September is a great month for travelling since the summer heat has subsided, many people have returned home from their vacations, and prices have shrunk to attract more guests to emptying hotels. However, the weather is still rather warm, so you can freely explore cities and nature and even enjoy some water activities. What about combining a September trip with visiting a festival? The choice is large, so read the article and find out the most exciting options we have come across.
Ifestia Festival (Volcano Festival)
September 18
Santorini, Greece
This colourful one-day celebration held in the town of Oia is devoted to volcanoes. The venue is stunning, situated on a cliff over the Aegean Sea. The matter is, around 1,600 BCE, the Minoan Eruption (also known as the Thera Eruption) took place, changing the landscape of Santorini to the image we see today. The last eruption occurred not so long ago, in 1950. The celebration begins at sunset with a series of artistic events representing that eruption, which consists of fireworks combined with sound and light effects. This synchronisation creates a sense of immersiveness. In Greek culture, fireworks mean warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck instead. More than just spectacular fireworks, Ifestia is a celebration of Santorini’s culture, consisting of live music, traditional dances, and delicious food.
Aloha Festivals
September 7-28
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
Every year, the month-long festival chooses a new topic; this year, it’s an extract from the phrase, «When one wants to dance the hula, bashfulness should be left at home». Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that has become world-known. The idea behind the topic is to celebrate hula teachers and masters – «the brave, the daring, the challenge seekers».
The festival opens on September 7 with the Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony. Hawaii’s ali’i (ruling chiefs) are honoured with special regalia. After the ceremony, a concert featuring hula dancing and musical performances will be held.
The 70th Annual Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a takes place on September 21. This is a beachfront street festival and Hawaii’s largest block party. Kalākaua Avenue will feature various booths devoted to Hawaiian cuisine and artisan-made crafts.
On September 28, Waikik hosts the 76th Annual Floral Parade. Watch tens of intricately decorated floats and hundreds of participants pass from Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi’olani Park. The parade marks the end of Aloha Festivals.
La Mercè
September 20-24
Barcelona, Spain
This big festival (also called a «festival of festivals» or a «macro-festival») is made up of a number of smaller festivals showcasing all the cultural wealth of the city. Every year, La Mercè chooses a guest city to «offer Barcelona’s citizens a window onto the world». By now, such «windows» have been opened in Istanbul, Stockholm, Reykjavik, Lisbon, Havana, and many other cities throughout the world. This year, all the artists will come from Casablanca (a guest city) and perform in over 500 activities. The variety includes circus, street arts, dance, visual and audiovisual arts, and music; these activities will be held in Barcelona and Casablanca, which has to «bring together the values and talents of both cities».
Oktoberfest
September 21 — October 6
Munich, Germany
One of the best-known festivals in the world doesn’t need lengthy introductions. However, we can’t but add this worldwide beer celebration to our list. Although it has spread over dozens of cities, the irreplaceable capital remains the city of Munich.
On September 21, Oktoberfest will be opened with the parade of the landlords and breweries, followed by the first tapping performed by Munich’s mayor.
On September 22, the festival’s guests will see another parade; this time, it is devoted to different costumes spread through Germany. Thousands of dressed-up folklorists will pass through the city centre.
On September 29, the musical highlight of Oktoberfest will take place—the landlords’ concert with various brass bands. Performers are often dressed in full traditional costumes, complete with accessories like band gloves that add to both their style and functionality during performances.It is nice to know that the concert is completely free. Over 300 musicians and dancers will gather by the Bavaria statue to give a splendid show. At the finale, a great number of air balloons will be released into the sky, accompanied by the Bavarian anthem.
On October 6, Oktoberfest ends with traditional gun salutes from the aforementioned Bavaria statue. Around 60 gunners wearing traditional costumes will shoot, using black powder instead of bullets. Brass bands will play music during this performance.
Onam Festival
September 6-15
Kerala, India
Onam is an ancient holiday that originates from a myth about a generous ruler named King Mahabali (or Maveli). His realm was so prosperous that the gods wished to claim it for themselves. Mahabali surrendered and was consigned to the netherworld. However, the gods appreciated the ruler’s benevolence and granted him an opportunity to return to his people once a year. This time of visitation has become what we know today as Onam. Another reason for celebrating Onam is simpler — the beginning of autumn is the harvest season (Chingham) in Kerala.
The celebrations last ten days, starting with Atham; on this day, intricate flower patterns are layered in circles as a gift to King Mahabali. One of the locals’ favourite traditions is Thiruvathirakali, which is dancing around the Pookalam, a brass lamp placed in the middle of a room. Another vibrant tradition is Chenda Melam, a percussion performance that takes place simultaneously in many public institutions. Pulikali, the performance involving men painted as tigers dancing along the streets, usually attracts crowds. Kummattikkali is the procession of men dressed in costumes resembling grass and wearing masks of gods from one house to another, from the beginning until the fourth day of Onam.
A sportive highlight of the festival is the rowing of 100-foot-long boats with snake-like figures on their sterns, each rowed by 20-30 men. This event is called Vallam Kali (Snake boat race) and takes place on the river Pamba. Of course, no festival can do without a feast, and Onam is no exception, with its Onam Sadhya. At this feast, each guest is traditionally offered 26 vegetarian dishes served on a large banana leaf.
Sicily, Italy
The island in the Mediterranean, loved or dreamed of by many tourists worldwide, offers five amazing festivals in September.
Sicilan Wine Festival (Vini Milo)
September 4-5 and 11-12
Milo, Catania
The town of Milo is situated on the slopes of Mount Etna, a wonderful place to catch breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The festival features music, workshops, Italian food masterclasses, enjoyable dishes, and, of course, plenty of locally-produced wine.
Festival del Cinema di Frontiera
September 14-19
Marzamemi, Piazza Regina Margherita
This year, the 21st cinema festival will take place in Sicily. For six days, various independent and intercultural films will be displayed in the largest al fresco cinema in Europe. Six feature films and 15 shorts will compete, and you will have an opportunity to watch them before anyone else in the world does.
CousCous Fest
September 17-26
San Vito Lo Capo
This food festival is dedicated to a single product: couscous. Talented chefs from all around the world are coming to show their skills by taking part in a cook-off featuring all kinds of couscous dishes. Besides watching a live cooking show, guests can enjoy live music and dancing.
Sherbeth Festival
September 23-26
Catania, Bellini Villa
The 12th international homemade ice cream festival is held in a beautiful historical Bellini Villa. It is transformed into an ice cream village where guests are treated to innovative, sensational ice cream flavours. Moreover, talented ice cream makers offer festival participants workshops, revealing the secrets that enable them to make such exceptional ice cream.
The Feast of Archangel Michael
September 29
Caltanissetta
St. Michael is the patron saint of the town of Caltanissetta. It is said that in 1625 San Michele Arcangelo freed the town from the plague. An annual procession is performed through the town’s streets in his honour. In and around the main Cathedral, locals and tourists gather to play and listen to folk music, launch and look at hot air balloons and fireworks, and taste some mouthwatering local dishes.
The Turkiye Culture Route Festivals
April 13 — November 10
16 cities of Turkey
Turkey’s most «comprehensive» festival spans 16 cities and lasts eight months! The cities participating in Culture Route are Gastroantep (September 14-22), Ankara (September 21-29), Konya (September 21-29), Istanbul (September 28 — October 6), and others, proceeding through October and November. Imagine, all the exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and various shows performed during the festival are free!
The festival aims to provide Turks and foreign guests with various cultural encounters and raise awareness about Turkiye’s heritage. Events are held on historical and natural heritage sites, which has to promote their usage and conservation in the future. The festival programmes combine traditional and contemporary works of art to broaden cultural experiences and engage people of all backgrounds and origins to culture in all its diversity. Tours are provided to all festival cities and projects located outside of cities.
Conclusion
Whatever destination and festival you choose, you will need to book a hotel to stay during the celebration. Hotelin.com is a great helper in that issue, for it offers an opportunity to look through prices from dozens of booking platforms and select the most suitable option. With multiple filters, you can easily customise and narrow your search to find your desired hotel. May you have an excellent journey and fun at the festival!
Thank you for reading.
