Last Saturday, on September 27th, the 35th SF Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival kicked off in San Francisco’s Chinatown, attracting a large number of residents and tourists. The festival took place on Grant Avenue and featured dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances, traditional food stalls, and a festive atmosphere.
The opening ceremony commenced after a small parade, with several elected officials in attendance to offer congratulations and speeches.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed Eva Lee, the founder of the Autumn Moon Festival and president of the Chinatown Merchants United Association of San Francisco, asking her what the festival’s 35-year milestone meant to her.
Eva Lee responded, “The Autumn Moon Festival is a celebration of Chinese community’s culture, tradition, and history. I am very proud of our community because they work very hard.”
She expressed excitement in witnessing the festival’s journey over the years and its continuous ability to unite the community. She particularly thanked the city government and sponsors for their support in sustaining and promoting the event.
Mayor Lurie expressed his gratitude to Eva Lee, saying, “We thank you for everything you do for this community every day. I am pleased to be here today with my colleagues from the City Council to commend and celebrate you. I just want to say to you: thank you!”
Councilman Danny Sauter of the Third District representing Chinatown encouraged everyone to eat more mooncakes, saying, “Go, Chinatown! Go, San Francisco!”
Councilwoman Chyanne Chen from the Eleventh District added, “Not only should you eat more mooncakes, but also buy more and share them with family and friends. Please support the small businesses in Chinatown!”
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Assessor Joaquin Torres both expressed their support for the festival.
Jenkins pledged to ensure the safety of everyone and the city so that events like this festival can continue to be enjoyed.
Christopher Del Gandio, the Chief of Police of the Central Division, offered Mid-Autumn Festival wishes on behalf of all officers at the Central Division, inviting people to engage and interact with them at the event.
Councilman Matt Dorsey of the Sixth District expressed his excitement in working together with colleagues to uphold public safety and rejuvenate San Francisco, saying, “I am honored to work with Mayor Lurie, witnessing the great revival of our city! Go, San Francisco! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all!”
City Attorney David Chiu praised San Francisco’s Chinatown as the “best Chinatown in the universe!”
Proud of his Chinese heritage, Chiu emphasized the 175-year history and heritage of the Chinese community in San Francisco, stating, “We have been rooted here for 175 years. No matter what the outside world says, our native citizens and immigrant families will continue this legacy for another 175 years. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all!”
State Senator Scott Wiener presented recognition to Eva Lee on behalf of the State Senate. Council President Rafael Mandelman and Acting Police Chief Paul Yep were also present to offer congratulations and speeches.
The event featured performers portraying characters such as the Monkey King, Chang’e, Hou Yi, Wu Gang, and the Jade Rabbit, as well as award-winning Asian-American beauty pageant winners greeting the audience. They not only appeared during the ceremony but also interacted with and took photos with visitors at the festival.
Cartoon mascots like Labubu were particularly popular, attracting crowds and causing “traffic jams” as they moved through the festival, prompting people to eagerly take photos with them.
The festival booths lined Grant Avenue in Chinatown, offering a vibrant scene of dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances, and the aroma of various street foods like colorful mooncakes and candied chestnuts, drawing long queues of people. Additionally, there were exquisite handicrafts, lucky draws, health information, and other conveniences, making the atmosphere lively and festive.
Furthermore, the event included a photography exhibition and provided free portrait sessions for seniors aged 55 and above.
Based on past experiences, the two-day street festival typically attracts tens of thousands of attendees, becoming a significant community event during San Francisco’s autumn season.