Overseas Chinese marks Mid-Autumn Festival

NEW YORK - China's Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, which fell on Sept 13 this year, has brought joy where it was celebrated by overseas Chinese communities around the world on Friday and over the weekend.

In the United States, a variety of Mid-Autumn festivities have eased the homesickness of the Chinese communities. In New York, Illinois, California and elsewhere, festival-themed carnivals, galas and markets started from last weekend. Streets in Chinatowns were closed, cruise ships were rented, and top floors of landmark buildings were reserved for get-togethers.

In the east African country of Ethiopia, the celebrations of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival has coincided with the country's New Year. The double festivals have provided a moment for both Ethiopians and Chinese expats to celebrate the two events under a single roof, enjoying the two countries' rich cultural and historical values.