Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Hosts 'Mid-Autumn Festival 2026' Showcasing Cultural Heritage

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is organizing a special program titled 'Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: Colors of Cultural Heritage' on September 19 and 20, 2026. This event aims to bring the values of Vietnam's rich folk culture closer to the public, especially children and families. The program will take place from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the museum, located on Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi. A highlight of the event will be performances, experiences, and interactions with folk artisans. Lion dances and 'át xẩm' (traditional chanting) performances will offer children a chance to directly engage with folk arts and learn about traditional culture in the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. A photo corner with traditional moon-gazing trays and lion decorations will also be set up for families. Water puppetry, a representative form of Vietnamese cultural heritage, will continue to be a featured attraction, providing an immersive experience for audiences, especially children. Furthermore, the program includes hands-on activities where children can create traditional toys under the guidance of artisans. Activities like making 'tò he' (clay figurines), paper mache masks, and leaf art products will help children understand the meaning and crafting process of these classic toys, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage through creation. Various folk games such as jump rope, stilts, ô ăn quan (a traditional board game), and tug-of-war will also be organized, encouraging children to play and interact in a community setting. In the 'Discovery Room' for children, interactive and visually engaging activities will be offered, including storytelling with picture books, hand puppetry, and introductions to traditional musical instruments. This approach aims to make cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for young learners. A corner experiencing Hanoi's autumn culture will feature 'cốm' (young rice flakes) making. This activity will offer insights into the culinary culture of Hanoi residents and highlight the connection between cultural heritage and daily life. Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Hong Hanh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, stated that the program aims to create a space where different generations can participate and engage with folk heritage in a close manner. It is expected that by directly making traditional toys, participating in folk games, and listening to artisans' stories, children will naturally develop a love for heritage, promoting its preservation and transmission to future generations. Through its blend of performances, experiences, hands-on activities, and interactions, the program not only provides a playground for children during the Mid-Autumn Festival but also opens opportunities for families to explore traditional cultural values, thereby strengthening intergenerational connections and fostering respect for the nation's traditional heritage.