November Still Thinks It’s the Ninth

Curious about why this “ninth month” is actually the eleventh? November still clings to its old-school identity, insisting it’s novem even though the calendar has moved on. It’s a month trapped between who it was and who it is — a month of transitions, traditions, and a little identity crisis on the side.

And yes, it makes zero sense, especially when you realize that in Spanish we call it noviembre, which literally comes from noveno mes (the ninth month). Like… excuse me? ¿De qué estás hablando, Willis? November is basically that friend who keeps saying they’re 29 every year. Just let it go, cariño.

A Month with Identity Issues

So, November. It’s the 11th month of the year, but its name comes from novem, Latin for “nine.” Wait—what? How is it the 11th month but still called the ninth? Good question. Incredible, right?

Turns out the Romans had a little “oops” moment with their calendar. When they reshuffled the whole system, November simply didn’t get the memo. It kept its original name like someone who refuses to update their old email address from 2006.

In the early Roman calendar — the one that started in March — November really was the ninth month. Then reforms came, months moved, emperors slapped their names on things, chaos happened… and November just stayed exactly as it was, name and all.

Why They March in March?

So, Julius Caesar shook things up in 45 BCE and shoved January and February at the start of the year. Curious why the Romans used to start the year in March? Because they marched in March? Nope. (That’s just a coincidence.)

But November? It wasn’t having it. It stuck with its old name like that one friend who refuses to drop their high school nickname. Classic Rome, huh?

November’s Role in Roman Times

November wasn’t just Rome’s “wait… why is the tenth month number eleven?” moment. It also hosted the Novemdiales, a nine-day mix of mourning, ritual, and “please-don’t-ruin-our-harvest” energy. The Romans would honor the spirits, thank the gods, and basically try to negotiate with the universe before winter rolled in.

Think of it as the empire’s annual wrap-up ritual: a month for tying loose ends, settling cosmic debts, and preparing for the cold season — spiritually, agriculturally, and emotionally (because winter in ancient times was no joke).

When the Plebs Took the Wheel (Literally)

November wasn’t all ritual seriousness and spiritual negotiations. The month also hosted one of Rome’s most underrated festivals: the Ludi Plebei, the Plebeian Games — basically the time of year when the common people said, “Move, patricians, we’re running the entertainment industry now.”

Held roughly from November 4 to 17, these games were a full cultural buffet: chariot races, comedy plays, public feasts, and political speeches sneakily slipped into theater scripts (because Romans never missed a chance to be dramatic and manipulative at the same time).

The Plebeian Games Take Over the Stage

If October was all about the harvest and December was basically Rome’s chaotic holiday season (hello, Saturnalia), November was the sweet middle zone where the plebs said, “Our turn.” During the Ludi Plebei, the common people took center stage—literally. Streets buzzed with chariot races, comedians cracked jokes that definitely would’ve gotten them canceled today, and playwrights disguised political gossip as “totally fictional” theater.

Even Jupiter couldn’t resist; the god was honored with ceremonies and front-row attention as the plebs transformed the city into their own cultural playground. For a few glorious days, Rome felt less like an empire and more like an ancient Netflix variety show—complete with drama, competition, civic shade, and the energy of a month that still can’t decide if it’s the ninth or the eleventh.

Roman “Do Not Disturb” Door to the Dead

Here’s a November fun fact Rome never advertises on postcards: once a year in this month, the Romans literally opened a portal to the underworld. Yes, an actual hole in the ground — the mundus — like a cosmic trapdoor where the ancestors got temporary visitation rights.

The idea was simple:
open pit → spirits wander around → everyone pretends nothing weird is happening.

Government Closed, Ghosts Out

And Rome took it seriously. No battles, no senate meetings, no big decisions. Imagine the government going, “Sorry, can’t pass laws today, the dead are out.” Bureaucracy meets ghost tourism.

And honestly? Tell me this doesn’t scream proto–All Saints Day. Same month, same “ancestors on the loose” energy, but with way more superstition and way fewer candles. If November already feels like a month where the veil thins, the Romans basically invented the pilot episode.

Modern Times Celebration

Fast forward to today, and we’ve got our own November traditions. For many, it’s Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), a holiday inspired by the harvest, although today it’s more about indulging in turkey, stuffing, and questionable political debates than honoring Roman gods. Still, there’s something beautifully ironic about the way both the Romans and modern cultures associate this month with food and family.

The Absurdity of a Month Named for “Nine”

Now you understand how absurd humans can be—November’s name still means “nine,” even though it’s the 11th month on our calendars. “It’s like calling a grown-up ‘Kid’ because that’s what they were when you first met. But hey, who’s counting, right?”

This name-game highlights how stubborn the calendar system is. Sure, it’s based on ancient Roman traditions, but when you take a step back, you see just how much we’ve adapted the names and structures of months to fit our modern lifestyles.

November’s Transformative Spirit.

November is a transitional month in many parts of the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the final stretch of autumn before the chill of winter sets in. People start breaking out the heavier coats, lighting candles, and snuggling under blankets.

It’s the month of cozy vibes, of hot drinks, and preparing for the holiday season to come. It’s also a time of reflection, as the days get shorter and the year winds down.

When November Makes You a Philosopher

But November isn’t just about physical transformation. It’s a month that makes us look inward. We’ve got Thanksgiving (if you’re in the U.S. or Canada) or Día de los Muertos in Mexico—a time to remember loved ones and reflect on the year past.

These celebrations tie back to ancient roots, much like the Roman Novemdiales, connecting past and present with rituals of remembrance and gratitude.

Irony and Tradition

Why does November work, even if its name doesn’t? It’s a month of both ending and beginning. It’s the last full month before the New Year, and yet it’s all about reflection, preparation, and gratitude for what we’ve had.

We may call it “nine,” but in our hearts, November has its own character—a blend of nostalgia, coziness, and a little bit of absurdity. It’s the month that whispers, “Slow down, breathe, reset.”

And maybe that’s the real magic: even with a name that makes absolutely no sense, November still manages to feel exactly right. A mismatched label, sure—but a perfectly placed moment in the year

A Month of Reflection and Rituals

November’s diverse celebrations around the world highlight both its spiritual and seasonal significance. It’s a month where people come together to honor the past and prepare for the future. Let’s explore some unique November traditions from different cultures.

But November also has a universal vibe: take a minute. It’s the month that whispers, “Hey… maybe breathe before December hits you like a runaway reindeer.” Whether you’re lighting lanterns, visiting ancestors, or just trying to finish the year without falling apart, November brings everyone into the same rhythm of remembering and resetting.

Peru: Remembering Ancestors

In Peru, November is marked by Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On November 1st, Peruvians honor the spirits of their ancestors. The day is filled with visits to cemeteries, where families clean graves and offer food and flowers to the deceased.

On November 2nd, families celebrate with altars, food, and prayers, ensuring the spirits of the dead are remembered and honored.

And of course, no Peruvian tradition is complete without food: turrón, mazamorra morada, and pan wawa find their way onto both altars and family tables. In many regions, people even spend the night in cemeteries, sharing music, stories, and meals with the souls they’re welcoming back home — a blend of Andean spirituality a

Mexico: A Colorful Celebration of Death

November 1st and 2nd in Mexico are dedicated to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant celebration of life and death. This UNESCO-recognized tradition honors deceased loved ones with altars (ofrendas), sugar skulls, marigolds, and traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead).

It’s a joyous occasion where families remember their ancestors and invite their spirits to visit. And between the music, the candles, and the dancing skeletons, the whole country turns into a glowing reminder that death isn’t the end—it’s just another guest at the party.

India: Diwali – The Festival of Lights

November often brings Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated across India. This major festival marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Homes are decorated with oil lamps, fireworks light up the skies, and families gather to celebrate with feasts and prayers.

Diwali is a time for renewal, bringing hope and prosperity into the home and heart. It’s the moment when entire cities glow so brightly, even November forgets it’s supposed to be the gloomy month.

Loy Krathong – Floating the Past Away

In Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Loy Krathong is celebrated in November, where people release small, decorated boats (krathongs) into rivers, lakes, and seas. The act symbolizes letting go of negativity and making wishes for the future. It’s a visually stunning and reflective event, highlighting the importance of both personal growth and the collective respect for nature.

Under the glow of thousands of floating candles, entire communities watch the water carry away worries — a rare, serene moment where everyone silently hopes for a fresh start.
Some even add notes, hair, or coins to their krathongs as tiny symbolic “goodbye’s” to whatever they’re ready to release.

A Month for Transition and Gratitude

Across these diverse cultures, November blends reflection with hope. Whether through the remembrance of ancestors or through rituals meant to usher in light and prosperity, November calls us to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the year’s journey.

Maybe that’s the real charm of November: it’s the only month confident enough to keep the wrong name and still make the whole world sentimental. It doesn’t push you to reflect — it tricks you into it, like a sneaky therapist with better snacks.

Let’s Talk November in Every Language

Before we dive into why Spanish matters (and trust me, it does), let’s hit pause and zoom out. November may be the month that can’t count, but the whole world still calls it something — and those names carry history, culture, sounds, and sometimes pure linguistic chaos.

So before we jump into the romance of español, here’s a little multilingual warm-up. Think of it as November trying on different outfits across the globe. Some languages keep the Latin roots, others go full poetic, and a few look like they smashed their keyboard and called it a day.

Here’s how to say November around the world:

If you ever needed proof that November has an identity crisis, here it is — sometimes it’s novem-something, sometimes it’s “month of falling leaves,” and sometimes it’s literally “the eleventh month.” Different names, same vibe: a moment to slow down and take stock before the year wraps up.

Why Spanish Still Matters

Now that we’ve toured how the world celebrates November—and even how different cultures name it—it’s pretty clear: language shapes how we see the month, the season, and even ourselves. November isn’t just a spot on the calendar; it’s a global conversation happening in dozens of languages at the same time.

And in that loud, multicultural, hyperconnected world we live in? Spanish is one of the strongest voices in the room.

A Language for Connection

With over 500 million speakers, Spanish shows up everywhere: airports, Netflix menus, memes, music playlists, WhatsApp groups, and every family gathering where someone’s tia suddenly switches accents.

Learning it doesn’t just help you travel or watch shows without subtitles—it lets you understand traditions like Día de los Muertos, connect more deeply with communities across the Americas, and appreciate why months like noviembre still echo ancient Rome.

And honestly? In a month that asks you to pause, reflect, and reconnect, picking up a new language—especially Spanish—fits naturally. It’s a small step toward saying:
“I belong to something bigger than myself.”

Why Spanish for More Than Just Culture

Spanish isn’t just for talking about food, telenovelas, or your favorite memes — it’s a powerful tool for understanding geopolitics. In our Geopolitics in Spanish blog series, we dive into current events, global power shifts, and how Spanish-speaking countries fit into international politics.

So, when you learn Spanish with Kasa de Franko, you’re not just unlocking a language — you’re unlocking a way to engage with the world, analyze headlines, and join important conversations across continents.

Join the Fun!

Want to make your November memorable? Explore our engaging language classes and immerse yourself in an exciting learning journey. Visit our website, Kasa De Franko, or contact us to learn more!

And who knows — by this time next year, you might be celebrating noviembre with a whole new accent.
Come learn, laugh, and level up with us… because language is always better when it’s a party.

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Discover More About Month Names

Curious about the origins of month names? Take a historical journey with us in our blog, “Months & Days,” where we reveal the fascinating stories behind each month.

From ancient gods to political drama, every month has its own personality. Come see how language, history, and a bit of chaos shaped the calendar we use today

Spice Up Your Spanish

Ready to add some flair to your Spanish? Visit our blog, “Things Spanish People Say in Bed,” for romantic expressions and bold vocabulary. Want even more? Check out “El Sexi Chupacabras” for steamy phrases that will elevate your conversations.

Myths and Legends

Explore Hispanic folklore with our “Legends & Folktales” section. Discover timeless tales like La Llorona, La Santa Muerte, Sarita Colonia & Her Magic Kitty, La Ciguapa’s Era, Faith, Fire, & Flagellation: Extreme Easter Rituals, and El Chupacabras—perfect for fueling your imagination.

Dive into ghost stories, magical creatures, and local legends that reveal the quirks, fears, and humor of Hispanic culture. From spooky to funny, these tales are a window into the rich storytelling tradition of the Spanish-speaking world.

Learn and Laugh

And if you like humor and real-life oopsies, don’t miss our Language Bloopers category, where we celebrate unforgettable slip-ups, hilarious mistranslations, and all those “did I really just say that?” moments.

Enjoy a fun and engaging language learning experience with us. While we keep it light-hearted, our commitment to meaningful Spanish lessons is serious. Learn more about Kasa de Franko’s passion for teaching by visiting our About page, or sign up for free lessons today!

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Whether you want to dive into culture, master tricky phrases, or just have fun speaking Spanish, we’ve got you covered. Join us this November and beyond — because learning a language is the best way to connect with the world, its stories, and yes, even the quirky history of months like noviembre.

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