For ages, in all parts of the world, people have come together to celebrate all types of things. Music, art, food, drink – you name it, there’s a festival for it. Some of the most incredible travel experiences can happen when a big group of people joins together for a single purpose. Visiting a festival can be one of the best ways to see the world and be a part of a culture, movement or group you are interested in.
This week’s post covers some of the biggest, most unique and most exciting festivals the world has to offer.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Carnevale
Where: Venice, Italy
When: varies by year, sometime between January and March
What: Supposedly based on a tradition that began in the 1100s, the Venetian Carnevale is an opportunity to celebrate the city. After a long hiatus, the festival returned in 1979, with masked revelers and decorated floats parading through the streets of the city. The masks are perhaps the most notable symbol of the event, providing disguises for participants and letting people hide their true identities. Carnevale is a stunning visual spectacle, and a great time of year to visit Venice, which is an amazing city even without the festivities.
Image Source: Flickr
La Tomatina
Where: Buñol, Spain
When: the last Wednesday in August, annually
What: Since 1945, locals and visitors have let go of their everyday stresses and worries to throw tomatoes at each other in the streets. There’s no real history or traditional background to this event – it’s just a chance to have fun, let loose, and get covered in tomato juice. If you go to Buñol for La Tomatina, make sure you bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty – everyone is fair game as a target!
Image Source: Wikimedia
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
When: Oct 1-9, 2016
What: Every October in the Southwestern United States, the sky fills with bright and beautiful hot air balloons. Perfect for viewers of all ages, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (also known as the World’s Premier Balloon event) launches 500 or more balloons into the sky for the land-locked to enjoy. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic gear and enjoy the live entertainment on site, watch ballooning competitions and even stay past dusk, when glow-in-the-dark balloons light up the night sky.
These are just three of hundreds of festivals that take place all over the world. With a little research, you can find one that fits your interests perfectly! A couple other well-loved festivals are the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Festival in Gloucester, England (it’s exactly what it sounds like), the Boryeong Mud Festival in Boryeong, South Korea and the Lantern Festival in Pingxi, Taiwai.
Have a festival in mind? Talk to our agents at Gaba Travel to make sure you get the best deals on your trip.
Sources: Balloon Fiesta, Buzzfeed, Wikipedia
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