Festivals are always cheerful, whether it’s the urge to have a good time with friends and family or experiencing something offbeat. We hope this post motivates you to encounter something not only memorable, but different. 🙂
1. Kala Festival
A 7-day extravaganza which happens in the Albanian Riviera, Kala is a festival with a stunning atmosphere, quality music, and excellent food. Held for the first time in 2018, Mollie tells us about why there is no festival like this.
She says “International acts, sunset dance party’s, beach dance floors, oceanfront yoga and massages, group BBQ’s, speed boats to secret gorge locations, fairy-lit walkways and jetty filled DJ sets. All combined with crystal clear, lukewarm turquoise waters and a 360 combination of mountains, beaches, and undiscovered Albanian landscapes. It’s safe to say – there’s no festival on the map quite like it.”
2. Oktoberfest
World’s largest Volksfest ( largest event held in Germany which usually combines a beer festival and attractions like amusement rides and traditional food ) held in Munich. An entire nation of beer lovers celebrate this festival with traditional attire and lots of beer. It is a 16 to 18-day festival running from mid or late September to the first weekend in October, where more than six million people gather from all around the world to celebrate this festival.
Taylor tells you why you have to keep pace with others while drinking beer on the table she says ” Beer wenches will come to your table for you to order and they make their rounds. Be prepared to have drinks handed to you before you’re even finished with the one in your hand. There is no such thing as nursing beers at Oktoberfest. If your table is drinking faster than you are then you are expected to keep up as beer usually comes in rounds for everyone at the table.”
3. Pingxi Lantern Festival
In March at the time of Chinese new year in Northern Taiwan, the ancient mining town comes alive. People gather on this day to write their hopes and desires on the paper lanterns and release them into the sky. The Taipei Pingxi Sky Lanterns are dated back when originally the sky lanterns were released to let others know that the town was safe.
Tim who has gone to three dozens festivals shares his thoughts about the festival and says that ” Art transcends cultural barriers. Feeling a part of something bigger than you is palpable at many festivals. Nowhere have I experienced this more deeply than in the midst of tens of thousands of people – from all over the world – writing their hopes and dreams on large paper lamps that become luminescent spiritual torches at Taiwan’s Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.”
4. Venice Carnival
The Carnival Of Venice is an annual fest held in Venice, Italy. From locals to tourists everyone dresses up in costumes, masks and roam around in the streets. Masks are made up of leather or using the traditional glass technique, the more exorbitant the mask is, the better it is when going to the carnival in Venice.
Victor who went for the first time tells what can be done and what did they do. He says ” We frankly enjoyed our unusual appearance, played the fool, and arranged photo shoots, but you can go further. After all, most carnival events—masquerade balls, concerts of ancient music, dinner by candlelight in the palazzo, learning the minuet, even hot chocolate in the famous Caffe Florian—have a dress code, so your costume is your admission.”
5. Burning Man Festival
If you want to explore the Black Rock Desert city, this ultimate festival will provide you with all the reasons to do so in a temporary community city situated in Nevada. Each year, thousands of revelers make their way to the community setup so that they can express themselves through community and art. Beginning in 1986, this event has transformed into an epic social gathering but, its remote location and unique schedule of events means there’s a lot to navigate when reaching this place.
Maria tells about her first time experience on the desert land. She says “Equal parts of me sang with glee and burrowed in sorrow at the opportunity. I had an inkling of the magic of The Playa, a place so harsh in condition that no life can sustain, yet so life-giving in its generosity that it’s glitters. The backdrop for unparallelled self-discovery and connection is a city built by passion and destroyed by fire.”
6. Wanderlust Yoga Fesitval
For those who don’t like loud music or quirky festival, this festival is dedicated to y’all. The Wanderlust Yoga Festival is for people who want to travel, live in a place surrounded by mountains and feel a positive vibe around them.
Many travellers attend food or music festivals, but this is an unusual festival which helps you make good memories and enjoy a peaceful stay at a place by just meditating, learning and soaking in the tranquillity of nature. The Wanderlust Yoga Festival is held every year in Squaw Valley, Colorado, where yogis, attendants, instructors, musicians, speakers and chefs attend a transformational experience at the beautiful mountain resorts.
Jackie who felt accomplished while coming back home she says, “ This class took course high atop 7000 ft elevation on the mountain, by way of a 15-minute lift. We practised Yoga & Breathing Exercises outside in nature, with a live DJ for 90 minutes. It felt surreal being in a downward dog position, witnessing mountains and trees that I’ve been in existence far before my time, behind me and windy breezes.”
7. Up Helly Aa – The Scottish Festival
Would you to attend the hottest party in Scotland? Up Helly Aa is a Viking fire festival which pays tribute to Shetland’s Scandinavian history and heritage. Celebrated annually on the last Tuesday of January, this festival has been going strong since the 1880s, and continues to attract curious souls and media attention from far and wide. Usually all the traditions like wearing viking dress or singing in karaoke are performed by men but you get a lot to take back from this festival – from the Vikings’ traditional dress to sumptuous food and amazing karaoke nights.
“There’s no shying away from the chaos, comedy and frenzy of fire that is Up Helly Aa. Or the passion, hard-work and creativity which has been channelled into it. “ says Kay who attended this festival.
8. Japan Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry Blossom is a hugely popular festival celebrated across Japan that is marked by the blossoming of the Cherry Blossom trees. The pink Cherry Blossoms in their full bloom is an enchanting sight which sees thousands of visitors pouring in every year, tourists & locals alike.
The blossoms usually occur between March & April and last for a period of 2 weeks. A festival of immense cultural significance, Cherry Blossoms popularly known as Hanami has been celebrated for thousands of years symbolizes the time for renewal, the beginning of spring and the short span of the season personifies the fleeting nature of life.
There is a lot that festivals bring in our life but more than anything they make cities better places to live.
There’s nothing better than a festival to get you inspired to pack your bags and get yourself moving to your next destination. Comment below and tell us where you’re headed next!
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