Several festivals take place simultaneously throughout the year, varying as per the region. To find a common link across all interests, we have brought together a unique cultural tradition of amazing festivals in September all around the globe. Each festival, irrespective of the region, carries its own charm, elegance, and message that one should always experience once in their lifetime.
After our curated read on the famous festivals around the world in August month, take a look at our list of the top festivals in September.
South America
Autumn Equinox Festival
This one-day festival in Mexico is annually held around in September. On this day, the Kukulcan pyramid that dominates the Chichen Itza (archaeological center) dedicates itself to the serpent deity. To commemorate the light and shadows of the equinox, creating a snake-slithering illusion down the pyramid’s staircase, this day is dedicated to equinoxes and solstices. People from different corners of the world pay pilgrimage to Kukulcan during the spring and autumn equinox seasons. If you visit Mexico in September, look for accommodations in Valladolid, just a 20-minute drive away from Chichen Itza. In addition, you can browse through other major attractions like the Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam and the Mexican Folk Art Museum. In 2024, it will fall on September 23.
Rock in Rio
This festival lasts more than seven days and has been held annually in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, since its inception in 1985. Hosted in a large area, namely the ’City of Rock,’ it is decorated with tents, stages, and plenty of other attractions and is among the best rock festivals worldwide. It is also held in global cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Las Vegas. Several music genres, such as pop, electronic, jazz, rock, metal, and samba, are played in the various themed zones by global and regional artists. You would also witness a round of daily fireworks, an amusement park, a circus, and art exhibitions as part of the festival. It will take place from September 13 to 22, 2024.
Europe
Berlin Festival of Lights
The dynamic city of Berlin is constantly changing. The unique festival of lights, held in September or October year, brings a fusion of ancient and contemporary traditions to experience the changing dynamics of the city. This festival is spread over ten days and features light installations created by global artists where light is projected on iconic monuments, buildings, landmarks, neighborhoods, and streets worldwide. International tourists flock to Berlin to witness the magical ambiance of this festival. The best spots to catch the vibrant celebrations are the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, or Postdamer Platz. This year, it will occur from October 4 to 14.
Fashion Week
The fashion week is hosted one after the other across four global cities: firstly, in New York, followed by London, Milan, and lastly, in Paris, every year in February and September. The duration of the fashion week celebrations is nine days. Clothing trade shows showcase 250+ designers displaying their fashion aspirations and trends to a global audience. The February show displays autumn and winter fashions, whereas the September show displays summer and spring collections. The reservations are limited, so book in advance. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of your favorite models walking down the ramp. Save these dates from September 6 to October 8 to catch up with all the latest fashion trends in 2024.
Oktoberfest
This much-anticipated festival is one of the major highlights in our Best Festivals to Celebrate in October Around the World list. Not to mention, it is on the travel bucket list of almost every traveler who visits Munich. The festivities last almost three weeks, starting at the end of September. Oktoberfest brings Munich to life with its buzzing ambiance. You will find people dressed in Bavarian Drindl and Lederhosen all over the streets. The festival is held on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, or Weisn, where people from different parts of the country flock to the outskirt region via the world-class public transport system to commemorate the marriage of two royals initially. People have healthy conversations over a glass of beer and the newest rides in Europe. It’s like a huge regional carnival that covers everything across all age groups. Many breweries in Munich set up large tents where they sell all the local beers. Get here early, as it is hard to get a table later on as the festival progresses through the day. The 2024 Oktoberfest dates are September 21 to October 6.
Regatta Storica
Regatta Storica is an annual event hosted in Venice, Italy, on the first Sunday of September. This is a historic rowing race dates back to the 10th century and has since remained a customary tradition for almost 500 plus years. Today, it is one of the most popular rowing races worldwide, where some of the top rowers globally come to showcase their trade. Various boat sizes are available, from a simple small one to a large gondola. In addition, there are colorful parades decorating the street with people wearing antique costumes and Venetian masks to commemorate Caterina Cornaro renouncing her throne for the sake of Venice. September also brings along the Venice International Film Festival, making it a must-visit destination. This year, it will take place on September 1, 2024.
Australia
Brisbane Festival
This Australia festival lasts about three weeks and is held annually in September in the Brisbane region, Australia’s cultural and artistic capital. It focuses on spreading awareness about art and culture. The festivity of this festival takes over the entire city. Witness spectacular art installations and enjoy unique and diverse dance styles, music, theater, comedy, and circus performances during the festival. Most of the participation is free. Browse creative artworks, admire vibrant light works, and watch perching live performances. Riverfire is a custom held at the end of this festival where several people flock to the riverbanks to witness two tons of grand fireworks being launched nonstop for 20 minutes before the Royal Australian Air Force performs a fly over the city. In 2024, it is scheduled from August 30 to September 21.
Africa
Lake of Stars Festival
This four-day festival is hosted annually in September at a different venue along the banks of Lake Malawi. The festivities include live music performances by Malawian and Global artists playing everything from Afro-fusion to reggae to electronica. In addition, several tourists flock to Malawi to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists performing live. You will also see several dance performances, workshops, art exhibitions, and a food market hosted here during the festival. This year, it’s from September 6 to 8.
Asia
Mooncake Festival
This one-day festival, celebrated on the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar and also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is the second-most popular after the Chinese New Year. Like Thanksgiving, people spend the day with their loved ones and friends and exchange homemade moon cakes. The history dates back almost 3,000 years and is best celebrated under the full moon. It will take place of September 17 this year.
Navratri Festival
This highly looked-forward-to Indian festival, celebrated nationwide and lasting about ten days, is among the great festivals in the world you should attend in 2024. However, each state or province carries its own customs and traditions with its festivities. For example, the Gujarat province celebrates with the worship of Goddess Ma Ambe, and the local population plays Garba till late at night as part of the festivities. The festival is allocated dates based on the Hindu calendar; hence, the dates vary yearly. This festival marks the victory of Goddess Ambe over the powerful demon Mahishasura, a great devotee of Lord Brahma, who, in turn, blessed him with immortality. Each day represents an avatar of Goddess Ambe, and on the last day, the whole community burns the statue of Ravan. It will be observed from October 3 to 12, 2024.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that September is a month for artistic, cultural, traditional, and trendy celebrations. So zero in on your category and pick your favorite event before you plan your September getaway. It will surely add an extra layer of adventure and effervescence to your holiday.
