From Ecuador to Venice to China, Musement takes a look at ten events and celebrations around the world taking place in September.
As the end of summer nears, the world still has plenty to celebrate. Here’s a look at ten events and festivals happening around the world in September.
1. August 29 – September 7: The Venice Film Festival
The 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, one of the world’s most famous, which attracts the A-list to “La Serenissima“. The world premiere Hirokazu Kore-eda’s The Truth, starring Juliette Binoche, Catherine Deneuve and Ethan Hawke, kicks off the festivities, while the highly anticipated Ad Astra and Joker are also in the running for the prestigious Golden Lion award.
2. September 2: Labor Day, America
This holiday honoring the American labor movement takes place the first Monday of September and often makes for a long weekend that unofficially marks the end of summer.
3. September 12 – 15: Sydney Contemporary
Australia’s largest international art fair showcases a range of both local and international art galleries, attracting art enthusiasts from all over the world to Sydney.
4. September 13: The Mid-Autumn Festival, China
This harvest festival is always celebrated in the middle of September, a custom that dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 256 BC). Also known as the Moon Festival (the moon is at its brightest), locals fest on Moon Cake, a beloved delicacy synonymous with the festival.
5. September 13 – 15: Dirty Dancing Festival, North Carolina
Fans of this iconic film gather once a year to have the time of their life as they enjoy a screening, learn dance steps from the film, carry a watermelon and more. The Festival supports the Swayze Foundation, founded by the brother and sister-in-law of the film’s late leading man.
6. September 20 – 24: La Mercè, Barcelona
This four-day street party in honor of the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy includes parades, wines, races, entertainment, fireworks and more. A vibrant time to visit Barcelona!
7. September 21 – October 7: Oktoberfest, Munich
Although its name implies the bulk of the festival takes place in the subsequent month, Oktoberfest in Munich actually kicks off September 21. If you’re planning to attend, check out our tips for surviving the rollicking beer festival.
8. September 23 – 28: La fiesta della mamma negra, Ecuador
This annual event in Latacunga commemorates the mother of Mercy, or “La Virgen de las Mercedes”. People sport colorful costumes and take to the streets to celebrate. Expect parades, performances, fireworks entertainment and more.
9. September 26 – October 13: World of Wearable Art, New Zealand
This international design competition attracts participants from more than 40 different countries, to showcase innovative avante garde garments.
10. September 27 – 29: Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa
This festival near Cape Town is the only “eco-marine” festival in South Africa celebrates the return of the Southern Right Whales to the water, and also focuses on how to protect the marine creatures that inhabit the coastal waters.