RESIDENTS of Salak South New Village in Kuala Lumpur can look forward to an evening of performances, food and a lantern-lit procession during a joint Malaysia Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebration tomorrow.
The festivities will begin at 6pm at the Salak South New Village Community Hall’s basketball court.
Organising chairman Banie Chin said the annual event, running for about 20 years, offered something for residents of all ages, particularly children.
“It will be a fun-filled evening for families, with singing, Latin dance and lion dance performances, games and lucky draw sessions,” said Chin, who is also Salak South Village MCA branch deputy chairman.
At 8pm, children will be given lanterns before joining residents in a 2km procession around the new village.
Some of the children will also perform Mid-Autumn Festival songs.
Chin said combining the festival with Malaysia Day celebration reflected the country’s multicultural identity and provided an opportunity for residents to celebrate the events together.
“Malaysia Day belongs to every Malaysian,” he said.
“Celebrating it alongside the Mid-Autumn Festival allows us to share our traditions with the wider community and strengthen ties among residents.
“We may come from different backgrounds, but occasions such as this remind us that we are part of one community and one country,” he highlighted.
Chin said the Mid-Autumn Festival was observed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon was believed to be at its fullest and brightest.
This year, it falls on Sept 25.
“It is also known as the Moon Festival and traditionally an event for families to reunite, admire the full moon and share mooncakes.
“The round shape of the moon and mooncakes symbolises completeness, unity and family reunion, while lanterns are commonly associated with hope, fortune and lighting the way forward,” said Chin.
He said such community celebrations were becoming increasingly important as fewer young people were familiar with the meaning behind the customs.
“If we do not create opportunities for children to experience them, they may eventually know the festival only as a date on the calendar.
“We want them to carry lanterns, sing the songs and celebrate with their families so the tradition remains alive and can be passed on.”
Chin encouraged parents and grandparents to attend with their children and share their own memories of past celebrations.
“The festival is not just about lanterns or mooncakes.
“It is about bringing families and neighbours together.
“We hope the children will grow up remembering these moments and one day continue the tradition with their own families,” he added.
The programme also includes a mooncake-cutting ceremony.
Complimentary dinners and LED lanterns will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with 300 sets available.
About 500 people are expected to attend the celebration organised by the Salak South New Village Community Hall Welfare Association and co-organised by seven associations based in the new village.
