SAN FRANCISCO — The annual Autumn Moon Festival drew locals together, celebrating cultural heritage and community spirit through traditional performances and culinary delights.
Derek Tam, a Chinese dessert maker and fifth-generation craftsman of dragon beard candy, expressed his love for the event, noting how much attendees appreciate his creations.
“You can see the people. They love it,” he said.
For Tam, the festival symbolizes familial unity.
“Why it’s called the moon festival? Because every time we celebrate it, it means the family is together.”
As he expands his family legacy from Hong Kong to the U.S., Tam enjoys demonstrating his unique dessert to those unfamiliar with the treat.
“The people, they never saw here, how they stretch the molasses. Because, you know, the molasses, originally, is a brown color,” he explained.
Anna Wong, a children’s book author and vendor, echoed the importance of sharing cultural stories. For her, the festival evokes fond childhood memories.