Planning your next holiday? If festivals fit into your idea of a cultural experience, then we bring to you a list of some of the most exciting and happening festivals around the world. Experience some of these popular festivals when you visit these countries.
1. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival - Harbin, China
The festival started in 1985 and thereafter it has been annually held on the 5th of January lasting for over a month. Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang Province and this is China's original and greatest ice artwork festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of local people and visitors from all over the world. The most exclusive and best part to watch out at this festival is the Ice Lantern which is also a popular choice amongst visitors.
2. The Rio de Janeiro Carnival - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the most famous and the biggest carnival in the world takes place in Rio de Janeiro, gathering over 2 million people. The carnival kicks off 40 days before Easter and lasts for 5 days. One of the greatest elements of Rio Carnival is that it not only provides entertainment for many people around the world but it also gives a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil. The 2017 carnival will take place from February 5th to the 9th.
3. White Nights Festival - St. Petersburg, Russia
An annual international arts festival during the season of the midnight sun. The White Nights Festival consists of a series of classical ballet, opera and music events and includes performances by Russian dancers, singers, musicians and actors, as well as famous international guest stars. If you love the world of arts and entertainment then this is one event that you must attend. The festival begins 26th of May and ends on the 2nd of August 2016.
Ref: www.planeteu.com/events/white-nights-festival/
Image credit: www.top10.press
4. Holi – India
The festival of colours, takes place in either February or March every year. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colourful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. The celebrations begin with the lighting up of bonfire on the eve of Holi followed by people playing with dry coloured powder and water on the next day. Holi is widely famous in India and is now also celebrated in other countries.
Ref: www.holifestival.org/
5. Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan
This is your chance to witness thousands of sky lanterns light over Pingxi District in Taiwan. This festival was originally celebrated to ward off evil and disease. During this festival people write their wishes and ambitions on the lanterns before releasing them into the sky. Definitely a surreal experience and one not to miss out on. The festival will be taking place next in February 2017. (There is no fixed time for this festival).
Ref: www.emlii.com
Photo credit: www.emlii.com
6. Saint Patrick’s Day, Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Day is more than just a festival. It is also celebrated as a cultural and religious holiday on the 17th of March. It is named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well as celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
Ref: www.emlii.com
7. Boryeong Mud Festival - South Korea
An annual festival that takes place in summer in the month of July. It is one of the most famous festivals in Korea, attracting tourist from all over the world. Visitors enjoy activities such as mud baths, mud wrestling, mud massages, mud painting etc. The mud has curing and cosmetic values therefore good for the health as well as the soul. The festival last for 2 weeks and is generally most popular during its final weekend. Is this something you would like to experience? Then you know where to head to this summer.
Ref: www.carnifest.com
Photo credit: www.mindblowingtrip.com
8. La Tomatina, Spain
Let’s go tomatoes! If you literally want to get soaked in tomatoes then this is an event you need to experience. The festival is held annually on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Bunol. The fight begins with the firing of water cannons and lasts for an hour. Limited tickets are available for this event so make sure to plan in advance.
9. Oktoberfest, Munich Germany
The world’s largest beer festival is held annually in Munich lasting for up to two weeks. It generally commences from late September to the first week of October. Oktoberfest attracts more than 6 million people from around the world. Besides the unlimited amount of beer there will also be great music, food and parades to look forward to. This year the festival will take place from 17th September to 3rd October 2016. If you love your beer then you know where and when to plan your next trip!
Photo credit: www.windsorstar.com
10. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - New Mexico, USA
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival of hot air balloons that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine day event, and has around 750 balloons. The event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. The different coloured balloons in the air make it a magical experience and a sight not to be missed. This year the festival shall take place from 1st of October to 9th of October 2016.
Ref: www.emlii.com
Other festivals that you may want to look into are:
1. The Chinese New Year
2. New Year’s Eve, Sydney, Australia
3. Songkran Water Festival - Thailand
4. The Mardi Gras, New Oreleans
5. Glastonbury Festival, England
6. Burning Man, Nevada
7. Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming Festival), Rwanda
