Reddish leaves, fresh persimmons, mooncakes, and many more. Autumn brings a warm yet festive color to the world. Many culture celebrates autumn as the moment of gratitude due to the harvest season. For that reason, checking out autumn festivals around the world can be a great way to widen your horizons. From a magical scene of lanterns to delicious food, here are the 6 best autumn festivals to see in 2024!
Day of the Death, Mexico
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Blending traditional culture and Catholic values, the Day of the Death (Dia de Los Muertos) is a prominent celebration in Mexico. The holiday falls on November 1st and 2nd, along with All Saint’s Day. On that eventful day, people believe that their passed loved ones visit them from the afterlife. The heartfelt reunion equals a joyous celebration, as people adorn their houses with colorful decorations and marigold-filled altars. Women in traditional huipil and children wearing sugar skull makeup walk around the streets.
The Day of the Death celebration means grand and spectacular, especially in Mexico. It is one of the best autumn festivals that you should see. From warm family gatherings to colorful street parades, every corner of Mexico turns vibrant during the day. So, prepare to put on sugar skull makeup, eat delightful food, and dance to the mariachi!
When: November 1-2, 2024
Where to travel: Oaxaca and Mexico City
Diwali, India
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Witness how every street in India glimmers with millions of lights, creating a magical scene. The lights commemorate the victory of good against evil, which Diwali is all about. Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu tradition. The festival falls in autumn, ranging between October and November. The celebration lasts for five days with the main event starting on the third day.
Now, Diwali is a festival enchanting everyone regardless of their cultural or religious background. Lanterns decorated with traditional ornaments, gleaming chandeliers, and impressive spotlights light up the streets of India. Families gather to pray and enjoy a delightful feast. Meanwhile, visitors can immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere of the Diwali festival. It is one of the best autumn festivals you should check out!
When: October 31 – November 1, 2024
Where to travel: Mumbai
Moon Festival, China
Lanterns decorating the streets, food vendors selling classic Chinese treats, and tea parties serving lotus-filled mooncakes. Those are the things you can find in Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival. It is the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar, celebrating the harvest season. Moon Festival is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is celebrated all around the globe. However, what can be better than celebrating it in the original country?
In China, the Moon Festival marks the beginning of crazy food fairs, impressive opera performances, and spectacular lantern festivals. You can also find mooncake workshops and fireworks shows. It is one of the most unmissable autumn festivals in the world.
When: September 17, 2024
Where to travel: Shanghai and Hong Kong
Loy Krathong, Thailand
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Besides Diwali, another culturally rich light festival is Loy Krathong. People in Thailand send gratitude and a plea of forgiveness to the river goddess by floating krathong, a ship-shaped figure made of banana leaves. A candle is lit on the krathong and sent off to a river. Thousands of twinkling candles are scattered along the river, reminding us of a scene from Disney’s Rapunzel.
Loy Krathong falls in November, making it one of the remarkable autumn festivals. You can see the festival in Thailand’s big cities like Bangkok. However, for more authentic experiences, you can visit Sukhothai.
When: November 16, 2024
Where to travel: Sukhothai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai (+ Yi Peng Lantern Festival)
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, Japan
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Japan stays at the top of the list when it comes to festivals. As autumn comes to the country, spectacular festivals are getting in line. One of the best autumn festivals you must see in Japan is Kishidawa Danjiri Matsuri. The festival highlights danjiri, a large wooden festival float pulled by around 500 people. Energetic hayashi music drives the speed of the danjiri, creating an exciting scene. So, fly to Osaka and don’t miss this unique festival!
When: September 14-15, 2024
Where to travel: Osaka
Level up your travel experiences by seeing these fantastic autumn festivals. If you are convinced enough to buy a ticket, you’re on the right track! Travel hassle-free and enjoy tailor-made itineraries by joining group trips at JoinMyTrip. Every trip is hosted by passionate and experienced travelers that know the destination like the back of their hand.
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