The Mid-Autumn Festival, on 8 September this year, is celebrated in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan and neighbouring countries. The second most important festival after the Spring Festival, the day honours the full moon as a symbol of peace, prosperity and family reunion.
Chinese pastries, called mooncakes, are traditionally eaten, named after the moon goddess Chang'e. A notable part of celebrating the holiday is the carrying of brightly lit lanterns, which line streets or are set on water, giving rise to the nickname "Lantern Festival".