Fuzzy-wire lanterns and stories of sharing
On September 28, the Handmade Quy Nhon Group hosted a workshop where children made lanterns from colorful fuzzy wires. The material, soft and easy to shape, allowed even five-year-olds to craft their own bright and unique lanterns.
Beyond creativity, the workshop carried a message of compassion, all participation fees were donated to buy Mid-Autumn gifts for disadvantaged children.
Holding up her lantern with pride, Luu Hanh Duyen (born 2016, Quy Nhon City) said with a smile: “I got to make a colorful lantern by myself and even help other kids. This Mid-Autumn Festival is really special for me.”
Science Discovery - A modern twist on Mid-Autumn
At the Children’s Area of the Science Discovery and Innovation Center, the Mid-Autumn celebration took on a modern tone. Over 120 minutes, children joined a seamless journey blending tradition with technology.
The day began with a “Connection Circle,” featuring stories and images of Mid-Autumn in the past. Kids then made star-shaped lanterns, programmed Indi robots to complete obstacle courses, and competed in teams for creativity and speed. The event concluded with a hands-on mooncake-making session, kneading dough, shaping fillings, and decorating their own take-home boxes.
“I liked making mooncakes the most,” said Pham Minh Khue (born 2015, Quy Nhon). “Usually, I bake at home with my mom, but this new experience was so fun and exciting!”
According to Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Director of the Center, the event aimed to create an open space where children can “preserve traditional beauty while naturally exploring science.” He added, “Through these activities, kids practice dexterity, logical thinking, teamwork, and imagination — all essential skills for their future.”
A joyful “community fair” for Mid-Autumn
Another highlight of the season was the Community Fair, hosted by Glocality Gia Lai at Duyen Quo Palace (Quy Nhon Dong Ward). Set in a spacious, nature-filled venue with lively music, the fair offered a mix of play, learning, and festive fun for children and families alike.
The 13th edition of the fair, themed “Mid-Autumn Festival,” featured diverse activities: cross-stitch exhibits by visually impaired artists, star-lantern making with bamboo, plastic-bottle decorations, paper-mâché lion heads, recycled puppet shows, and a joyful finale of lion and dragon dances.
Instead of cash, participants used flower-shaped coupons for transactions, a symbolic way to emphasize connection over commerce. The organizers also presented 11 gift sets worth over VND 4 million to children in difficult circumstances.
Le Minh Bo (born 1992, Quy Nhon Ward), a member of the organizing team, shared: “Our generation, the 8x and 9x kids, grew up with lanterns and lion dances. That’s why we’re eager to recreate those memories for today’s children. The familiarity makes them more engaged and helps keep our cultural traditions alive.”
Seven-year-old Pham Bao Anh Thu (born 2017, Quy Nhon Nam Ward) added:
“I loved making lanterns! The older kids helped me with every step, and we laughed together the whole time. It was so much fun!”
