The 2026 Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival brought traditional lanterns and festive colors to Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi on September 25, creating a lively cultural event for locals and visitors.
The 2026 Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival brought traditional lanterns and festive colors to Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi on September 25, creating a lively cultural event for locals and visitors.
The lantern procession was organized by the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board and the Dinh Lang Viet Club as part of the “Luu Trang Pho Co 2026” cultural program. It followed the first procession held in 2025.
The area around the lake came alive with colorful lanterns, festival drums and crowds of residents, children and visitors. The event featured lanterns recreated and crafted by artists and artisans from groups including Thong Dong, Cua Na and The Anam. Carp, moon, star and scroll-shaped lanterns, along with animal figures, showcased the craftsmanship behind traditional Vietnamese toys.
Múa lân, múa rồng mở đầu hành trình rước đèn, tạo không khí rộn ràng trong đêm Rằm tháng Tám. Ảnh: Khánh Long/Báo Ảnh Việt Nam
A highlight was a large model of Thap But (Pen Tower) and Dai Nghien (Ink Stand), symbols associated with Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s tradition of valuing education and knowledge. It was accompanied by a traditional paper doctor figure, another symbol of learning and aspiration.
The procession featured 14 groups, led by lion and dragon dances and festival drums. They were followed by a Moon Palace float, traditional lanterns and toys, a ceremonial guard and children carrying lanterns.
As the procession moved around the lake, children experienced the traditional Mid-Autumn atmosphere while adults revisited familiar images from their childhood. The event brought traditional crafts and cultural symbols into contemporary public life, helping connect generations and keep Mid-Autumn traditions alive in modern Hanoi.