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Festivals are the most vivid expression of traditional culture and customs of each nation. Across the world, festivals are held throughout the year with various unique styles.
Let's explore the most remarkable festivals taking place in December every year in Vietnam and some other countries around the world with Mytour.
The New Rice Festival of the Ê Đê people, Vietnam
According to the traditional customs of the Ê Đê people and other 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, villagers here will jointly organize the Spring Festival or the New Rice Festival.
During this time, every family conducts a ritual of having a new rice meal to express gratitude to the heavens, the earth, the rice spirit, and the ancestors, praying for a bountiful harvest... After the rice soul welcoming ceremony, the village elders preside over the ritual in their villages to pray for favorable rain, gentle winds, and the well-being of everyone.
The festival lasts for 7 days and nights, with the atmosphere in every village becoming lively and bustling, filled 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 ding năm and Ktút flutes, and singing folk songs...
Celebrating the new rice harvest is a tradition of the Ê Đê people as well as the ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, serving as a time for the entire community to rest, enjoy, and celebrate the fruits of their labor after a year of hard work. This festival also serves as a reminder for everyone to remember their roots and have consciousness in protecting nature and the environment...
Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival, Japan
The Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival is held annually on the first three days of December in the city of Chichibu, Japan. This is one of the prominent events that attracts visitors from all over eagerly coming to participate.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy various Japanese specialties and taste Amazake - a characteristic sweet rice wine that warms the hearts of travelers in the cold winter. Especially on December 3rd, visitors will witness the splendid boats and floats representing the protective deities parading through the streets towards the square in front of the city hall...
Following that is an exciting and dazzling fireworks display, lighting up a corner of the sky. From afar, visitors can easily see the sparkling fireworks covering the sky with vibrant colors and the beautifully decorated floats.
Ako Gishi-sai Festival, Japan
Every year on December 14th, the Ako Gishi-sai Festival takes place across Japan. The festival originates from a highly renowned historical story related to Japanese Samurai leaders. Visitors attending the festival also immerse themselves in the crowd participating in the parade dressed in Samurai and traditional Kimono costumes.
During this occasion, Japanese folklore legends will also be retold through theatrical performances. This is 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
To explore new cultural facets, travelers should attend the Hornbill Festival held in the first week of December every year in Nagaland, India.
This is an incredibly unique festival taking place in the mountainous region of northwest India, where many ethnic tribes are concentrated. Here, visitors will be fascinated by intricately crafted handicrafts, watch marathon competitions, off-road races, photo exhibitions... Additionally, the enchanting music and dance performances by the local residents will captivate travelers.
Krampusfest, Los Angeles, USA
Krampusfest is a demon festival held in the city by the Pacific Ocean - Los Angeles from December 5th to 21st every year. In European folklore, Krampus is a demon associated with Saint Nicholas when they distribute gifts on Christmas Eve and punish naughty children. The festival includes various activities such as Krampus Run, Krampus Ball, and Krampus Rumpus. Parades and displays are also held.
Europe bustling with Christmas festivities
Christmas is a significant holiday for Westerners. Before the holiday, everywhere is filled with Christmas atmosphere, people are busy decorating, cleaning houses, and adorning Christmas trees. At night, the streets become crowded and lively with people going out to enjoy themselves or attending church for midnight mass.
Christmas celebrations last from 10 pm until late at night, then everyone returns home to gather with family or go to amusement areas to sing, dance, and chat with friends... The warm Christmas party usually takes place on the night of the 24th or in the morning of the 25th with plenty of delicious food and traditional roasted turkey.
This special festival has long been present in Westerners' spiritual life and has spread worldwide. Christmas brings warmth, peace, and is a time for people to gather, express love…
As per Traveltimes.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourNovember 28, 2014
