Festivals
Pongal
Pongal is a popular harvest festival in India that takes place over four days in mid- January. It celebrates the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere.
World Buskers Festival
Buskers, also known as street performers, gather in Christchurch, New Zealand for the ten-day World Buskers Festival. Comedians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, and more entertain visitors for voluntary donations.
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is a traditional Viking fire festival that takes place every year on the last Tuesday of January. It marks the beginning of the longer days and the new year.
Setsubun
Setsubun, the Bean-Throwing Festival, takes place before the first day of spring in Japan. Roasted soybeans called fuku mame (fortune beans) are thrown for good luck.
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is an annual winter event held in Sapporo, Japan, showcasing elaborate and intricate snow and ice sculptures. Millions of visitors from around the world attend the festival, which features large-scale sculptures, ice displays, and various winter activities.
Carnival of Brazil
The Carnival of Brazil is a festival held in Rio de Janeiro before Lent and is considered the biggest carnival in the world. The celebration includes vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, music, and street parties.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. It is one of several Lunar New Years in Asia. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Information & Resources
Desert Festival, India
The 3-day Jaisalmer Desert Festival looks at the desert culture of India. It features camel races, polo matches, puppeteers, jugglers, men with long mustaches, turban-tying competitions, and locals wearing colorful traditional dresses.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival traditionally marks the end of the Chinese New Year Spring Festival period, celebrated on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month.
Las Fallas
Las Fallas is a traditional festival celebrated in Valencia, Spain, known for its elaborate and artistic sculptures called "fallas" that are displayed throughout the city. The festival culminates in the burning of these sculptures in a spectacular bonfire, accompanied by fireworks and lively street celebrations, typically held in mid-March.