How Do People Celebrate with Music and Dance Globally?
This section explores how music and dance are used in celebrations across the world. Every culture has its own styles of sound and movement that bring people together during festivals, weddings, ceremonies, or special days.
Why Are Music and Dance Important in Celebrations?
- They express joy, tradition, and emotion.
- They bring families and communities together.
- They are used in religious, cultural, and seasonal festivals.
- They help share stories, heritage, and identity through rhythm and movement.
Examples of Celebrations with Music and Dance Around the World
- Brazil – Carnival: A colourful street festival with samba music, drums, and dancing in bright costumes.
- India – Navratri: A nine-day celebration with traditional folk dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas.
- Spain – Flamenco Shows: People clap, sing, and dance passionately in flamenco style during local fiestas.
- Hawaii – Luau: A feast with Hula dancing and island music using ukuleles and drums.
- South Africa – Zulu Ceremonies: Dancing with powerful drumbeats, beadwork, and traditional songs.
- China – Chinese New Year: Celebrated with lion dances, cymbals, gongs, and traditional music.
- Ireland – St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrated with Irish folk music, fiddles, and step dancing.
- Russia – Maslenitsa: A festival of folk dancing, balalaika music, and colourful costumes.
- Japan – Bon Odori Festival: Summer dances held in circles to honour ancestors, with taiko drums and folk music.
- Mexico – Day of the Dead: Features mariachi bands, folk dancing, and parades in traditional dress.
- Indonesia – Balinese Temple Ceremonies: Gamelan music accompanies slow, graceful temple dances.
- New Zealand – Maori Haka: A powerful group chant and dance performed in cultural events and ceremonies.
- USA – Mardi Gras (New Orleans): Jazz music, street parades, and dancing with masks and beads.
- Greece – Easter and Folk Celebrations: Circle dances with live bouzouki music.
- Philippines – Sinulog Festival: A Catholic and cultural celebration with street dancing to tribal drums.
- Thailand – Loy Krathong Festival: Traditional music and dance alongside floating lantern ceremonies.
- Scotland – Highland Games: Bagpipes and traditional Scottish dances like the Highland Fling.
- Nigeria – Egungun Festival: Ancestral spirits are honoured through masked dances and drumming.
- Argentina – Tango Festivals: Celebrations of the passionate partner dance with live tango bands.
- France – Fete de la Musique: A national day where people of all ages perform music and dance in the streets.
