The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the significant traditional holidays celebrated in Taiwan. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. It is often referred to as the 'Moon Festival' due to its association with the full moon. Taiwan uses this time to honor lunar deities, pay respect to their families, and show gratitude for the summer harvest.
The festivities of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan are marked by vibrant displays of lanterns symbolizing the full moon. Another crucial tradition during this festival is moon gazing and the consumption of mooncakes. Mooncakes, a type of pastry filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste and often with a yolk from a salted duck egg to symbolize the moon, are shared among families symbolizing unity and are also offered in worship to the moon.
In addition to lantern viewing and mooncake eating, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan features dragon dances and the Pomelo Festival, named after the seasonal fruit harvested during this time. Additionally, BBQ parties have become popular in recent years and it's now an essential part of the Taiwanese Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival is a time for Taiwanese individuals to express gratitude and share joy and delicious food with family and friends.