Hàng Mã Street prepares for Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi

Hàng Mã Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter has transformed into a vibrant hub of color and activity as the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches. The street is densely packed with traditional festive items, including star lanterns, carp lanterns, paper masks, lion dance heads, and tò he (colorful dough figurines).

Local vendors report a significant increase in foot traffic from residents and tourists. While modern toys are available, there is a notable trend of consumers, including younger generations, favoring traditional folk toys to preserve cultural heritage. Prices for various items range from small lanterns at 15,000 VND to intricate lion dance heads costing up to 500,000 VND.

Artisans like Đặng Văn Hậu continue to maintain traditional crafts, such as hand-molding tò he from rice dough, which remains a major attraction for visitors. The festive atmosphere serves as both a commercial center and a cultural destination for families looking to introduce children to Vietnamese traditions.