Festivals Around the World

Here are a few Festivals around the world starting from Jan 2018 until Dec 2018

WAKAKUSA YAMAYAKI (JAPAN)
Where: Nara, Japan
When: 27 January 2018

The name of the festival literally translates as ‘The Mountain Roast’ held on the 4th Saturday in January each year, the dead grass on the hillside of Mount Wakakusayama is set ablaze,  there are two theories of the evolution of the festival. The first claims that the burning of the mountainside began during boundary conflicts between Nara’s great temples (Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji), while another claims the fires were used to drive away wild boars. Once set ablaze the mountain can burn for up to an hour and because of the mountains elevation it can be seen from anywhere in the city.

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL (USA)
Where: Park City, Utah – USA
When: 18 January – 28 January 2018

Sundance is North America’s most famous independent film festival. Located in a relatively small town, first time attendees may be surprised by the lack of glamour of where the films are shown. If you love edgy, powerful films, Sundance may be just what you are looking for.

FEBRUARY FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
CARNIVALE DI VENEZIA (ITALY)
Where: Venice – Italy
When: 27 January – 13 February 2018

The Venice Carnival is one of many favorites. Wondering around the ancient streets of the city surrounded by people in 18th century costumes. Over 3 million people attend this carnival.

MARDI GRAS (USA)
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana – USA
When: 13 February 2018
Mardi Gras is synonymous with hedonism and debauchery, and with a motto of Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll), it’s no surprise that this is probably the wildest party in the United States. It may be a surprise to some, however, that Mardi Gras is the official final celebration before the period of Lent, the Catholic period of introspection and sacrifice. But whatever your religion – everyone is welcome! So grab your purple, green and gold (the festivals official colors representing justice, faith and power) and take to the streets for one of the biggest parties of your life.

RIO CARNIVAL (BRAZIL)
Where: Rio De Janeiro – Brazil
When: 9 – 14 February 2018
The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a festival held before Lent every year and considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets. The typical Rio carnival parade is filled with revelers, floats, and adornments from numerous samba schools which are located in Rio. Dressed in beautiful costumes these amazing dancers parade through the Sambadrome; official balls & parties are held at Copacabana Palace. And the streets come alive with the mini festivals instigated by locals where formality and structure are left far behind as music and dancing become the order of the day.

MARCH FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL (TAIWAN)
Where: Pingxi, Taiwan – Republic of China
When: 2 March 2018
According to the elders of Pingxi, the Sky Lantern Festival originated in the Xing Dynasty, more than two thousand years ago. At that time, bands of outlaws frequently raided the lowland villages, forcing residents to seek refuge in the mountains. Village watchmen used “fire balloons” as signals to inform the residents that their houses were safe once again and when those hiding in the hills saw the celestial flares, they knew it was time to go home. Today these lanterns have two main purposes. One: they display scribbled messages of the hopes and dreams of the purchaser who then release them into the night sky by the power of fire; and Two: they represent the end of the Chinese New Year period and their release symbolizes the shedding of outdated ways and embracing the future.

Holi  FESTIVAL
1st  -  2nd March 2018: Holi, India
The well-known Holi festival – also known as the Festival of Colour – is celebrated across the north of India. Jaipur and Udaipur are among the best locations to enjoy the festivities, as revelers throng together to throw powdered colours in the air, leaving a rainbow in their wake. The celebration marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season.

ST PATRICK’S DAY (IRELAND & USA)
Where: Dublin – Ireland & New York – USA
When: 17 March 2018 St Pats 
St Patrick’s day has taken place in New York City on March 17th since 1762. On this day, the whole city turns green, lots of people paint a green shamrock on their faces and even the Empire State Building is lit up in green. The Irish pubs are packed with Irish immigrants and many other nationalities who celebrate this fun holiday. Many Irish bake the traditional soda bread on this day. It is a bread made of raisins, baking soda, baking powder, flour, sugar, salt and margarine. It is one of the most fun days of the year in NYC every year, when the whole city turns into a big green party and many people get drunk.

SXSW (USA)
Where: Austin, Texas – USA
When: 9 – 18 March 2018
Free food, drink (the hard stuff) and music sound good? Welcome to South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. SXSW is technically a festival for media types who work in the music, film and digital industries. March is chance for them to watch presentations, network and then party but there are also ‘free’ shows which Craig and I have attended for the past two years. You do have to pay but not by handing over cash, you have to give up some time by queuing but it is worth it.

APRIL FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
KINGS DAY (AMSTERDAM)
Where: Amsterdam – Netherlands
When: 27 April 2018
Every year on April 27 Amsterdam turns a very bright shade of orange for King’s Day, which is the King’s birthday (Willem-Alexander of the House of Orange). It’s a crazy fun celebration when the center of the city is basically car, tram, and bike-free simply because there are too many people on foot. It has a contagious festival-like atmosphere with street vendors, a market day when anyone can sell pretty much anything (except alcohol), and an insane boat parade party on the canals that will have you dancing unconsciously. It’s a festival that can put a smile on everyone’s face! Tips: Bring a jacket, wear orange, bring cash.

SNOWBOMBING (AUSTRIA)
Where: Mayrhofen – Austria
When: 9 – 14 April 2018
Snowbombing is the biggest party on the snow held in Mayrhofen, Austria in April every year. Primarily a festival about snow sports, it has grown to become the biggest music festival in the mountains over the past few years. Billed as a Ride N Seek event (a snowboard competition like no other) you’ll see the pros of the industry throwing some serious tricks in the park by day and watch an eclectic mix of music acts each night. Add in a fancy dress day where the mountain is filled with colourful skiwear and fake mustaches – it’s one of the best festivals on snow!

SONGKRAN (THAILAND)
Where: Chaing Mai & Bangkok – Thailand
When: 13 – 16 April 2018
In Thailand the celebration of New Year is referred to as Songkran. The exact date varies every year depending on the lunar cycle but usually happens sometime in April. The traditional celebration of Songkran is to return to your families and pay respect to your elders by spraying a little scented water on their hands.
However, Songkran has changed over the years and has become a public 3 day water fight. It is near impossible to walk down the street without being sprayed by water. Shop owners will sit outside their shops with giant containers of ice water ready to throw at anyone walking by, while others will roam the streets, sometimes in tuk tuks! Tourists from all over the world will travel to Thailand to take part in these

March – April: Cherry Blossom, Japan
The annual viewing of the blossoming sakura – Japanese cherry blossom – is an absolute must. As the Japanese cherry trees come to life, symbolising renewal, vitality and beauty, parks across the country are pink in bloom. Hanami is the traditional custom of viewing the flowers and is usually best between March and April.

MAY FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
STARS OF THE WHITE NIGHTS (RUSSIA)
Where: St Petersburg – Russia
When: May 2018 
White Nights isn’t really one festival but a collection of events around the longest days of the year, from mid-­May to mid-­July. This festival is an extravaganza of the arts — music, opera, ballet, film and outdoor celebrations including the Scarlet Sails, a fleet of red­-sailed, tall ships with a gunpowder-packed fireworks show, Russian style. Long walks along the River Neva in almost constant daylight reveal roving gypsy bands, jugglers, sword swallowers, fire eaters, even stoic Russian mimes who might surprise you with their humor.

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL (FRANCE)
Where: Cannes – France
When: 9 – 20 May 2018
One of the leading film festivals around the world, it was originally a touristic social event rather than a competition. However over the years the number and quality of films has grown to make it one of the most prestigious events in the film industry calendar. It’s a ritzy, glamorous affair, filled with fashion.

May: Macao Arts Festival, China
During the Macao Arts Festival, Macau’s historic buildings become the setting for some of the festival’s drama performances as well as unconventional city tours, attracting international performers from all reaches of the globe; dance, theatre, music and art take over the city.

May – July: The White Nights Festival, Russia
The summer months in northern Russia are host to the remarkable natural phenomenon of the midnight sun. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, comes a summer filled with cultural events, entertainment and festivals across St Petersburg. At the end of June is the Scarlet Sails event, the largest event of the White Nights Festival, which includes the pirate water show alongside music and a fireworks display. In addition, the parting of the Neva Bridge for boat traffic is quite the spectacle and can be enjoyed either from the embankment or on a boat cruise.

JUNE FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
SAN VINO WINE FIGHT (SPAIN)
Where: Haro – Spain
When: 28 – 30 June 2018
Spain’s annual Batalla de Vino, or Wine Battle, must be one of Europe’s most unique and underrated annual festivals. Each year in the small village of Haro, thousands of revelers emerge to a hill just after sunrise to wage war on each other using red wine as their weapon! Water guns, insect sprayers, and buckets are all filled with the deep red liquid that leaves attendees stained from head to toe.
This wild event takes place on the morning of June 29th each year. But the night before is when the party really gets started. The festivities draw a mostly local crowd, making it a fun cultural experience as you stay up all night drinking and dancing in the streets until the wine fight begins in the early morning hours.

24th June: Inti Raymi, Peru
Inti Raymi – meaning ‘sun festival’ in Quechua, the language of the Incas – is held in honor of the god Inti. Attracting thousands of local and international visitors to Cusco, the modern day re-enactment is still an on-going tradition. Although they no longer sacrifice an animal, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán become a theatre where the story is told.

JULY FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
TOMORROWLAND (BELGIUM)
Where: Boom – Belgium
When: 27 – 29 July 2018
An open field with tents and camps all around for people to rest and sleep while enjoying the music. Meeting new people around the world who enjoy the same kind of music just pulsates the nerves and induces that feeling of belonging and that’s enough to get anyone hooked to this festival.

COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL (USA)
Where: San Diego, California – USA
When: 19 – 22 July 2018
With the rise in popularity of animated films, western cartoons and Anime as well as video games and other fantasy novels, the franchise of Comicon has been growing over the years since the 70’s. Basically, this festival features a four-day event that is held at San Diego Convention Center in California.

JUST FOR LAUGHS (CANADA)
Where: Montreal – Canada
When: 16 – 30 July 2018
For comedy lovers there is no other festival in the world better than Montreal’s Just for Laughs. The event takes place at the end of July and if you visit you get to split your sides laughing, see some celebrity comics and tour one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Comics who have played Just for Laughs include: Jerry Seinfeld, John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson and Canadian homeboy favourite Russell Peters.

AUGUST FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL (SCOTLAND)
Where: Edinburgh – Scotland
When: 3 – 27 August 2018
Theater, music, film, comedy, dance, musicals, spoken word, street performances, and exhibitions – Edinburgh Festival Fringe has it all. Known as the world’s largest arts festival, each August the Fringe takes over Scotland’s capital, drawing artists, performers, and attendees from around the world. Fringe developed 70 years ago (as an alternative to the selective Edinburgh International Festival) and is an open-access festival, meaning that anyone can participate or perform. You can either buy tickets in advance or just walk down the bustling Royal Mile and let the many promoters guide you to a cheap or free show.

HAJJ (SAUDI ARABIA)
Where: Mecca – Saudi Arabia
When: 19 – 24 August 2018
Hajj refers to a Muslim’s pilgrimage to Mecca and is one of the five pillars of Islam. At least once in his or her lifetime, each Muslim is expected to undertake this pilgrimage the sacred city of Islam. This holy journey is called the hajj in Arabic. While a visit to Mecca is beneficial any time of the year, it must take place during the month of Dhu al-Hijja (the last month of the Islamic year) to fulfill the requirements of the hajj.

LA TOMATINA (SPAIN)
Where: Bunol, Valencia – Spain
When: 29 August 2018
La Tomatina Festival takes place in a Spanish town in Valencia (Buñol).  A few small trucks go inside the town, bringing with them kilos and kilos of tomatoes. They let the tomatoes drop to the ground, and that signals the beginning of the party.  Bringing goggles are highly recommended. The event is definitely so much fun!

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL (UK)
Where: Notting Hill, London – UK
When: 25 – 27 August 2018
Notting Hill Carnival is one of the highlight’s of London’s summer calendar. Every August bank holiday weekend, the normally sedate Notting Hill explodes into a riot of steel drums, exuberantly decorated floats and those dancers. It’s one of best festivals in the UK!

16th – 26th August: Festival of the Tooth, Sri Lanka
Officially known as the Esala Perahera, this ancient Buddhist festival is held in Kandy each year. It commemorates Buddha’s first teaching after he obtained enlightenment and is celebrated with processions and ceremonies through the town throughout the festival’s 10 days. Elephants are lavishly decorated, dancers, jugglers, fire-breathers and musicians all take to the streets and a replica of the Sacred Tooth relic is paraded on top of an elephant.

SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS 2018
OKTOBERFEST (GERMANY)
Where: Munich – Germany
When: 22 September – 7 October 2018
Every beer lover simply must attend the Oktoberfest once in their life!  Tent hopping is part of the fun and that means drinking even MORE beer. There is a cafe tent where you can sober up with coffee and Black Forest cake, and then either dive in again.

27th September: Meskel Festival, Ethiopia
Meskel is an Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox religious holiday that is also known by certain churches as the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the Gregorian calendar, this date is the Ethiopian New Year. Celebrated for over 1,600 years, the festival commemorates the finding of the true cross by Queen Helena. There is a lot of dancing and a demera – the burning of a large bonfire – which is thought to be the ultimate act in the cancellation of sins.

OCTOBER FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS 2017
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS (USA)
Where: Austin, Texas – USA
When: 6 – 8 October & 13 – 15 October 2017 (2018 TBC) 
Austin City Limits can be described in one word, DYNAMIC. This amazing city boasts culture from all walks of life, contrary to most people’s beliefs that Austin, Texas is home to guys dressed in cowboy boots and hats riding horses. ACL Festival is no different, the social scene is mixed with all genres of music and art installations in a live music setting.
EPCOT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL (USA)
Where: Orlando, Florida – USA
When: 31 August – 13 November 2017 (that’s 75 days!!) (2018 Dates TBC)
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival dates vary slightly each year the festival typically runs from September to mid-November.

DIWALI (INDIA)
Where: Mumbai – India
When: 19 – 23 October 2017 & 6 – 10 November 2018

India during the Diwali celebrations. Known as the “Festival of Lights”, the Diwali is supposed to last for about five days and consists in exchanging gifts, burning butter and oil lanterns, and in fireworks. In fact, it actually lasts more than the official five days, and it is incredibly noisy, with fireworks exploding literally anywhere – so much so that the already dramatic pollution levels of India increase further.

Most Indians take their holidays during Diwali, or right after. Cities can get incredibly crowded with internal tourists – but the atmosphere is incredible! One of the best festivals

13^th October: Turin: White Truffle Fair in Alba

Cox & Kings’ new Turin: Slow Food, Art & Aperitivos tour includes a day in Alba, where you can learn the tricks of the trade from those that scavenge for truffles in the woodlands and savour the aroma of these tasty fungi at the fair. Founded by Carlo Petrini, the Slow Food Movement aims to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and encourages the farming of plants, seeds and livestock.

NOVEMBER FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS 2017

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD) (MEXICO)

Where: Mexico City – Mexico
When: 31 October – 2 November 2018
Instead of Halloween, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead. Families come together for a meal to reflect upon and celebrate the life of their ancestors. Then, dressed in colourful costumes and with the iconic sugar skull painted on their faces, revellers participate in parades through the towns. Cities become a vibrant sea of colour as flowers and colourful outfits brighten up a day that despite sounding rather sombre, is a celebration of life.

LOY KRATHONG & YI PENG (THAILAND)

Where: Chiang Mai – Thailand
When: 3 November 2017 & 23 November 2018

Loi Krathong is one of the most picturesque and most romantic festivals of Thailand, falling on the night of full moon of the 12th lunar month. The moon appears exceptionally bright, beautiful and full. Young couples draped in traditional finery, gather around lakes, rivers and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water by launching of the Krathong into the water. Krathong is a lotus shaped container made of banana leaves, containing a candle, incense sticks, flower and coins.

People also make their way to these water bodies where they can float Krathongs and make their wishes. It is said that people congregate for floating away their sins and miseries and hope for a better future for their families. Click to Read More.

At the same people light lanterns which rise into the night sky (Yi Peng) which makes for one of the most amazing sights you will ever see.

7^th November: Diwali, India

One of India’s most important and widely celebrated festival is Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. The lights are symbolic and are said to help guide the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, into people’s homes. Streets and houses across the country are decorated with lights, and young girls spend time creating beautiful rangoli patterns with coloured powder, rice or flowers, illuminated at night by candles.

DECEMBER FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS

MEVLANA WHIRLING DERVISHES (TURKEY)

Where: Konya – Turkey
When: 7 – 17 December 2017 (2018 Dates TBC)
Men dressed in whites robes and tall hats spinning in circles doesn’t sound as exciting as running with the bulls or dancing at Rio’s Carnival, but the chance to watch the Whirling Dervishes will change you in a way you’d never expect. Based on the teachings and practices of the 13th-century poet Rumi, this 10-day festival will expose you to the power of devotion and show you that spinning can do more than just make you dizzy.

KRAMPUSNACHT (AUSTRIA)

Where: Tyrol – Austria
When: 5 December (every year)

The mythical Krampus is horned half-goat, half-deamon who is meant to whip children into being nice at Christmas – and he’s more than a little terrifying to the uninitiated.

Bearing horns, long dark hair (fur), and fangs, the anti-St. Nicholas comes with a chain and bells that he lashes about, along with a bundle of birch sticks meant to swat naughty children. He then hauls the bad kids down to the underworld. Or so the story goes. In the Austrian Alps, a parade of Krampus take over the streets, their chains rattling as they walk through the snow covered streets, carrying torches of fire and whipping unsuspecting passersby. 

HOGMANAY (SCOTLAND)

Where: Edinburgh – Scotland
When: 30 December – 1 January 

Picture the core of the city bustling with people partying, jumping from one stage to the other as 5 bands are usually playing at the same time all over the place, staring at fireworks as midnight approaches, having a blast even when the weather doesn’t help and you will start understanding how much fun it is. And then add popular dances, an ice rink, Christmas markets, a ferris wheel, a torchlight procession on the 30th, a proper music festival on the 31st, the nuts Loony Dook race that ends up swimming in the not so warm waters by the Forth bridge on the outskirts of the city as wheel as an art explosion taking over 9 bizarre venues called ScotLands.