The world is full of amazingly picturesque festivals that are scattered all across the globe. These festivals all have unique traits that don’t just make them different, but also make them truly special. Each of these festivals have a special trait that puts them above all the rest, and that trait can be in the backdrop, activities, or the people. Here’s a list of the best of the best.
Holi
This wonderfully colourful festival is also known as the Festival of Colours, for obvious reasons. Although its origin is unknown, there is a stone inscription dating back to 300 BC that mentions the event. This annual spring time event involves the throwing of coloured powders and water at anyone in the streets, which means everyone who’s outside is fair game. Music is also a large part of the festival, in fact it’s not uncommon to see participants carrying around large drums and singing. This is without a doubt the most colourful festival, but it may also be the most fun-loving as well.
Obon Festival
Some festivals are just enchanting and this would be one of them. Obon, or Bon, is a Buddhist tradition in Japan that honors ancestors by the lighting of lanterns. The lanterns will be hung in front of houses and at the end of Obon floating lanterns are put into lakes or rivers in order to guide the spirits back to their world. Go Japan proudly announced that the festival also includes traditional Japanese music, dancing, food, and clothing. Obon is a tradition that has been celebrated in Japan for over 500 years.
Rio Carnival
Dating back to 1823, the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is held annually the week leading up to Lent. The Rio Carnival is the biggest of all of the celebrations, by hosting over 2 million people in its streets. The brightly coloured parade is joined with joyful sound music of Samba. And according to Rio’s website, “Samba music can be heard coming from neighbourhoods throughout the city and crowds gather to dance and play all day, night and straight into the next morning.”
The Festival
This four-day horse racing event known as the Cheltenham Festival is possibly the most majestic festival. There are 27 races held during the event at the Cheltenham Racecourse. One of the most popular races is the World Hurdle, which is also one of the most debated races. The experts at Betfair have been debating the favourite for some time, with some leading towards the reigning champion Hurricane Fly and other leaning towards Annie Power and More of That. Even if someone doesn’t find horse racing particularly exciting, the venue and city give it one of the top backdrops in the world.
Burning Man
Sometimes a festival can be obscurely picturesque, and Burning Man would be the perfect example of that. Started in 1986, Burning Man is an odd art festival that cannot be matched by anything. Everyone that attends is expected to contribute in the week-long festival, in other words there are no observers. The event is capped off with the burning of 40 ft tall wood man, and the event is proud to state that it leaves the area without a trace. The event only allows for 50,000 people to attend and according to the New York Daily News, this year’s event sold out in a mere 44 minutes.
From the colourful to the majestic, every single one of these festivals provides something that no other can match. Anyone would be lucky if they were able to enjoy even just one of these during their lifetime.
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