Five Awesome Harvest Festivals from Around the Globe

Ever since our ancestors moved from being hunter-gatherers to farmers, the harvest has been an important element of the human experience. It was not only a celebration of the bounty each year, it also foretold the future. At harvest, people would know whether they would be well fed through the winter and beyond.

The harvest season falls at different times of the year depending on the region, climate, and crop, but festivals celebrating its arrival are held all over the world. Over the years, some festivals lost popularity, and in the age of round-the-clock and round-the-year food availability, many of us have lost touch with the rhythm of the harvest. In the spirit of keeping traditions alive as well as celebrating cultural diversity, below are some examples of harvest festivals from around the world.

Rice Harvest Festival (May 1–June 30) The festival that is held in Bali, Indonesia, is a feature of the island’s Hindu culture. The harvest festival is dedicated to the rice goddess and is a time of joyous celebration.

Mid-Autumn Festival (September–October) Held across East Asia, it is also known as the Moon Festival because it coincides with the full moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Special delicacies called “mooncakes” are prepared during this time.

Yam Festival (August or September) The Ewe people of Ghana celebrate the end of the rainy season and the first appearance of yams, a staple crop. Huge feasts and activities such as dances and parades are held in hopes of averting famine in the coming year.

Sukkoth (September–October) It is held on the 15th day of Tishri in the Jewish calendar. Following shortly after the High Holy Days of the New Year celebration, the eight-day festival gives thanks to God for the harvest.

Mehregan (The Persian Festival of Autumn) As one of the two most ancient Persian festivals, it is still celebrated by Iranians worldwide. The October gathering also celebrates friendship and togetherness – the word “Mehr” in Persian means “kindness.”