Looking for a last minute trip for September? There’s no better reason to travel than to visit a festival in a different country. If you are looking for some of the top festivals in the world to attend, read on.
What: Regata Storica
Where: Venice, Italy
The 1st Sunday in September marks the famous rowing races on the Grand Canal. The event commemorates the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she renounced her throne in favor of Venice. With more than 120-plus regattas that take place around the world, this is by far the most famous. The event kicks off with a parade of boats decorated in 16th century style.
What: Braemar Gathering
Where: Memorial Park, Braemar, Scotland
More than 20,000 people will travel to Scotland on the first Saturday in September, sporting kilts, to witness caber-tossing. The most famous Highland games take place in Braemar each year.
What: Mid Autumn Festival
Where: China
On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the Autumn Festival, or Moon Cake Festival, celebrate’s China’s sweet treats. The cakes are made of a thin dough shell containing fillings like jelly, dates, or nuts. Bakeries and shops start selling these cakes a month before the event, however, celebrants will eat them within view of September’s full moon. The tradition started to observe the transition of the seasons.
What: Egremont Crab Fair
Where: Egremont, England
On the 3rd Saturday in September, one of the world’s oldest fairs takes place. This Cumbrian fest was created by King Henry II in 1267. Over the years, the event has featured a variety of one popular pursuits, like cock-fighting and bull baiting. One of the oddest competitions though is the gurning competition. The World Gurning Championship challenges contestants to contort their face into strange and unnatural shapes.
What: Cows’ Bell
Location: Slovenia
More than 50 years old, this Slovenian festival marks a winter homecoming – not for men, but for cattle. Cattle return to the alpine Bohinj valley after a summer spent in green pastures. The cows are decorated with wreaths and shown off in a parade during this event that takes place on the third Sunday in September.
What: Les Festes de la Merce
Location: Barcelona, Spain
The Catalan capital’s 'fiesta major' is dedicated to its co-patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy. During this festival, more than 600 events take place, mostly in the city’s centre. There are swimming races, a fun run, free concerts, folk dancing, and parades. The event is the last festival before winter hits.
What: Galway Oyster Festival
Location: County Galway, Ireland
During the last full weekend in September, the Galway Oyster Festival takes place, dedicated to Ostrea edulis, the European flat oyster. The local oysters are left to grow for 3 years in clean waters. Tens of thousands of oysters are consumed on the Oyster Trail, where pubs give out free trays of the seafood with pints of Guinness. Yum!