One of the most popular and widely celebrated fall events is the Autumnfest, arranged first in 1977 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, with the goal of providing its people with the opportunity to learn more about the culture of Woonsocket. Since then the festival has developed into a magnificent fall celebration, held for more than 28 years already. The program of the three-day festival includes numerous attractions, which are designed for both adults and children. Among these are the fireworks display, live music performances, and a 10 division parade, which passes from the Diamond Hill to the park on Social Street. Among the festival's permanent visitors are local and international bands, including "Clave Logic", "Reminisants", "The Tokens", "Northeast Groove" and more. The festival is also known for its beer garden, offering the visitors a rich choice of beer and wine.
The origin of the Beaverdale Fall Festival, one of the greatest fall events in the United States, can be traced back to the 1980s, when the festival was started by the merchants of Beaverdale area. The subsequent years have witnessed the growth of the Beaverdale Fall Festival, much due to the joint efforts of Holy Trinity Church and the merchants. With its fireworks, prominent carnival rides, street dance and parade, the festival is regarded as a city-wide event.
Another important holiday among fall events is Thanksgiving, established in 1621 by the Pilgrims to show their gratitude for the first harvest, which was grown by them. Traditional food of the holiday includes cranberry sauce, turkey, pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes. In the United States, Thanksgiving takes place on the last Thursday of November, while Canadians observe it in October.
Halloween is celebrated on October, 31 - the day, on which, according to the legend, all spirits and witches come to earth to make mischief. The holiday enjoys wide popularity among children, who used to wear fancy dress and go from house to house, playing tricks on the neighbors. The symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin, hollowed out and carved to resemble faces.
Established in 1993, the Falls Festival is a musical event, held annually in Australia. It has expanded gradually to the three-day holiday, packed with music and entertainment. Falls Festival 2005 has surpassed all the previous celebrations, attracting nearly 18,000 spectators.
Rated among the most popular fall events, Columbus Day is a national holiday, held in many countries of the Americas, commemorating Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World. The first celebration of the event took place on October 12, 1972 in the New York City. Since then the holiday is held annually on the second Monday of October in many countries of Europe and Americas. The event is known as Dia de la Raza in Latin America, Day of Ingenious Resistance in Venezuela, Hispanic Day in Spain, and Discovery Day in the Bahamas. In 1940, Columbus Day was granted a status of the official holiday nationwide. In Argentina it was first observed in 1917, followed by the celebrations in Venezuela (1921), Chile (1923) and Mexico (1928). Though Columbus is often criticized by Native Americans for having opened the doors to the European colonization of the New World, the importance of his achievement cannot be underestimated, since it has resulted in the European intertwining with the American continent.