4 Wonderful Harvest Festivals Across the World
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As Individuals, we are likely to suppose Thanksgiving is exclusive to the USA — and in some ways it’s — however its traditions usually resemble these of harvest festivals, which happen in lots of international locations and cultures around the globe in some kind. Although the time of 12 months and crops are completely different in every nation, every vacation options feasts, household and enjoyable, and gratefulness for a fruitful harvest.
If you happen to’re learning or interning overseas, be sure you make the most of your host area’s harvest festivals — listed below are only a few around the globe:
1. South Korea – Chuseok
This harvest competition takes place on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar on the total moon. In different phrases, it occurs on a distinct day yearly, however usually it takes place someplace between September and October. Throughout Chuseok, Koreans return to their hometowns, don their finest hanbok (conventional costume) and take part in what’s often called Charye. On this ancestorial memorial ceremony, households spend hours making ready a feast. Every little thing on the desk is organized very notably, with rice and soup positioned on the north facet, vegatables and fruits on the south, meat dishes on the west and within the center, and songpyeon (rice muffins) to the east.
Professional-tip: Spend your summer season or fall semester in Seoul, South Korea with AIFS Overseas for the prospect to expertise Chuseok for your self!
2. Germany and Austria – Erntedankfest Düsseldorf-Urdenbach
One may assume that Oktoberfest is Germany and Austria’s harvest competition, however no, Erntedankfest is an entire separate excuse to have fun! This days-long occasion takes place in early October and adheres to a inflexible schedule, beginning with mass on Friday. On Sunday, there’s a live performance the place onlookers eat “oaf on a spit” (beef or pork cooked rotisserie-style), adopted by a parade and eventually the Schürreskarrenrenne (wheelbarrow race). Monday is the time to bust out the Blotschenball (clogs) and dance. Are you able to and your companion dance properly sufficient to be topped Blotschenkönigspaar (royal clogs couple)?
Professional-tip: Spend your fall semester in Berlin, Germany or Salzburg, Austria with AIFS Overseas for the prospect to expertise Erntedankfest for your self!
3. Argentina – Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia
Argentina is famend for its wine, delivery Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon everywhere in the world. It will make sense then that their harvest competition is grape primarily based. The celebration of Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia takes place within the Mendoza area in February. It begins with the blessing of the fruit, naturally. Then there’s the Vía Blanca de las Reinas, the place ladies parade the streets driving chariots. Subsequent is the Carrusel Vendimial the place the boys have their parade, additionally on chariots. All of it culminates in “Acto Central” the place over 1,000 performers delight the crowds with conventional folklore and music. No chariots right here, nevertheless it does finish in spectacular fireworks present!
Professional-tip: Spend your spring semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina with AIFS Overseas for the prospect to expertise Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia for your self!
United Kingdom – Guldize
If you happen to had been to guess what crop Cornish folks of southern United Kingdom have fun for his or her harvest competition, there’s an apparent reply, however you’d be mistaken. Guldize celebrates the area’s wheat harvest in late September. To start the festivities, a farmer performs the ritual of Crying the Neck, the place they maintain up the ultimate handful of wheat whereas a crowd chants a sequence of calls. The neck of the wheat is then made right into a “Corn dolly,” which homes the spirit of the wheat till the following harvest. Then, they feast on fuggans (fruit pastries) and cider whereas singing outdated Cornish songs all through the night time.
Professional-tip: Spend your fall semester in locations like London, England or Edinburgh, Scotland with AIFS Overseas for the prospect to expertise Guldize for your self!
Feast upon the cultures of wonderful world locations.
Among the finest methods to study a rustic’s tradition is thru their meals. So, when you’re learning or interning overseas, you’ll want to go to your one of many many harvest festivals around the globe!