From a camel fair in India to a turnip festival in England, Musement rounds up events and festivities happening around the world in November.
As winter approaches, autumn is underway with these 11 festivals and celebrations in November.
1. World Vegan Day: November 1
Every November 1, vegans around the world celebrate their lifestyle. Some countries even mark November as World Vegan Month.
2. All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day: November 1 and 2
These two holidays often intertwine so we have grouped them together. The latter is also known as Day of the Dead and countries around the world dedicate the day to the memory of their dearly departed loved ones. In Mexico, celebrants don costumes and masks for the commemoration festivities.
3. The Melbourne Cup: November 2
Part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival (October 30 – November 6) is complete with a prestigious its namesake horse race on November 2. The prestigious event in Melbourne is one of Australia’s most beloved.
4. New York City Marathon: November 7
The mother of all marathons takes place on the first Sunday of each year. Whether you’re participating in the race or just supporting loved ones, don’t forget carb up at one of these excellent pasta restaurants.
5. Africa International Film Festival, Nigeria: November 7 – 13
Taking place in Lagos, the Africa International Film Festival was founded in 2010 and showcases African filmmakers creating films, documentaries, shorts, student shorts and animation.
6. Pushkar Camel Fair: November 11 – 19
This Rajasthan tradition celebrates the beloved animal and is also a pilgrimage trip for Hindus. The camels sport magnificent colors and accessories and are shown off in parades, beauty pageants, dances and more, ending in an auction.
7. Bom om Tuk Water and Moon, Festival Cambodia: November 18 – 20
This festival takes place once a year to mark the change in the flow of Tonle Sap and the Mekong River, a natural occurrence. Expect a water parade, boat race, moon salutations and other festivities.
8. Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Thailand: November 19 – 20
This enchanting, luminous occasion takes place in Chiang Mai on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month of the year. At this festival of lights, there are plenty of street food vendors, entertainers and a lovely fireworks spectacle.
9. Thanksgiving, United States: November 25
This national holiday in the U.S. usually kicks off with a parade and is comprised of a big turkey dinner, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies and football, all in the company of loved ones.
10. St Andrew’s Day, Scotland: November 30
The feast day of Scotland’s national saint is a day of parties, processions and fireworks.
11. Räbechilbi Turnip Festival, Switzerland: Won’t take place this year
At this annual festival in Richterswil, near Zurich, participants carve 30 tons of turnips like a pumpkin, place a candle inside them, then conclude the festivities with a parade. Unfortunately this year, the event won’t take place.