Celebrate!
Laura Mucha, illustrated by Hannah Tolson
Nosy Crow

Wow! What a massive and challenging undertaking to research and present fifty festivals and celebrations from all over the world. This is what writer Laura and illustrator Hannah have done, in collaboration with the British Museum.


By bringing people together, festivals help create a sense of belonging – of being connected – be that to a country, a religion, a family or another group with a shared interest. The first nine festivals in this book are celebrated all over the world, so next time you participate in Diwali or Christmas festivities for example, think how many others all over the globe are doing so too.


Then come ten celebrated in different European countries, followed by in turn seven in parts of the African continent, six in countries of Asia, the same number in North America. We learn of nine celebrated in countries of South and Central America. Inti Raymi is when the Inca people of Peru, many with their faces painted yellow, honour Inti (their sun god) by making music and dancing.


The final three we’re introduced to are observed in countries of Oceania.


During my travels to India I’ve participated in quite a lot of festivals, mainly Hindu ones, at various times of the year, and have also enjoyed being an onlooker at secular and religious festivals there and in other parts of the world. However, I was fascinated to learn of a fair number that were new to me: it’s great to discover new rituals, celebratory dress, dance and music. One such is the Golden Stilt Festival that marks 30th September 1830 when Belgium officially became a country. Its highlight is the Fight for the Golden Stilt.

With her vibrant scenes, Hannah Tolson’s illustrations really help bring each celebration to life on the page. She does so in such a way that readers are likely to notice different details each time they revisit the book.