A Flavorful Day at the Mid-Autumn Festival
This past Saturday, we ventured out to the bustling Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie, Texas, to partake in the exuberant Mid-Autumn Festival. Despite the scorching heat of over 100 degrees, the festive atmosphere, delectable food, and vibrant cultural performances made it a memorable day.
Culinary Delights
The festival’s food vendors offered an array of mouth-watering dishes. We started with refreshing sugar cane drinks and coconut water, perfect for the hot day. I indulged in a Vietnamese coffee topped with Pandan cream, a delightful treat that kept me energized well into the night—though I recommend enjoying it earlier in the day unless you plan to stay up late!
The culinary highlight for our family was the diverse seafood and meat options. The crab French fries surprised us with their sweet yet spicy flavor profile, perfectly balanced by the vinegar and jalapeños. My son enjoyed the grilled octopus, while my husband and I savored the lemongrass grilled beef, unanimously our favorite. I personally couldn’t get enough of the Lobster balls!
Regrettably, the intense heat took its toll, necessitating frequent breaks and causing us to miss out on some other treats and performances.
Check Out this amazing
vendor list
Shopping and Entertainment
Between meals, we explored the various vendors. The market was adorned with crochet flower shops, anime-themed cups, and hats. We even picked up a traditional handheld fan. The atmosphere was lively, with everyone enjoying their food and browsing through beautiful jewelry and other merchandise.
Children beamed with joy as they received goodie bags filled with Asian candies and kid-friendly lanterns for the parade at 7:30 PM.
Cultural Performances
The entertainment was a spectacular showcase of traditions from around the globe. We watched awe-inspiring “Ballet Folklórico,” a traditional Mexican dance, and were captivated by Hawaiian hula performances. The dragon fire dances, occurring every two hours, were a thrilling highlight, filling the area with energy and awe. The day concluded with a lantern parade under a sky painted in shades of orange and blue—an enchanting end to our festival experience.
Reflections
Held at the picturesque Asia Times Square, the Mid-Autumn Festival offered a three-day celebration of culture, food, and community. Although we attended only on Saturday, starting our adventure at 2:30 PM, the experience was nothing short of magical. It’s a joy to capture these moments, stepping away from the professional lens and simply embracing the joy of photography in such a vibrant setting.
