French people come to Nghe An to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival

French volunteers enthusiastically participate in tug-of-war games during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: Chu Thanh

Having been in Vinh city for exactly a week, Sibylle Decouflet and Marco Mariette - two French volunteers - were very excited to learn about the culture and life of the people here. Marco Mariette said that this was the first time he had come to Vietnam, to work in Nghe An and had unforgettable experiences during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

“The festival is very fun. People in Vinh are very enthusiastic and hospitable. It is completely different from festivals in France. In France, festivals for children usually take place in schools. They are rarely held on the streets and are not as exciting,” Marco shared.

Sibylle Decouflet enjoys the star lantern. Photo: Chu Thanh

As for Sibylle Decouflet, she used to live in Korea and visit Japan, so she was not too surprised by the Eastern cultural festivals. Sibylle said that in Korea, there is also a Mid-Autumn Festival, but this is a family holiday, while in Vietnam, it is a festival for everyone, especially children.

She loves seeing children playing, holding lanterns or dressing up as fairies and superheroes on holidays. “They are so cute and adorable. I like Vietnamese food but I don’t like mixed mooncakes. I think mixing meat, Chinese sausage, and lemon leaves into a sweet cake is not very suitable,” Sibylle said.

Volunteers take photos with locals celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: Chu Thanh

As for Florence - a volunteer who has lived in Vinh for nearly a year, she understands a lot about the life and culture of the people here. Florence sees the Mid-Autumn Festival as an opportunity for people to strengthen relationships between people and between families. According to Florence, "everyone goes out to the streets to dance and sing. Although the noise is a bit loud, I think I will miss this atmosphere when I return to France"./.