Festivals

This is an English conversation lesson about festivals, carnivals, weddings and other
celebrations. You can learn vocabulary and expressions associated with festivals and other
celebrations as well as discover the most common questions people may ask you about this
subject.

Festivals Video
Click on the link below to watch a video about a festival in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO5T4cXR3j8

● Are some of the characteristics of this festival similar to festivals in your own country?
In what way?

Festive Vocabulary
Noun Verb Adjective
There are big celebrationsThe festival celebrates It was a public holiday
on New Year’s Day. the New Year. and everyone was in a
celebratory mood.

The festival is a time Each year, the festival renewsThe celebration brought
of renewal. the national spirit of the people.renewed hope to the
villagers.

The festival is held in March. - There was a festive

mood in the village.

The parades in the town- The parade is always

square was a very colourful very spectacular.
spectacle.

Many customs have their- A ceremonial procession

origin in pagan ceremonies. is held through the streets
of the city.

Common collocations used when talking about festivals

● Rich tradition – There is a rich tradition of music and dance in Sweden.
● Cultural heritage – Jazz is part of the cultural heritage of the southern United States.
● Festive season – The event marks the beginning of the festive season.
● Dates back – The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.
Conversation questions about festivals and celebrations
● What are some of the most popular festivals or celebrations in your country?
● When are they celebrated?
● Are they celebrated as a family or a group?
● Are they religious holidays?
● Is attending a temple or a church on that day part of the celebration?
● Are there special foods connected with the celebrations?
● Is gift giving a part of these festivals?
● Are there specific types of gifts to be given?
● What are some of the things that are done at this festival or celebration?
● Do you enjoy the festival?
● What activities normally take place at festivals?
● Do you decorate your house for the celebration?
● Are there special songs associated with the celebration?
● Are there different festivals held in different regions within your country?
● Can you tell me about the wedding traditions in your country?
● Are all wedding ceremonies, religious, or can there be non-religious ceremonies as
well?
● Describe the wedding you've been to or heard about.
● What gifts do guests usually give to the bride and groom?
● Are there any traditional wedding dances or songs in your country?
● Do you celebrate New Year’s Eve in your country?
● How do you celebrate it?
● Do you enjoy going to festivals? Why / Why not?
 Festivals
Festive Vocabulary
Noun Verb Adjective
There are big The festival celebrates It was a public
celebrations on New the New Year. holiday and
Year’s Day. everyone was in a
celebratory mood.

The festival is a time Each year, the festival The celebration

of renewal. renews the national brought renewed
spirit of the people. hope to the
villagers.

The festival is held in- There was a festive

March. mood in the village.

The parades in the- The parade is

town square was a always very
very colourful spectacular.
spectacle.

Many customs have- A ceremonial

their origin in pagan procession is held
ceremonies. through the streets
of the city.

Common collocations used when talking about festivals

● Rich tradition – There is a rich tradition of music and dance in
Sweden.
● Cultural heritage – Jazz is part of the cultural heritage of the
southern United States.
● Festive season – The event marks the beginning of the festive
season.
● Dates back – The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.