South East Asia is arguably the most vibrant part of Asia. It is a melting pot of a lot of different cultures, and yet a huge part of the South East Asian people's roots and history came from a similar background. As a region with so many difference and similarities, it's a given that there are multiple festivals celebrated around the region throughout the year. Here are some of the most unique festivals from South East Asia.

1. Ati-Atihan Festival (Philippines)

As the oldest festival in the Philippines, the festival was first started approximately 800 years ago and has been passed on from generation to generation for the people of the Philippines to celebrate. In short, the festival's purpose is to honor the infant Jesus, resulting it it consisting of colorful performances and even members of the audience joining in on the dances and fun. From marching bands, to traditional dances with colorful costumes and the crowds cheering on endlessly, the Ati-Atihan Festival is an extremelyg great festival to experience.

2. Mid - Autumn Festival (Vietnam)

Considered as an important time for Vietnamese families, the primary focus of the festival is the children of the nation. The origins of the festival is inspired from an old tale on working-class parents who worked so hard to get ready for harvesting their crops that they forgot about their children. The purpose of the festival is to make it up to the children.

3. Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Thailand)

Predating back to the 1820s, the festival's purpose is to invite good fortune onto the lives of who celebrate it. The festival itself lasts for 10 days with a series of celebrations and rituals through the streets of Old Town Phuket In Thailand. Specifically for the sixth day of the festival, photographers from all over the world opt to experience the festivities to capture some excellent events and celebrations.

4. Deepavali (Malaysia)

Popularly known as the "Festival of Lights", the Deepavali festivity is one of the most popular celebrations in the Hindu calendar. The festival itself symbolizes triumph over good/light over evil/dark. During the celebration, colorful candles and lanterns are lit with the means of guiding the souls of the dead back to their loved ones in the living world. Aside from that, the festivity is believed to welcome the Goddess of both wealth and prosperity.

5. Bali Vegan Festival (Indonesia)

The Balinese festivity generally involves the act of eating vegan and promotes healthy living such as yoga and meditaion, healing sessions, movie screenings, several children activities as well as vegan cooking classes and workshops. Considered as a recently established festivity, the number of participants has grown tremendously over the past few years since 2015.

6. Bon Om Touk/Water Festival (Cambodia)

The Cambodian festival which takes place ion the night November's full moon, is celebrated to end the rainy wet season in the country. In fact, the festival is considered one of most highly enjoyable and lively festivals ever held in the country and attracts thousands of loyal participants to the festival held in the capital city, Phnomh Penh. The festival itself goes on for 3 whole days consisting of street parties, market stalls, floats and siplays of fireworks and dancing.

7. Christmas Day (Philippines)

Possibly the only country to celebrate Christmas in the southeast Asia, the citizens and locals really embrace and spread the Christmas spirit throughout several areas within the country, much like they do in the western culture. Expect stockings hung and the colorful Christmas decor to light up the Christian populated cities within the country.

8. That Luang Festival (Laos)

Considered as a deeply religious event in Vientiane, Laos, the festival begins very early in the break of dawn. Thousands of Buddhists gather around the That Luang temple to say prayers and give alms to the majority of the monks who have travelled from all across the nation to partake in the festival. Consisting of live music, dancing ensembles and flower processions, the festival is indeed a great experience for visitors and locals to enjoy.

9. Thimithi/Firewalking Ceremonies (Singapore)

The ritual originated in the southern part of India involves the participant to walk on fire. For the celebration, the main character, referred to as Draupadi has to walk over a bed of burning coals symbolic for proving her purity to emerge as a "fresh flower". These celebrations are held in the local temples of Hindu communities in Singapore and Malaysia.

10. Awk Pansa, End Of Buddhist Lent (Myanmar)

Literally translated, Awk Pansa means leaving the period of rain. The festival is celebrated throughout the nations of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos on the night of the full moon in the month of October in order to the mark the end of the Buddhist Lent. In a nut shell, Awk Pansa symbolizes the beginning of a new season, and is celebrated with several boat activities. Boat races are heavily popular in rivers and lakes al over. For great views, people often head over to the Inle Lake for breathtaking sceneries.

Interested in experiencing any of the above Asian festivities during the fall time? Or perhaps, you simply long to go on an exotic Southeast Asian trip enriched in wonderful cultures and history? Book a session with SweetEscape and we guarantee you will have a great time with our photographers. We're here #ForEvery moment, so book your session today and let's #makelifememorable!