November may be the fag end of the year, but it’s a beginning of a gala time. As the anticipation for Christmas holiday builds up and the auburn leaves make a rustling sound, you can go on a break to visit some of the amazing cities, attend never-heard-before festivals, and make a grand start to the winter. Here’s a list of places you would love to visit this November:
#1. Mexico
During Día de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, families gather around the graves of the deceased and decorate them with flowers, candles, and decorative sugar skulls on graves.
Event – Día de Los Muertos
Location – Nationwide
Date – November 1 to November 2
While most of us do not associate death with festivities, the people of Mexico embrace it whole-heartedly. During Día de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, families gather around the graves of the deceased and decorate them with flowers, candles, and decorative sugar skulls on graves. They sing songs, tell tales, and share traditional bread called Pan de Muertos. This one-of-a-kind festival has drawn interest of people from far and wide. Trying local delicacies and visiting some of the ancient ruins like Chichén Itzá are an added lure.
#2. Greece
The International Film Festival, which the city hosts, is a much sought-after event in southeastern Europe.
Event – International Film Festival
Location – Thessaloniki
Date – November 6 -15
With the advent of November, the focus turns to the port city of Thessaloniki. If you thought that this Greek destination is all about impressive remnants of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, think again. The International Film Festival, which the city hosts, is a much sought-after event in southeastern Europe. It’s a 10-day-long celebration of independent cinema that’s experimental and enriching.
#3. Iceland
The Iceland Airwaves is a five-day-long music festival with Alternative Rock bands and other emerging bands churning out scintillating music that compel you to dance.
Event – Iceland Airwaves
Location – Reykjavik
Date – November 4 – 8
Iceland is stunningly beautiful. Don’t let the November chill come between you and your trip to the capital city of Reykjavik because that’s where all the fun lies. The Iceland Airwaves is a five-day-long music festival with Alternative Rock bands and other emerging bands churning out scintillating music that compel you to dance. You not only get warmed up but also overwhelmed by this musical journey. Once the festival is over, you can head over to one of the many hot springs located all over the country and take a moment to savor the beauty of Iceland.
#4. India
Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and fervor throughout the country, so you need not worry about missing out on certain aspects.
Event – Diwali
Location – Nationwide
Date – November 11
Arguably the biggest festival in India, Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and fervor throughout the country, so you need not worry about missing out on certain aspects. The entire country seems to “light up the dark” during this festival of light. It’s a different feeling to walk down the streets adorned with bright lights, candles, and small clay lamps called diyas. People in their best attires and the splendid display of fireworks can rival the 4th of July celebrations in the US.
#5. Cayman Islands
Pirate-themed activities, including dance, music, and competitions keep you hooked on to these picturesque islands.
Event – Pirates Week Festival
Location – Nationwide
Date – November 12 – 22
There is never a bad time to visit the Caribbean, but a certain time of the year is definitely better than others. Every November, the islands as well as the sea are taken over by pirates! It’s not as scary as you think it to be. Pirate-themed activities, including dance, music, and competitions keep you hooked on to these picturesque islands. When locals, disguised as pirates, do a mock invasion of a town in old-time sailing vessels, you are reminded of Jack Sparrow (or Johny Depp). On top of this excitement, add the beautiful vistas of the Caribbean and you have got a holiday you’ll never forget. Just remember to wear your pirate costume and talk like a pirate lest ye be keelhauled!
#6. Thailand
The festivals of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong coincide with each other and both of them deserve to be on your bucket list due to the unmatched spectacle they offer.
Event – Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
Location – Chiang Mai
Date – November 24 – 26
The festivals of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong coincide with each other and both of them deserve to be on your bucket list due to the unmatched spectacle they offer. During the Loy Krathong festival, locals release tiny boats decorated with incense sticks, offerings, flowers and candles into nearby water bodies. Those floating lights create a vivid imagery that has to be seen with your eyes. If lighting up the water wasn’t amazing enough, attend the festival of Yi Peng for another exclusive experience. Watch thousands of people releasing paper lanterns into the night sky. The best part of both these festivals is that anyone can join the festivities and launch their little boats or release their sky lantern.
#7. USA
If you are in the US enjoying autumn’s hues, come to the Crescent City and attend the daylong Po-Boy Festival.
Event – Po-Boy Festival
Location – New Orleans
Date – November 22
Mardi Gras is not the only reason why New Orleans is such a charming place. If you are in the US enjoying autumn’s hues, come to the Crescent City and attend the daylong Po-Boy Festival. It’s a gladdening story of a humble submarine sandwich gaining an iconic status. Once you have devoured the sandwich filled with fried shrimp, ham, and Louisiana hot sausage, you are ready to make the most of this celebration. Shopping at the Oak Street and enjoying the gregarious setting come as a bonus.
Image Credits: Jaredzimmerman, Ververidis Vasilis, India Picture, meunierd, Eugene Novikov