The Taiwanese community in Ireland was joined by many Irish friends as it celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Moon Festival) on 10th September 2016 in the wonderful surroundings of Dublin’s Mansion House. Organised by the Taipei Representative Office in cooperation with the Taiwan Ireland Association, the event was well attended by figures from all walks of Irish life. The enthusiasm of the expatriate community was added to by the presence of many Taiwanese-Irish families and young people enjoying the working holiday visa programme.
Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important cultural events on Taiwan’s calendar, and an occasion to celebrate family, heritage and community. President of the Taiwan Ireland Association, Mr. Frank Lu, thanked the overseas community for its on-going support and encouragement of such events, and invited His Excellency Representative Simon Tu to address the gathering.
Representative Tu warmly welcomed the assembled guests and congratulated them for their involvement in the cultural activities of the past few months, making particular mention of the Taiwan Culinary Lecture Tour and the Dragon Boat Festival, and outlining plans for the coming year.
A lively programme of activities followed, including a lottery and a traditional Chinese medicine demonstration by Irish practitioner, Mr. David Corbally. Guests enjoyed a Chinese banquet and home-made moon cakes which are traditional to the season.
[PHOTO CAPTION 1:] Representative Simon Tu addresses guests in the Mansion House.
[PHOTO CAPTION 2:] Representative and Mrs. Tu are joined by Newbridge Chamber of Commerce President Seán Dunne and his wife, clay pottery artist Eleanor Swan.
[PHOTO CAPTION 3:] Representative Tu presents the first prize to a lucky guest.
