Since ancient times, the Chinese have celebrated the mid-Autumn harvest, gathering with friends and family to feast, eat mooncakes and admire the moon.
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On Monday September 24, Centacare NENW will host their 8th annual Lantern & Chinese Mooncake Festival with food, entertainment and competitions.
“The Mid-Autumn, or Moon Cake, Festival is about harvest and family,” said Suelyn Pakes, cultural liaison officer for Centacare.
“Farmers from all over the world would celebrate their good fortune from their harvest with their family and friends.”
Over the past eight years, this event has grown significantly in the Tamworth community, with individuals of all nationalities attending to learn about the Chinese culture, meet and socialise with locals, migrants and refugees, and appreciate the moon - which will be at its brightest and fullest on that night.
Community participation has grown and this year the event will be held at the Tamworth Community Centre in Darling Street, having outgrown the Centacare Tamworth Offices.
“Our annual Mooncake Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate multiculturalism and to share our cultural experiences through food, music and laughter,” said Kelly Hatch, the program manager for Family Services Programs.
The local community has been preparing for the celebration for weeks now. Centacare NENW has been hosting lantern making workshops and community organisations have been coming on board to sponsor the event. There will be colourfully dressed people showcasing Chinese culture, and sweet Moon cakes to share with family and friends.
The festival will be held on September 24, from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Tamworth Community Centre. There will be prizes given away for best lanterns, best costumes and best singers. RSVPs are essential. Please contact Suelyn on 02 6762 9209 or s.pakes@ centacarenenw.com.au. Centacare NENW would like to thank sponsors: Wests Entertainment Group, Import Cars 4 U, J&L Family Restaurant, Dragon Palace, Big Sky Wellness, Forum 6 and The Cheesecake Shop.
