There are so many festivals that go on around the world. Many of them date back to before the Renaissance era. Most galas are planned events given by a community, usually celebrating some unique aspect of the community and its traditions. They are often marked as a local or national holiday. Celebrations and entertainment are associated with festivals and these yearly observances can be related to religious, social or geographical groups. There are 5 festivals going on now or are up and coming . You should not miss anyone of them!
1. Rio Carnival, Brazil February 13-17
The Samba parade is a huge deal all around the world. This parade is something everyone needs to see for themselves. It can be viewed on television but, it is something you need to see in person. The schools in Samba have made this parade into a competition between different schools. Months before the parade, the theme needs to be chosen and they need to find sponsors to help them fund their carnival float. Just like a sporting event, the parade floats are judged. The schools are judged in ten categories such as:
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So as you can see this is really a big deal in Rio De Janeiro. The floats are magnificent and the dancers have colorful costumes and the drum line is very entertaining.
2. St. Patricks Day, Ireland March 17
St. Patricks Day is a religious and cultural celebration that is always on March 17. This well renounced holiday is celebrated because it is the date St. Patrick died and he was the patron saint of Ireland. In Dublin the festival goes for 4 days straight, you will get to see everything from traditional dances and parades. In County Wexford you will get to see the oldest parade in Ireland that dates back to 1917 and is still going strong. In west Ireland, to Dingle, they kick off the festivities kick off as early as 6 am with the Dingle Fife and Drum band! Those are just a few cities who have things going on to celebrate their holiday! It’s traditional here in the states to say this is the day everyone wants to be Irish! Did you know in Ireland they used to close all of their pubs on St. Patty’s Day?
3. New Orleans Jazz Festival, Louisiana April 24- May 3
Louisiana is a melting pot of culture and elements: African-American, Cajun, Creole, Latin, French, Isleño, Native American, and practically everything in between. The Forklore Village you can see Witness first hand, Mardi Grads floats, musicians, and a cowboy weave a bull whip.The Forklore Village is known to be traditionally kept. The Native Nations, are rich in native american culture. People enjoy traditional drumming, singing, and dancing by Southeastern dance and pow wow troupes. This villiage also has traditional food, basket weaving, and wood carving. Lastly, The Culture Exchange Pavilion is where you would go to hear all the live entertainment.
4. White Nights Festival, Russia May 23-July 10
The White Nights Festival is a annual international art gala during the season of the midnight sun. During this jubilee there are ballets, operas, and music events performed but Russian dancers, singers, musicians, and actors. There is also a carnival that goes on and actors dress in costumes of a certain period and give performances reproducing some of the historic events. The Palace Square becomes a stage for international stars of popular music. Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones have performed there!
5. Oktoberfest, Germany September 19-October 4
Oktobestfest is the worlds largest festival, more than 6 million people from around the world attend this event every year. It has many large and small beer halls. In the large halls they have different kind of beers from local places in Germany. Each hall usually has a band playing. Some of the larger halls also only serve food. The smaller halls have traditional foods, exotic spirits and coffee and teas. The rule at Oktoberfest is loud bands are not allowed to play until after 6 pm for a common courtesy. Others have activities such as a crossbow competition. Even if you make this into a family vacation, bring the kids, there are even activities for them to stay occupied. So put on your lederhosen and dirndl and head to Munich for some good fun!
If you would like help planning a vacation like this please contact us at Simply Dream Travel
