Festivals
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.
Spicemas Festival, Grenada
Grenada (known as the "Spice Island" for its tremendous production of nutmeg) hosts its annual carnival called the Spicemas Festival.
Obon Festival, Japan
Obon or Bon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return to visit during this time, so families visit the graves and make food offerings at altars and temples. Chochin (paper lanterns) are hung to guide the spirits.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, China
The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated during the month-long Ghost Month. It is one of several traditional festivals in China to worship ancestors. It is believed that on this night many lost and hungry ghosts come to visit the living.