Fall is just around the corner, and so are these worldwide events. Pencil these in during your upcoming travel plans or find a suitable substitute nearby.
photo by David MayThe Braemar Highland Games - Braemar, Scotland
While Highland games can be found throughout the year in Scotland, the Braemar Games, held on the first Saturday of September, draw considerable attention due to the attendance of the British Royals. Events like this one predate recorded history and celebrate Scottish history, culture, and heritage through the use of kilts, bagpipes, and participation in track and "heavy" events.
If unable to hop across the pond, you will find a large amount of Highland games year round across the United States. The two largest, even larger than the games held in the home land, are The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina during July, and the Scottish Highland Games in Caledonian, California on Labor Day weekend. Check out other Highland games near you at the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals.
photo by losgor
Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany
For the love of beer and brats.....it's Oktoberfest! Beginning in late September, and running 16-18 days into early October, the festival originated as a celebration commemorating the marriage of King Ludwig in 1810, and has continued to grow in popularity since then. The modern festival now begins with a twelve gun salute and the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg, and now includes carnival rides, souvenir booths, and beer tents alongside the drinking and celebratory food consumption.
Oktoberfest has grown into a world-wide phenomenon, and you need not fly all the way to Munich to participate in the revelry. Americans love it so much, in fact, that it has become the second largest German imported customer after the Christmas tree. It is difficult to come about a comprehensive list due to the mass number of celebrations across the country, but Allaboutbeer.com lists ten worth noting. For more information, do a search for festivals near you.
Dussehra - Multiple Locations
Also known as Vijayadashami, Dasara, Dashain, this important religious festival is celebrated by Hindus and Jains and takes place in early October, centered in locations such as India, Nepal, Bengal, etc. Based on the region celebrated, the event commemorates Rama's overpowering of the Ravana or the demon Mahishasura's defeat at the hands of the Goddess Durga. While the history and means of celebrating vary based on location, the theme remains the same: the celebration of good over evil.
These festivals are a little harder to come by in the U.S., but the best recommendation would be to find your local Jain or Hindu temple near you and contact them directly. Chances are they will be welcoming and excited about your enthusiasm for the celebration.
While Highland games can be found throughout the year in Scotland, the Braemar Games, held on the first Saturday of September, draw considerable attention due to the attendance of the British Royals. Events like this one predate recorded history and celebrate Scottish history, culture, and heritage through the use of kilts, bagpipes, and participation in track and "heavy" events.
If unable to hop across the pond, you will find a large amount of Highland games year round across the United States. The two largest, even larger than the games held in the home land, are The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina during July, and the Scottish Highland Games in Caledonian, California on Labor Day weekend. Check out other Highland games near you at the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals.
photo by losgorOktoberfest - Munich, Germany
For the love of beer and brats.....it's Oktoberfest! Beginning in late September, and running 16-18 days into early October, the festival originated as a celebration commemorating the marriage of King Ludwig in 1810, and has continued to grow in popularity since then. The modern festival now begins with a twelve gun salute and the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg, and now includes carnival rides, souvenir booths, and beer tents alongside the drinking and celebratory food consumption.
Oktoberfest has grown into a world-wide phenomenon, and you need not fly all the way to Munich to participate in the revelry. Americans love it so much, in fact, that it has become the second largest German imported customer after the Christmas tree. It is difficult to come about a comprehensive list due to the mass number of celebrations across the country, but Allaboutbeer.com lists ten worth noting. For more information, do a search for festivals near you.
Dussehra - Multiple Locations
Also known as Vijayadashami, Dasara, Dashain, this important religious festival is celebrated by Hindus and Jains and takes place in early October, centered in locations such as India, Nepal, Bengal, etc. Based on the region celebrated, the event commemorates Rama's overpowering of the Ravana or the demon Mahishasura's defeat at the hands of the Goddess Durga. While the history and means of celebrating vary based on location, the theme remains the same: the celebration of good over evil.
These festivals are a little harder to come by in the U.S., but the best recommendation would be to find your local Jain or Hindu temple near you and contact them directly. Chances are they will be welcoming and excited about your enthusiasm for the celebration.
photo by Graham GordonProcession of the Lord of Miracles - Lima, Peru
The largest of all processions in South America, this celebration dates back to the Spanish occupation when an Angola slave drew a "miraculous" image of a black Christ on the wall of a plantation hut. Despite all attempts to erase it and a devastating earthquake in 1655, the image stayed intact, leading to a massive devotion to the city's patron - the Lord of Miracles. The main attraction occurs on October 18 when a sea of purple tunic-wearing devotees pray and sing while carrying the sacred image, on a one ton platform of gold and silver, on a 24 hour pilgrimage from the church of Las Nazarenas, through downtown Lima, until arriving at the church of La Merced in Barrios Altos.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be much of a substitute for this celebration in the United States.
The largest of all processions in South America, this celebration dates back to the Spanish occupation when an Angola slave drew a "miraculous" image of a black Christ on the wall of a plantation hut. Despite all attempts to erase it and a devastating earthquake in 1655, the image stayed intact, leading to a massive devotion to the city's patron - the Lord of Miracles. The main attraction occurs on October 18 when a sea of purple tunic-wearing devotees pray and sing while carrying the sacred image, on a one ton platform of gold and silver, on a 24 hour pilgrimage from the church of Las Nazarenas, through downtown Lima, until arriving at the church of La Merced in Barrios Altos.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be much of a substitute for this celebration in the United States.
photo by cathou cathareSalon du Chocolat - Paris, France
Bonjour!! Marie Antionette might have made the legendary (and false) statement, "Let them eat cake", but this Porte de Versailles celebration is even sweeter. Industry vendors, exhibitors, fashion designers, recipe demonstrators, seminar leaders, and visitors combine at the Salon du Chocolat to collaborate in creamy new trends and creative uses...not to mention partaking in samples!
Similar conferences occur in the world's major cities through the fall and winter, including our very own New York Chocolate Show!
More fall festivals to be continued...
Great list of fall festivals. We'd like to add the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival. The fall festival celebrates Nova Scotia wines and food with wineries and restaurants introducing guests to the great wine and local food in Nova Scotia. You can learn more the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival events here:
ReplyDeleteNova Scotia Fall Wine Festival Events
enhorabuena por tu blog!
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