Enjoy performances from more than 10 countries and witness Australia’s longest noodle challenge at this year’s Canberra Moon Festival. Photo: CMF.
How long can a single strand of handmade noodles stretch? Find out the answer at the Canberra Moon Festival 2024, running from Friday, 6 September to Sunday, 8 September, at City Walk and Petrie Plaza.
‘Australia’s longest noodle’ challenge will test the limits of hand-pulling to create the longest single strand of noodle in the country. This event, in collaboration with the Chinese Kitchen Dumpling House, will take place during the festival on Sunday.
In Chinese culture, a continuous hand-pulled noodle symbolises longevity and unity, with records showing noodles stretching over 300 metres. Attendees will not only witness the challenge but also have the chance to taste the noodles while supporting Vinnies’ Refugee and Migrant Program.
“It’s a cultural heritage skill from China,” said Suzanne Li, the director of the Canberra Moon Festival.
“The idea came from one of our committee members, and we love a good challenge. After research and testing, we believe it’s achievable.”
The preparation, however, is no small task.
“It’s all about getting the right balance of flour and water, fermenting the dough for the ideal stretch, preserving it correctly, and then finally stretching it to ensure the noodle remains long and continuous,” she said.
“We will be pulling, measuring, and cooking the noodles on stage on Sunday morning. The cooked noodles will be shared with the crowd, and a stall will be set up to raise funds for Vinnies.”
But the Canberra Moon Festival 2024 is about much more than just noodles. This year features an expanded lineup of activities and performances.
Festival-goers will be welcomed by art installations, including a giant Moon Rabbit lantern, standing five metres wide and three metres tall – a symbol of reunion and hope.
Six cultural workshops and traditional games will also make their debut, from mooncake making and sugar painting to fan and lantern crafting, ring toss, and arrow throwing.
Yuxin Huang, the festival’s marketing specialist, said these additions aimed to deepen the community’s connection to diverse cultural traditions.
“Culture needs to be experienced firsthand to be truly understood and appreciated,” Yuxin said.
“These interactive workshops will add fun and offer participants a deeper understanding of these traditional practices.”
In addition to the workshops, the festival will feature a multicultural showcase, with performances and displays from more than 10 countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Bhutan, Brazil, and Greece.
Yuxin Huang and Suzanne Li invite everyone to join this year’s Canberra Moon Festival. Photo: Laura Liu.
Organisers are expecting about 45,000 attendees this year, a significant rise from the 30,000 who enjoyed the festival in 2022, showcasing Canberra as a vibrant cultural hub in September. Suzanne emphasised the festival’s role as a cultural bridge.
“We want to share the idea of ‘one community, one world, and one big family’ with our city. Culture has no borders, and we believe it’s something that everyone can experience and pass on.”
Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival is China’s second most important celebration after Lunar New Year. Traditionally observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it’s a time for harvest and family gatherings, with the full moon symbolising unity and harmony. Suzanne wished everyone happiness and well-being during this special occasion.
“I also hope people fall in love with Canberra. It’s a wonderful city to call home and build a life.
“We can’t wait to see everyone at the Canberra Moon Festival, where we’ll enjoy mooncakes, international food, and the joy of tradition.”
The Canberra Moon Festival 2024 runs from Friday, 6 September, to Sunday, 8 September, at City Walk and Petrie Plaza. For more information, please visit the website.
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