Autumn is a season of change. The air turns cooler, colours deepen, and traditions around the world remind us of community and belonging. From harvest festivals to celebrations of light, many cultures mark this season with events that bring people together.
Festivals in East Asia
In China and across East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This is usually in September or October. Families gather to admire the full moon, light lanterns, and enjoy mooncakes. It is a time of reunion, reflection, and sharing food with loved ones.
A similar focus on family and gratitude can be found in Korea, where Chuseok is observed around the autumn equinox. This three-day holiday brings people back to their hometowns to honour their ancestors and share traditional foods such as songpyeon, a rice cake filled with sweet ingredients.
Traditions in North America
Autumn is also a season for remembrance. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos fills the beginning of November with colour, music, and gatherings that celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Families build altars decorated with marigolds, enjoy favourite dishes of those they are remembering, and share stories that keep memories alive.
Meanwhile, in Canada and the United States, Thanksgiving centres on gratitude. Though the dates differ, both versions bring families together for a meal, often featuring seasonal produce such as roast turkey, pumpkin, and root vegetables. It is a time to pause, share food, and reflect on the blessings of the year, making it one of the most widely celebrated autumn traditions in North America.
Celebrations in Europe
In Europe, Oktoberfest in Germany is perhaps one of the most widely recognised autumn festivals. First held in Munich in 1810, it has grown into a global symbol of Bavarian culture. Traditional dress, music, food, and drink create a lively celebration that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Shared Themes Across Cultures
While the customs differ, the themes are often the same. Food, family, gratitude, and remembrance all play an important role. For businesses working internationally, being aware of these traditions can help campaigns feel relevant and respectful, and make connections with audiences more meaningful.
If you are planning international campaigns this autumn, contact us to see how we can help your message resonate across cultures.
22 September 2025 10:53