When is Mid-Autumn Festival in 2024? And why is it celebrated? It’s time to hang a lantern and rip open a mooncake as we explore the meaning of this annual event.

The sharing of round mooncakes amongst family members during the week of the festival signifies the completeness and unity of families.

This year it is taking place on September 17, although the date varies depending on the lunar calendar.  Festivities include moon-watching and eating mooncakes - a pastry with a thin crust wrapped around a soft filling often made of red bean paste or lotus -  which town centre store JJ Chinese Food say becomes very popular around this time of year - even among non-Chinese people.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a significant traditional holiday for Chinese communities globally. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it marks the fullest and brightest moon, symbolizing unity and abundance. Moon cakes are a key tradition of the festival, enjoyed during the feast.

Tuesday is the second most important holiday on the Chinese Lunar calendar. It's when the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, takes place.

Sept. 17 is a special holiday for the Asian community around the globe. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time when lanterns are hung, and mooncakes are shared. Chef and cookbook author Katie Chin shares all the details about this special holiday.

Across New York City, Chinatown mom-and-pops and Asian-American pop-ups alike are pushing out their unique takes on the mooncake.