One Brooklyn
September 29, 2015
BROOKLYN, NY, September 29, 2015: On Saturday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams joined the Sino America New York Brooklyn Archway Association and the World Overseas Fujianese Cultural Exchange Association in hosting hundreds of local children and families for his inaugural Autumn Moon Festival at Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park to celebrate Brooklyn’s Asian culture; the borough is home to one of the nation’s largest Chinese-American communities, as well as New York City’s largest Vietnamese-American population. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the celebration is a centuries-old commemoration of the harvest that included traditional mooncakes, cultural performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and a children’s lantern parade around the perimeter of the pier. Borough President Adams spoke to the importance of enhancing Brooklyn’s recognition of its Asian-American populace, including his ongoing effort to bring the city’s first Chinese friendship arch to Sunset Park.
“The Autumn Moon Festival is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the rich diversity in our borough, reflected in the heritage of Brooklynites hailing from China, Vietnam, and elsewhere in Asia,” said Borough President Adams. “Cultural celebrations are also a great way to bring One Brooklyn together and teach each other about the traditions that shape our lives. As we work diligently to deliver a Chinese friendship arch to Sunset Park, the first in our city’s history, we will strengthen festivals such as these by raising cultural awareness and drawing more locals and visitors alike to share in the community spirit.”
“It’s a great honor for Borough President Adams to recognize such an important holiday in Chinese culture,” said Winnie Greco of the Sino America New York Brooklyn Archway Association. “The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second-most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. On that day, the harvest moon is supposed to be the brightest and fullest throughout the year. It is believed that the moon represents prosperity and peace among family and friends. It is a tradition for Chinese families, from every corner of the world, to get together on that day and celebrate these values.”
Sponsors of the event included AT&T, Delta Airlines, Empire City Casino, McDonald’s, Money Gram, and Western Union. Entertainers and artists that performed on stage included An’s Taekwondo Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Better Chinatown Cultural Dance Troupe, Brooklyn Waist Drum Dance Troupe, New York Chinese Qipao Association, New York Eastern Chamber Orchestra, Kings Academy of Dance Arts, and Staten Island Lions.
PHOTOS
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, holding the American and Chinese flags, marches with hundreds of local youth and families during a children’s lantern parade around the perimeter of Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park as part of his inaugural Autumn Moon Festival celebration.
Photo Credit: Stefan Ringel/Brooklyn BP’s Office
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