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In pictures: how Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated in Hong Kong from the 1970s to 90s

Mooncakes, lanterns and fire dragon dances have long been hallmarks of this festival marking the full moon at the end of harvest season

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Families with their kids during Mid-Autumn Festival in 1977. Photo: SCMP Archives
Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese celebrations in Hong Kong.
Every year, families gather under the light of the full moon while children enjoy the lanterns that set public parks aglow. For those seeking livelier celebrations, fire dragon dances add excitement to the festivities. Tai Hang and Pok Fu Lam are wreathed in smoke as the fiery dragons wind their way through the streets, accompanied by rhythmic drumming, burning incense and a strong sense of community spirit.
As the festival’s main traditional fare, mooncakes used to be considered an expensive luxury, and many families would join instalment plans at neighbourhood pastry shops, paying small sums throughout the year to secure their Mid-Autumn treats.
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Here’s a look back at how the city celebrated the festival from the 1970s to the 90s, through the lens of South China Morning Post photographers.

Children playing with lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival in 1976. Photo: SCMP Archives
Children playing with lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival in 1976. Photo: SCMP Archives
Expatriate children join in the fun during the 1977 festival. Photo: SCMP Archives
Expatriate children join in the fun during the 1977 festival. Photo: SCMP Archives
Lanterns hang from a tree in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, during the 1978 Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: SCMP Archives
Lanterns hang from a tree in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, during the 1978 Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: SCMP Archives
Children light candles during the 1984 festivities. Melting or burning wax has since been banned in the city, and candles must be placed in non-flammable containers. Photo: SCMP Archives
Children light candles during the 1984 festivities. Melting or burning wax has since been banned in the city, and candles must be placed in non-flammable containers. Photo: SCMP Archives
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