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Best Labor Day Sales 2024 Top Deals, Costco Labor Day Hours

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Labor Day Sales 2024

Labor Day marks a special time for shoppers. The Best Labor Day Sales 2024 offer incredible savings on clothes, laptops, and more. Consumers eagerly await these sales, which kick off about two weeks before the holiday. Shoppers plan to spend an average of $354 during this period. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart provide significant discounts, making early shopping essential. Many Americans believe inflation erases their hard work, so finding good deals becomes crucial. Planning ahead ensures access to the best offers. Labor Day sales coincide with Travel & Events, adding excitement to the holiday weekend.

I’ve been covering Labor Day sales for most of my career, and I’m always surprised at some of the deals I find. It may not be as big as Black Friday or Prime Day, but Labor Day weekend is still one of the best times to shop every year. Whether you’re looking for back-to-school savings on laptops or just want to save some money on everyday essentials, Labor Day sales are a great opportunity to do so right now through monday.

Labor Day lands on September 2 this year, but every major sale worth shopping is now live for the weekend. Most notably, you can now browse the Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy Labor Day sales for some of the best deals available anywhere. If you’re wondering what other retailer deals are worth your time this week, we’ve gathered all of the best Labor Day sales currently live across the web. You can also see our advice on what to shop for below.

Best Labor Day Brands Offers

It’s officially Labor Day weekend, which means autumn has unofficially arrived. While parting is such sweet sorrow, just think of all the good things that fall brings.

Sweater weather, pumpkin spice and back-to-school are just a few of autumn’s delights. Not to mention, falling leaves, hot apple cider and, of course, the spookiest holiday of the season Halloween.

Whatever you’ve got coming up in the days and weeks ahead, you may be wondering if Costco is open on Labor Day.

Perhaps you need groceries for the week ahead, plan to get your holiday shopping underway (hey, it’s never too early to start), pick up a few essentials for the first day of school or simply shop all the fabulous Labor Day sales.

Regardless of what you need to check off your list, we’ve got all the details on Costco’s Labor Day hours in 2024 you’re going to want to know before heading to your nearest warehouse.

Is Costco open on Labor Day 2024?

According to a spokesperson, Costco warehouses will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday and will reopen for business as usual on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

In addition to Labor Day, Costco is also closed on the following major holidays:

  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day

However, according to the Costco website, “There may be slight variations in hours for each warehouse. We recommend that you view the location information for a warehouse near you.”

Either way, it’s worthwhile to check local store hours just to confirm.

Costco Labor Day Hours

 

How to find a Costco wholesale club near you

While you probably already know where the nearest Costco is, just in case you aren’t, we’re about to save you the trouble. Here’s a handy dandy Costco store locator to find the store closest to you.

To locate store hours, as well as hours for the pharmacy, gas station, optical department and other Costco services, click on the locater and select “Store Details.”

Chick-fil-A restaurants

Chick-fil-A restaurants open on Labor Day?

U.S. Chick-fil-A restaurants are open on Labor Day, although they may have limited operating hours. To check the specific hours of operation for your local Chick-fil-A restaurant, select your local restaurant in the Chick-fil-A App® or click the Find a restaurant link in our website navigation at the top left corner of your screen. To celebrate the holiday, don’t forget to order Chick-fil-A Catering (catering menus and availability differ by location).

Walmart open on Labor Day 2024
Store hours

Observed annually on the first Monday in September, the holiday is a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. In addition to being a federal holiday, Labor Day is also the traditional end of summer and many people gather for cookouts and family events.

Government offices are closed on Labor Day, though most retailers and restaurants remain open. The nation’s largest retailer, Walmart, will be open regular hours typically 6 a.m.-11 p.m. on Labor Day. Some services may be on shortened holiday hours so be sure to check ahead.

Target open on Labor Day 2024?

Yes, indeed, Target stores are open for business as usual on Labor Day. A Target spokesperson tells TODAY.com that stores will be operating Labor Day weekend with normal store business hours, which vary by location.

Top Deals, Stores Labor Day Hours

Furniture

Labor Day historically has some of the best prices on furniture you’ll find all year. You should be able to find deals on popular standing desks, gaming chairs, and more. Retailers are also heavily discounting outdoor furniture as the summer season comes to a close. Even some of our favorite gaming chairs are currently discounted at Amazon and our favorite standing desk is on sale at FlexiSpot for Labor Day.

Laptops, PCs, and Tablets

Back-to-school season is generally an excellent time to buy a laptop or a new PC. Because of this, it’s also a great time to buy any PC accessories. Manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and HP all currently have sales going on now you can take advantage of. Outside of those brands, Labor Day is turning out to be a really good time to buy an iPad (we’ve seen 40% off 9th-Gen models so far) as well as various Android tablets.

If you’re looking for a new gaming rig, we’ve found the best gaming PC deals for Labor Day and put them in one place. Additionally, there are solid deals on gaming handhelds available at Best Buy.

Monitors and TVs

If you’re hoping to buy a new screen for your console, PC, or laptop, right now is one of the best times of the year to buy a gaming monitor. Thanks to many of the same manufacturer sales happening around laptops and PCs, you can also find lower prices on some of the most popular gaming monitors, including this deal on Alienware’s flagship 4K OLED display. Additionally, Labor Day weekend is usually a pretty good time to find deals on a new TV and we’ve found a great discount on the LG C4 already.

Major Appliances and Grills

Although Black Friday is generally the best time to buy most things, major appliances are one of the few items where you’ll find better deals during Labor Day weekend. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, LG, and Best Buy all have appliance sales live this weekend and you can find savings on refrigerators, washing machines, grills, and more.

Mattresses

Holiday weekends are a consistently great time to buy a mattress. Every major online mattress retailer has some sort of sales promotion that they turn on any time there’s a three-day weekend, and Labor Day is the same. You can currently find a decent mattresses for really cheap if you don’t mind buying from a bed-in-a-box brand like Casper or DreamCloud.

Clothing

As we make the transition to fall and back-to-school shopping reaches its peak, Labor Day weekend becomes one of the best times all year to find discounts on clothes. Major retailers like Old Navy and Macy’s already have sales live, and many smaller brands have launched their Labor Day sales as we get closer to actual Labor Day.

special offer labor day sale

Outdoor Gear

Similar to clothing retailers, outdoor shops always have significant discounts as the seasons change. Labor Day marks the transition between summer and fall, meaning you can usually find some amazing deals on camping gear and other warm-weather equipment. REI is perhaps the most notable place to shop, and its Labor Day sale is already live live right now

Books

Labor Day weekend is a surprisingly good time to find some good deals on books. This is largely thanks to the huge Barnes and Noble sale that happens every year, but Amazon is also currently offering quite a few deals on hardcovers that are worthwhile. There are even Kindle deals this year, making it a good time to buy an e-reader if you don’t already have one. Further, Amazon has some great manga deals available, with up to 60% off box sets.

LEGO Sets

Although Labor Day sales haven’t traditionally been the best time to buy LEGO sets, we are seeing some surprisingly good deals this year that we didn’t expect. Barnes and Noble is including LEGO deals as part of their sale, and Amazon has some well-hidden price drops. If you’re in the market for a discount on a LEGO Disney set or a deal on some LEGO flowers, now is a great time to buy.

Headphones and Speakers

Headphones, speakers, and soundbars are unsurprisingly some of the best things to buy during Labor Day. Holiday weekends are especially a great time to buy headphones, and Labor Day’s proximity to back-to-school sales only makes that more true. One of the best sales you can shop right now is the Bose Labor Day sale, which has price cuts on every product category. You can also check out the Sonos Labor Day sale for some of our favorite speaker and soundbar deals so far.

Coffee Makers

Labor Day sales have traditionally been an excellent time to find coffee makers at lower prices every year, and from what we’ve seen so far, 2024 is no different. Walmart, Target, and Amazon are all offering low prices on both single-serve coffee makers and standard drip options.

What Shouldn’t You Buy During Labor Day Sales?

The short answer is that you shouldn’t buy anything that isn’t on sale. The longer answer is that some product categories simply won’t have good deals no matter how hard you look. Labor Day is not a particularly good time to buy video games, for example, and you likely won’t find great discounts on any of the major consoles either. Though there are some deals available on the Switch Lite currently.

While we found a pretty good discount on the new Samsung Galaxy 24+, Labor Day usually isn’t the best time to upgrade your phone. If you’re in the market for a smartphone, new models will be arriving soon and prices will drop further on Black Friday. With the iPhone 16 coming out in September, the best time to buy a new iPhone is still a ways away.

More Upcoming Sales Events

If you don’t plan on doing any Labor Day deals shopping, there are still quite a few upcoming sales events in 2024. Next up is Amazon’s October Prime Day event, which the company just recently confirmed to be happening again this year. This sale will take place sometime in the middle of October and acts as a precursor to Black Friday. Following that, we usually see Black Friday deals starting as early as late October and running all the way through Cyber Monday.

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Travel & Events

Warped Tour 2025: Festival Grounds at RFK Campus

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Warped Tour 2025 Lineup, Presale Tickets Price

The Warped Tour has been a staple in the music festival scene since its inception. Over the years, it has grossed an impressive $367.2 million and sold approximately 10.6 million tickets. As you gear up for the Warped Tour 2025, you can feel the excitement in the air. This year marks the 30th anniversary, a significant milestone that promises to bring together legendary artists and fresh talent. With events planned in Washington, D.C., Long Beach, and Orlando, the anticipation is palpable. You won’t want to miss this celebration of music and culture.

Warped Tour 2025 Event Details

Warped Tour 2025 Event Details

Cities and Dates

Get ready to mark your calendars! The Warped Tour 2025 is making its grand return with events in three vibrant cities. You can catch the action in:

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Long Beach, California
  • Orlando, Florida

Each city will host the festival over two exciting days. Here’s the schedule you need to know:

  • Washington, D.C.: June 14-15
  • Long Beach, California: July 26-27
  • Orlando, Florida: November 15-16

These dates promise a summer filled with unforgettable music experiences. Make sure you plan your trip accordingly to join the celebration.

Number of Bands

The Warped Tour 2025 lineup is set to be massive! You can expect between 70 to 100 bands at each stop. This impressive number ensures a diverse mix of both established and emerging artists. It’s a chance for you to discover new favorites and enjoy performances from bands you already love.

In comparison to previous years, the 2025 tour aims to surpass expectations. Past tours have featured around 50 to 60 bands, but this year, the organizers are pulling out all the stops. The 30th anniversary promises to be bigger and better, offering you more music and more memories.

Stay tuned for the official lineup announcement in March. You won’t want to miss the chance to see which bands will take the stage at the Warped Tour 2025.

Warped Tour 2025 Anticipated Lineup

Notable Past Acts

Warped Tour has always been a platform for some of the most iconic bands in the music scene. Over the years, you’ve seen legendary performances that have left a lasting impact. Bands like Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, and Paramore have graced the stage, creating unforgettable memories.

Highlight of past performers

These bands didn’t just perform; they set the stage on fire. We The Kings delivered one of the best sets, with lead singer Travis expressing heartfelt gratitude to his bandmates, the crowd, and Kevin Lyman. You could feel the energy and passion in every note.

“Hands down it was one of the best sets of the day.”

Influence on the music scene

The influence of these acts extends beyond their performances. They have shaped the music scene, inspiring countless artists and fans alike. Andrew Oross, a devoted attendee, described the experience as:

“Very exciting and definitely brings a lot of people together in a way to express themselves with their type of music.”

Potential Performers for 2025

As you look forward to Warped Tour 2025, the buzz around potential performers is electrifying. While the official lineup remains under wraps, rumors are swirling about who might take the stage.

Rumored bands and artists

Speculation is part of the fun! You might hear whispers about bands like Doll Skin and Silent Planet making an appearance. These bands have left a mark with their previous performances. Fans rave about their energy and connection with the audience.

Doll Skin: “The ladies of Doll Skin are without a doubt some of the sweetest and most down to earth people I’ve met.”

Silent Planet: “If you haven’t seen Silent Planet, I highly suggest you do so.”

Fan expectations and excitement

The anticipation is building, and you can feel the excitement in the air. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if their favorite bands will be part of this monumental event. The 30th anniversary promises surprises and unique twists that will make Warped Tour 2025 an unforgettable experience. Get ready to be part of something special!

Ticket Information

Presale Process

How to access presale tickets

Getting your hands on presale tickets for the Warped Tour 2025 is a breeze. Mark your calendar for October 24th, when presales kick off at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. Head over to the official Vans Warped Tour website to secure your spot. Keep an eye on their social media channels for any updates or changes. This way, you won’t miss out on the chance to grab your tickets before they sell out.

Benefits of purchasing presale tickets

Why should you consider presale tickets? They offer several perks. First, you get early access, ensuring you don’t miss out on this epic event. Presale tickets often come with exclusive offers or packages, adding more value to your purchase. Plus, buying early means you can plan your trip and accommodations well in advance, reducing last-minute stress. It’s a win-win situation!

Pricing Details

Breakdown of ticket prices

Let’s talk numbers. The Warped Tour 2025 offers full weekend passes starting at an all-inclusive price of $149.98. This breaks down to a $119.99 ticket price plus $29.99 in fees. This pricing structure ensures transparency, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. It’s a fair deal for two days packed with incredible music and unforgettable experiences.

Comparison with previous years

How does this year’s pricing stack up against previous years? The Warped Tour has always prioritized accessible pricing, and 2025 is no different. Compared to other festivals like When We Were Young, which charges $325, the Warped Tour remains a budget-friendly option. This commitment to affordability allows more fans to join in the celebration, making it a must-attend event for music lovers everywhere.

The Warped Tour 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this festival promises a unique blend of legendary acts and fresh talent. You can feel the excitement building as fans eagerly await the lineup announcement. Stay tuned for updates and make sure you’re ready for ticket sales. Mark your calendar for presale dates and secure your spot at this iconic music festival. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this historic celebration. Get ready to rock and roll!

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Travel & Events

Columbus Day 2024 Observance Controversy

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Columbus Day 2024 Observance Controversy

Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, marks Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. For 2024, this federal holiday falls on October 14. Traditionally, Columbus Day has been viewed as a celebration of exploration, particularly within Italian-American communities, due to Columbus’ Italian heritage. However, in recent years, this holiday has become increasingly controversial, prompting debates about its historical significance and ethical implications.

Columbus Day 2024: Evolving Traditions and Controversies

In the last few decades, Columbus Day has faced growing opposition due to the colonialism, enslavement, and devastation brought upon Indigenous populations following Columbus’ arrival. As a result, Indigenous Peoples’ Day has emerged as an alternative observance, focusing on the resilience and contributions of Native American communities. Several U.S. cities, states, and educational institutions have embraced this alternative, either alongside or in place of Columbus Day.

As of 2024, 17 states and over 100 cities officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, signaling a growing nationwide movement to honor Indigenous cultures and histories. The Biden administration has issued proclamations recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2021, although it is not yet a federal holiday.

The Historical Background of Columbus Day

Columbus Day was first proclaimed as a national holiday in 1937 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Knights of Columbus, an influential Catholic fraternal organization, played a significant role in promoting this holiday as a way to recognize the achievements of Italian immigrants in the U.S. Since 1971, the holiday has been observed on the second Monday of October, giving it a permanent place on the federal calendar.

However, Columbus’ legacy is far from universally celebrated. The explorer is often criticized for his role in the violent conquest of Indigenous lands, the initiation of transatlantic slavery, and the decimation of Native populations through disease and exploitation. These historical realities have contributed to the movement to reframe the narrative surrounding Columbus’ arrival.

Trending Searches: Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day

As the holiday approaches in 2024, popular search queries reflect the ongoing public debate. Some of the most searched topics include:

  • What is open or closed on Columbus Day 2024?
    People are curious about which businesses, banks, and government offices are affected by the holiday. Federal offices and the USPS are closed, while most retail businesses remain open.
  • Why is Columbus Day controversial?
    Many are searching for details about the criticisms of Columbus Day, particularly its connection to colonial violence and the marginalization of Native Americans.
  • What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
    A rising interest in understanding this alternative holiday has prompted questions about its history, significance, and how it’s celebrated.
  • How is Columbus Day celebrated in Italian-American communities?
    Italian-American pride remains a significant aspect of Columbus Day, with parades and cultural festivals held in cities like New York and Chicago.
  • Which states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
    Growing interest surrounds the states and cities that have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day over Columbus Day.

Columbus Day Celebrations and Cultural Significance

Despite the controversy, Columbus Day remains an important holiday for many Italian-Americans, who view it as a celebration of their heritage. Across the country, parades, street fairs, and cultural events are held to honor Columbus’ voyage and the contributions of Italian immigrants. These celebrations often feature Italian cuisine, music, and performances, offering a positive reflection on the immigrant experience in the U.S.

However, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations also spotlight Native American culture and history. In cities and regions that observe this holiday, events such as traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and educational workshops highlight the achievements and resilience of Indigenous communities.

The Future of Columbus Day

The debate over Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples’ Day is unlikely to resolve anytime soon. As more states and cities adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the holiday’s future remains a topic of national conversation. The movement to replace Columbus Day reflects broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and reexamining historical figures through a modern lens.

FAQs

What is the date of Columbus Day 2024?
Columbus Day will be observed on October 14, 2024.

Why is Columbus Day controversial?
Columbus Day has become controversial due to its association with the colonization of Indigenous lands, the introduction of slavery, and the devastating impact on Native populations.

Which states recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day?
Seventeen states, including California, Oregon, and New Mexico, officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday.

Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday?
While President Biden has issued proclamations recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2021, it is not currently a federal holiday.

How is Columbus Day celebrated?
Italian-American communities celebrate Columbus Day with parades, cultural events, and festivals, particularly in cities like New York and San Francisco.

What is the future of Columbus Day?
The future of Columbus Day is uncertain, as the movement to replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to gain momentum across the U.S.

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Travel & Events

Mid-Autumn Festival 2024: Date, Traditions, and Celebrations

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Mid-Autumn Festival 2024

Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Festival, or Mooncake Festival: This is one of the most celebrated holidays all across East Asia in general, with principal festivities shared by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. This is a sign, literally on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar; it means that the moon falls on that period in its fullest and brightest form, a symbol for unity, harmony, and prosperity. Typically this is a time when families come together to eat and view the beauty of the full moon.

The history, mythology, and traditions behind the Mid-Autumn Festival have been expounded upon in this post.

The Background and History of Mid-Autumn Festival

1. The Ancient Aspect of Agriculture

The Mid-Autumn Festival really dates back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE), becoming a harvest festival. Chinese farmers at the time were thankful to the gods for the harvest and wished for future prosperity. The celebration was associated with the moon quite heavily; it was thought that the latter concerned the harvest, in particular the growth of crops, rice, and wheat.

By the Tang dynasty, from 618 to 907 CE, the festival had graduated into officialdom and grandeur with which emperors and aristocrats celebrated it. Emperors would give sacrifices to the moon goddess and hold elaborate feasts to pay tribute to the moon for its influence on human affairs; it was considered a mighty body.

2. The Myth of Chang’e, the Moon Fairy

The most well-known myth that is related to the Mid-Autumn Festival is the tale of Chang’e, the moon goddess. Legend says that Hou Yi, a great archer, shot down nine out of the ten suns that were cooking the earth. For his reward, he was given the elixir of immortality but declined to take it in order to be with his wife, Chang’e.

However, on one day, when a greedy man came to try to steal it, Chang’e drank it herself in order to save the elixir. She flew up into the moon and resided there until today. Hou Yi, heartbroken, would leave out offerings of her favorite foods in hopes that she would return. Therefore, the story of Chang’e and her self-sacrifice has been bound up in the Mid-Autumn Festival ever since, with people each year paying their respects to her by making offerings of food and lighting lanterns.

The Most Common Traditional Foods, Associated Mostly

1. Mooncakes – The Highlight of the Festival

Indeed, probably the most iconic symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival is mooncakes. These dense, round pastries that typically come with rich fillings represent full moons and unity in the family. Traditionally, fillings of the mooncakes include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolks, or nuts; but modern versions even contain various creative fillings like chocolate, fruit, or even ice cream.

Mooncakes are shared as gifts between family members, friends, and colleagues. Giving mooncakes has been a way of expressing respect, love, and gratitude during the festival. Many times these mooncakes are often designed with characters representing longevity, harmony, and good fortune.

Pro Tip: Mooncakes are usually very rich, and thus best enjoyed in small slices, preferably taken with tea to downplay the sweetness.

2. Other Festive Treats

Besides mooncakes, other traditional foods people make in preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival include foods specific to various regions:

  • Taro: In some parts of China, the festival is also celebrated by eating taro because its Chinese name sounds like “luck.”
  • Sweet Osmanthus Cakes and Wine: This Osmanthus flower blossoms in the fall for making both sweet cakes and fermented wines. Drinking Osmanthus Wine is equal to drinking a cup of happiness; it is able to make people feel full of auspiciousness and satisfaction.
  • Pomelo: The fruit, which is as big as a citrus fruit, is typically eaten during the festival because its shape is like the moon, and its name in Chinese sounds like “blessing.”

Mid-Autumn Festival Traditions

Mid-Autumn Festival 2024: Date and Duration

The Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 will be on September 17. It’s an important day for family reunions: this festival prays for unity. The Mid-Autumn Festival in 2024 will fall on Tuesday, September 17th. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the traditional East Asian celebrations that occur every year on the 15th day of the 8th month on the lunar calendar, during the full moon and at its brightest. The festival usually takes just one day, but the preparations and festivities often begin a few days before, especially in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 follows the lunar calendar. The festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month. This timing overlaps with the full moon. Many of the traditional Chinese festivals are decided by the lunar calendar. People use this calendar to plan cultural events and celebrations.

The main celebration takes place in the evening of the 15th lunar day, the festivity extends beyond that date. Public events of various kinds, lantern shows, cultural performances, and so forth cram the days before and after it. Family get-togethers, mooncake fairs, and lantern festivals held in cities make these surrounding days quite colorful. It is also a time to travel, when all members of the family will get together for dinner and enjoy the full moon.

The Mid-Autumn Festival: Cultural Traditions and Their Symbols

1. Offerings for Worshiping the Moon

The most important activity at night is moon watching. During the night, families walk outside to view the full moon, which they believe to be the roundest and brightest of all. In ancient times, sacrifices were made by preparing mooncakes and other foods on an altar for the moon goddess, Chang’e.

Offering food to the Moon symbolizes thanksgiving for the harvest, the blessings of the Moon, and family unity and happiness.

2. Lantern Shows and Riddle Lanterns

Lanterns have played a significant role in the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival; they serve as objects that can light up the mood and bring hope and luck. More often, many streets in cities and towns are decorated with colorful lanterns, often taking the shape of animals, flowers, or something resembling the moon.
Children march in parks, holding lanterns, guessing riddles, or participating in parades. Guessing lantern riddles written on lantern bodies is considered good luck, so people solve them. This adds fun and mental engagement to the festive atmosphere.

3. Family Reunions

Like Thanksgiving in the United States, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for reuniting with extended family. Even if working or living far from home, family members strive to attend dinner. The roundness of mooncakes and the full moon symbolize fullness and unity, making it a perfect time to cherish family bonds.

Autumn Festival Celebration

The Mid-Autumn Festival is also very popular

1. China

In China, this is a legal holiday, with millions traveling to reunite with their families. In cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, bright lantern displays and moon-watching events are organized. Meanwhile, mooncakes are presented as gifts, and often people set up tables outside to have a festive meal together under a full moon.

In some areas, there are also displays of traditional Chinese opera and dragon dances for the duration of the festival. Major cities also set up fireworks to give the entire night festivity an even better atmosphere.

2. Vietnam: Táşżt Trung Thu

In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival, known in Vietnamese as Táşżt Trung Thu, is largely marked by children. Vietnamese children can be seen in parades with lanterns and during dragon dances, holding lanterns shaped like stars, fish, or other animals. Besides that, it is also the time children can get presents, mooncakes, and a lot of sweet things to eat.
Families gather and worship the moon, offering mooncakes and fruits as part of the celebrations. Moreover, for Vietnamese, this celebration presents them with an occasion to thank the gods of harvests who have blessed them during the year.

3. Taiwan

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan is pretty much observed through family reunions and mooncake consumption. Since the festival, a loving barbecue has been cultivated by Taiwanese families — a modern tradition in the last decades that has been fully enjoyed. Most of the time during the Mid-Autumn Festival, one can find families cooking outside while sharing food, enjoying the cool autumn weather, and moon gazing. Lantern exhibitions, parades, and traditional performances are put up in all the cities, but most particularly in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

4. Malaysia and Singapore

In Singapore and Malaysia, Mid-Autumn Festivals are celebrated with lantern displays, walks, and cultural performances. Shopping centers and public spaces will host mooncake fairs, selling all manner of traditional and modern mooncakes. For example, in Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, beautiful lights and lanterns stand to attract families to come and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Modern Celebrations and Global Influence

As more people of Chinese descent have settled in countries around the world, the Mid-Autumn Festival has grown in popularity globally. Today, people in North America, Europe, and Australia celebrate the festival with mooncake exchanges, lantern displays, and cultural performances.

In major cities with large Chinese communities, such as San Francisco, London, and Sydney, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations are becoming increasingly popular. These events help bridge cultural gaps and provide an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to experience and appreciate this rich tradition.

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a beautiful and culturally rich holiday that emphasizes family unity, gratitude, and harmony. From the myth of Chang’e to the delicious mooncakes, each aspect of the festival holds deep cultural significance. Whether you are watching the moon with your loved ones, enjoying a traditional feast, or solving lantern riddles, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to reflect on the importance of relationships, community, and the changing seasons.

As the festival continues to grow in popularity across the globe, its traditions are a reminder of the power of shared experiences and the timeless beauty of the moon. So, whether you’re in China, Vietnam, Singapore, or beyond, take a moment to look up at the full moon, share a mooncake, and celebrate the blessings of the season.

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