In Pictures Lantern Festival In Hoi An

As an essential port town from the 15th to 19th century, Hoi An welcomed traders and merchants worldwide. The Japanese also found themselves flocking to this tiny coastal town, but not without their colourful lanterns to hang in front of their homes as they did back in their own country. 

Smitten by their beauty and bright colours, the locals took to it, hoping it would herald good luck. By 1998, these colourful lanterns of small, big and medium sizes became a part of the full moon celebrations as well. Since then, every year, on the fourteenth day of the lunar month, every alley of the ancient quaint town of Hoi An finds itself cloaked in lanterns of different colours.

The main attraction is the lanterns floating on the tranquil Thu Bon river, placed by people wishing good luck and health. On every 14th day, when the lantern festival is celebrated, poets, music and dance performers take to the street running along the river

Every house in Hoi An is decked up with colourful lanterns

The Old Quarter is decorated with lanterns of different shapes and sizes. At 8 pm, all fluorescent lights are switched off so the lanterns can shine the brightest

The sky is lit up with thousands of lanterns as well as fireworks 

On this day, the locals also remember their ancestors by praying and lighting a lantern in their memory

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