When Giovana, a teacher from Rio de Janeiro, received her first invitation to a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration from a Chinese friend six years ago, she had no idea it would spark a lifelong cultural passion. \"I barely knew China had festivals beyond Lunar New Year,\" she recalls. Today, the vibrant lantern displays, moon-gazing traditions, and shared stories over tea have become an annual highlight in her calendar.
Her curiosity led her to study Mandarin and explore the festival\u2019s 3,000-year-old roots, which symbolize unity and gratitude. \"It\u2019s about gathering people across generations and borders,\" she says. This year, Giovana plans to deepen her connection by learning to make traditional mooncakes—a sweet challenge she\u2019s tackling with recipes from her Chinese friends.
Her story reflects a growing trend among young global citizens embracing cultural exchange. As cross-border friendships flourish, traditions like the Mid-Autumn Festival are becoming bridges for mutual understanding, blending ancient customs with modern, multicultural communities.
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'I fell in love with Mid-Autumn Festival because of Chinese friend'
cgtn.com
