Buzz
Festivals are the purest expressions of traditional cultures and customs of each nation and ethnicity. Throughout the world, festivals are organized year-round with diverse and unique styles.
Explore with Mytour the most remarkable festivals happening every December in Vietnam and several countries worldwide.
The New Rice Festival of the Ê Đê People, Vietnam
Following the traditional customs of the Ê Đê people and various ethnic groups in the Central Highlands such as Gia Rai, Ba Na, Xơ-đăng, M’Nông… every year after the harvest season, starting from late December until the end of March the following year, villages in this region will celebrate the Spring Festival or the New Rice Festival.
During this occasion, every family prepares a new rice meal to express gratitude to the heavens, the earth, the rice deities, and the ancestors, praying for a bountiful harvest… After the rice soul fetching ritual, the village elders lead ceremonies in their villages to pray for favorable rain, gentle winds, and the health of everyone.
The festival lasts for 7 days and nights, with the atmosphere in every village becoming increasingly lively, bustling, with the sound of gongs and drums echoing through the mountains and forests. During the festival days, the Ê Đê people also engage in unique cultural activities such as epic storytelling, playing traditional instruments like đing năm and đing Ktút, and singing folk songs.
Celebrating the new rice harvest is a tradition of the Ê Đê people as well as other ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, providing an opportunity for the community to rest, celebrate, and enjoy the fruits of a year's labor. This festival also serves as a reminder for everyone to remember their roots and to have the consciousness to protect nature and the environment.
Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival, Japan
The Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival is held annually for 3 days at the beginning of December in the city of Chichibu, Japan. This is one of the prominent events attracting visitors from all over eagerly coming to participate.
Those attending the festival will have the opportunity to enjoy various Japanese delicacies and taste Amazake – a sweet rice wine that warms the hearts of visitors in the cold winter. The highlight is on December 3rd when visitors can witness the splendid boats and palanquins symbolizing the guardian deities being paraded through the streets towards the square in front of the city hall.
Following that is a fascinating fireworks display, illuminating a corner of the sky. From afar, visitors can easily see the sparkling lights of fireworks covering the sky and the beautifully decorated boats.
Ako Gishi-sai Festival, Japan
Every December 14th, the Ako Gishi-sai Festival is held across Japan. The festival originates from a highly renowned story in Japanese history related to the Samurai leaders. Attending the festival, visitors immerse themselves in the procession wearing traditional Samurai and Kimono attire.
During this occasion, traditional Japanese folk legends are also recreated through theatrical performances. It's a great opportunity for those who love and want to learn more about the distinctive culture of the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.
Hornbill Festival, India
For those eager to explore new cultural aspects, visit the Hornbill Festival held in the first week of December every year in Nagaland, India. This unique festival takes place in the northwestern hills of India, where numerous tribal communities reside.
This is an incredibly unique festival held in the northwestern hills of India, where many tribal communities reside. Here, visitors will be fascinated by intricately crafted handicrafts, watch marathon races, off-road rallies, photo exhibitions... Additionally, the mesmerizing music and dance performances by the indigenous people will captivate visitors.
The Krampusfest in Los Angeles, USA, is a devilish celebration that takes place by the shores of the Atlantic from December 5 to 21 annually. In European folklore, Krampus is a demon associated with Saint Nicholas, aiding in delivering gifts on Christmas Eve and punishing naughty children. The festival features a variety of events such as the Krampus Run, Krampus Ball, and Krampus Rumpus, along with parades and exhibitions of goods.
Krampusfest, a sinister festivity unfolds in Los Angeles, a city by the Atlantic, from December 5 to 21 every year. Rooted in European folklore, Krampus acts as Saint Nicholas's counterpart, doling out punishment to mischievous children during the Christmas Eve gift-giving. The festival boasts events like Krampus Run, Krampus Ball, and Krampus Rumpus, complete with parades and vendor displays.
Europe buzzes with Christmas celebrations
Christmas represents a significant holiday for Westerners, with preparations and festive decorations making cities sparkle before the holiday. Streets become lively at night with people enjoying, visiting churches for mass, and homes adorned with splendid Christmas trees.
Christmas rituals start at 10 pm and go till late, with people eventually gathering at home or heading out to enjoy singing, dancing, and chatting with friends. The warm Christmas feast happens on the night of the 24th or the morning of the 25th, complete with delicious dishes and traditional roast turkey and sweets.
This special festival has long been a part of Western spiritual life and has spread worldwide. Christmas brings warmth and peace, offering a moment for everyone to come together and express love and care.
According to Traveltimes.vn
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourNovember 28, 2014
