European and Chinese musicians came together in Paris to perform a perfect blend of Western and Eastern music, both traditional and modern, to mark this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the biggest annual holidays in China.

Hosted by the China Cultural Center in the French capital, the 2021 Mid-Autumn China-France Online Concert gathered 15 well-known artists on a festival-inspired stage decorated by floating lanterns designed to look like the full moon – to which the holiday is dedicated.

"Under the current situation where the new coronavirus mutant virus is spreading indiscriminately around the world, we decided to hold an online Mid-Autumn Festival concert," said She Mingyuan, director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Paris.

He added that the celebration wanted to "tell the Chinese story of 'Moon, Reunion and Friendship,' pass on the Mid-Autumn Festival blessings of 'Happy Family and Blind Date,' share the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival and enhance the confidence of people around the world in fighting the epidemic."

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in China every year on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which in 2021 fell on September 21. 

Families and friends gather to look at the bright full moon and eat mooncakes, small round pastries stuffed with sweet or savory fillings often shared as presents to express affection and best wishes.

READ MORE: Five things you should know about China's mid-Autumn festival