Festivals and Traditions Around the World

Cultures around the world celebrate the passing of seasons and important occasions with festivals and traditions dedicated to gods, saints, political revolutions, and peoples.

These celebrations aren’t just a good excuse to celebrate and gather with friends. They’re part of the cultural fabric that makes each country and region unique. That means traditions like Day of the Dead in Tijuana can be educational, as well as fun, if you’re a tourist who wants to learn more about the religions, customs, and beliefs that connect people around the world.

However, if you decide to take part in educational tourism, you will need to show appropriate respect and appreciation for the people you meet. Some festival organizers will invite you to enjoy the party atmosphere, while others will expect you to act with discretion and consideration for their cultural customs. You will also need to adopt the ethic of slow travel if you really want to understand festivals and traditions around the world, as this will give you time to appreciate each element of the culture you are visiting.

Seasonal Celebrations

Most modern American celebrations coincide with important political events (such as the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Presidents’ Day, to name a few). However, the rest of the world often celebrates ancient traditions that revolve around the passing of the seasons. For example, in the United Kingdom, the summer solstice marks a major milestone in the calendar, with thousands of people gathering at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise and set on the longest day of the year.

Similarly, the appearance of cherry blossoms in Japan signals the beginning of spring and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists who want to see the pink petals for themselves. According to Travel Japan, the blossoming of cherry trees symbolizes the passing of human life, with many people gathering for hanami parties to enjoy the passing of winter and the arrival of spring.

If seasonal celebrations like Hanami sound appealing to you, consider extending your stay and engaging in slow tourism. As well as allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the seasonal celebration, slow tourism has benefits such as:

• SustainabilityTraveling around your destination on foot or by bike will not only save you money, but will also reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll also see more of the places you visit when you travel slowly, which may make you appreciate the seasonal event even more.
• relieve stressSeasonal celebrations are often about slowing down and appreciating the world as it is today. By giving yourself plenty of time to see the sights, you can create some much-needed relief in your schedule and relieve some of that stress.
• Community OutreachTourist celebrations are good for the local economy, but they won’t give you the deep appreciation of the culture you’re looking for. By taking it slow, you can see how people really celebrate the passing of the seasons and can meaningfully change your worldview.

If you want to take a slow travel approach, you’ll need to pack sustainably. Packing the right amount of clothing will help you adapt when new opportunities arise and will ensure that you don’t leave any waste behind during your trip. This is especially important if you’re traveling to a site of spiritual significance.

death

In countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, celebrations of life are usually reserved for those who have fallen in military service. These usually coincide with national holidays where people gather to celebrate Remembrance Day or Memorial Day. However, other cultures remember their dead through festivals and carnival-like celebrations that encourage happy memories.

If you like the idea of ​​honoring your loved ones, consider attending the Day of the Dead celebrations in Tijuana. The Day of the Dead celebrations have their roots in pre-colonial Mexico and combine ancient traditions with elements of modern Catholic ritual. The Mexican government made it a federal holiday 50 years ago and it is beloved by tourists and Tijuana residents alike.

In Japan, many people participate in the annual Obon Festival. Obon is a Buddhist tradition that encourages participants to light lanterns, dance, and gather with family. Local festivals often take place during the three-day holiday, and people come together to care for their ancestors’ shrines. If you decide to participate in Obon, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance as many areas become very crowded during this time.

cheerful festivals

Most people living in the United States are familiar with religious festivals and holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Hanukkah. However, other cultures forgo Christmas cake and chocolate eggs in favor of carnivals and pilgrimages.

If the idea of ​​a fun festival appeals to you, consider a trip to Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. Carnival is an annual celebration that precedes Ash Wednesday and blends Catholic traditions with samba. This festival attracts two million people each year and is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

You might also enjoy taking part in the Holi celebrations in South Asia. Holi, known as the festival of colors, is a Hindu celebration that symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the beginning of spring. There are lots of dances involved and you are sure to be covered in the famous colored powders that give the celebrations a cheerful and bright feel.

It is important to maintain your respect during Carnival or Holi. While you may be dazzled by the colorful costumes and elaborate outfits, take necessary measures to avoid cultural appropriation when dressing up. Many people mistakenly offend or insult important cultural events by copying Carnival dresses and Holi motifs without properly understanding the meaning behind them. You can avoid cultural appropriation while following the celebrations by:

• Avoid items that mock religious figures or symbols.
• refrain from stereotyping
• Spend some time researching the culture so you can avoid causing offense.

There can be a fine line between appreciation and appropriation when you're at fun, colorful festivals. If you're unsure, work with a local guide to better understand how to dress to show proper respect for the culture you're visiting.

Conclusion

Visiting other countries around the world during traditional festivals and celebrations can broaden your horizons and help you better understand different cultures. Just be sure to research customs and expectations before you travel to avoid cultural appropriation and get the most out of your time abroad.

About the author

Travel writer. Adventure seeker. Culture lover. Sam Bowman enjoys writing about sustainable travel, cultural immersion, and adventure tourism around the world, sharing tips and stories to inspire your next trip.