Students celebrate culture and connection at Mid-Autumn Festival

University of Melbourne students came together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with mooncakes, music, cultural performances and hands-on activities such as origami, calligraphy and paper lantern making at the Parkville campus.

Hosted by Discover UniMelb and the University of Melbourne Student Union, the event invited students and the University community to celebrate traditions across East and Southeast Asia, including the Mid-Autumn Festival, South Korea's Chuseok and Vietnam's Tết Trung Thu.

While each celebration has its own unique customs and cultural significance, they share common themes of gratitude, reunion and community.

For many students studying away from home, the festival offered an opportunity to reconnect with familiar traditions and celebrate alongside friends. For others, it provided exposure into cultural practices they may not have encountered before.

Students experienced a range of performances and interactive activities, from guzheng music and Japanese taiko drumming to a Hanfu showcase exploring attire from the Han, Tang, Song and Ming Chinese dynasties.

Students also took part in hands-on activities, including a paper lantern-making workshop hosted by Asialink Arts and Culture.

Master of International Business student Stephanie Lee reflected on the significance of Chuseok and sharing cultural traditions with others.

“Chuseok has always been a time to spend with family, make memories and celebrate together. It’s really special to be able to share those traditions with people from different cultural backgrounds here at the University,” she said.

Bachelor of Science student Eason (Yijia) Wang shared how events like the Mid-Autumn Festival can have a meaningful impact on the student experience.

“For many international students, events like this help create a sense of connection and belonging. They make Melbourne feel like a home away from home, not just a place to study, and give people the chance to build new friendships,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley said cultural celebrations are an important part of the University’s identity and help build a strong sense of belonging.

“Our campus is at its best when it reflects the rich heritage of our diverse community,” Professor Wesley said.

“The Mid-Autumn Festival is a wonderful example of how these traditions help make the University a vibrant place to live and learn, creating a space where people feel seen, valued and connected.”

The event forms part of a broader program of cultural celebrations across the University, creating opportunities for students to share traditions and learn from one another.