Cats are without a doubt the most popular domesticated animal around the world, existing on every continent except Antarctica! It's no surprise that, as a result, they are important parts of human myths, legends and ceremonies. We adore our kitty companions, and many communities around the world throw festivals and celebrations every year just to celebrate all things cat! Interested in finding out the ways we commemorate our feline friends? Take a look at these pawsome cat celebrations around the globe...
Image via Stadleper Harold Naeye
Kattenstoet, Belgium
On the second Sunday of May since 1955, an unusual procession marches down the streets of Ypres, a small town near the French border of Belgium. This, is the Kattenstoet. Kattenstoet literally translates to 'the Cat Parade' and it is a fantastic parade that is fully dedicated to felines. This unique festival occurs once every three years. The parade commemorates a rather unpleasant Middle Ages tradition in which cats were thrown from the belfry tower of the Cloth Hall into the town square below. The last cat reportedly survived the fall and scampered off as fast as it could before it could be caught again. From then on until the First World War, Cats' Wednesday was celebrated simply by ringing of the church bells. Want to learn more? Click here to read our previous post about this fascinating festival.
Image via Hideya Hamano on Flickr
Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival, Tokyo
Every October, Tokyo's Kagurazaka district transforms into a feline fantasy for the Bakeneko Festival. Rooted in Japanese folklore, the festival celebrates the legendary bakeneko - cats believed to possess supernatural abilities as they age. These mythical creatures can reportedly grow to human size, walk upright, and even change shape. The choice of Kagurazaka is particularly fitting, as it's the setting of Natsume Soseki's classic novel, "I Am a Cat." This satirical tale, narrated from a cat's perspective, remains a beloved read in Japan today.
The New York Cat Film Festival, USA
The annual festival travels all year to cities across North America and features a two-hour collection of short films about cats. To make your viewing experience even better, each location they screen in collects funds to donate to a local animal welfare group. There’s an option to stream these films from the comfort of your own home! Head over to the streaming section of their website and enjoy the festival from wherever you are in the world.
Image via Miyuki Meinaka
Maneki-neko Festival, Tokyo
This beloved event celebrates the iconic symbol of Japanese good fortune - the beckoning cat. Known as Maneki-neko, these charming figurines, depicted with one paw raised in a welcoming gesture, are believed to attract luck, prosperity, and happiness to their owners. Found adorning countless shops, homes, and businesses throughout Japan, the Maneki-neko has become a cultural icon. The annual Maneki-neko Festival, held at the historic Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo, is a dedicated celebration of these lucky charms, featuring a delightful array of festivities, from traditional performances to contemporary art installations.
Image via Kompas
Hae nang maew, Thailand
The Hae Nang Maew, or "female cat parade," is a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Thai agricultural practices. Dating back centuries, farmers would carry a female cat in a basket or cage through their village as the planting season drew near. Based on the belief that cats dislike water, their cries were thought to summon much-needed rainfall for the crops. While this custom once involved live animals, growing concerns for animal welfare have led to a modern adaptation. Today, the parade features inanimate substitutes such as Hello Kitty dolls, preserving the ritual's cultural significance while ensuring the ethical treatment of animals. The cat procession is lively and animated, with a musical band consisting of drums, gongs, cymbals and claves. There is also singing which varies depending on location.
Image via National Geographic
Festival of Bubastis, Ancient Egypt
Cats were revered as sacred beings in ancient Egypt, their status elevated to the divine. Associated intimately with the goddess Bastet, a powerful deity embodying home, fertility, and protection, felines were cherished as earthly manifestations of her divine essence. The annual Festival of Bubastis, a grand celebration honoring Bastet, showcased the profound respect held for cats. During this joyous occasion, Egyptians would parade through the streets carrying statues of the goddess and their beloved feline companions. The festival was a time of joy, where music, dance, and feasting combined with heartfelt devotion.
Image via expatliving.sg
Kuching, Malaysia
Dubbed Malaysia's 'Cat City', Kuching celebrates cats all year round, The city is filled with tributes to felines from impressive monuments and street art to feline-themed details in the architecture. The city even has a dedicated museum where you'll find everything from mummified Egyptian cat remains to paintings and figurines. It's not known exactly where Kuching's obsession with cats stems from, although there are various theories ranging from royal mistakes to cat-looking plants (we'll let you do your own research on that!)
Image via amsterdamsights
KattenKabinet, Amsterdam
Okay, this one isn't a festival but it is a cat-lovers paradise! Founded in 1990 by a wealthy Dutch man who wanted to preserve the memory of his cat Tom, this museum is filled with cat-inspired artwork, posters and statues, and numerous real cats too. Housing works of art by Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Corneille and many more. There's a gift shop where you can pick up plenty of cat-themed merchandise including bags, fridge magnets, stationery, cards and t-shirts.