7 Festivals Around the World You Should Never Mistake For Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner and people are making plans and preparing for their unique parties. Meanwhile, in some nations, there are other festivals and celebrations in which people honor their dead and long-gone ancestors. These festivals are often mixed up with Halloween, which is both incorrect and disrespectful. Not to be confused, we’ve listed seven festivals around the world that must never be mistaken for Halloween.
Dia de los Meurtos In Mexico
Dia de los Meurtos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico is celebrated over three days starting October 31 until November 2. It is believed that during that time, the dead return to Earth to be with their families and those whom they love. To honor their dead and their ancestors, Mexicans walk in processions and parades wearing skeleton masks, as they believe that skeletons are a representation of “the dead joyfully imitating the living”. They also spend their night at the graveyards singing and chanting, while music is played and folk dances are performed.
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1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.The Day of the Dead In China
People in China celebrate the day of the dead as they remember their ancestors and lost ones. They put food and water in front of photos of their lost people and light bonfires and lanterns, which they believe will guide the spirits in their journey around Earth on the night of October 31.
Moto Halloween Party In Colombia
Some people in Colombia, particularly motorcyclists, wear different costumes and take a ride to celebrate Halloween in what is known as the “Moto Halloween Party”. It might seem like Halloween in terms of dressing up, but these motorcyclists have their own unique party of customs and riding around.
The Obon in Japan
The Obon is the Festival of the Dead and also the Festival of the Lanterns in Japan. It is celebrated annually in August. The Japanese believe that the souls of the dead return to the world to visit their relatives. That’s why the families in Japan prepare offerings of special food, which they put in temples and outside their homes. When the sun sets, they light paper lanterns outside their homes to guide the spirits of their ancestors. By the end of the day they send the lanterns floating by the rivers of Japan to guide the spirits back to the dead world until the next year.
The P’chum Ben In Cambodia
The P’chum Ben is the Festival of the Dead in Cambodia. It is celebrated in the 10th month of the lunar calendar, which is usually in September of every year. For 14 days, Cambodian Buddhists wake up before dawn each morning to prepare special food and gifts for the monks who live in the local pagoda in their villages, as well as for their ancestors. These 14 days are called Pak Ben. The 15th day is the P’chum Ben, which marks the end of the Pak Ben. On that day, Cambodians prepare sweet sticky rice and bean treats that are wrapped in banana leaves. They also wear their finest clothes, come together with their families and friends at the local pagoda, and listen to music and speeches by monks.
Yue Lan Festival In Hong Kong
Yue Lan Festival is a special tradition in Hong Kong. It means the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. It is a ritual celebration in which people give gifts to the dead to ensure their comfort and provide them with peace.
Pão-por-Deus In Portugal
In Portugal, the children participate in “Pão-por-Deus” celebration which means “Bread for God”, which takes place on November 1. On this day, children go knocking on doors and asking for food, candy and sometimes money. “Pão-por-Deus” refers to the bread or the offering that is given to the dead, and the day is a remembrance of how the people of Lisbon lost everything in an earthquake in 1755 and had to ask for food from the neighboring towns.
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