As part of the Lantern Festival under the theme “The Golden Light of the Dharma - Cultural Convergence, Spreading Peace”, thousands of monks, nuns, Buddhists, locals, and visitors joined in offering prayers before taking part in the ritual of releasing floating lanterns onto the Huong River.

On the Lantern Festival (the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month) more than 15 years ago, the most “pure Hue native” friend I know, architect Nguyen Trong Huan, and I put on thin raincoats and walked together through the light, drifting drizzle to search for Hue’s culinary specialties. Having lived in this city for many years, Huan still longed for the flavors he once tasted.

In response to the series of activities within the framework of the Autumn Festival themed “Hue in Autumn” of the National Tourism Year and Hue Festival 2025, the Department of Tourism, in coordination with Hue Monuments Conservation Center and the People’s Committee of Phu Xuan Ward, is preparing a variety of exciting programs for locals and visitors. Among them, the most anticipated highlight is the Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Festival, Hue Unicorn dance performances, and the Mid-Autumn Lantern Parade through the streets in 2025.

As an annual event organized by Hue City People's Committee during the Mid-Autumn Festival and within the framework of the annual Hue Festival, this year's Unicorn - Lion - Dragon Dance Festival and Mid-Autumn Lantern Parade will be held over two days, September 6th and 7th, on the main streets of the city center.

On the evening of June 9th, the Provincial Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, in coordination with the Hue Festival 2024 Organizing Committee, launched the Lantern Festival.

Mid-Autumn Festival is an opportunity for children to be excited to join in lanterns parade, admire the moon, watch unicorn dances, and enjoy feasts with Mid-Autumn Festival cakes and fruit. However, for children in many remote and difficult areas, it is really a luxury without the cooperation and sharing from benefactors, charity organizations and groups...