Festivals
El Colacho, Spain
El Salto del Colacho, also known as The Baby Jumping Festival, is a Spanish ritual in which men dressed as the devil jump over babies born within the year. Traditionally, the “devils” jump over the babies to lure away evil spirits and leave the babies blessed and pure.
Dragon Boat Festival, China
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu or Tuen Ng Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday. Celebrated with dragon boat races, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and the hanging of medicinal herbs, the festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good health and protection. Click HERE…
Festival of the Sun, Peru
Inti Raymi is an ancient Incan festival celebrated in honor of the Sun God, Inti. Held on the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the festival involves elaborate ceremonies, processions, and rituals to express gratitude for the sun's life-giving energy and seek blessings for the upcoming year. Click HERE for information and resources.
Festival of Giants, France
During the first weekend in July, the north of France celebrates Fêtes de Gayant (Festival of Giants). Most northern cities have a patron giant that is said to protect the city and its people. Carried through the streets, these giants are made of wood and measure between six and eight and a half meters in…
Tanabata (Star Festival)
Tanabata, also known as the "Star Festival," is celebrated every year on July 7 in Japan. Read more.
Naadam Festival
Naadam is a traditional festival marking Mongolia's independence from China. The 3-day holiday blends traditional arts and sports with competitions in wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Pflasterspektakel
Pflasterspektakel (pavement spectacle), held in Linz, Austria is an annual street art festival. Musical acts, juggling, acrobatics, pantomime, theatrics, and fire dancing are just some of the performances that make up this exciting festival.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scotland's capital hosts the largest performing arts festival in the world. Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place annually in the month of August and is open to anyone, with any type of performance.
Kanto Matsuri, Japan
The Kanto Festival is an annual event held every year in Akita City, Japan. Eight-meter tall bamboo poles decorated with hanging lanterns are balanced by performers on their foreheads or lower backs. The lanterns are decorated to resemble bags of rice. This is a time for people to pray for a good harvest.
Double Seventh Festival
The Double Seventh Festival, or Qixi Festival, is similar to Valentine's Day in China. It falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.