The lights! The music! The costumes! The FOOD! If you’ve never had the opportunity to take part in a cultural festival or carnival, put it on your bucket list now! I am fortunate enough to have been able to experience a couple different festivals in my travels: The Junkanoo in the Bahamas, and Carnival in Aruba. And I do not exaggerate when I tell you that they were the highlights of my trips!
As we know, different holidays are celebrated throughout the world to commemorate important cultural, religious, or historical events that are significant to people of different nations. Each affair offers a variety of distinct festivities with feasts, music, gatherings and a myriad of their own traditions and rituals. And while there are many international festivals that showcase these unique traditions all year long, today we are going to take a look at those that take place during the Autumn months!
Day Of The Dead
This multi-day festival that is celebrated throughout Mexico begins on November 1st and can last several days. The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, honors the memories of friends and family members who have died. Though, don’t mistake this as a period of mourning, as it actually takes on a light-hearted, fun atmosphere that celebrates your loved one’s lives.
The deceased are honored with altars to welcome them back to the realm of the living. A large array of offerings are left at these altars ranging anywhere from food, to written notes, to flowers, to items of personal significance, and more. Parades, feasts, and mass gatherings take place throughout the streets of Mexico (you may be familiar with the iconic masks, and the colorful costumes), as well as privately within homes.
Historians have different opinions on whether this festival has indigenous roots, or if it is a modern adaptation of European tradition… or possibly, a combination of both! While it is known that indigenous peoples of Mexico did have their own rituals for honoring the dead, more similar traditions were practiced in Medieval Europe, where celebrations like All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day that are observed in places like Spain and Southern Europe.
If you are interested in attending such a festival, plan well in advance, because the cities fill up early with visiting family members and tourists looking to experience this exciting event. To make the most of your time, and to fully embrace this culture-rich country and all of its traditions, plan to arrive several days early and stay for several more afterwards.
Oktoberfest- Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is a world-famous beer festival that takes place annually in Munich, Germany. It is a celebration of Bavarian culture, cuisine, and, of course, beer. The festival typically runs for 16 days, starting in late September and ending on the first Sunday in October.
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in honor of the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Since then, the festival has become a beloved tradition, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
During Oktoberfest, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of traditional Bavarian foods, such as sausages, pretzels, and roasted meats, as well as copious amounts of beer served in large, liter-sized mugs. There are also parades, live music, and carnival rides to enjoy. Oktoberfest is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique culture and festive atmosphere of Bavaria, so plan on staying long enough to embrace it all!
Diwali Festival- India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The festival usually falls in either October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. People celebrate by lighting diyas (oil lamps), decorating their homes with colorful rangolis (patterns made with colored powder), and bursting firecrackers.
The festival has many different meanings and traditions depending on the region and culture. In northern India, Diwali is celebrated to honor the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana from their 14-year-long exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. In southern India, the festival is celebrated to honor the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
Overall, Diwali is a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and spreading love and joy. It is a beautiful festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and encourages people to embrace positivity and kindness in their lives. And the best part? Travelers from all over the world are welcome to participate in the Diwali celebrations, and take part in the rituals and festivities focused on peace, love, and harmony.
Chinese Moon Festival
The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month and falls between mid-September to early October. This festival is widely celebrated in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia.
The festival is known for its iconic mooncakes, a pastry that is filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as lotus seed paste, egg yolk, and red bean paste. The round shape of the mooncake symbolizes completeness and reunion, which is a central theme of the festival.
In addition to eating mooncakes, people celebrate the festival by admiring the bright full moon, which is believed to be the brightest on this day. Family and friends gather together to appreciate the moon and spend time with each other. The festival is also a time for cultural activities such as lion and dragon dances, lantern-making, and storytelling.
Be sure to check your calendar for the specific dates so that you don’t miss all of the festivities!
Thailand’s Lantern Festival
Thailand’s Lantern Festival, also known as Yi Peng, is a beautiful and magical event that takes place annually in northern Thailand. The festival is a celebration of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually in November, and is a time for people to make merit and give thanks.
During the festival, thousands of people release paper lanterns into the night sky, creating a stunning display of floating lights that resemble a sea of stars. The lanterns are made from thin paper stretched over a bamboo frame, with a candle or fuel cell attached to the bottom. As the heat from the flame rises, it fills the lantern with hot air and lifts it up into the sky creating a spectacular scene!
The lanterns are often decorated with messages of good luck, prayers, and wishes for the future. In addition to releasing lanterns, people also participate in parades, traditional dances, and other cultural activities. The Lantern Festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the beauty of Thai culture and the joy of life.
La Nuit Blanche
La Nuit Blanche is an annual all-night arts festival that takes place in cities around the world, including Paris, Toronto, and Montreal. The event is held in the fall and features a wide range of artistic exhibits and performances, including visual art installations, music, dance, film screenings, and theater.
The festival’s name, which translates to “white night,” refers to the fact that it takes place overnight, usually from dusk until dawn. La Nuit Blanche is designed to encourage people to engage with art in new and unexpected ways, and to explore their cities in a different light.
La Nuit Blanche was first held in Paris in 2002, and has since spread to cities around the world. The event has been praised for its ability to bring together artists, audiences, and communities in a celebration of creativity and culture.
The dates vary from year to year and from city to city, so a bit of research and planning is necessary to ensure you get the full experience you are looking for.
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is a British holiday that commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The plot was a conspiracy by a group of English Catholics who sought to assassinate the Protestant King James I and replace him with a Catholic monarch. Guy Fawkes was one of the plotters who was caught while guarding explosives placed beneath the House of Lords.
On November 5th, people in the UK celebrate this historic event by setting off fireworks and lighting bonfires. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, known as “Guys,” are often burned on the bonfires. In some areas, there are also parades and processions featuring large models of Guy Fawkes.
Although Guy Fawkes Night has its roots in a political event, it has become a popular cultural celebration that brings people together to enjoy fireworks and bonfires with family and friends. It is a unique and memorable experience that is enjoyed by many in the United Kingdom, as well as by visitors from around the globe.
La Merce Festival in Spain
La Mercè Festival is the largest and most famous festival in Barcelona, Spain. It is celebrated every year in honor of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè. The festival takes place over a period of several days, typically around the end of September, and is a time of immense joy and celebration for the people of Barcelona.
The festival is known for its lively and colorful processions, which feature giant papier-mâché figures, music, and dance. One of the most popular events is the Correfoc, or “fire run,” in which participants dressed as devils dance and run through the streets while brandishing fireworks.
La Mercè Festival also features a variety of concerts, street performers, and cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy performances by traditional Catalan musicians and dancers, as well as international artists from around the world.
If Spain is on your bucket list, this is the perfect time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Barcelona and Catalonia. It is a celebration of community, creativity, and joy that is not to be missed!
International Balloon Festival in New Mexico
The International Balloon Fiesta is an annual nine-day event held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, during the first week of October. The festival is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with over 500 hot air balloons participating each year. The festival began in 1972 with only 13 balloons, but it has since grown to become a major event in the city and a major tourist attraction.
The festival begins with a mass ascension of all participating balloons, which creates a beautiful display of color and excitement. Throughout the week, there are also various competitions and exhibitions, such as balloon races, balloon glows, and special shape balloon contests. Visitors can also enjoy local food vendors, live music, and other entertainment throughout the festival grounds.
The International Balloon Fiesta is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a celebration of the beauty and excitement of hot air ballooning, as well as a chance to experience the vibrant culture and community of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I hope this has sparked your interest in traveling to experience culture in a different way! There are several things to keep in mind if you do plan on attending one of these most unique festivals:
- Dates are not the same every year. Many of these holidays occur during specific moon cycles, or are based on a calendar unlike our own. It is important to do some research so that you don’t miss out.
- You will need to book early. Not only do these festivals draw in thousands of tourists looking to get a glimpse into another way of life, but they also bring lots of family and friends looking to celebrate with their loved ones. Flights and hotels will sell out quicker during these holidays, and will also likely be more expensive.
- To make the most of your time, and to fully embrace this culture-rich country and all of its traditions, plan to arrive several days early and stay for several more afterwards.
- Be respectful! Yes, it is always exciting to experience something for the first time, but remember to be respectful while doing so. These festivals are centered around religious and cultural events, and there may be rules (or guidelines) that are meant to be followed. Find out what kind of behaviors and dress are acceptable before packing your bags and venturing out. The last thing you want to do is offend someone in another country during their special time of observance.
And if there is a specific holiday or festival you would like to know more about, let me know! It’s more fun when we learn together! So, are you ready to go?
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