Festivals
Obon Festival, Japan
Obon or Bon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return to visit during this time, so families visit the graves and make food offerings at altars and temples. Chochin (paper lanterns) are hung to guide the spirits.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, China
The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated during the month-long Ghost Month. It is one of several traditional festivals in China to worship ancestors. It is believed that on this night many lost and hungry ghosts come to visit the living.
La Tomatina, Spain
La Tomatina is a food fight festival held every year on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain. Thousands of people make their way from all over the world to throw over-ripe tomatoes in the streets.
Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals occur annually all over the state of Hawaii. These festivals are celebrated to acknowledge and preserve the unique traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. The celebrations are enjoyed for the entire month of September.
Mid-Autumn Festival, China
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival and Mooncake Festival, is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Traditionally, the Chinese share cakes (mooncakes) with people they appreciate and love. It is a national holiday in China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Learn more HERE. …
Tet Trung Thu, Vietnam
Tet Trung Thu, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Children's Moon Festival, is a significant Vietnamese celebration. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and activities such as lantern parades. The festival is especially focused on celebrating children and is characterized by the sharing of mooncakes, traditional performances, and the lighting of lanterns…
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day festival held annually in late September to early October in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is the world's largest fair. Other cities around the world hold similar celebrations.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, US
For nine days in October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the skies with hundreds of balloons.
Double Ninth Festival, China
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival. It is a day to pay respects to ancestors, climb mountains, and participate in outdoor activities as the number nine is considered auspicious in Chinese culture, symbolizing strong yang energy and protection against misfortune.
Dussehra
Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. This Indian holiday takes place on the 10th day of the seventh month according to the Hindu calendar.