The best autumn holidays in the world on the “Subtleties of Tourism”

Rainy autumn is not the best time for fun. Or not? Apart from the already annual celebration of Halloween, there seem to be no reasons for holding parties and costume balls in the Motherland. However, this does not mean that the same is true in other countries of the world. At the end of October and beginning of November in different corners The planet hosts a number of fantastic performances, so lovers of fireworks and grand celebrations will definitely be satisfied. Six alternatives to Halloween are presented below.

Fantasy Festival, Key West, Florida, USA

Subtropical Florida is home to one of the most bizarre festivals in the US, with lots of nudity, flamboyant costumes and body art. It began in 1979 when two businessmen decided to revitalize the local tourism industry in Key West and organized a series of costume parties, parades and other fun street events. This celebration of life took place in the last week of October and lasted ten days. Since then, the Fantasy Festival has become a tradition. If you try to somehow determine the main theme that runs like a red thread through the entire festival, then after considerable effort you can come to the conclusion that it does not exist. What could costumes in the style of Dungeons of Dragons, the first fantasy tabletop game, have in common? role playing game in the world, a homemade bikini competition and a Scottish-themed party? The Monster Ball with people dressed as giant snakes, mermaids and other strange creatures reminds us of our subconscious, the dark depths of which hide all this splendor. The festival usually opens with a Caribbean-style party.

Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, Mexico

“Day of the Dead” is one of the most famous holidays in the world, designed to remember the souls of those who will not return. Its symbols are in the form of caramel skulls and specially made figurines of female skeletons dressed in beautiful costumes, are no less famous than the Halloween pumpkin (both of which are used by the wonderful director Tim Burton in his cartoon “Corpse Bride”). The holiday in Oaxaca lasts two days, in early November, and refers to the ancient cults of the Mayans and Aztecs, bringing gifts to the goddess Mictlancihuatl, a woman in the form of a skeleton, dressed in a skirt made of rattlesnakes. In addition to all kinds of decorations and sweets in the form of skulls, a carnival is held these days, and special baked goods are also made - the Bread of the Dead.

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Devil's dance, Puno, Peru

Puno is considered the folklore capital of Peru, carefully preserving the traditions of its ancestors. One such custom passed down from generation to generation is La Diablada or the Devil's Dance. This South American dance bright suits popular in Bolivia, Chile and Peru and is an important part of many festivals and carnival processions. In Puno, in particular, it is performed during the most important religious festival dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria in February. You can see Diablada separately in early November. The essence of the action is that men appear in the form of dancing demons. The devil himself leads this whole procession. The origin of the tradition is not precisely established. Firstly, each of the South American countries has its own version, and secondly, even within regions there are different ideas. According to one legend, the street carnival is a legacy inherited by the inhabitants of Peru from the era of the conquistadors, who came to conquer this land not at all in angelic form.

Fireworks night, East Sussex, England

Fireworks Night is an annual holiday in England held on November 5th. Its distinctive feature is a huge number of fireworks and fireworks, creating a gigantic fire show. The fires are lit in memory of long-standing events, known in history as the Gunpowder Plot. In 1605, a group of Catholics attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament with King James I, who clearly and openly supported the Protestants, sitting there. The conspiracy failed. One of the most famous participants in the alleged terrorist act was Guy Fawkes, and the holiday glorifying the king’s miraculous deliverance from danger, “Guy Fawkes Night,” was originally named after him. Now the holiday is also known as “Fireworks Night”. In addition to the night turning into day due to numerous lights, on this day you can see a burning straw effigy of Guy Fawkes.

Fireworks night in England

Cuckold Festival, Rocca Canterano, Italy

No one remembers why Rocca Canterano, a village near Rome, decided to celebrate Cuckold Day. The only thing that remains in the centuries is the noisy fun that accompanies the events held in November in honor of all deceived wives and husbands. Characteristic features of the holidays are cute horns on the heads of those around and actors in bright costumes showing various kinds of satirical performances with the participation of lovers - devoted and betraying.

Pirate Week, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Appealing to the dreams of every child on the planet, this ten-day holiday spans all three Cayman Islands. Music, dancing, games and dressing up are important parts of Pirate Week. The holiday opens with a comic military invasion. Two galleons, based on 17th-century originals, enter one of Grand Cayman's harbors in company with other ships. Every year you can see a new performance, but the essence of what is happening does not change: real seamen capture the city and send the local ruler to prison. Pirates Week is usually held in mid-November.

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India

Onam(Thiru-onam) - a harvest festival in India - is celebrated in late August - early September, on the day when Chandra [Moon] transits the Sravana nakshatra.

Onam is celebrated as the day of Mahabali's return from exile. On this auspicious day, King Maha-Bali visits his kingdom and his people again. The entire state comes alive with celebrations and energy. This is a time of ceremony, celebration and joy, fun and sports.

Onam is often called the folk harvest festival of Kerala. It celebrates nature's bounty and a year of good harvest. Ten days of feasting, singing and dancing.

The festival begins ten days in advance and flower garlands (Pukkalam) decorate every home. Decorated elephants in a spectacular procession, fireworks displays and Kathakali dances are an integral part of the festivities.

The beauty of floral decorations, Onam melodies and songs, and the grace of traditional dances characterize the celebration of the golden era of King MahaBali, whose reign was prosperous.

Vallamkali (boat racing) is one of the main events of Onam. Hundreds of rowers sit in a row in huge and beautiful boats (odi) with scarlet silk umbrellas. Their number shows the wealth of the family or village that owns the boat. The oars of each boat are lowered to the rhythm of the drums.

In Aranmulla, home to the Krishna and Arjuna Temple, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Pamba River to witness the exciting Snake Boat races. About 30 boats take part in the celebration. The boats belong to the villages adjacent to the river from the hills of the plains for 40 kilometers and are driven by oarsmen dressed in white robes.

Singing traditional songs, the boat rowers lower their oars into the water to the rhythm of the songs. They move their boats like fish move along a river. Although it seems that they are competing, this festival is still more of a visual extravaganza for the audience.

On the eve of Onam, boats float down from Katurman, accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, music and drums and burning torches. A colorful boat festival is held on Uthruttati - the fifth day after Thiru Onam.

Each boat belongs to a village on the banks of the Pamba River and is revered like a Devata. You can even enter the boat only barefoot. Every year the boat is oiled with coconut oil and charcoal. The black mixture keeps the wood strong and the boat glides well in the water. Every year the boat is lovingly repaired by the village carpenter and the people are proud of their boat, which represents their village and is named after it.

According to tradition, a Namboodiri Brahmin steers the rudder of the boat, which is approximately 4 meters long. Four oarsmen propel the boat. And instantly the boat can turn just by turning the steering wheel. Everyone - a carpenter, a hairdresser, a jeweler, a blacksmith, a peasant - has a place in the boat. And in close harmony and synchronicity they row their oars. A colorful procession with magnificently decorated elephants sets off from Trichur.

Legends

Many years ago, a boat loaded with food came down the river. Suddenly she turned over.
The spiritual head Bhattathiripad considered this to be a bad omen and went to the river bank. There he saw a hut in which a dim light was burning.

Entering the house, he heard the crying of a poor widow and saw children sleeping on the kitchen floor.
The widow told the Namboodiri Brahmin that they had no food and that her children had fallen asleep in hunger.
Nambudiri Brahmin brought food and gave it to the poor family.
This long-standing tradition continues for many years among landowners and spiritual heads of villages to feed poor people before the holiday. Feeding the poor is considered service to God.

The second legend of the Onam festival is mentioned in the stories of King Mahabali, the emperor of the Asuras.

The people of his kingdom were very happy and content during his reign - the golden era. When Mahabali ruled his kingdom, all people were equal, they lived happy life, and no one was in distress. There was no dishonesty, no deception, no lies in words, no injustice. There was perfect harmony in society and it was a time of perfect prosperity.

But the gods began to envy the king and asked the ruler Vishnu to take his kingdom. Vishnu, disguised as the dwarf Brahmin Vamana, asked the king for land measuring three paces, which the king readily agreed to give. Then Vishnu threw off his disguise and walked across Earth and Heaven in two steps. For the third step, King Mahabali offered his head. However, before placing his foot on Mahabali's head, Lord Vishnu granted the king's last wish that he should be able to visit his kingdom once every year.

Since then people wait and welcome Mahabali to his kingdom and Onam is celebrated with great joy and merriment.

Preparations for the holiday

Preparations for the celebration begin ten days in advance - floral decorations are made in the front yard of the house. Women decorate the entrances of their homes to welcome Mahabali. The Thrikkakkara-Appana murti, made of clay, is placed in the middle of the flowers.
On the day of Onam itself, every person takes a bath early in the morning and visits the temple.
Gifts are given to younger family members.
Then the Onam feast begins with delicious food served on plantain leaves.
Relatives who live far from their native places visit their family home to celebrate Onam in the company of their relatives, friends and loved ones.

Keralites (residents of Kerala) celebrate Onam by organizing community dinners, cultural programs and so on.

After lunches, sports and games are held, in which men and women of all ages participate. Comic wrestling, ball games, chess are the favorite pastimes of men, while women find pleasure in folk games(Unjalattom, Thumbithullal, Thiruvathirakalim, Kaikottikali and others). Boat racing (regatta) attracts thousands of people, including tourists from other countries.

Every year in the fall, a stunningly beautiful event is held in New Mexico - International Festival balloons. Just imagine - early in the morning, almost at dawn, at one moment, huge balloons with original baskets filled with smiling people! They glow in the pre-dawn sky with millions of lights and make your heart skip a beat!

Of course, we are not insisting that you drop all your pressing matters and fly urgently to Albuquerque! But we recommend that you take the morning of the first day off in September to celebrate the holiday and autumn! Gather your friends, grab your adoring children and wife, and simply surprise your beloved girl once again with a pre-dawn call and an unexpected proposal, and go to the forest for your own balloon festival! Launch armfuls of balloons into the air, enjoy the surrounding nature and be extremely happy! And then, when the pleasant September sun warms the clearing you have chosen, you can have a gorgeous picnic in the middle of the forest!

People all over the world know Easter, Christmas, and New Year. But there are other holidays that are, to put it mildly, a little unusual.

Every nation has its own colorful, interesting and unusual holidays. They were invented in different countries world in order to diversify people's lives and fill it with bright colors. Such holidays allow us not to forget about national traditions.

Below is a brief overview of the most unusual holidays, which are also widely celebrated, although not throughout the world.

Unusual holidays

1. Night of the Radish (Mexico)
The holiday is held annually on December 23 in the city of Oaxaca. The city is famous for its woodcarving masters. In 1889, farmers decided to try carving radish figures to attract buyers. And it worked. The festival lasts several hours, but attracts a large number of spectators and participants. Craftsmen cut out all kinds of figures of people, animals, and buildings from radishes.

The main theme of the festival is Christmas stories. Some sculptures weigh up to 3 kilograms and reach a length of 50 cm. The holiday program includes several competitions, during which the thickest, skinniest, longest and roundest radishes are chosen. The holiday is accompanied by cheerful music, dancing and the sale of delicious sweets.

2. Hangul Day (proclamation of the Korean alphabet)

October 9 is the day of the proclamation of the Korean alphabet in South Korea. It is worth clarifying that this day marks the creation and proclamation of the original alphabet by King Sejong the Great Korean language(Hangul). In 1446, the ninth month after lunar calendar the king published a document introducing the new alphabet.

Until the 20th century, this language was used to a limited extent. But in the second half of the last century, Hangul became the main writing system in Korea. In 1991, the holiday lost its status public holiday, but remained national.

3. Lame Duck Day (USA)

On February 6, Americans celebrate Lame Duck Day. “Lame duck” is an informal nickname for presidents and politicians who lose another election but are forced to remain in office until the end of their term. The phrase appeared in American political jargon in the mid-19th century.

Teachers are also sometimes called lame ducks. educational institutions or executives and managers of companies who should quit soon, but are still working last days at their workplaces.

4. Cheng Chau Bung Festival (Hong Kong)

The bun festival is held on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Chinese calendar. This is one of the most vibrant traditional holidays in China. The holiday began to be celebrated about a century ago, when a plague epidemic hit the island. To appease the spirits, the local population set up an altar with offerings before the god Pak Tai and the plague receded. From then to this day, the island's residents have organized parades and celebrations.

The holiday begins when three 18-meter towers are lined up in front of the temple, which are completely covered with buns and pastries. People must collect as many buns as possible, the more baked goods a person collects from the towers, the luckier the next year will be.

5. Lammas Day

Lammas Day, celebrated in the English-speaking countries of the northern hemisphere on August 1, has many names, but the most common is Lughnasad, which translates as "Lug's gathering" or "Lug's wedding." Lugh is one of the gods of the Celtic pantheon, the patron of agriculture and crafts.

The most important dish at Lammas is bread in all its variations, which residents bring to the local church. On festive table Fruits and nuts are also included. Several rituals are performed on this day, and afterwards residents prefer to continue the celebration in nature, if the weather permits.

6. Beer Day (Iceland)

If you are a beer lover, then you need to attend the Beer Festival on March 1st in Iceland. That day celebrates the adoption of the strong beer law, which has been in force since 1989. This act abolished Prohibition, which had been in force for 75 years.

The most important thing on this day is to drink as much beer as you can fit. On this day, most offices, institutions and banks work less, but this does not apply to drinking establishments.

7. Setsebun, bean throwing day (Japan)

Setsebun or bean scattering day is celebrated on the first day of spring, which falls on February 3-4 according to the Japanese calendar. On this day, people scatter beans (mame-maki ritual) in houses, streets and temples to drive away evil spirits and invite happiness into the home.

According to ancient legend, once an epidemic claimed many lives and evil spirits were to blame. It was possible to drive them away only with the help of roasted beans. This is where the mame-maki ritual was born to expel evil spirits and preserve well-being.

Holidays of the peoples of the world

8. Nenana Ice Lottery (Alaska)

The lottery takes place in the village of Nenana. This tradition began in 1917. The winter had been particularly long that year, and a group of railroad engineers began betting on the time when the ice on the Tanana River would begin to crack. The next year, several more people supported them and it became a tradition.

Lottery participants must guess the day and exact time when the ice on the river breaks up. A large tripod is installed on the ice, tied to a special clock on the shore. When the ice begins to melt and crack, the tripod falls into the water, thereby stopping the clock mechanism. The winner is announced. The biggest win was $303,895.

9. Nyepi Day (day of silence)

Nyepi or the Day of Silence in Bali is similar to the New Year, but is celebrated every spring on the night of the new moon. Thus, the date of the celebration changes every year. Nyepi is one of the most important holidays in the island's culture; it is preceded by several ritual ceremonies, during which almost all the islanders participate. After the ceremonies. the next day at 6 am the entire island is plunged into peace and quiet. The point is to make the demons believe that the island is empty.

There is nothing working on the island except an ambulance. On this day, the police patrol the city to make sure that all citizens meet New Year without light, TV, radio and noisy feasts, while thinking about what awaits them in the next year and what goals they set for themselves. Guests of the island must also obey the rules of Nyepi. The next day a fun carnival begins.

10. Tomatina

In the last week of August, the city of Buñol in eastern Spain hosts an annual tomato festival to celebrate the passing summer. This Spanish holiday features fireworks, music, dancing and free food. Distinctive feature festival that attracts crowds of tourists is the tomato battle of Tomatina (La Tomatina).

The history of the holiday dates back to 1945, when a group of friends staged a tomato duel in the square. Despite the authorities' attempts to ban the holiday, the festival is becoming more and more popular. And although the battle itself lasts about 1.5 hours, the consumption of tomatoes reaches 100 tons.

11. Festival of colors (Holi)

One of the most famous festivals in India is the festival of colors, Holi. It marks the arrival of spring in Hinduism, and falls at the end of February - beginning of March. The festival is dedicated to Holika, the legendary sister of the mythical king Hiranyakasipu, who, on the orders of her brother, refused to kill the little prince Prahlad, who believed in Vishnu, and died in fire while saving the child.

On the first day of the festival, in the late afternoon, bonfires are lit in honor of Holika, symbolizing her burning. The second day (Dhalundi) of the festival is dedicated to paints: festival participants shower each other and everyone they meet with coloring powders and water. This tradition originates from the legends of the love of Krishna and Radha, whose face the young god painted with powder as a child. Holi is celebrated on a special scale in Indian villages around Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna.

12. Cooperschild cheese race

Held on the last Monday of May in Gloucester, England. Competitors climb a hill and, after a signal, rush after a rolling wheel of cheese. Whoever crosses the finish line and grabs the cheese first wins it as a prize. Despite the very high level of injuries, the festival attracts a huge number of tourists who want to take part.

The origin of the holiday is unknown, but the tradition of its celebration dates back about 200 years and is becoming more popular every year.

13. Monkey Banquet

The Monkey Banquet is one of the most unusual holidays in Thailand. Once a year, since 1989, the Thais have hosted a feast for 600 invited primates, although many more come. On a huge 7-meter table, covered with a red tablecloth, you can find everything the monkey’s soul desires: all kinds of tropical fruits, vegetables and rice, 2 tons in total. You can even find soda and sweets there. In this way, the residents of the city of Lopburi thank the macaques for victories in past wars. According to legend, God Rama gave these lands to his best friend- to the monkey king Hanuman. It was the monkeys that helped the king save Rama’s wife, Sita, and defeat his enemies.

The holiday begins on the last Sunday of November at the ruins of an ancient temple. The governor gives a celebratory speech to the primates. There are a great many of them there. Then real invitations tied to cashew nuts are handed out. A few bold males appear first, then all the other members of the pack. Crowds of tourists and locals try to capture this feast on camera. Well-fed and cheerful monkeys even allow themselves to be stroked.

Hundreds of holidays are celebrated annually around the world, preserving ancient traditions and distinguished by their originality. Gone are the days of bloody sacrifices. They were replaced by harmless offerings to gods and idols in the form of fruits, dances and songs. Many of them will seem strange, but they are all worth visiting and forming your own opinion.

Autumn is not only the rainy season and autumn leaves. In autumn you can get a lot of positive emotions and interesting performances. To confirm this, I will cite the holidays with which they fight this gray season abroad.

Florida Fantasy Festival
Costume party in a town in Florida. The characters radiate joy and passion. You can see robots, mermaids, space aliens and just girls in bikinis. The festival began in 1979, when two entrepreneurs organized such a costume parade to attract tourists. Every year it has gained and is gaining popularity.

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City, Mexico
It is celebrated in early November, paying tribute to the dead. In legends, the goddess Mictlancihuatl is considered to be the culprit of this event, who protects the souls of buried people. For two days you can see caramel skulls and skeletal figures everywhere. They also hold a big carnival, the noise of which fills the city with an atmosphere of incredible celebration and fun.

Devil dance in Peru
The very name of this event evokes interest and expectation of something mystical and unearthly. The city of Puno is considered the best place where you can fully enjoy this day. When November comes, dancing demons appear on the city streets, performing their mystical round dance, and the procession is led by none other than the devil himself. The charm of the costumes and the sounds of the drums make your heart clench with an influx of feelings: it seems that in just a moment you yourself will turn into a demon and start dancing.

Fireworks night in England
Back in 1605, a group of traitors wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in order to get rid of the king. But the plan failed, and so that the memory of the act does not disappear, every year the sky is illuminated with a symbol of the unrealizable plan. Since that day, fireworks night has been celebrated every year.

Cuckold Day in Italy
A village in Italy became famous for its large number of betrayals. In November, many decorations of horns, symbols of treason, appear on its streets. All this is accompanied by humorous scenes and practical jokes performed by local actors. During the celebration, loud laughter fills the entire area; it is difficult to find at least one sad person.

A week with pirates in the Cayman Islands
Mid-November becomes the busiest time for this area. After all, it is then that the area is filled with songs, rum and pirates. A large costume parade extends throughout the Cayman Islands. Ship battles rage on the sea, which every year depict new scenarios from the life of lovers of freedom and the sea breeze.

These are not all the joyful events of autumn. I’m unlikely to be able to see the carnival with my own eyes this fall, but no one is stopping me from hosting it at home. Have a good mood and a bright autumn.