HAKONE DAIMYO GYORETSU

HAKONE DAIMYO GYORETSU

November 3, Hakone, Japan

The Hakone Daimyo Procession is a traditional celebration under the autumn sky of Hakone. A procession of 170 people dressed up as samurai warriors and princesses parades along the six-kilometre route from Sounji Temple to Yumoto Fujiya Hotel in the style of the Daimyo Gyoretsu (feudal lord's procession) which was also known as sankin kotai. All characters in the procession are assigned a role, and armed with spear, bow and arrow or gun. As they march they carry their lord in the palanquin to the words, “Down! Down! The Lord comes!” The performances of the marching bands accompanying the daimyo procession at the front and at the very end make the procession merrier to all.

 

UBUD WRITERS & READERS FESTIVAL

Today to November 1, Ubud, Indonesia

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival gathers speakers and writers from all over the world and boasts an agenda filled with special events, literary workshops, book launches, youth programmes, and community and arts highlights. The main sessions take place at Indus restaurant and Neka Museum while various hotels and venues also serve as hosts, among them Four Seasons, Maya Ubud, Casa Luna and Alila Ubud. Other fringe events also usually take place in other places, such as in Denpasar, Seminyak and Jimbaran, and beyond Bali such as Makassar, West Java, Sumatera, Papua and Jakarta.

 

HONG KONG WINE & DINE MONTH

Now to November 30, Hong Kong

Every autumn, along with the refreshing breeze, Hong Kong brings you a whole month of indulgence with Epicurean events from around the globe to set your tongue tingling. Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month features an array of food festivals, street carnivals and fairs. Take time to learn from an internationally renowned wine critic and wine-themed tours before sitting down to enjoy fine vintages paired with the creations of Hong Kong’s culinary wizards. 

 

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW

November 14, London, England

The Lord Mayor’s procession winds through nearly 800 years of London’s history and is one of the English capital’s great spectacles. The Lord Mayor's Show dates back to 1215, when King John granted a charter allowing the citizens of London to elect their own mayor. Every year since, the newly elected Lord Mayor of London has travelled from the City of London to Westminster to pledge allegiance to the Crown. The procession sets off on the return journey from Victoria Embankment to Mansion House. The day finishes with one of London’s grandest firework displays on the River Thames. Visit www.LordMayorShow.org.

 

WINTER WONDERLAND IN HYDE PARK

November 20 to January 3, London, England

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns for six exciting weeks of winter festivities (except Christmas Day). The largest of its kind in the UK and created especially by Winter Wonderland, young and old will be enchanted by this kingdom of ice, full of fairy-tale magic. Attractions include The Magic Ice Kingdom, Yuletide Markets, Zippos Christmas Circus, and many more. Admission is free. Visit www.HydeParkWinterWonderland.com.

 

DAY OF THE DEAD

November 1 to 2, Oaxaca, Mexico

The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back 3,000 years. The festival is about remembering the dead, praying for deceased loved ones and celebrating their spirits. Before the Spanish conquest, the Aztecs dedicated most of the month of August to their goddess of death, Mictecacihuatl. As part of the overarching suppression of indigenous religion, the Catholic Church exorcised Mictecacihuatl and moved the date to coincide with All Saints Day. In most regions of Mexico November 1 is to honour children and infants, whereas deceased adults are honoured on November 2. Its papier-mache skeletons and candy skulls are as recognisable as the jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween.