Must-See Fall Festivals Before You Die

Fall is arguably the most beautiful season of the year, and the perfect time to travel. It’s also the time when countries around the world celebrate the harvest, the coming of winter and much more. Here are some of the best fall festivals you just can’t miss.

Guy Fawkes Night in the United Kingdom is a celebration of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which Mr. Fawkes attempted his infamous assassination of King James 1. It didn’t end so well for him, but it did lead to one of the most popular fall festivals on Earth. During the festivities — which feature music and food — a large effigy of Guy Fawkes is set afire while fireworks boom overhead.

In Southeast Asia they celebrate Loi Krathong, which means to float a basket. The basket-floating festival occurs in both Thailand and Laos and involves sending decorated baskets down a river at night with candles lit inside. It runs concurrent with the Yi Peng festival, which sees thousands of paper lanterns sent into the night skies.

The MassKara Festival in the Philippines is another must-see celebration that is one of the largest carnivals on Earth. Originally started in 1980, the festival was meant to bring light and laughter in the face of tragedy. After a boating accident killed hundreds of locals, artists came together to create a festival of smiles that features brightly painted masks and stunning, vibrant costumes.

Finally, there’s the Mid-Autumn Festival. This grand affair is celebrated in China and the surrounding countries and meant to coincide with the full moon. The holiday is a time to celebrate family and friends and features a variety of colorful and fun events. One of the main draws is the beloved dragon or lion dance, featuring dancers covered in large effigies of the ferocious animals.