Global Festival Celebrations
Overview of Global Festivals
Festivals around the world feature unique decorations, foods, and customs that reflect diverse cultural heritages.
Special Decorations
- Diwali (India): Homes are adorned with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli (colourful floor designs), and decorative lights.
- Hanukkah (Jewish Tradition): Menorahs are lit, and homes are decorated with blue and silver items symbolising the festival's colours.
- Chinese New Year (China): Red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, and paper cuttings thrive, signifying good luck and happiness.
- Oktoberfest (Germany): Beer tents are styled with colourful banners, flowers, and festive table settings, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Traditional Foods
- Thanksgiving (USA): Roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are traditional fare, symbolising harvest and gratitude.
- Holi (India): Special sweets like gujiya, along with a variety of savoury snacks, are enjoyed during the festival of colours.
- Ramadan (Islamic World): Iftar, the meal to break the fast, often features dates, lentil soup, and various types of breads.
- Day of the Dead (Mexico): Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls are prepared to honour deceased loved ones.
Cultural Customs
- Mardi Gras (USA): Parades featuring colourful floats, costumes, and bead throwing are central to this lively celebration in New Orleans.
- Songkran (Thailand): The traditional water festival involves public water fights symbolising the washing away of sins and bad luck.
- La Tomatina (Spain): Participants engage in a massive tomato fight, a unique and playful tradition held annually in Bunol.
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland): Known for its diverse artistic showcases, this festival emphasises performances in various public spaces throughout the city.
