The 10 Best Autumn Festivals Around the World

8 October 2024 / 3 Minute Read

As autumn paints the world with gold and crimson hues, many enchanting festivals beckon travellers to celebrate. This season offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from time-honoured traditions to gastronomic delights. So, grab your eDataSIM eSIM, and let's embark on a journey through ten of the most captivating autumn festivals across the globe.

1. MassKara Festival

The Philippines' Festival of Smiles

What is MassKara? It is a jubilant extravaganza featuring vibrant masks, lively music, and energetic street dancing. Born out of resilience during challenging times, this festival was created to uplift spirits and has blossomed into one of the Philippines' most cherished celebrations.

When is MassKara? Every October.

Where is MassKara? Bacolod City, Philippines.

How to celebrate:

• Beam your brightest smile.
• Join the colourful parades.
• Dance alongside locals in a whirlwind of costumes and joy.

The infectious energy is bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

2. Diwali

India's Mesmerising Festival of Lights

What is Diwali? It is an enchanting festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Cities and villages shimmer with countless oil lamps and candles, casting a magical glow across the land.

When is Diwali? It is celebrated between October and November, following the Hindu lunar calendar.

Where is Diwali? Across India and countries with significant Hindu communities like Nepal, Malaysia, and the UK.

How to celebrate:

• Light a traditional diya.
• Marvel at spectacular fireworks displays.
• Explore bustling bazaars.
• Indulge in sweet treats like laddoos and barfi.

3. Thanksgiving (Canada)

Canada's Heartwarming Harvest Celebration

What is Thanksgiving? It is a day to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and blessings of the past year. It's a time for family gatherings, feasting, and appreciation.

When is Thanksgiving? The second Monday of October.

Where is Thanksgiving? Across Canada.

How to celebrate:

• Share a hearty meal with loved ones featuring roast turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
• Admire the autumn foliage.
• Engage in outdoor activities like apple picking or scenic hikes.

4. La Mercè Festival

Barcelona's Biggest Bash

What is La Mercè? It is a city-wide fiesta honouring Barcelona's patron saint, blending Catalan traditions with modern festivities. Expect human towers reaching for the sky, dazzling fireworks, and parades of giant puppets dancing through the streets.

When is La Mercè? In late September.

Where is La Mercè? Barcelona, Spain.

How to celebrate:

• Gaze in awe at the gravity-defying Castellers.
• Lose yourself in the rhythm of street performances.
• Soak up the electric atmosphere of this cultural extravaganza.

5. Oktoberfest

Germany's Ultimate Beer Extravaganza

What is Oktoberfest? It is a grand celebration of Bavarian culture, where beer steins are enthusiastically hefted, and merriment fills the air. Picture vast tents brimming with cheerful revellers, all joining in hearty toasts.

When is Oktoberfest? It kicks off in late September and runs until the first weekend of October.

Where is Oktoberfest? Munich is the heart and soul of this festival, though its spirited offspring have spread worldwide.

How to celebrate:

• Slip into your lederhosen or dirndl.
• Savour giant pretzels and bratwurst.
• Join in the rousing sing-alongs. Prost!

Guy Fawkes Night

Britain's Bonfire Night

What is Guy Fawkes Night? It is a uniquely British affair commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. On this evening, the skies blaze with fireworks, and bonfires light up the chilly November night.

When is Guy Fawkes Night? Every year on 5 November.

Where is Guy Fawkes Night? Across the United Kingdom, from quaint village greens to bustling city parks.

How to celebrate:

• Wrap up warm and gather around a roaring bonfire.
• Watch dazzling fireworks.
• Enjoy a toffee apple.
• Set Off Sparklers.

7. Día de los Muertos

Mexico's Day of the Dead

What is Día de los Muertos? A vibrant celebration honouring the spirits of departed loved ones, it's far from morose. It's a joyous occasion filled with colourful altars, marigolds, and lively processions.

When is Día de los Muertos? 1st and 2nd of November.

Where is Día de los Muertos? Mexico City hosts grand festivities throughout Mexico, while towns like Oaxaca offer more intimate experiences.

How to celebrate:

• Visit beautifully adorned cemeteries.
• Par take in parades wearing traditional skeleton makeup.
• Admire the intricate ofrendas laden with offerings.

8. China's Mid-Autumn Festival

A Moonlit Celebration

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival? It is a time to celebrate the harvest, the full moon, and family unity. Mooncakes, those delectable pastries, are shared and enjoyed under the luminous night sky.

When is the Mid-Autumn Festival? Typically, September or October is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

Where is the Mid-Autumn Festival? Throughout China and in other East Asian countries like Taiwan and Vietnam.

How to celebrate:

• Savour mooncakes.
• Join lantern parades.
• Share stories and tea with loved ones beneath the full moon's gentle glow.

9. International Balloon Fiesta

New Mexico's Sky Spectacle

What is the International Balloon Fiesta? The world's largest hot air balloon festival, where the skies fill with a kaleidoscope of balloons in all shapes and hues.

When is the International Balloon Fiesta? The first week of October.

Where is the International Balloon Fiesta? Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

How to celebrate:

• Rise before dawn to witness the mass ascension
• Be enchanted by the evening "balloon glows,"
• Perhaps even float above the desert landscape yourself.

10. White Truffle Festival

Italy's Culinary Treasure Hunt

What is the White Truffle Festival? A gastronomic delight celebrating the rare and highly prized white truffle. It's a haven for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

When is the White Truffle Festival? From October to December.

Where is the White Truffle Festival? In the picturesque town of Alba, Italy.

How to celebrate:

• Savour exquisite truffle-infused dishes.
• Explore markets.
• Join a truffle hunt in the idyllic Italian countryside.

Whether you're sharing a feast in Canada or dancing under the stars in the Philippines, autumn festivals are a feast for the senses. But as you traverse these global celebrations, staying connected is essential.

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