World festivals in November
As we cross into the colder seasons, and draw closer to the more familiar month of festivities, we look around the world for festivals in November.
Bonfire Night, Lewes, UK
5th Nov
We’re very familiar with this one here at Vandu, seeing as our offices are in Lewes. Wrap up warm and because this event brings the streets of the town alive, where the permanent population of around 16,000 can swell to a massive 40,000. It is the biggest 5th of November event in all of England, garnering the title of the ‘Bonfire capital’ of the world, and some of the bonfire societies have been around since 1855. Of course the event is about Guy Fawkes failed attempt to blow up parliament, but there are also 17 burning crosses to represent a group of protestant martyrs from the town burned at the stake for their religious beliefs during the Marian Persecutions. The event has courted controversy with its ‘enemies of the bonfire’ effigies (Osama bin Laden, David Cameron and a certain pig have been victims of this tradition) as well as the occasional small bonfire-related injury; but the town makes up for it by transforming from a sleepy rural area into a large, loud and energetic carnival.
Lopburi Banquet, Lopburi, Thailand
Last Sunday of November
On the last Sunday of November, the town celebrates the annual ‘monkey festival’ which draws in crowds for the mass feeding of around 3000 long tail macaque monkeys. All year round, these monkeys tend to be petulant, pesky pests, but due to an old legend in which a monkey is the main character (A monkey deity and his monkey army are said to have saved a lord’s wife) they are tolerated, and even respected within the town because the locals consider macaques to be descendants of this legendary monkey, and therefore bring luck to its inhabitants. The feast itself is worthy of the animals’ more evolved primate relatives, and this truly shows when the feast descends into monkey-on-monkey food fight. Perhaps not one to fly all the way to Thailand for, but surely unmissable if you’re in the area.
La Calaca, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico,
30th Oct – 2nd Nov
La Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is a holiday in Mexico that celebrates family and friends whom have passed on, and La Calaca is one of the most bright and colourful events in Mexico. Art installations, live music, creative workshops and late-night parties are scattered around the city for everyone to enjoy. Whilst La Calaca itself may not have much history (it was born in 2012), the city its located in is full of historic buildings such as the Santa Cruz del Churro Chapel, and Las Monjas; Ignacio Allende, one of the leaders of the Mexican Army during the Mexican War for Independence, was born in the city and it bears his name in light of his contributions.
Pushkar Camel Mela (Pushkar Camel Fair), Rajasthan, India
8th - 14th Nov
The Pushkar Fair is a five-day camel and livestock trading event held in the semi-arid town of Pushkar, which is in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Over fourteen days, the event sees over 11,000 animals and 400,000 attendees, making it one of the largest animal fairs on the planet. The fair starts off with a camel race, after which the men and women divide, with the men selling the livestock and the women work the stalls, selling jewellery, clothes, and other fineries. During the festivities there are other acts going on as well, such as music, poems and other types of performance. According to the old legends, on the final day of the event held on the day called Kartik Poornima, the Hindu God Brahma sprung the Pushkar Lake; locals swim in the water to celebrate the occasion.
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Diwali, India
30 Oct – 3 Nov
Otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is an ancient and spiritual festival, often drawing comparisons with our western Christmas. The event comes from an old Hindu text referring to the story of Rama. In this story Rama has been exiled and battles all manner of demons, eventually culminating in a war with the Demon King Ravana. Upon Ravana’s defeat, Rama celebrates by lighting up the path home. This event is generally celebrated throughout India and there is an overriding sense of goodwill, as it is considered ill-mannered to be unwelcoming during Diwali. Through the story there is a focus on the ‘inner-light’ within yourself, and the triumph of good over evil. To truly experience the culture of this event, it’s best to take part in Diwali with an Indian family; as is with our Christmas, the festival of lights is more of an internal, family-based affair.
