These festivals offer a glimpse into the vast range of global traditions and celebrations.
With over 200 countries across the globe, it is next to impossible to experience each and every one of them, each of these countries has some major events or festivals that are popular worldwide and one can make up for the loss by experiencing some of these. Here, we have narrowed down some choices that will make it easy for you to decide what to see first.
Carnival
Where – Rio de Janeiro – Brazil When – February
If you want to experience a non-stop bonanza of feathery costumes, drums and elaborate parades, Rio de Janeiro is the place to be. The festivities and the gaiety attract millions of travellers every year.
Oktoberfest
Where – Munich, Germany When – October
The event started in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding but has continued ever since as millions of litres of Oktoberfest beer are up for grabs. Apart from this, amusement rides, games, market stalls and traditional food such as pretzels, cheese noodles and dumplings can be savoured.
Snow and Ice Festival
Where – Harbin, China When – January-February
The city of Harbin is transformed into a winter wonderland with seismic ice sculptures, beautifully adorned with lasers and lights that draw thousands of people. Dog sledging and the Ice Lantern art fair are some of the other major attractions that attract tourists from across the globe.
La Tomatina
Where – Bunol, Spain When – August
The last Wednesday of August sees more than 100,000 kgs of tomatoes squished, hurled and splattered in the Town square. The fun and frolic lasts for quite some time but cleaning the mess afterwards must be a Herculean task.
Hokkai Heso Matsuri
Where – Furano City, Japan When – July
This festival is inspired by the city’s geographical location. Also known as the Belly Button Festival, the dancers paint their belly button as the mouth of a character and belly dance their way through the streets of the city. Furanois are in the center of Hokkaido Prefecture, like the belly button is at the center of the body.
