Currently, agencies, units and localities across Da Nang are making great efforts to organise entertainment programmes for children, especially disadvantaged kids on the outskirts of the city, to enjoy the Mid-autumn Festival which falls on September 29 this year.

Gifts are given to needy children during the Mid-Autumn Festival at the first Open Lion and Dragon Dance Festival 2023 in Hai Chau District. Photo: BAO LAM

The first Open Lion and Dragon Dance Festival 2023 took place at the semicircle of Bach Dang Street on the evenings of September 16 and 17, attracting thousands of people, especially local children.

This was a large-scale activity organised by the Hai Chau District authorities to create an exchange playground for lion and dragon groups, and at the same time meet the needs of people and children on the occasion of the forthcoming Mid-Autumn Festival 2023.

Director of the district’s Culture and Sports Centre Tran Van Manh said that this year’s festival saw the participation of 19 lion and dragon groups citywide, and from provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam.

After two exciting competition nights, the participating troupes brought to the audience unique and high-quality performances in the ‘Dia Buu’ and ‘Mai Hoa Thung’ styles to children.

During the festival, children took part in funny games to have the opportunity to receive attractive gifts.

On the occasion, the Hai Chau District authorities gave nearly 1,000 gifts to children in extremely difficult circumstances and with disabilities in the locality.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, Youth Union organisations in the city plan to organise many fun activities for children.

This year, the Youth Union organization in Lien Chieu District is one of the pioneers in organising these Mid-Autumn Festival activities early.

On the evening of September 19, the unit coordinated with the Bach Ho Lion and Dragon Troupe to perform a free lion dance at the campus of the district’s Administrative Centre.

Nguyen Thi Hai Anh, a resident of Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District, shared that the International Children's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival were the two occasions I look forward to most of the year.

“However, for me, Mid-Autumn Festival is a bit more special because it takes place over many days with a variety of fun activities. During these days, I am very happy because not only can I get gifts, eat moon cakes, watch lion dances, but also experience many fun folk games" she said happily.

The first Open Lion and Dragon Dance Festival 2023 attracts thousands of people, especially children citywide. Photo: MAI QUANG HIEN

According to Secretary of the Lien Chieu District-based Youth Union organisation Huynh Thanh Binh, following the successful programme on September 19, on September 25, his unit will continue coordinating with some related units to organise the programme "Mid-Autumn Festival for Children" at the district-based Au Co Primary School.

Aside from the lion and dragon performances, child visitors to the programme will have a chance to enjoy musical performances by children from the Da Nang Children's Culture Palace, participate in entertainment activities and interact with Moon Boy and Moon Lady.

On the same evening, the unit will host the programme "Full Moon Festival" in 2023. On the occasion, the organisers will give 120 Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to children in difficult circumstances in the district.

“The upcoming activities aim to encourage children to preserve and promote the good cultural values of the nation, as well as contribute to bringing a joyful and healthy atmosphere during the traditional holiday, thereby ensuring that all children can enjoy a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, no child is left behind" Mr. Binh noted.

In a similar vein, a programme entitled "Fun Mid-Autumn Festival" for children took place at the Da Nang Museum of Fine Arts on Sunday morning.

The programme featured a check-in space for Mid-Autumn Festival miniatures and a display of children's outstanding paintings.

Additionally, there were be many fun activities such as making lanterns, printing paintings, and participating in candy parties.

This year, the municipal Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs will work with the local Association of Charities and Children's Rights Protection, the Son Tra District People's Committee and other units to organise the programme "Full Moon Festival" for local children on the evening of September 24 at the eastern bank of the Dragon Bridge.

During the programme, more than 300 Mid-Autumn Festival gifts will be presented to disadvantaged children and children being cared for at social assistance facilities in the city.

Reporting by KHOI NGUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG