SO MANY REASONS TO CELEBRATE
Traditions, stories, and beautiful things to wear.
Igbo, Nigeria · Traditional wedding
The bride finds her groom in the crowd and offers him palm wine, while the families dance and celebrate.
What people wearBrides wear a lace blouse with two wrappers, coral beads and a gele. Grooms wear Isi Agu and the red cap.
Yoruba, Nigeria · Weekend celebrations
Big, joyful parties for birthdays, weddings and milestones, with live music and matching family fabric (aso ebi).
What people wearWomen wear Ankara or lace with a tall gele. Men wear a flowing agbada.
Korea · Autumn harvest
A harvest festival when families visit hometowns, honour ancestors and share songpyeon rice cakes.
What people wearA bright hanbok with a full skirt and short jacket.
India & South Asia · October – November
The festival of lights: oil lamps, rangoli patterns, sweets and fireworks.
What people wearWomen wear a sparkling lehenga with jhumkas and bangles. Men wear a kurta.
India · Wedding season
Several days of ceremonies, mehndi, music and a grand celebration.
What people wearBrides and guests wear rich saris. Grooms wear a sherwani.
Arab world & North Africa · End of Ramadan
Morning prayers, family visits, gifts and sweets after a month of fasting.
What people wearWomen wear an elegant takchita or kaftan. Men wear a fresh galabeya.
Lisbon, Portugal · June
Street parties with grilled sardines, music and paper decorations in old neighbourhoods.
What people wearColourful festival dresses and smart summer tailoring.
Colombia & Latin America · February – March
Parades, cumbia dancing and music fill the streets for days.
What people wearWomen wear full ruffled skirts and carry a fan. Men wear a crisp guayabera.
Philippines · January
A street festival in Cebu with dancing, drums and colourful parades.
What people wearA baro-inspired blouse with a long skirt.
Vietnam · Lunar New Year
Vietnamese New Year: family visits, flowers, lucky money and special foods.
What people wearAn elegant áo dài.
Black American · Celebrations & awards
An evening of honour and celebration, from community galas to award nights.
What people wearA contemporary formal gown with pearls and a clutch.
Jamaica & Caribbean · 6 August
Music, food and parades in black, green and gold.
What people wearLight, sharp resort tailoring.
Kazakhstan & Central Asia · 21 March
The spring new year, with yurts, games, music and nauryz kozhe soup.
What people wearLong embroidered coats: a Kazakh coat for women, a chapan for men.
Hawaiʻi & Samoa · Spring & October
Hula festivals in Hawaiʻi and White Sunday church celebrations in Samoa.
What people wearFlowing Hawaiian formal wear and Samoan formal attire.
