Celebrations Around the World — July Monthly Challenge for Globetrotters

Tell us about the time you participated in a unique celebration somewhere around the world.

July is an iconic month for Americans as it’s the time to celebrate Independence. During this time, fireworks often pop off around us while family and friends are getting together for backyard cookouts.

Although this is a time to celebrate the USA’s birthday, it got me thinking about other countries and how they celebrate momentous occasions where they are.

“Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” — George Washington

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to participate in some unique celebrations, such as Independence Day on the Yorktown, Virginia battlefields. I’ve also participated in Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama (the founding place of Mardi Gras) and the iconic New Orleans, Louisiana. Speaking of New Orleans, have you ever seen a Jazz Funeral leading to the graveyard? Let me tell you: You’ll have a new perspective on death, a new appreciation for the celebration of life, and learn that grieving is something to share. I’ve even been fortunate enough to spend New Year’s in Iceland, where the best fireworks display can be found in the entire world.

Although I count my blessings for each celebratory experience I’ve had thus far, plenty of other celebrations are still on my bucket list. Despite my best efforts, I’ve tried to participate in St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, but thanks to 2020 COVID: It was canceled, but that’s okay. I’ll go to Ireland soon enough.

*Cough, August 2022*

Still, I see myself — one day — participating in other culturally unique celebrations such as Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) in Mexico. Perhaps I’ll partake in the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Maybe I’ll have enough points on my Amex to fly to Germany one day to see the epicenter of Oktoberfest?!

I don’t even like beer, but Oktoberfest in Germany is hard to pass up!

That’s the beauty of our world and culture: There’s no shortage of celebrations or experiences.

It’s easy to have tunnel vision and overlook other cultures’ celebrations when we are home, in our own countries. So, this makes me wonder: Where have you been during another culture’s celebration?

“Without culture and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future” — Albert Camus

Now that I’ve shared some of my unique cultural experiences with you, it’s time for you to share! If you’re having trouble getting the creative juices flowin’, here are a few creative ideas to consider:

• What I Learned Celebrating [_____] in [City, Country]
• My First Culture Shock was When I Experienced [_______] in [City, Country].
• If You Thought Our [US Celebration was Crazy], You Should Experience __________ in [City, Country].
• When It Comes to Fireworks, [City, Country] has the U.S. beat!
• The Most Unusual Cultural Celebration I Ever Experienced was in [City, Country]

If you’re curious to learn more about my cultural experiences — again, to get the creative juices flowing — consider giving these articles a read:

Please add the tag “Monthly Challenge” and follow Globetrotters submission guidelines. This writing prompt will run through the month and all submissions need to be received no later than July 30th!