Hanoi’s Vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival: A Century-Old Tradition

Hanoi's Hang Gai Street, a hub of vibrant culture and tradition, comes alive in a series of captivating color photos taken by photographer Leon Busy in 1915. These rare glimpses into the past showcase the Mid-Autumn Festival toys, providing a unique insight into the rich heritage of this enchanting city.

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The stunning photographs of Hanoi’s Mid-Autumn Festival, captured by photographer Leon Busy, offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. The images are part of a larger collection, totaling 1,382 photographs of Vietnam, currently exhibited at the Albert Kahn Museum in France.

Hang Gai Street in 1915, bustling with a toy shop filled with Mid-Autumn Festival delights.

Sponsored by French entrepreneur Albert Kahn, Leon Busy embarked on a journey to Vietnam from 1914 to 1917. His mission was to capture the essence of daily life in northern Vietnam, and he certainly delivered.

Beyond the historic streets of Hanoi, such as Hang Luoc and the tranquil setting of Tran Quoc Pagoda, Busy’s lens focused on the festive atmosphere of Hang Gai Street. There, a mid-autumn toy shop displayed its colorful wares in 1915.

These photographs are believed to be the earliest colored images of Hanoi, made possible through autochrome color photography. They serve as invaluable historical records, showcasing the city’s past while highlighting the photographer’s artistic eye for composition, angles, and subject matter.

The distinct separation of Hang Gai Street’s sidewalks and vehicle lanes was a result of urban planning by the French colonial administration in 1890.

Lanterns and toys artfully arranged, creating a festive display.

The creativity and variety of the lanterns’ sizes and shapes are captivating.

Iron human figures, a unique feature of the festival, stand out with their bright and eye-catching attire.

The intricate and exquisite mid-autumn pewter toys, now a lost art, showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

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