CaliToday (24/9/2025): As the California sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the plaza, the inaugural Milpitas Lantern Festival transformed into a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture, community, and light. The event, now an annual tradition, once again served as a powerful bridge connecting generations and diverse cultural backgrounds under the shimmering glow of the Harvest Moon.
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| Traditional dancers wore nón lá hats and used fans and scarves in their dances. Daeshna Booma |
As dusk settled, the air filled with the enchanting melodies of Vietcoustic, a local live band, whose vocalists performed a heartfelt repertoire of beloved Vietnamese songs. The gentle strumming of guitars, the harmonious notes from the keyboard, and subtle percussion blended seamlessly with angelic singing. This captivating soundtrack encouraged both children and adults to clap along, creating a warm, unifying rhythm throughout the evening.
City officials highlighted the festival’s vital role in celebrating Milpitas’ significant Vietnamese community. "The City of Milpitas is committed to hosting events like this to honor the cultures and traditions of our diverse residents, including the Vietnamese community we’re celebrating tonight," stated one organizer, underscoring the city's dedication to inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
A Sea of Hand-Crafted Light
By nightfall, the plaza became a breathtaking spectacle of light. Families, having diligently crafted their own đèn lồng—brightly decorated paper lanterns—earlier in the day, proudly carried their handmade creations across the bustling grounds. Each lantern glowed like a tiny, personal moon, illuminating the smiling faces of children and adults alike.
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| Lanterns hung around Civic Center Plaza looked like earthbound moons. Dhaeshna Booma |
The air thrummed with excitement as these delicate, luminous artworks were carefully hung between the trees, swaying gently beneath strands of twinkling string lights. The collective radiance of hundreds of lanterns created an almost magical atmosphere, transforming the open space into a glowing canopy of shared artistry and heritage.
The Milpitas Lantern Festival, more than just a public event, embodies a spirit of community and connection. Under the symbolic Harvest Moon, residents from all walks of life gathered to share delicious food, enjoy captivating music, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese heritage. It was a poignant celebration of unity, culture, and the enduring power of light to bring people together.
