When Shakespeare said that all the world is a stage, I doubt he ever dreamed of how easy it would become to explore that stage and just how diverse the many acts would be.
Festivals are a great example of how we can explore other cultures, religions, and celebrations that are foreign to us and home region. There are literally millions of them and they cover every facet of hobbies, arts, interests, and concepts.
They range from festivals devoted to the phallus to ones devoted to art and antiques and everything in between. Regardless of what interests you, I can virtually guarantee that there is a festival celebrating it somewhere in the world…
Some are very well known, like Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval while others are more obscure such as La Tomatina in Spain, which is like a giant food fight with tomatoes. Here are fifteen festivals for all tastes that celebrate the best of what the world has to offer as well as providing lots of fun, excitement, and beauty.
Cultural & Religious Festivals
If you’re interested in cultural and religious festivals, here are 3 big and famous cultural festivals:
#1: Chinese New Year – China
Chinese New Year is one of the biggest festivals and New Year celebrations in the world.
Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and is a celebration that is over 4,000 years old. It lasts almost two whole weeks. Anyone who lives somewhere with a sizable Chinese population is at least somewhat familiar with the extravagant celebrations that occur during that period.
What better place to see it up close and personal than China?
Witness firsthand the parades, meals steeped in tradition, the lantern festival, the fireworks displays, etc. Like many new year customs, it focuses on family and cleaning out the old and bad to make room for the new and hopefully better year ahead.
#2: Diwali – India
Diwali is celebrated by a variety of religions throughout the world although it is Hindu in origin and is generally considered an Indian festival. It is a festival of lights and although it is at its largest in India, like Chinese New Year you will find celebrations everywhere there are groups of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.
It takes its name from the row of clay lamps, called diyas, and celebrates the return of Lord Rama from exile. It is also considered a celebration of the goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, who symbolizes prosperity and wealth.
Apart from traditional foods and gifts, many communities across India hold fairs to celebrate.
#3: Pingxi Lantern Festival – Taiwan
Pingxi is a small and remote mountain village. Many years ago, the village was a frequent victim of attacks by bandits and other unsavoury types. Villagers would flee into the woods and surrounding area to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Lanterns were released into the sky to let the villagers know when it was safe to return.
Now, during the Sky Lantern Festival, people attach small prayers to the lanterns before releasing them to float into the heavens. It’s an incredibly beautiful sight.
Ultimate Party Festivals
Looking for a party festival? Here are 3 crazy party festivals you should check out:
#1: Carnaval – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This is the world’s biggest party attracting millions of people every year. It has its roots in the pagan celebrations of the Romans and Greeks and was imported from Italy with explorers that came to South America.
It’s a four day festival that features the Samba School parades at the Sambodromo which show off the skills of the schools in a competition as a part of the parade, balls at the beach and Copacabana, and a massive street festival.
The costumes are a huge part of the fun and they can be very elaborate and very sexy. On the first night of the festival, the city mayor hands the keys to the city to Rei Momo (King Momo), lord revelry and misrule. That sets the tone for the next few days.
As with any party like this, be safe and use some common sense when attending.
#2: Mardi Gras – New Orleans, United States of America
Coming right on the heels of Carnaval is Mardi Gras, and the party just continues a little further north. The root of Mardi Gras is actually a religious holiday but most don’t see it that way.
The parade of krewes are famous for their elaborate costumes and floats and their throws including beads and coconuts.
Although most have come to associate Mardi Gras with the lewd events that occur in the French Quarter where virtually anything goes, it is generally considered a family holiday and in other parts of the city there are a number of family events including the parade, balls, and a street festival that doesn’t require bare breasts.
#3: Carnivale de Venezia – Venice, Italy
The Venice Carnivale celebrates the same holiday as Rio’s and has the same roots. It goes on for longer – usually about two and a half weeks and tends to have a theme each year. It’s not known for quite the same degree of party-hard attitude but it remains a highlight for those who love these kinds of celebrations.
It features masked balls and costumes, parades on land and water, the silent water parade, boat pageants, etc. There are a lot of cultural music and artistic performances.
The theme in 2014 is fantasy and fairy tales from around the world. Of the three, I admit that this one appeals to me most.
Other Well Known & Unique Festivals
There are so many festivals celebrating different things all over the world. Here are 6 important festivals you should check out:
#1: Burning Man – Nevada, United States of America
This is a one week festival that is essentially a city that is built from the ground up and disappears entirely within that time. It celebrates art, community, self-reliance, and self-expression.
#2: Oktoberfest – Germany
A festival devoted to beer – need I say more?
#3: White Nights Festival –St. Petersburg, Russia
An international arts festival that has inspired many imitators around the world. It celebrates music, dance, art, and even features a mock pirate battle on the water and fireworks.
#4: Holi – India
This is a festival with its origins in the Hindu religion. It is often called the Festival of Colours and is celebrated with massive bonfires and the throwing of coloured powders and water at everyone you meet.
#5: La Tomatina – Bunol, Spain
This is a festival that involves throwing tomatoes at one another. It has become so popular they actually limit the number of participants. There are also parades, fireworks, etc but the highlight is the tomato fight.
#6: Kanamara – Kawasaki, Japan
The festival of the penis – yes, you read that correctly, this is a whole festival devoted to the male organ and it’s held in demure, proper Japan. The parade features large penis-shaped objects including a black, iron penis and big pink one.
There are wooden phalluses available for people to ride and penis-shaped lollipops to suck on. Although it has roots in fertility and safe sex protection, it now raises funds for AIDS research. Oh, and it’s run by Shinto monks who have a penis shrine.
Like I said, if it interests you then there is a festival celebrating it somewhere in the world.
Cover photo: traveladventureeverywhere.blogspot.com
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