Festivals
Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu and Jain festival of lights that celebrates light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Read more.
Pushkar Camel Fair
The Pushkar Camel Fair, or Pushkar Mela, is an annual 14-day Hindu festival and one of the largest and most popular festivals in India. Camel trading and religious rituals are the main parts of the fair.
Shichi-Go-San
Shichi-Go-San literally means 7-5-3 in Japanese. The festival, held every November 15, is a traditional rite of passage for Japanese boys turning 3 and 5 and girls turning 3 and 7 years old. It celebrates the growth and happiness of young children. Read more.
Loy Krathong, Thailand
During Loy Krathong, a traditional Thai festival, people release small decorated floats, known as "krathongs," onto rivers and waterways as a gesture of respect and gratitude to the water spirits, while also symbolically letting go of negativity and misfortunes.
Elephant Round-Up, Thailand
The Surin Elephant Round-up is held every year in Thailand during the third weekend of November. Activities include elephants parading through the streets, partaking in the famous “elephant breakfast” and demonstrations, games, and traditional events.
Monkey Buffet Festival
The Monkey Buffet Festival takes place every year in Lopburi, Thailand. During the festival, people offer fruits, vegetables, and candies to the monkeys that live around the ancient temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot.
St. Lucia’s Day
St. Lucia's Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honour of St. Lucia (St. Lucy).
Las Posadas
Las Posadas, ("The Inns" in Spanish) is a Mexican Christmas tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem. Celebrated from December 16th to 24th, it involves processions, caroling, and symbolic representations of the biblical story, culminating in a feast and breaking of a piñata.
Yalda Festival
Yalda, an ancient Persian festival, is a winter solstice celebration that takes place on the longest and darkest night of the year.
Dongzhi Festival
The Dongzhi Festival, also known as the Winter Solstice Festival, is a traditional Chinese celebration marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, typically falling on or around December 21st or 22nd. Rooted in the ancient philosophy of yin and yang, the festival signifies the turning point when days start to become longer,…