These days, the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival is already filling the streets. From the skillful hands of craftsmen diligently working on unicorn heads, Earth God masks, and drums… to spectacular unicorn dance performances on competition stages and in welcoming spaces at the Imperial Citadel,… all come together to create a vibrant picture of the Mid-Autumn in the Ancient Capital, preserving the unique cultural beauty and leaving lasting impressions on visitors.

The 2026 Hue Unicorn Dance Festival officially opened on the morning of September 20 at the Sports Hall at 100 Pham Van Dong St. The event is part of the Autumn Festival activities under the Hue Festival 2026 program and is jointly organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Phu Xuan Ward People’s Committee.

In the days leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the children in my neighborhood have been joyfully practicing. Calling it a “unicorn dance troupe” sounds grand, but in fact, it’s just about a dozen kids from grades 1 to 7. One contributes an old drum, another brings a unicorn head or a Mr. Earth mask, while some dig through closets for their mothers’ Ao dai, … all gathered together to form an eager, lively team of little unicorn dancers.

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.

Hue is colorful on the days near Mid-Autumn Festival. Hundreds of unicorn heads, together with accessories and props displayed for sale along the street have attracted buyers and wanderers.

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.

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...