Autumn is a time of year full of celebrations and traditions around the world. From the popular festivals of Spain to the autumn traditions of the rest of the world, there are many opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, music and culture. Below, we will highlight some of them:
Grape Harvest Festivals in Spain
We begin by entering the Vendimia Festival, a celebration that pays tribute to the grape harvest and the production of wine. This festival is especially popular in the country's wine-growing regions, such as La Rioja and Catalonia. The Harvest Festival generally takes place at the end of September and beginning of October, coinciding with the grape harvesting season.
One of the most notable traditions of this celebration is the "grape stomping", where participants, often dressed in traditional costumes, gather in wine presses and stomp the grapes to extract the juice they contain. It will be used in the production of wine. This activity is accompanied by music, dance and a festive atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals alike.
In addition to the grape crushing, the Festival of the Vendimia also includes parades, wine tasting competitions, regional dance exhibitions and tastings of delicious local cuisine. It is a celebration that unites communities, fosters pride in the Spanish wine tradition and promotes tourism in these regions.
Thanksgiving in the United States United
One of the best-known events of autumn is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which is celebrates the fourth Thursday of November. This holiday focuses on giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the year, and families gather to share a traditional meal that includes turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is an iconic event that marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the country.
Diwali in India
In India, the festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important celebrations of the year and is generally celebrated in October or November. During Diwali, houses and streets are illuminated with oil lamps and candles, and people perform prayers and rituals to welcome the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. Gifts are also exchanged and traditional foods and sweets are enjoyed.
Oktoberfest in Germany
Although Oktoberfest in Germany is mainly celebrated in September, it is one of the largest and most famous festivities of autumn. For two weeks, Munich is filled with beer, music and traditional German food. Visitors from all over the world gather in huge beer tents to enjoy drinks and food, as well as live music and a festive atmosphere.
Hanbok in South Korea
In South Korea, the Chuseok festival, also known as the Korean Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in September or October. During this holiday, families gather to perform ancestral ceremonies, visit the graves of their ancestors, and wear traditional costumes known as hanbok. In addition, special dishes such as songpyeon (rice dumplings) are prepared and shared at family gatherings.
Halloween in the United States and Europe
At the end of October, Halloween is celebrated in the United States and in various parts of Europe. This holiday is characterized by the use of costumes, the decoration with carved pumpkins (called "jack-o'-lanterns") and the collection of candy strong> in the famous "trick or treat". Halloween night is full of spooky activities and horror movies, and houses are often decorated in themes related to ghosts and monsters.
Halloween All Saints in Mexico
This celebration is known worldwide. And, in Mexico, All Saints' Day and Day of the Dead are celebrated on November 1 and 2, respectively. These festivities honor deceased loved ones and are characterized by the creation of altars decorated with offerings, such as food, drinks, and personal items of the deceased. The streets are filled with colorful parades and sugar skulls, and music and dance are an integral part of the celebration.
Tsukimi in Japan
In Japan, The Tsukimi festival, or "moon gazing", is celebrated in September or October. During this festival, people gather to contemplate the beauty of the full moon and offer seasonal foods, such as rice and yam soup, as a token of gratitude for the harvest. The tradition focuses on the appreciation of nature and quiet reflection.
Brazil Beer Festival
< p style="font-weight: 400;">In Brazil, the Beer Festival, or Brazilian Oktoberfest, is celebrated in the city of Blumenau, in the state of Santa Catarina, during October. Inspired by the German Oktoberfest, this Brazilian celebration features parades, folk music, craft beer and typical German food. It is an opportunity to enjoy the German-Brazilian culture and celebrate autumn in a festive way.As we have been able to read throughout the article, autumn is a season that inspires a variety of celebrations and traditions around the world. From the Harvest Festival in Spain to Thanksgiving in the United States, to festivals like Diwali in India and Oktoberfest in Germany, each culture has its own unique way of welcoming this season of change. These holidays are a wonderful opportunity to bring communities together, express gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the year, and enjoy traditional food, music, and culture. We can also highlight that these celebrations show how autumn is a time that we can dedicate to reflection, gratitude and connection with our cultural roots.
Now we just need to mark them on red on your calendar and decide your favorite. Do you dare to visit and enjoy any of them?