Chinese around the world were engaged in the joyful Mid-Autumn Festival and Fijians of Chinese ethnicity were no different.

Yesterday, they turned up in numbers for the double celebrations at the Yat Sen Hall as they commemorated the festival and observed the national day of China.

The People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, said this year they would not only celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, but also the 40th anniversary of China’s Reform and Opening up.

Speaking about China’s relationship with Fiji, he said: “We look forward to working together with Fiji on the basis of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.”

President Jioji Konrote was chief guest at the event.

He congratulated the people of China on their historical and milestone achievement.

“The Moon Festival is synonymous with family reunions, feasting and general merry-making, appreciation and reflections upon national, community and family aspirations and achievements,” Mr Konrote said.

“It is also a time for thanksgiving and renewed hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

“Traditionally, the Moon Festival is always celebrated with much fanfare in China

“It is so good to note that it is equally marked and revered here in Fiji, where Fijians of Chinese ethnicity have made major and significant contributions over the years to Fiji’s foundation and fabric of the unique diversity in our multicultural society,” he said.

“As a multicultural society, we should take advantage of every opportunity to commemorate and celebrate events such as today’s Moon Festival.

“This is to showcase our diversity as a nation and provide our youth and children to learn and appreciate the fact that it is our diversity which makes us stronger.

“Festivals such as this provides us with the ideal opportunity to learn and appreciate more about our roots and culture.

“For such important knowledge and experiences often shape and mould us into better and brighter future for Fiji, a place and homeland which all Fijians would be always proud to call home.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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