10 WORLD FESTIVALS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS!!
Being at festivals is like standing inside the mind of a culture as it dreams. They have the ability to be both extremely intimate and public spectacles at the same time. Here are 10 of the world's best festivals.
Let yourself go.
1. Holi — Celebrated by Hindus Around the World.
When: March 27 (for 2014)
Where: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other Hindu regions
Why you should go: Holi,
also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the end of winter and
the beginning of spring. It’s fun, safe, and free. Just remember to BYOD
(bring your own dye).
2. La Tomatina — Buñol, Spain
When: The last Wednesday in August
Where: Buñol, Spain
Why you should go: As crazy as it may seem, this festival is held every year purely for fun, meaning it isn’t tied to any ancient traditions. In 1945 a few locals began throwing fruits and vegetables during a parade — and ever since then the tomato-throwing festival has continued on.
3. Carnaval — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: Feb. 28–March 4 (for 2014)
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why you should go: Much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnevale in Venice, Canaval is a nonstop party, just with special addition of Brazilian flair. It’s filled with samba music, colorful costumes, and giant parades.
4. Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival — Gloucester, England
When: May 26 (tentative for 2014)
Where: Gloucester, England
Why you should go: If you’ve ever wanted to watch hundreds of men run down a hill while chasing a wheel of cheese, then you’re in luck — because the Cooper Hill Cheese Roll not only exists, it’s quite the romp.
5. Running of the Bulls — Pamplona, Spain
When: July 6–14
Where: Pamplona, Spain
Why you should go: Let’s be real — who doesn’t like watching people make fools of themselves? The Running of the Bulls is a time-honored Spanish tradition, which is such to raise your adrenaline levels, whether you’re running or watching.
6. Carnevale — Venice, Italy
When: Feb. 14–March 4 (for 2014)
Where: Venice, Italy
Why you should go: Carnevale, or “Carnival,” has been a Venice tradition since the 13th century. People flock from all over the world to participate in the masked celebrations, arguably making it one of the best parties on Earth.
7. Songkran Water Festival — Chiang Mai, Thailand
When: April 13–15 (for 2014)
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why you should go: This is the water fight of your dreams, so back up your Super Soakers, water balloons, and water bottles and head to Thailand for a wet and wild adventure.
8. Lantern Festival — Pingxi, Taiwan
When: Feb. 23 (for 2014)
Where: Pingxi, Taiwan
Why you should go: Watch the sky light up during one of the world’s largest lantern festivals. If you’re looking for a little magic, there is nothing more surreal than a sky ablaze with thousands of floating lanterns.
9. Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany
When: Last weeks of September to the first weekend in October
Where: Munich, Germany
Why you should go: Though there are many smaller offshoots of Oktoberfest around the world, Munich’s original fair is the biggest beer festival in the world. In 2013, more than $96,178,668 worth of beer was served every day during the festival.
10. Dia de los Muertos — Celebrated by Mexicans in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Mexico.
When: Nov. 1
Where: Celebrations are held by cultural Mexicans throughout the world, but a few of the bigger celebrations take place in Mexico City and Los Angeles.
Why you should go: Dia de los Muertos, or “The Day of the Dead,” celebrates All Saint’s Day, which remembers all those who have passed before us. A colorful display of costume and culture, Dia de los Muertos is a day you don’t want to miss.
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