Are you already balking at the idea of soggy socks and cold, dark evenings? There’s nothing like a good festival to lift your spirits. Here’s a selection of our favourite celebrations coming up this season, and some tantalising trips to complement them:
Day of the Dead (El dia de los muertos), Mexico & Guatemala Far from being a morbid occasion, this nationwide celebration of death occurs in Mexico on the first two days of November and the locals spend days preparing in advance. Each province has its own way of commemorating the eternal circle of life and each family takes the opportunity to remember and give thanks for their late loved ones and ancestors. Altars are set up through the streets and costumes and decorations are sold in local shops. Picnics and music takes place in graveyards as the living literally dance on the graves of the dead.
There’s a trip departing in October this year taking in the festivals and culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, which was honoured by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of 50 Tours of a Lifetime. Read about this festivals & culture holiday in Mexico.
Festival of Lights (Diwali), India This Hindu festival is celebrated throughout India and Nepal by all age groups - they express their joy at the victory of good over evil by decorating their houses, lighting lamps and preparing sumptuous feasts.
Diwali occurs in the month of October or November and festivities go on for five days. It is a time for sharing and caring, where everyone prays for a good year ahead. Make the most of this time to visit India and take this
tour of southern India.
The International White Truffel Festival, Italy 
Between 4th October and 9th November Italy is certainly the place to be this year if you’re a bit of a foodie. The white truffle is famous for its aroma, taste and aphrodisiac qualities, despite smelling a bit like old cheese. Chefs all over the country incorporate this speciality food in their cooking and the festival celebrates its existence with auctions and events.
White truffles can only be sniffed out by a well trained dog in the right areas - why not enjoy the autumnal countryside while trufflehunting in the Le Marche region?
This can be arranged by the charming owners of this
farmstay in Montefeltro.
Aloha Festivals, Hawaii Six full weeks of partying is about to get underway on the Hawaiian Islands. This sixty-two-year-old event celebrates the diverse customs and traditions of Hawaiian culture through music, dance, cuisine and art.
Be wowed by the hula dancing and ukelele music against a stunning backdrop of rainforests and vast mountains.
Amidst the relevery, take time out for a breather at this beautiful accomodation in Maui.
Golden Eagle Festival, Mongolia Mongolian festivals are truly a lifetime experience and this one is no different. The ancient Kazakh tradition of training their eagles to hunt for rabbits and foxes is explored in this two day festival in October.
Hunters from all over the Bayan-Olgii province meet to compete against each other and show off their birds’ abilities in order to help revive this remarkable tradition and promote it among the younger generation. To take part in this unique event and immerse yourself in the daily life of the Kazakhs, take this trip incorporating the
Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia.
Guy Fawkes Night, Lewes, England Guy Fawkes night is named after the very man who devised ‘The Gunpowder Plot’ in 1605, to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5th. The plot was foiled, and the English have celebrated ever since by burning effigies and huge bonfires and setting off fireworks all over the country.
Revelry is taken to the extreme in Lewes, East Sussex where the street parades and torch-bearing processions are reknown for their eerie, medieval quality; the night of anarchy climaxes in a gargantuan bonfire and spectacular firework display. You’d do well to stay nearby in accomodation in Brighton and combine your visit with a coastal walk.
Try our
Brighton holiday luxury accommodation.
Feeling inspired?
Find more festival holidays or search all our holidays Article by Sophie Tanner,
responsibletravel.com account manager
