Fall Traditions Around the World
Oct 21, 2021 | AON
As the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red, brown, and orange, many places around the world welcome autumn with celebrations and revelry. It’s also the perfect time to take a vacation before the holiday rush. From festivals of lights to delighting in a bountiful harvest, fall has a way of bringing people together. Here are some of our favorite international fall traditions you’ll want to see in person:
Celebrate Your Ancestors During Chuseok
South Korea
Occurring every year during late September or early October (depending on the lunar calendar), Chuseok celebrates the harvest and brings families together. This three-day holiday sees relatives reconnecting, playing games and eating songpyeon – rice cakes with sweet filling. Koreans will also visit the graves of their ancestors to offer food and pay homage to their lineage. Chuseok is also known for great feasts, fun dances, and wrestling matches.
Bask in the Lights of Diwali
India
For five days during the fall, Indians celebrate light overcoming darkness by setting off fireworks, gift giving, designing vibrant sand or powder rice patterns – rangoli – and lighting oil lamps and candles. With bright lights at every turn, Diwali turns the streets and homes into a glowing spectacle. The Diwali celebration starts with a good, thorough house cleaning, followed by indulging in some sweets. Hindu Indians also take this time to pray to the goddess of wealth and abundance, Lakshmi.
Watch a Fireworks Show for Guy Fawkes Day
United Kingdom
To celebrate a truly explosive day in the United Kingdom past, Britons gather on November 5 to remember historical figure Guy Fawkes and his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot. While the names can vary – like Bonfire Night and Firework Night –many of the traditions remain the same around the country. Spectacular firework displays, bonfire parties with friends and heaping helpings of plot toffee are the favorite ways to celebrate.
Take in an Annual Regatta
Cambodia
Every November the Tonle Sap River in Cambodia undergoes a fascinating transformation. After the heavy rains cause the river to back up, the strong, heavy winds make the river reverse flow. The reverse-flowing river floods with fish and sediment, and Cambodians take to boats for a community regatta. As boats take off for a race, hundreds and thousands of locals along the river dance and celebrate with fireworks.
Remember the Loved Ones You’ve Lost
Mexico
On the first two days of November, Mexico and other Southern and Central American countries take time to reminisce about the family members they’ve lost. During Dia de los Muertos families have picnics at loved one’s grave sites, create alters to people that have passed, and make pan de los muertos – bread of the dead. While many may find this celebration a bit macabre, it is actually a celebration of life.
The Aon Travel Takeaway? “Travel destinations around the world offer tourists many different experiences for ways to have fun during the fall,” said Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “If travelers are thinking of checking out some of the best autumn excursions abroad, they should make sure to check the entry requirements of the country they’re visiting.”