WELCOMING A NEW SEASON... is a joyful act, one that can be performed in private with family and friends or enjoyed in public, with a whole host of traditions in tow. And while every time of year boasts something rather beautiful, there are events surrounding autumn's beginning that are as time-honored as such happenings come. One of the most prominent celebrations is the mid-autumn festival, a meaning-filled gathering that has been observed in several Asian communities for centuries. Not only observed, but warmly engaged in, with delicious food standing as a central part of the festivity. And not just any food, but the mooncake which is the main bite at this deeply delightful observance. Where, though, to enjoy the pleasures of this falltime come-together, the dance and the sights, while getting the opportunity to nibble at a mooncake or two?
THE LANGHAM HUNTINGTON, PASADENA, which is holding its first-ever Mid-Autumn Festival on Sunday, Sept. 23. Dragon dancing and glowful lanterns will be woven through the afternoon-into-evening event, which is part of the landmark hotel's Heritage with Heart series. The party will pay homage to Langham's strong Chinese roots in part, and there's a fine cause to support, too: ChinaWeek, "... a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing understanding of and access to China through an exciting event series held across Los Angeles each May." Ten percent of the proceeds from the Mid-Autumn Festival, in fact, will benefit this fine series.
ALSO OF NOTE? The mooncakes to be served at the Mid-Autumn Festival are not only available for online order now, via the Langham, but they bear a special designation: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is the first U.S. hotel to offer the pastries, which are seasonal favorites at the hotels outside of Hong Kong and in China. Find more information on tickets for the hotel's first Mid-Autumn Festival and ordering Langham mooncakes of your own.
