Taiwanese celebrate Mid Autumn Festival

Nationals of the Republic of China on Taiwan residing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines came together over the weekend to celebrate their version of the Christmas holiday.{{more}}

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, saw the Asian country’s Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Leo Lee and his staff, along with Taiwanese volunteers, members of the construction company OECC and their relatives, along with members of the local media and a number of Philippine nationals who are employed with the construction company, gather at the Taiwanese Technical Mission at Orange Hill to celebrate.

The holiday, which is celebrated on August 15th of the Chinese lunar year, and September 15th in the western world, features the indulgence in traditional dishes and treats, especially the ever popular Moon Cake.

One popular folk tale surrounding the holiday suggests that Chinese Rebel leader Zhu Yuanghang, the father of the Ming Dynasty which lasted from 1368-1644, used the pastry to insert a message which rallied his followers to defeat the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty.

Apart from the celebrated cake, the gathering was served other treats which included roast pig and traditional desserts.

The feast was followed by a tour of the facility, where a variety of fruit and vegetable specimens are being cultured and harvested, and an agro-processing laboratory is set up.

Ambassador Lee used the opportunity to reinforce Taiwan’s commitment to this country in areas including education, agriculture and infrastructural development.

Close to forty Taiwanese nationals are currently residing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (JJ)