Though the summer’s calendar of celebrations may be drawing to a close, there’s no need for the festivities to stop. The fall is filled to the brim with charming events to inspire wanderlust, from the bright lights of Diwali to the colorful balloons of Albuquerque’s Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Here’s a roundup of five autumn festivals to visit in style this year!
1. Diwali
Also widely known as the ‘festival of lights’, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness which makes it a fitting fiesta to kick off your autumn travels. Across India, cities celebrate the holiday with fireworks, paper lanterns, and twinkly lights. This ancient Hindu event is also celebrated in other global locations, from Australia to Fiji. Dogs are festooned with brightly hued marigold necklaces and families light candles and enjoy delicious treats, making it a feast for all senses.
2. Day of the Dead
Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos has grown in profile worldwide in recent years, celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd as a way to honor or pay tribute to the dead. You’ve probably seen the iconic sugar skulls, but during this time, families decorate graves of loved ones with personal tributes including the skulls as well as flowers and food. Revelers celebrate life and death with street markets, costumes, and dancing throughout the country. If you’ve got your sights set on an alternative to Halloween, dress up in a skeleton or spooky clown costumes and join the festivities.
3. Alba Truffle Festival
Are you in search of a gourmet getaway this fall? Head to the hills of Alba, a village in the Italian Piedmont region, between October 7th and November 26th this year. You’ll be able to take part in the 87th Annual Alba White Truffle Fair, which showcases the exquisite white truffles found in this region. The hub of the festival is the market, laden with the glorious truffles as well as locally grown hazelnuts, chocolate creations, cured meat, liquors, wine, pasta and more. You may rub shoulders with a celebrity chef or two.
4. Moon Festival
China’s Mid-Autumn festival is also known as the Moon Festival because it takes place during the full moon’s arrival between September and October. During this time period, cities across the country are decorated with lively lantern displays, with lit-up dragons or floral arrangements floating down river. It’s a serene, beautiful sight particularly in idyllic rural areas of China, or you can book a penthouse suite in Hong Kong for the best views of the fireworks. You’ll also be able to enjoy the famous mooncakes which are chewy pastries filled with tempting bean paste.
5. Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival
New Mexico’s clear blue skies are dressed up with hundreds of hot air balloons each year during the month of October. The Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an international event, drawing balloon lovers from all over the world. Soak in the southwestern culture as you sample local cuisine and admire the craftsmanship of these unique aircrafts soaring above you.
As you’re planning your next luxury getaway this fall, keep these festive events in mind for an unforgettable experience!
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Trevor
September 16, 2017 at 4:30 pmI’m really interested in #2, the Day of the Dead. My fantasy would be to celebrate in Mexico City a la the recent bond movie “Spectre.” Last I was in CDMX though, a friend their told me the city tried to recreate that opening scene but it didn’t come off all that well…hopefully they try again!
Carmen Edelson
September 17, 2017 at 4:51 pmOh wow! That sounds so interesting, Trevor. Very cool.
Of Ashes & Bones
September 17, 2017 at 11:12 amah, the hot air balloon! That will be my no.1 list. This is a great list! I love the deepavali celebration. it’s always colourful and so festive.
Carmen Edelson
September 17, 2017 at 4:51 pmColorful indeed!!
Miranda
September 18, 2017 at 4:36 pm#5 for me!! I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon, and the colors of these are gorgeous! Plus living in the US, this one might be the easiest for me to get to first 🙂
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 4:49 amI hope you get to go, Miranda!
Lara Dunning
September 19, 2017 at 1:58 amI usually shy away from festivals as there are too many people there for my liking, but you’ve noted some festivals I’d want to experience like the Day of the Dead, Balloon Festival, and Moon Festival.
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 4:50 amI think you will still have an amazing time, Lara!
Corinne
September 19, 2017 at 2:15 amCarmen, I’ve only done one of these festivals, but now I’m adding the rest to my list. They all seem fun. I really would love to experience the Day of the Dead!
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 4:50 amI’m so glad to hear that, Corinne!
Laura @ Sometime Traveller
September 19, 2017 at 4:41 pmI’d love to visit the truffle festival in Alba. I visited Umbria a few years ago during truffle season and had them on almost every dish I ate – I’d never tried them before but my god are they delicious!
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 4:50 amThey are SO delicious!
Skye
September 20, 2017 at 12:14 amI’ve only heard of a few of these do the other couple are great to know about. That hot air balloon festival looks like such a magical thing to see. Although I have to say I’ve always wanted to do to the Day of the Dead.
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 4:51 amYes, the Day of the Dead is just so unique!
Edward Smith
September 20, 2017 at 2:07 amI know about all festivals of autumn except day of the dead. Fortunately, I will spend mt autumn vacation in Mexico. So I will try to celebrate the festival thanks for sharing the article.
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 4:51 amI hope you get to go, Edward! Enjoy Mexico.
Edith
September 20, 2017 at 8:09 amThese all seem like great festivals. I would love to experience Diwali one day and the hot air balloon festival. I haven’t been to a Day of the Dead festival per se, but growing up in Tucson, Arizona the first day in November you see many things that reflect the celebration around the city.
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 8:05 pmWhat a nice place to grow up, Edith!
melody pittman
September 20, 2017 at 4:08 pmAaahhhh, that balloon festival! I think everybody dreams of that one. For me, the Day of the Dead celebration is way high on my bucket list.
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2017 at 8:05 pmMine too, Melody!
Nathan Aguilera
September 21, 2017 at 12:42 pmThese all look amazing but especially the Day of the Dead festival. It’s on the top of my bucket list. Although the hot air ballon festival looks amazing also.
Carmen Edelson
September 21, 2017 at 6:32 pmThey are both great, you’d have an amazing time!
Jing
September 22, 2017 at 3:55 amGreat list! When I first read about The Day of the Dead and how it is celebrated, the idea of one day celebrating my birthday on this festival in Mexico fizzled out in my mind. My birthday is Oct 31 and wouldn’t it be fun to celebrate both life and death in one day? 🙂
Carmen Edelson
September 23, 2017 at 4:43 pmThat would be so fun, Jing!
Agness of Fit Travelling
October 3, 2017 at 8:29 amWow! All of these festivals seem like lots of fun and definitely worth visiting, Carmen. I especially loved the hot air balloon festival. Is it an annual event?
Carmen Edelson
October 3, 2017 at 3:22 pmIt is, Agness! I hope you get to attend one year.
Varun sharma
May 20, 2020 at 12:48 amThanku for shairing the informative post.
Carmen Edelson
May 20, 2020 at 5:13 pmAlways happy to share 🙂