The Moon Festival is a traditional holiday celebrated in several Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. The holiday falls according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which means the date varies slightly depending on the interpretation in different regions.

The Moon Festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is also a significant family celebration, where the full moon symbolizes unity and togetherness. During the festival, families gather to enjoy mooncakes, traditional pastries that have become an iconic symbol of the holiday. The festival is characterized by lively traditions such as lion and dragon dances, lantern processions, and performances. These colorful elements create a magical atmosphere and deepen the sense of community and gratitude.

Moon Festival in Närpes
The Moon Festival, which was first introduced in 2022 during the Närpes Mat & Mystik event, has become a beloved part of the festival and continues to be featured. Visitors can enjoy vibrant performances, take part in atmospheric lantern parades, and be fascinated by the traditional lion and dragon dances. Additionally, they can taste the traditional mooncakes, offering a unique culinary experience in connection with the festival.

Närpes Mat & Mystik has evolved from two previous events that combined art, culture, and culinary experiences in Närpes.

Slättens Mystik (1997–2001)
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Slättens Mystik was organized at Söff in Yttermark. The initiative came from Karin Lipkin-Forsén and Aija Lumme, with Karin coining the name. The event offered a unique evening of art and culture, providing both local and invited artists an opportunity to showcase their talents.

The courtyard and surrounding area of Söff, including Jakobsgården, were transformed into a creative and safe environment with art exhibitions, performance artists, and pyrotechnics that created a magical atmosphere. The event also included cultural elements where new residents presented their heritage through art and performances. Towards the end of the event’s history, food began to play a larger role in the experience.

Matfesten på tre arenor (2011)
In 2011, a food festival was held in Öjskogsparken as part of the a project called Matfestivalen på tre arenor ("Food festival in three arenas"). Dynamo Närpes was responsible for the part of the event held in Närpes, focusing on local culinary culture and offering visitors unique taste experiences.

The beginning of Slättens Mat & Mystik (2012)
In 2012, the idea emerged to combine the concept of the food festival with the legacy of Slättens Mystik. Dynamo Närpes raised to the initiative and created Slättens Mat & Mystik, a two-day event in central Närpes. Over the years, the event evolved with various formats and themes to attract both local visitors and tourists.

A new concept and name change (2022–2023)
In 2022, the event underwent a major concept update. The focus was on creating a vibrant cultural and culinary event with a clear structure:

• Friday night in the town center: Performances, food stands, and activities for children in the square and park.
• Saturday with adventures throughout Närpes: Visitors could explore markets and fairs and enjoy local culture and food at multiple locations around town.

In 2023, the event was renamed as Närpes Mat & Mystik to better reflect its diverse content and to establish Närpes as a cultural and culinary destination.