From two of the most important festivals in the Indian calendar, to sausage festivals in Lincoln and Weimar, October is a month full of fun. Here is our selection of the best festivals in October 2023.
Indian Cultural Festivals in October
Durga Puja, 20 to 24 October
The Carnival of the East, or Durga Puja 2023 is the biggest event in Kolkata. Spread over more than a week, it celebrates the victory of good over evil with colourful processions and idols of the 10-armed goddess Durga. Durga Puja is about renewal, so houses are cleaned and new clothes are bought, while there is lots of music, dances and festive food.
UK Literary and Film Festivals in October
BFI London Film Festival, 4 to 15 October
The 67th BFI London Film Festival once more hits red carpets around the UK capital in October. Expect a plethora of films, including world premieres, talks, panel events, galas and Hollywood celebrities, as well as the prestigious LFF awards. The BFI Southbank is the heart of the festival.
Cheltenham Literature Festival, 6 to 15 October
The Regency spa town once more hosts the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October. From humble origins in the local town hall, it has become the leading UK festival of the word. This year will see celebrities as varied as Brian Cox, David Mitchell and Elizabeth Day.
Global Cultural Festivals in October
Lord of Miracles, Señor de los Milagros, Peru, 18-28 October
The highlight of Peru’s Catholic calendar, the Lord of Miracles, or Señor de los Milagros is a procession around Lima each October. It marks the miraculous survival of a painting from the 1746 earthquake that destroyed most of the Peruvian capital. Purple is the colour as incense is burnt and a Mass commemorates the event.
Food Festivals in October
Lincoln Sausage Festival, UK, 14 October
Foodies should head for Lincoln this month, as the merry city folk tuck into more than 30,000 bangers at the Lincoln Sausage Festival. Even if sausage is not your thing you can enjoy the magnificent medieval Lincoln Castle and its cobbled streets, as well as the appearance of Mr and Mrs Sausage.
Barbados Food and Rum Festival, 19 – 22 October
Alternatively, add some spice, and sun, to your life and head to the Caribbean for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, which allows you to discover Barbados rum while enjoying the best in Caribbean cuisine. This year’s theme is Feed The Future.
Other Festivals in October 2023
And that’s not even mentioning Halloween! For more details on all the festivals and events in October, click here.
Cover image: Woman hands with henna holding candle, Deposit photos.