As the holiday season rolls around, people all over the world are getting ready to celebrate in all sorts of ways, each reflecting the rich cultures and unique traditions of their countries.
From lighting lanterns to gathering around feasts, holidays are a time for connection, no matter where you’re from. Here’s a look at some of the coolest holiday traditions celebrated around the world.
Christmas may be celebrated all over the globe, but it’s not always done the same way. In the Philippines, Christmas kicks off with Simbang Gabi, a series of night masses leading up to Christmas Eve. The streets are lit up with parols, star-shaped lanterns that represent the Star of Bethlehem.
In Germany, Christmas markets are a big deal. People get together to drink hot, spiced wine called Gluhwein, munch on gingerbread, and grab a sausage or two. Over in Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated a little differently, on January 7th, and it’s known as Ganna. It’s a much more spiritual holiday, with people fasting and attending church before sitting down to a big feast.
Not all winter holidays revolve around Christmas. For Jewish communities, Hanukkah is a special time of the year. It’s all about lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, and eating latkes and jelly donuts. In India, families celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which is usually earlier in the season. Homes are decorated with lamps, and sweets and gifts are shared among loved ones.
In the U.S., Kwanzaa is celebrated to honor African heritage. It’s a week-long event full of storytelling, music, and big family feasts. Each holiday tells a unique story and celebrates values that are important to those who observe them. One thing’s for sure no matter where you are in the world, food plays a big part in holiday celebrations.
In Italy, Christmas isn’t complete without the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a meal made up of, you guessed it, seven different kinds of seafood. Over in Japan, where Christmas isn’t really a traditional holiday, many families now celebrate with fried chicken and strawberry shortcake. It’s become a fun, modern twist on the season.
In Mexico, you can’t have a holiday without tamales. These delicious corn dough pockets filled with meats or beans are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. They’re often made in big family groups, bringing everyone together to prepare and enjoy them. At the end of the day, it’s clear that no matter how holidays are celebrated, the point is the same connection.
Whether it’s through lighting a candle, sharing a meal, or just spending time together, holidays bring families, friends, and communities closer. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, and share love. So, as you celebrate this season, take a minute to think about your own traditions – and maybe try out a new one from another culture.
Who knows? You might discover something new and exciting to add to your own holiday celebrations.
