendary tale, Chang’e flew upward past heaven, and chose the moon as her residence, meaning that Chinese people use the Moon festival to respect and make offerings to the goddess.
The event is free to attend and gives a glorious glimpse into the origins and history of this ancient Chinese festival.
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Manchester Moon Festival 2022
Date: Friday 9th – Sunday 11th September
Time: Friday 2pm – 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 9pm
Venue: Chinatown Car Park, Faulkner Street
Price: FREE
