As summer gives way to cooler temperatures and leaves start changing colour and falling from the trees, people around the world have their own unique ways to celebrate the arrival of fall.
37 different countries celebrate Halloween, people in the UK set off fireworks on Guy Fawkes night, and families across the US and Canada bake pumpkin pie and gather with loved ones for Thanksgiving.
Now, discover five other lesser-known autumn traditions around the world.
1. Japan celebrates spectacular autumn colours and creepy creativity
In the weeks following the often oppressive summer heat and humidity, people in Japan turn off the air conditioning, fling open their windows, and spend as much time as they can outdoors before the chill of winter sets in.
With mountains and forests throughout Japan, koyo (紅葉) offers the perfect excuse to escape the city and enjoy nature’s beauty.
While you'll commonly find yellow and orange leaves, the vibrant crimson leaves on kanji or Japanese maple, are symbolic of the season.
Locals and visitors can enjoy the brilliant colours across the country, but the most scenic spots include Shirakaba Highlands in Nagano, Ryuzu Falls in Nikko, and the Mitake Canyon in Tokyo.
Following a day outdoors enjoying the spectacular changing colours, the Kawasaki Halloween Parade is a fun showcase of creepy creativity. The parade is a relatively new tradition and covers a distance of 1.5 km (about 1 mile) with participants dressing up in elaborate costumes.
Unlike the freedom of a forest walk, this event has a maximum capacity for 2,500 people and tickets run out fast, so you have to register well in advance if you want to take part.
2. Germany enjoys Oktoberfest in Munich, and beyond
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival. Featuring Bavarian food, music, clothing, and most importantly, copious amounts of beer, celebrations last a fortnight – from late September to early October.
The very first Oktoberfest was in 1810, and celebrated the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
The original home of Oktoberfest is Munich. While more than 6 million people travel to the beautiful city every year to take part in the celebrations, Oktoberfest is now celebrated in other parts of the world and is especially popular in the US.
3. Mexico marks Dia de Los Muertos
During the first two days of November, Mexico commemorates deceased loved ones with Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
While the tradition is deeply rooted in ancient Aztec culture, today it’s blended together with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations.
Though it sounds morbid, the intent behind Dia de Los Muertos is to remember and respect the dead and honour the importance of life.
During the renowned Mexican festival, you’ll see a magnificent mix of vibrant colours contrasted with the macabre. Many people paint skulls on their faces and there are numerous noisy parties and parades.
The streets of Mexico are lined with vibrant flower displays and vendors sell traditional Mexican foods and skull candies.
Meanwhile, at their homes, families build altars in memory of loved ones who have died. Relatives place favourite food and drink of the deceased around the alter together with drinks, flowers, candles, and clothing (known as “ofrendas”) to celebrate their lives.
Cemeteries also come alive with colour and music as families decorate grave sites and pay tribute to their deceased.
Although it originated in Mexico, today Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated throughout Latin America.
4. India has a festival of lights, or Diwali
Diwali is a massive celebration. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is an important religious holiday that’s observed by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists in India – as well as the rest of the world.
The autumn celebration coincides with the Hindu New Year and usually falls in either October or November.
Honouring a variety of Hindu gods and goddesses for different reasons, Diwali is a celebration of good triumphing over evil and light overcoming darkness.
People decorate their homes with lamps, candles, and colourful sand. And, for five continuous days, they wear their finest new clothes and give gifts as an expression of joy about welcoming in the new year.
Lanterns are lit and people gather with their loved ones. They host extravagant feasts and worship Hindu deities (called pujas), and enjoy brilliant firework displays.
5. Loi Krathong and Yi Peng in Thailand
These two separate Thai lantern festivals occur on the full moon day in November.
People decorate leaf-made boats with colourful flowers and float them down the river, along with a little prayer for good fortune. There’s also a parade, dance shows, and firecrackers.
Yi Peng is a “Festival of Lights”, where celebrants send paper lanterns into the sky, to release any bad luck from the previous year.
In 2023, Loy Krathong will take place on November 28 and Yi Peng will take place on November 27 and November 28.
Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide while Yi Peng is only celebrated in northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the only place where you can see both Thailand's lantern festivals on the same day. So, if you happen to be in Chaing Mai for the celebrations, expect huge crowds but a spectacular display.
