7 bucket list worthy celebrations around the world
Holi – India, Mathura and Vrindavan
In the middle of March on a full moon day, Indians celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colours. With this festival, the people of India celebrate the beginning of a good harvest and land fertility. The festival is hosted in Mathura and in Vrindavan, cities associated with Lord Krishna.
The festival starts with a bonfire on Holi eve. The next day everybody gathers on the streets to smear each other with bright colours, dance and exchange sweets.
Balloon Fiesta – USA, Albuquerque
During nine days in October, 550 hot air balloons will rise up in the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. More than 850.000 people come to see the special shaped balloons during competitions, glow ups (lighting them up while they are on the ground) and spectacular fireworks. Of course, there are also some open air concerts to listen to your favourite music, while watching all the balloons taking off!
St. Patricks Day – Ireland, Dublin
During St. Patrick's day, the Irish remember the day's namesake St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland
Irish-Americans have made this day into an international party. Boston was the first city with a St. Patrick's Day parade. Ever since 1962, Chicago has been coloring its river green.
St. Patrick's Day has become a combination between King's Day and Carnival. But instead of orange, everyone is dressed in green, the national color of the Irish.
Carnival – Brasil, Rio de Janeiro
Of course, the carnival is celebrated in the whole world. But the place to be is in Rio de Janeiro. With more than 300 parties and parades throughout the city, it's easy to see why it is the capital of carnival. The Samba bands of Ipanema is the most famous and impressive one. the parties downtown, like Cordão do Bola Preta, are the biggest. Did you know that you can join the parade yourself? Just get in contact with one of the Salsa Schools and order your own costume. Or order tickets and watch the parade from the side. Either way, it is one of the most impressive experiences in your life!
The festival of Lights – Thailand
Loi Krathong or ลอยกระทง or The Festival of Lights is celebrated in Thailand and the surrounding countries. The festival starts on the 12th full moon-month of the Thai lunar calendar. During five days there are parades, fireworks and light shows. Tourists and locals will set lighted paper floats (Krathong) in the river and they release lighted paper lanterns in the night sky. While releasing the floats or the lanterns they whisper a prayer. Many Thai people use the Krathong to thank Ganga, the Hindu Goddess of Water. The festival gets more and more environment-friendly, in 2016, 93 per cent of the material was biodegradable. the government also sets up cleaning efforts after the celebrations. So if you are in for a fairy tale experience, book a ticket to Thailand!!
King’s day – Netherlands
The 27th of April is King's day in the Netherlands. The purpose of this day is to celebrate the birthday of the king. the royal family visits and walk through one of the bigger cities in the Netherlands, which will be aired live on television. The trip through the city ends at a big open air festival.
There are big festivals with amazing line-ups and flea markets going on simultaneously throughout the country. Children sit on blankets to sell their old stuff. The Dutchies spend millions of euros on this day to buy stuff they will probably resell the next year!
But the most amazing thing about this day: everybody wears orange. The royal family's last name is of Orange, so with wearing this colour the Dutch people show the love for their king.
Do as the Dutch do and show your appreciation for the royal family by wearing orange! If you are asking why they do that just know that the royal family's last name is Orange. Who would have guessed!!
Oktoberfest – Germany, Munich
Every year during the end of September and the beginning of October Munich celebrates Oktoberfest. Millions of people dress in traditional outfits, Lederhosen and Dirndls. Prepare yourself for a bellyful of the world-famous German beer and Wurst!
Drinking and eating is not the only things Oktoberfest offers the intrepid visitor: rides, live music, parades and even a chance to shoot a crossbow!! Don't miss the 186th Oktoberfest!!