Autumn is a strange time to plan a holiday; it’s the in-between season after summer and right before Christmas. But most of us usually need to get away by then, whether to keep the kids busy during half-term or bridge the gap till the next big break. Whatever the reason, our list of events around the world might just be the excuse you’re looking for to get away.
October 9 - October 10: Takayama Matsuri, Japan
Surrounded by the Hida Mountains, the isolated medieval town of Takayama comes alive every autumn for the spectacular Takayama Autumn Festival. The event, which dates back to the 15th-century, begins with a ceremony at the Sakurayama Hachiman-gu shrine then continues with a procession involving hundreds of townspeople dressed in traditional costumes and elaborately decorated floats passing through the town. On the second day of the festival marionette performances are held on the Hotei (Japanese Shinto god of wealth and happiness) float, and the main god of the shrine visits every household. Various groups play Shinto music while one group carries a Mikoshi or a Shinto shrine around. The festival ends with a solemn ceremony at Sakurayama Hachiman-gu.
About Takayama: The charming little town of Takayama is hidden deep in the Northern Alps of Gifu prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan. Thanks to years of isolation, the town had preserved many of its traditional homes so visitors can get a real sense of stepping back into 18th-century Japan.
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October 16 - October 25: Eurochocolate 2009, Perugia
Strolling through the city of Perugia in mid-October you’d except to see Oompa Loompas running around and Willy Wonka come crashing down in his Great Glass Elevator to take part in the biggest and most popular chocolate festival in the world: Costruttori di dolcezze, or Eurochocolate. For one whole week the city, known as the chocolate capital of Europe, plays host to this event which includes chocolate exhibits, tastings, laboratories, cooking classes and the grand finale – the Eurochocolate Awards.
About Perugia: The capital city of the picturesque region of Umbria, Perugia is best known for its delicious chocolate Baci (kisses) which is exported worldwide and made locally by the famous confectionery company Perugina.
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October 17: Diwali, India
The most popular festival in South East Asia, Diwali, is celebrated for five days in October by the lighting of diyas or oil lamps, candles and rows of colourful fairy lights all over town. It’s a time when gifts are exchanged between loved ones, homes are redecorated and new clothes are bought for this special occasion. Diwali holds different meaning to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Hindus believe it symbolises the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and to others it marks the day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Regardless of which legend one follows, the fundamental message is the same: the triumph of good over evil.
About Jaipur: Known by many as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan state. Among its celebrated attractions is the magnificent City Palace which is enclosed by high walls and set amidst fine gardens and courtyards.
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October 18: Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo
Renowned for being the most exciting of all the races in the year is Grande Premio Do Brasil or Brazilian Grand Prix set in Sao Paulo’s famous Interlagos Circuit. Not only has the race attracted celebrities and fans from all over the world since its inauguration in 1950. Brazil has also produced some of the best drivers in the racing world: Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and newcomer Felipe Massa who won the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix.
About Sao Paulo: The world’s second largest city, Sao Paulo true melting pot. Immigrants from Japan, Italy, Portugal and Lebanon have settled here over the years. Sample the best dim sum this side of China in The Liberdade neighbourhood.
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October 22: Abu Simbel Festival, Egypt
Commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and built in the 13th-century, the Abu Simbel Temples are architectural phenomena. The larger of the two temples, known as the Great Temple, was dedicated to the four deities: Ra-Harakhte, Ptah, Amun-Ra and King Ramses II, while the Temple of Nefertari or the Smaller Temple was built to honour Hathor, an ancient goddess. Twice a year, in February and October, crowds gather before sunrise to watch the magnificent light show of natural sunlight light up the inner sanctum of the temple and as the sun gets brighter all the statues, apart from Ptah, are magically illuminated creating one of the most magnificent light shows- without the help of electricity.
About Abu Simbel: Close to the Sudanese border in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel is an important archaeological site and part of the "Nubian Monuments", a Unesco World Heritage Site.
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November 1 - November 2: Day of the Dead, Mexico
Most people view death as a morbid event but in Mexico the Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Difuntos is an important holiday where death is highly celebrated and revered by people of all ages. It started more than 3,000 years ago in pre-Hispanic Mexico, ceremonies and sacrifices took place over two days to worship the spirits of the dead. The event begins with a visit to the grave of a loved one where family members and close friends gather around and set up a feast consisting of meats, breads, eggs and sweets in the shape of skulls and skeletons. Photos of the deceased are placed alongside scented candles which are left to burn incessantly.
About Mexico: From its lively cities to its colonial towns and pristine beaches, the colourful North American country provides visitors with an unforgettable visit.
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Seema Salaam
© Cheapflights Ltd
Updated October 2009
