What could make your next holiday more exciting than being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people who are carrying on the customs and traditions of their country’s unique traditions? After all, you can’t spend a week in a foreign place without learning something new from the citizens you encounter.
Rio Carnival in Brazil
The Rio Carnival is one of the most popular festivals around the world. Held annually in February or March, it is a colorful and lively celebration that brings people from all over Brazil together. The parade features elaborately decorated floats, mariachi bands, and thousands of dancers wearing elaborate costumes. During the festivities, there are street parties and revelry galore. It’s quite the experience to be a part of the Rio Carnival!
Diwali in India
Diwali is a popular festival celebrated all over India. The festive period of November-December is marked by the Hindu god lighting up his sacrificial fire to cleanse the souls of the dead while giving them forty-three days of gifts and benevolence. Families gather together to celebrate with prayers and lanterns, exchanging sweets and feasts. The celebrations continue through the night with social dancing and singing.
Various festivals in India commemorate religious occasions that occur at different times of the year. However, Diwali is one of the most important because it commemorates the first day of the bright new year according to Hinduism. Families exchange gifts, offer prayers, and celebrate the return of light and prosperity.
Chinese New Year in China
Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China. It is celebrated annually on January 31. The festival commemorates the birth of the Chinese god of money, fortune, and happiness, named Guan Yu.
Drawn from multiple villages throughout China, typically around 120 dragons are brought together to form a massive parade to celebrate the new year. Families gather to watch the parade, eat lion’s head soup and exchange traditional Lunar New Year gifts. In addition to the dragon parade, other events including a beauty pageant and fireworks display take place throughout various cities across China.
Magatama Matsuri in Japan
Magatama Matsuri, also known as the Great Buddha Festival, is a Buddhist festival that takes place in Zushi, Japan. The festival honors Gautama Buddha, who is said to have descended from the sky in a luminous disc called a “magatama.” The festival lasts for nine days and includes pagoda building, dragon and lion dances, Buddhist recitation, and much more.
Burning Man in the US
Burning Man is a festival that has been growing in popularity around the world. It is a gathering of people who come together to create their own culture and community. The event takes place in the Nevada desert, and participants must leave all outside possessions behind. The festival celebrates creativity, self-expression, and radical self-reliance.
Oktoberfest in Germany
The Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and one of Germany’s most celebrated events. The celebration lasts 11 days and includes a variety of activities such as horse racing, folk music, dancing, and food. The origins of the Oktoberfest are unclear but it likely began in the Middle Ages as a religious feast to celebrate the blessing of the harvest. Over the years, the Oktoberfest has evolved into an international festival and is now known for its great German beer and delicious Bavarian food.
Hanukkah in Israel
Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated in the Jewish faith, traditionally observed on the eighth day of the month of Kislev, with the celebration marking the victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his attempt to suppress the practice of Judaism. The custom of decorating a Menorah, lighting candles, and eating hot apple cider doughnuts is said to have originated with a story recounting Judah Maccabee and his two brothers overcoming a siege of Jerusalem by Antiochus’ forces.
In Israel, Hanukkah is not just celebrated as a religious holiday – it is also an important national event. Every year during Hanukkah, Israel’s Prime Minister addresses the nation from the kosher menorah in the Knesset (Israel’s parliament). And no matter where you are in Israel during Hanukkah, you can always enjoy some delicious traditional foods such as latkes.
Mardi Gras
There are quite a few popular festivals around the world that celebrate Mardi Gras. The most well-known of these festivals is in France, although there are similar celebrations in other countries such as the United States. Mardi Gras is a major event in New Orleans, and it generally lasts for three days. During this time, there are lots of parties and events that take place throughout the city.
One of the most famous events during Mardi Gras is the Krewe of Orpheus parade. This parade features a lot of floats and costumes, and it is often considered to be one of the best parades in the world. Other popular events during Mardi Gras include the masquerade ball and King Cootie’s parade.
Conclusion
There are so many festivals happening all over the world, it can be hard to decide which one to attend! Whether you’re looking for a vibrant and fun experience or just want to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle, there’s a festival for you. In this post, we’ve outlined some of the most popular festivals around the globe and given our recommendations on where to go if you’re interested in attending.
