15 Fall Cultural Festivals Abroad You Should Experience Once

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Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the largest beer festivals in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. It takes place from late September to the first weekend in October, offering a vibrant atmosphere with traditional Bavarian music, food, and of course, beer. The event also includes carnival rides, parades, and local cultural performances that showcase the region’s rich traditions. Whether you are a fan of beer or simply looking to immerse yourself in Bavarian culture, this festival offers a unique experience.

The festival has a long history dating back to 1810, making it a deeply rooted part of Munich’s culture. Visitors from all over the globe gather in huge beer tents to enjoy traditional German brews and hearty meals such as pretzels, sausages, and roasted chicken. Families, friends, and even tourists come together to celebrate in a festive environment. Oktoberfest is a must-see for anyone looking to experience a lively and authentic cultural celebration.

Day of the Dead – Mexico

Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a celebration of life and death, held from October 31 to November 2. The festival is most famously observed in Oaxaca and Mexico City, where families create altars and decorate them with marigolds, candles, and offerings for their deceased loved ones. The festivities are filled with music, dancing, and vibrant parades. It’s a perfect chance to witness traditional Mexican culture and its unique approach to honoring ancestors.

The event is an explosion of color and life, as participants don face paint to resemble skulls, creating a striking contrast to the festive surroundings. The streets come alive with locals playing traditional music and offering food to the spirits. Families often visit cemeteries, bringing picnics and music, making it a truly immersive celebration. Day of the Dead combines spiritual significance with joyous celebration, making it a must-see cultural festival.

Diwali – India

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The event marks the triumph of good over evil, and it is celebrated with a variety of customs, including lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and exchanging sweets. Cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Delhi are known for their grand Diwali celebrations, where the streets and homes are illuminated with millions of lights.

Diwali is not only about lights and fireworks but also about family gatherings and prayers. People worship deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for blessings in the coming year. The festival is also a time for renewal and cleaning, as many people decorate their homes with rangoli patterns and colorful decorations. This iconic festival showcases India’s deep cultural traditions and is a fantastic opportunity for travelers to experience the country’s spiritual and festive side.

Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh, Scotland

The Edinburgh International Festival, held every August, is one of the world’s most renowned arts festivals. It brings together a blend of theater, opera, dance, music, and visual arts, with performances taking place in various venues around the city. Artists from all over the world showcase their work, making it an important cultural hub for creatives. It is an opportunity to experience Scotland’s rich history of the arts and creativity.

In addition to the festival itself, the city of Edinburgh is full of charm, offering a beautiful backdrop of historic castles, cobbled streets, and scenic views. The festival fosters an atmosphere of innovation, making it an unmissable experience for anyone interested in the arts. If you enjoy performances that push boundaries, the Edinburgh International Festival should be on your cultural travel list.

La Mercè – Barcelona, Spain

La Mercè is the largest annual festival in Barcelona, taking place in September. It honors the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy, with a range of cultural activities including parades, fireworks, and human towers known as “castells.” The highlight of the festival is the parade of giants, where enormous, colorful figures march through the streets. La Mercè also celebrates Catalan culture, music, and traditions, offering visitors a chance to experience the local identity.

Throughout the festival, Barcelona is filled with lively celebrations in neighborhoods across the city. Traditional music and dancing take place, and the streets become venues for art exhibitions and theater performances. The festival’s energy and diversity make it one of Spain’s most vibrant events, where both locals and visitors come together to celebrate the rich culture of Barcelona.

Hallowe’en – Edinburgh, Scotland

In Edinburgh, Hallowe’en takes on a unique twist with its ancient celebrations rooted in Scottish traditions. The festival, known as Samhain, marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Throughout October, the city offers eerie ghost tours, elaborate parties, and fascinating folklore performances. For those who enjoy a good scare, this festival offers an unforgettable experience.

Edinburgh’s Hallowe’en celebrations are steeped in history, with its old streets and haunted locations providing the perfect backdrop for ghost stories. The city hosts a range of events, from the torchlight procession to theatrical performances and street performances, all focused on its Celtic roots. It is an excellent destination for those looking to experience the spooky side of Scottish culture.

King’s Day – Amsterdam, Netherlands

King’s Day (Koningsdag) in the Netherlands, celebrated in April, is an exuberant celebration in honor of the Dutch king’s birthday. However, the city’s fall vibes still resonate with the spirit of celebration as the country gets ready for the festive season. During King’s Day, Amsterdam is transformed into a giant street party. Locals wear orange clothing, enjoy boat parties along the canals, and shop at the outdoor markets.

This event is an exciting way to experience Dutch culture. The energy is palpable, and the streets are filled with music, games, and food. It’s a day for the entire city to come together to honor the royal family while enjoying the company of friends and strangers alike. The festivities are truly unmatched, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.

Tori-no-ichi – Tokyo, Japan

Tori-no-ichi, held in November, is a traditional festival in Tokyo where people celebrate good fortune. The festival is centered around the sale of “kumade” or bamboo rakes, which are decorated with symbols of prosperity and good luck. Many visitors flock to the markets to purchase these rakes, as it is believed that they will bring good fortune in the coming year.

The festival takes place at various shrines in Tokyo, most notably at the Otori Shrine. Along with the sale of lucky rakes, Tori-no-ichi includes performances, food stalls, and traditional Japanese entertainment. It’s a great way to witness a unique blend of cultural customs and the lively atmosphere that fills the streets of Tokyo during this event.

Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Philippines

The Pahiyas Festival is a colorful event held in May in Lucban, Quezon, celebrating the feast of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. It is famous for its street decorations made of colorful rice wafers, fruits, and vegetables. Local homes are beautifully adorned with these natural materials, creating a vibrant display that represents the bountiful harvest. The festival also includes street dancing, processions, and traditional Filipino food.

This festival is a showcase of the Philippines’ agricultural heritage and the creativity of its people. It’s an opportunity to experience local traditions, see intricate decorations, and taste the best Filipino delicacies. Pahiyas is an excellent way to connect with Filipino culture and learn about the country’s customs and values, all while enjoying a fun-filled celebration.

Lantern Festival – Pingxi, Taiwan

The Lantern Festival in Pingxi, Taiwan, is a mesmerizing celebration held every year on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. Thousands of colorful paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a beautiful spectacle that symbolizes the release of troubles and the welcoming of good fortune. The lanterns are often adorned with wishes and prayers, making the event deeply spiritual. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances, including dragon dances and music.

The festival’s roots date back to ancient Chinese traditions and has since evolved into a popular tourist attraction. Pingxi, a small town north of Taipei, is where most of the lantern releases take place, with its narrow streets providing a charming setting for the event. The Lantern Festival in Pingxi is an excellent way to experience Taiwan’s rich cultural history and vibrant festivities.

Fête des Lumières – Lyon, France

The Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in Lyon is one of France’s most iconic cultural celebrations, taking place in December. This festival is dedicated to lighting up the city with magnificent light installations and projections. Local and international artists come together to create breathtaking displays that transform the city into a magical landscape. It’s a time when the streets, squares, and buildings come to life, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The festival began in 1852 as a religious celebration to honor the Virgin Mary, but over the years, it has grown into a massive cultural event. It now attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors can take guided tours to see the best light installations and enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the city. Fête des Lumières provides a glimpse into the artistic spirit and creativity of Lyon.

Cologne Carnival – Cologne, Germany

The Cologne Carnival is one of the largest and most popular celebrations in Germany, held every year before Lent. This event, which typically takes place in February or March, is known for its lively parades, colorful costumes, and street parties. The carnival officially begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, known as “Women’s Day,” and continues through to Shrove Tuesday. Visitors can expect to see elaborate floats, humorous satirical costumes, and performances in the streets.

The carnival’s roots go back to medieval times, and it has evolved into an exciting event that involves the entire city. The streets of Cologne are filled with revelers of all ages, celebrating with music, dancing, and plenty of beer. It’s a great opportunity to experience a fun, energetic atmosphere while immersing yourself in the traditions of one of Germany’s oldest and most vibrant festivals.

Venice Carnival – Venice, Italy

The Venice Carnival is one of the world’s oldest and most famous festivals, known for its elaborate masks and costumes. Held in the weeks leading up to Lent, the carnival is a celebration of both indulgence and mystery. The streets, canals, and squares of Venice become a stage for parades, masquerades, and performances, where people wear intricate costumes, often with masks that hide their identity. The highlight of the carnival is the “Flight of the Angel,” a dramatic event where a woman dressed as an angel descends from the bell tower.

The Venetian carnival dates back to the 12th century and has become an essential part of the city’s culture. It allows visitors to experience an atmosphere of mystery and magic, as the city itself is transformed into a living work of art. If you’re a fan of history, tradition, or simply enjoy grand festivities, the Venice Carnival is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

Sapporo Snow Festival – Sapporo, Japan

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, is a winter wonderland event showcasing incredible ice and snow sculptures. The festival is one of Japan’s largest and most famous winter events, drawing visitors from all over the world. It features elaborate ice sculptures, snow statues, and displays that cover several locations in Sapporo.

The event is held in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where the cold climate allows for the creation of large, intricate snow and ice art. Along with the art displays, visitors can enjoy food stalls, winter activities, and performances. The Sapporo Snow Festival offers a unique chance to experience Japanese winter culture in an extraordinary setting.

Feria de Abril – Seville, Spain

The Feria de Abril (April Fair) is one of Seville’s most famous celebrations, held two weeks after Easter. This festival features colorful tents called “casetas,” where locals gather to enjoy flamenco dancing, music, and delicious food. The fairgrounds come alive with horses, carriages, and traditional Andalusian culture, making it a spectacular cultural event.

The Feria de Abril is an immersive experience in Spanish culture. The streets are filled with lively performances and people dressed in traditional Andalusian costumes. Visitors can sample local foods, enjoy local wines, and join in on the vibrant festivities. It’s a chance to experience the heart of Andalusia’s lively, passionate culture.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.