Moon Festival in Taiwan: Why BBQ is a Must! [All About Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival]

Every year, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month is Mid-Autumn Festival. Families gather to admire the moon, making it one of the three major traditional festivals in Chinese culture. As a public holiday, it’s an important day for people across the Chinese-speaking world. Today, we’ll introduce Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The festival originates from ancient Chinese moon worship. In ancient times, the phases of the moon were used as a guide for agriculture and daily life. The 15th day of the 8th lunar month, considered the “mid-autumn,” is when the moon is at its brightest and most beautiful.

This period also coincides with the autumn harvest, and it became a tradition to offer fruits, mooncakes, and other offerings while admiring the moon, giving thanks for a bountiful harvest and nature’s blessings.

When is Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025?

In 2025, it falls on October 6. Since it follows the lunar calendar, the date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar.

Traditional vs. Modern Practices

Traditionally in Taiwan, families gather to admire the moon, share mooncakes, and eat pomelos. Since around 1980, barbecues have become the main way to celebrate. Yes, BBQ during Mid-Autumn Festival is a unique Taiwanese custom—and its origin is quite interesting!

How it started: via commercials

In 1980, a Taiwanese seasoning company aired a BBQ sauce commercial on TV around the festival. The timing inspired people to have barbecues when families gathered for the holiday. Back then, streets were filled with BBQ sets and smoke during Mid-Autumn!

Taiwanese BBQ sauce is sweet and spicy

Taiwanese BBQ sauce is different from American or Japanese styles—sweet soy sauce flavored with Chinese five-spice powder. It’s brushed on pork, fish balls, and sausages as they cook, giving a unique Taiwanese flavor.

Summary

In 2025, Mid-Autumn Festival is October 6! Traditionally, families admire the moon while eating mooncakes and pomelos. In Taiwan, however, BBQ has become an essential part of the celebration.

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