FALL FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD

No matter what country you call home, fall is a season for celebration! Here in the US, we’re all familiar with things like harvest festivals, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, but there are so many more celebrations happening across the globe this season. Pack your suitcase, because we’ve picked out a few of our favorites!

1. Moon Festival, China

The Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival is one of the region’s most looked forward-to shindigs! It is also the second most important holiday after the New Year. The festival itself is over 3,000 years old and symbolizes peace. Chinese families use the holiday to reunite and worship the moon, eating tons of local delicacies, like duck and pomelos, along the way. The festival culminates in releasing thousands of paper lanterns.

2. Bonfire Night, United Kingdom

If you’ve seen V for Vendetta, you probably remember that the title character wears that creepy white, mustachioed mask. He is meant to portray the infamous English terrorist who attempted to blow up Parliament in 1605. This man was Guy Fawkes. So how did the English go from this to an annual holiday? Fawkes’ plans were thwarted by the British crown and he was promptly arrested. To celebrate his capture, folks across England light bonfires and set off fireworks every November 5th.

3. Diwali, India

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. A five-day event, activities include worshipping Hindu gods, lighting candles, and tons and tons of food! The point of Diwali is to recognize how beautiful and precious life truly is. Many families show their respect for life by placing a colorful lantern in their windows.

4. Dia de los Muertos, Mexico

While spooky holidays aren’t unfamiliar to Americans, Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, takes it to a new level! Celebrated between November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos is a way for Mexican families to honor their ancestors and relatives. People party in cemeteries, play cards, listen to music, and eat skulls made out of sugar! And you thought haunted houses were creepy!

5. Oktoberfest, Germany

This might be the grandaddy of them all! Primarily celebrated in the German state of Bavaria, Oktoberfest is a celebration of the yearly harvest. Special beer called Märzen is served by the liter and people stuff themselves with traditional German foods like spaetzle and bratwurst. Polka bands play and lederhosen is everywhere! It is truly one of the world’s greatest parties!

No matter where you are in the world, fall is a time for celebration. Whether you’re reuniting with family, giving thanks, or just living it up, be sure to include Uncle Charley’s Grillers and Selects to keep the party going!