Not Just The Moon Cake, This Is The Meaning Behind The Largest Chinese Festival In Singkawang

SINGKAWANG - Mayor of Singkawang, West Kalimantan, Tjhai Chui Mie said the moon cake festival or Moon Cake Festival which took place in the city on October 3 "6" became a symbol of the preservation of Chinese culture which was full of meaning and value of togetherness.

He emphasized that the holding of the Moon Cake Festival was not just a ceremonial celebration, but also a tangible manifestation of preserving the ancestral traditions of the Chinese community in Singkawang.

"This festival is how we maintain and pass cultural values on to the younger generation so that they don't disappear by the times," said Tjhai Chui Mie in Singkawang, Antara, Sunday, October 5.

The moon cake celebration is a tradition that is held every 15 months and 8 Chinese calendars. In Chinese culture, this celebration symbolizes gratitude, family harmony, and togetherness under full moon light.

In addition to cultural values, the Moon Cake Festival also has an economic impact on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Singkawang.

For a week, MSMEs can market local products to visitors. This is certainly a multiplier effect for the community's economy," he said.

Tjhai Chui Mie also encouraged similar activities to continue to be promoted by various ethnic associations in Singkawang. Currently, there are 17 associations in the city who are considered to have great potential to be developed into cultural-based tourist attractions.

Every community has a unique tradition value. If it is packaged properly, everything can become a tourist magnet coming to Singkawang," he said.

Chairman of the Singkawang Committee Moon Cake Festival 2025, airing Abraham added, this festival not only displays various special moon cakes and culinary delights, but also includes social activities such as free acupuncture and compensation for orphans.

"The enthusiasm of the community is extraordinary. We hope that the Moon Cake Festival can become an annual agenda in Singkawang City, as a form of synergy between culture, tourism, and community economic empowerment," he said.

With the combination of cultural nuances, entertainment, and social activities, the Moon Cake Festival 2025 is a people's party as well as a symbol of harmony and diversity that is the hallmark of Singkawang City.