Community Gallery: October-November Celebrations on Film

As we enter the last few months of the year we typically brace for the last long lap of December, with all its holiday rush New Year excitements. But across the world, this period of October and November are also colorful with the variety of celebrations by many countries, may it be commemorating the dead, remembering a major historical event or continuing a religious tradition.

In this gallery we're taking a look at a few traditions from different countries which makes these months extra special for different cultures, and how community members from around the globe capture these celebrations on film. Let's get into it!

MassKara Festival (The Philippines)

Bright and expressive masks, energetic performances and an overall ecstatic vibe – despite the lively atmosphere the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, Philippines actually has bleak roots, as it was initiated by the locals to lift their spirits up in the face of several tragedies. Prices of sugar, which was Bacolod's main source of livelihood, dropped to record lows in 1980 before the festival was started, heavily affecting the province's economy.

In the same year, a tragic ferry incident resulted in many deaths and also rocked Bacolod City, prompting the locals to come up with an idea to remain positive throughout the crisis as well as boost tourism. Bacolod came up with the festival featuring smiling masks worn by the residents, performers and participants to symbolize resilience, as seen in these photos by Lomographers @lianne, @shutteraddict and @shotspot. It is celebrated from the start of October towards the fourth Sunday of the month.

Thanksgiving (U.S, Canada)

Many Americans, especially those with Native American ancestry, shun the celebration for its dark history rooted in the oppression of Native Americans by early European settlers in the 1600s. Despite its controversial roots, Thanksgiving remains a staple in many homes as it serves as a way to gather, prepare food together and show gratitude to families, friends and relatives.

Food is a big part of the celebration, which usually consists of roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin pie, as seen in these photos by our community members. Thanksgiving falls on November 23rd this year in the U.S., while in Canada (which also celebrates it to give thanks to the harvest and good fortune) Thanksgiving falls on October 9th.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (New Mexico, U.S.)

Known as the largest hot air balloon event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta started in 1972 with just 13 balloons at the Coronado Center Mall parking lot in Albuquerque. Over the years it has grown to feature about 600 balloons and 700 pilots according to the event's website. This year, it will be held on October 7th to 15th at the over 350-acre Balloon Fiesta Park.

Diwali (India)

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil and is a major annual celebration in India. Based on the Hindu calendar, Diwali traditionally falls somewhere between mid-October and mid-November and lasts for five days, the third day being the main celebration. This year, Diwali will be held between November 10th to 15th.

Many activities occur during the five days of Diwali, including families lighting clay lamps or preparing other festive lights to ward off evil, baking sweets, praying together, and gathering with friends and relatives to celebrate, show gratitude and wish each other well. As it also symbolizes beginnings, families also clean or renovate households, shop for new items, and more, to start off fresh.

Oktoberfest (Germany)

Every year, millions of locals and tourists gather in Munich, Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest, which perhaps takes the throne of the most popular and also largest folk festival in the world. It is often celebrated between mid or late-September until the first week of October.

The festival originated with a horse race to honor the wedding of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria, the later King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. It eventually evolved into the large gathering it is today. Aside from food and beer, Oktoberfest also features performances, parades, competitions, carnival rides, and more. As in these photos by community members @steamyandor, @fersold, @masha_njam, @schpleep and @stuckintraffic, many attendees also dress in traditional attire as part of the celebration.

Dias de los Muertos (Mexico)

Dias de los Muertos is celebrated by the end of October towards early November in Mexico. It stems from the country's Aztec roots and Spanish traditions of remembering and honoring the dead. The celebration spans a couple of days, although the highlight falls on the 1st and 2nd of November.

Mexicans and those of Mexican heritage celebrate by making calaveras – depictions of human skulls with marigold flowers adorning them, and ofrendas (altars), with candles, foods and other things well-loved by the departed being remembered, similar to the ones in these photos by @sugiyamasatomi, @wil6ka, @jessmendes, @curiousvariety and @grazie.

Are there any October/November traditions you celebrate? Share them with us below!

written by sylvann on 2023-10-13 #culture #people #places #october #masskara-festival #oktoberfest #celebrations #diwali #dias-de-los-muertos #albuquerque-international-balloon-fiesta