UNA’s Chinese Student Organization threw a celebration at Evergreen Buffet in Florence for the annual Mid-Autumn Festival on Friday, Sept. 20.

Also known as the Moon Festival, the holiday is very big in China. The event could be loosely compared to the American tradition of Thanksgiving. Celebrators eat delicious food, admire the beautiful full moon and spend time with their loved ones.

In addition to the usual food options at Evergreen, Chinese and American students both shared moon cakes, which are small pastries made especially for the holiday.

Teams also competed in a variety of games. One game involved keeping a tissue in the air by blowing on it. Another particularly challenging game involved testing one’s skills with chopsticks. The Americans transferred Ping-Pong balls from one bowl to another, and the Asian students transferred tiny red beans.

All in all, it was a great night with good food, great friends and fun games. With so many international students away from their home countries for the first time, the CSO’s Mid-Autumn festival was a great way to come together and share in this unique holiday. Zhōngqiū jié kuàilè – happy moon festival!