HUNGARY’S second-largest city, Debrecen, came alive with cultural splendor as it hosted on Sunday a delightful celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, which will fall Sept. 29 this year.

The event, held at Debrecen’s Kolcsey Center, was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, the China Cultural Center in Budapest, the Hungarian Tourism Office in Budapest, the Confucius Institute at the University of Debrecen, and a local public welfare company. It attracted a diverse crowd of local residents eager to partake in the festivities.

The celebration encompassed more than just mooncake making, a central tradition in Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in various activities, such as exploring the “Suzhou City Photo Exhibition,” witnessing a fashion show of Hanfu (traditional clothing worn by the Han Chinese in ancient times), enjoying folk musical instrument performances, participating in rabbit lamp making, and sampling different varieties of Chinese tea.

Among the attendees, Bernadett, a 14-year-old girl, was captivated by the beauty of Chinese culture. The Hanfu show and the photo exhibition left a profound impression on her, deepening her appreciation for the culture. “The buildings are so amazing, and people are so kind,” she said.

Greta Szaszi, a high school student from Debrecen, also took part in the festivities and admired the sophistication and family-oriented nature of Chinese culture, noting its resemblance to Hungarian culture. She found the intricate craftsmanship behind mooncake making fascinating, as it embodied the dedication and passion with which Chinese people create their culinary delights.

Vice Mayor Istvan Puskas praised the event for fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. He explained that Chinese culture has been an integral part of Debrecen for decades, with elements like Chinese gastronomy, sports, and music finding their place within the city’s daily life.

Sun Jie, the cultural counselor of the Chinese embassy, shed light on the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival as a symbol of family reunion and harmony for the Chinese people. He expressed hope that the event would bring Chinese and Hungarians together to share in the festival’s blessings and experience its charm.(Xinhua)