Festive spirit is upon us! As 2024 approaches its end, the northern hemisphere ushers in winter celebrations and many seek to escape the chill by embarking on worldwide adventures. There’s always a reason to celebrate, be it Thanksgiving or the famous Bonfire Night in the UK.
Sir Walter Scott rightly said, "November's sky is chill and drear; November's leaf is red and sear." The month has a kind of somber beauty to it and if you are planning your travel, consider these global cultural festivals worth experiencing. From colorful traditions to unique customs, November offers a tapestry of celebrations that showcase the world's diverse heritage.
1. Yi Peng Lantern Festival
When: November 15-16, 2024
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is one of the most mesmerizing sights you’ll see. Thousands of illuminated lanterns float into the night sky of Chiang Mia. This ancient Lanna tradition symbolizes letting go of misfortunes and making wishes for the future. You can participate in lantern releases, enjoy traditional performances, and savor local delicacies.
What's special: Yi Peng occurs simultaneously with Loy Krathong, creating a dual Thai festival. While lanterns illuminate the sky during Yi Peng, Loy Krathong features decorated baskets floating on water, resulting in a spectacular display of lights both above and below.
2. Pushkar Camel Fair
When: November 9-15, 2024
Where: Pushkar, India
The Pushkar Camel Fair is a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani culture and tradition. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors and traders, showcasing a colorful array of camels, horses, and livestock. Beyond the animal trading, the fair offers a feast for the senses with folk performances, camel races, and bustling bazaars.
What's special: The fair's highlights include quirky contests like "Best Dressed Camel" and camel beauty pageants. Attend a Kalbelia dance performance, a UNESCO-recognized art form that features performers in flowing black attire dancing with intricate movements set to folk melodies.
3. Thanksgiving Day
When: November 28, 2024
Where: North America
Thanksgiving Day is a cherished holiday in North America, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and expressions of gratitude. Rooted in the early colonial history of the United States, it commemorates the first harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. The holiday has evolved over time, incorporating modern traditions like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games.
What's special: Cities nationwide are hosting Thanksgiving events like Turkey Trot races and holiday markets. Colorado Springs, for instance, offers a Turkey Trot 5K, combining family fun with charitable support.
4. Lewes Bonfire Night
When: November 5, 2024
Where: Lewes, UK
The Lewes Bonfire Night is renowned as the most spectacular Guy Fawkes Night celebration in the UK. This unique event is based on the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the burning of Protestant martyrs. Six bonfire societies parade through the town, each with its own costumes, effigies, and fireworks displays. The night culminates in massive bonfires and an amazing fireworks show.
What's special: The celebration kicks off in the early evening with torch-lit parades by local societies. As night falls, thousands join the Grand Procession in elaborate costumes. A highlight is the "tableaux" - giant effigies of controversial figures. Given the ongoing global conflicts, prepare to see some world leaders this year.
5. Mombasa Carnival
When: Throughout November
Where: Mombasa, Kenya
The Mombasa Carnival is a celebration of Kenya's coastal culture, featuring colorful parades, traditional music, and dance performances. This month-long festival showcases the rich diversity of Swahili heritage. You’ll see street processions with elaborate floats, cultural exhibitions, and culinary events showcasing local cuisine. The carnival also promotes environmental awareness through beach clean-up initiatives and marine conservation activities.
What's special: The 2024 Mombasa Carnival will feature a new "Ocean Conservation Day," highlighting the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. You can participate in coral reef restoration workshops and learn about sustainable fishing practices.
6. Amsterdam Light Festival
When: November 29, 2024 - January 19, 2025
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city's historic canals into a magical outdoor exhibition of light art installations. Artists from around the world create stunning illuminated sculptures and projections that reflect on the water's surface. You can explore the festival by foot, bike, or boat, with guided tours offering insights into the artworks' meanings and creation processes.
What's special: The 13th edition explores the theme of "Rituals." Twenty-seven light artworks will illuminate this concept, adorning Amsterdam's iconic canals. Installations will be placed along quaysides, over water, and above the canals.
7. Day of the Dead
When: November 2, 2024
Where: Mexico and South America
Día de los Muertos, Mexico's vibrant homage to the departed, paints cities with a kaleidoscope of colors each November. Families craft intricate altars, their marigold petals and sugar skulls a sweet invitation to wandering spirits. The air fills with the scent of pan de muerto (aka Bread of the dead) as streets erupt in a carnival of skeletal face paint and elaborate costumes.
What's special: In 2024, Mexico City plans to host its largest-ever Day of the Dead parade, showcasing giant puppets and floats representing various regions. You can participate in workshops to learn the art of papel picado (decorative paper cutting) and calavera (skull) face painting.
8. Shichi-Go-San
When: November 15, 2024
Where: Nationwide in Japan
Shichi-Go-San, meaning "Seven-Five-Three," is a traditional Japanese festival celebrating children's growth and well-being. On this day, families visit Shinto shrines with their three- and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys, all dressed in colorful kimonos. Parents pray for their children's health and future success.
kets. You can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine from food stalls lining the riverbank.
What's special: Kids get "thousand-year candy" (chitose-ame), symbolizing a long, prosperous life. The treats come in special bags adorned with cranes and turtles – animals representing longevity in Japanese culture.
