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Why celebrate the autumn moon? 

Celebrating the autumn moon dates as far back as 15-20,000 years ago in Southeast Asia. This celebration came about as a way for parents to make up for lost time with their children after working so hard during the harvest season.   Festivities were held under the full moon, which represents fullness and prosperity of life.  Children parade on the streets, singing and carrying colorful lanterns of different sizes and themes.  Some popular lantern shapes include fish, stars, and butterflies.

A favorite folk tale is about a carp that wanted to become a dragon.  The carp worked very hard and eventually transformed itself into a dragon.  Parents use this story to encourage their children to work hard so that they can become whatever they want to be.

Why celebrate in the Tenderloin neighborhood? 

The San Francisco Tenderloin is home to an estimated 12,000 Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. These same groups have the highest level of poverty, reaching 54% in the Bay Area.

The Tenderloin is plagued by drug dealers, poor access to quality health care services, unsafe streets, high crime rates and overcrowding. Over the years, this neighborhood has been quietly forgotten. Due to the constant survival mode of these families, there is very little time for parents to spend quality time with their children.  The Tenderloin Autumn Moon Festival provides a fun opportunity for families to spend time together.

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