Performances draw large crowd at annual Mid-Autumn Festival at KU Union

Ryan Grossman | KUJH News

On Sept. 19, The University of Kansas Center for East Asian Studies hosted their annual Mid-Autumn Festival at the Kansas Student Union. This event celebrated the end of the Chinese harvest season. Hundreds of people came out to enjoy the food, live performances, and activities. 

“As a Chinese and Japanese language student, it was really amazing to come here today and not only practice my skills with people in this event, but it was also amazing to understand the true meaning behind a lot of these culturally significant moments,” sophomore Lacy Allen said.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is the holiday corresponding with the beginning of Fall in the Gregorian calendar. 

This year, the official day of celebration is Oct. 6, the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese Lunisolar calendar. It happens on this day because it is believed to have the biggest and brightest moon at the end of harvest season. 

The first performance of the evening was a drum routine from the KU Taiko Club . It was followed by the House of Dragons Dance Crew and the KU Lion Dance to cap the night off.

Not only were performers there to showcase their skills, but send a message about their community. 

“We’re here to cultivate a richer history for the KU community, and share it with everyone,” said Tan Nguyen, Internal Vice President for KU Lion Dance. 

Over 20 booths were set up by student organizations, clubs,and the KU Center for East Asian Studies. People were stopping by for information, games, facepainting and refreshments throughout the night. 

Students and festival goers enjoyed traditional Southeast Asian food like Mochi and Mooncakes, and had an opportunity to learn how to get involved.