The world is full of fun and crazy people, and these festivals are solid proof. This list features some of the craziest, messiest or most colorful festivals and events ever, which have gathered millions of people from all around the world.
Furthermore, Festivals can offer you extraordinary experiences and help you get to know a new country. If you are planning your holidays, be sure to check if the countries you’re visiting are having any festivals.
Here are some of the attractions that you shouldn’t miss.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival,Taiwan
Credit: on Flickr
The Sky Lantern Festival is said to originate over 2000 years ago during Xing dynasty, when local watchmen used the lanterns to send a signal to the village residents who fled from groups of bandits to the mountains that it was safe to go home. Today, releasing the lanterns represents the end of Chinese New Year period. People also participate in this festival by writing their wishes on the lantern and release them into the night sky.
Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
Credit:Hypnotica Studios Infinite on Flickr
Get yourself dirty at the Boryeong Mud Festival, an annual summer event that takes place in the coastal town of Boryeong (also known as Daejeon). The festival was first held in 1996 to promote a new range of cosmetics which uses the Boryeong mud and to allow people to experience the mud themselves. Jump into the Giant Mud Bath and join in the massive mud fight where no one can escape sparkling clean.
Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, England
Credit: Photo Fabs on Flickr
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is a wacky event held on the Spring Bank Holiday every year at Cooper’s Hill, near Gloucester, where contestants battle one another in a cheese chase. Traditionally, the competition is held for the local villagers, but as news travelled far more people from all over the world flock in to take part. A large Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down from the top of the hill, and competitors will race down after it. The first person who crosses the finishing line will win the 9 pound cheese.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
Credit: Woody Hibbard on Flickr
This hot air balloon festival takes places annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, usually in early October. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and is also said to be the world’s most photographed event. Hundreds of hot air balloon flights take off every year during this 9-day event, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Lantern Floating Ceremony, Hawaii
Credit:Chad Podoski on Flickr
Every year, the residents of Hawaii remember their loved ones they lost by sending off illuminated lanterns into the sunset. This solemn ceremony was established by the head priest of Shinnyo-en temple so people can pay respect to the lost loved ones and be comforted by one another, as well as to create a connection between the Buddhist and Western cultures. The lanterns, which are provided for free, carry the names of those who have passed away and recent calamities around the world.
International Kite Festival, India
Credit:sandeepachetan on Flickr
Regarded as one of the biggest festivals in Gujarat, the International Kite Festival (or Uttarayan) marks the end of cold winter and the approaching harvest season according to the Hindu calendar. During the festival week, kites of all shapes, sizes and colours fill the sky as most cities organize kite flying competitions, and local food is served to the crowd. This event is best enjoyed at Sabarmati Waterfront or Ahmedabad Police Stadium, where people can lay down and watch the kites in the sky.
King’s Day, Amsterdam
Credit:Tom Jutte on Flickr
In Netherlands, the king’s birthday is celebrated on a different scale. King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is national holiday that takes place annually on April 27, which is King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. During this event, people dressed up in orange flood the streets of Amsterdam to celebrate, drink, dance and party. On this day, the city becomes one big flea market as the streets are lined with people selling their old treasures and homemade delicacies while chatting up with everyone.
Yokote Kamakura Festival, Japan
Credit:@roko_moon on instagram
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival is a famous winter tradition of Akita prefecture held between January and February in Yokote city. The igloo-like houses called kamakura, which are built to worship the Shinto water gods are the main attractions for this festival. Visitors can go inside the kamakura (upon invitation), and they will be served with mochi and amazake, a non-alcoholic sake before making an offer to the water god at the altar. There’s also a sea of tiny kamakuras along the Yokote River nearby.
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