Renowned Festivals Around The World

Festivals are a great way to experience a destination in a unique and different way. And with several hundred festivals all over the world every month - there are plenty to choose from. Here below is a collection of some of the Best Festivals Around The World that are celebrated in different countries in the world every year:

Diwali — India
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important festival of the year. The festival gets its name from the row(avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects humans from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas festival is to Christians.  Diwali, celebrated in October or November each year, originated as a harvest festival that marked the last harvest of the year before winter.
India was an agricultural society where people would seek the divine blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as they closed their accounting books and prayed for success at the outset of a new financial year. Today this practice extends to businesses all over the Indian subcontinent, which mark the day after Diwali as the first day of the new financial year.
	Indians celebrate with family gatherings, glittering clay lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship to Lakshmi. Some believe that Lakshmi wanders the Earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed. People open their doors and windows and light lamps to invite Lakshmi in. Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival
that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live: In northern India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. In western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world. In all interpretations, one common thread rings true—the festival marks the victory of good over evil. Non-Hindu communities have other reasons for celebrating the holiday: In Jainism, it marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C. In Sikhism it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru was freed from imprisonment. Five Days of Diwali 1.  On the first day of Diwali, people consider it auspicious to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils. 2.  On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand. 3.  The third day is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities. 4.  The fourth day is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season. 5.  On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
Dussehra — India
Dussehra is one of the big festivals celebrated in most parts of India. It is celebrated with zest and festivities as it also marks the beginning of the winter season after the long, unbearable, hot summer. Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravana, and the rescue of his wife Sita. In north India, gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame amidst bursting of crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy and enjoy
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana. Dussehra is one of the significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with much joy and happiness in the entire country. The occasion marks the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravana, the victory of good over evil. Brilliantly decorated tableaux and processions depicting various episodes from Ram's life are taken out. On the tenth day, or the Vijayadasami, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnad are placed in vast open spaces. Actors dressed as Ram, his consort Sita, and brother Lakshman arrive and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies, which are stuffed with firecrackers. The result is a deafening blast, and an explosion of sound and light enhanced by the shouts of merriment and triumph of the spectators.
	Also part of the celebration is the Ram Lila or the dramatic depiction of episodes from the lives of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. All the regions across the country have evolved their own distinctive style, and performances at different places are done in the local language. As Dussehra is preceded by the Navratri or the nine days of the worship of Goddess Durga, some rituals related to the Goddess are also carried out that day.  The rituals of Durga Puja involve the usual puja of goddess Durga along with Lord Ram. On this day in Satyug,
Ram (the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), killed the great demon and king of Lanka, Ravan, who had abducted Ram's wife Sita. Ram, along, with his brother Lakshman, follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle for ten days to rescue his wife Sita. According to another story, Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After studying under the guidance of Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his guru accepting a present, or gurudakshina. Initially the guru refused but later asked for 140 million gold coins, one hundred million for each of the subjects taught. The obedient student went to the King Raghu to ask for the money, as the king was renowned for his generosity. Within three days the king made the God of Wealth Kuber make a rain of gold coins near the shanu and apati trees. After giving the promised amount to the guru, Kautsa distributed the rest of the coins among the needy on the day of Dussehra. Even today, in Ayodhya, the capital of King Raghu, people loot the leaves of the apati trees and present to each other as sone or gold.In ancient times kings used the feast of Dussehra to cross the frontier and fight against their neighboring kingdoms. This border crossing is known as seema ollanghan and Dussehra marked the beginning of the war season.  This was also the day to worship the weapons. According to legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandav princes, hid his weapons in a shami tree when the Pandavs were banished into the forests. After one year he returned from the forest and on the day of Dussehra, he retrieved his weapons and worshipped them along with the shami tree. Hence the custom of worshipping weapons on this day started. In north India the Dussehra celebration includes the Ram Lila that consists of plays, recitations and music that recall the life of the legendary hero, Ram. In Delhi, many amateur troupes perform Ram Lila based on the epic story of Ramayana throughout the nine-day worship of Goddess Durga. On the tenth day, elaborate processions lead to the Ram Lila grounds where immense cracker-stuffed effigies of the demon Ravana and his brother and son explode to the cheers of thousands of spectators. Kullu, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is witness to unique Dussehra celebrations. Since the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Dussehra celebrations here begin three days after they do in the rest of India. On the first day of the festival, the idol of Raghunathji is mounted on a splendid rath (chariot), and pulled from its permanent place in the Dholpur maidan to another part of the meadow. Before beginning the auspicious ceremony of pulling the rath, the descendants of Ranjit Singh circle it and pray. On the second day, a Devta Durbar (Council of Gods) is held, with Raghunathji presiding. On the last day of the festival, the chariot of Raghunathji is drawn amidst fanfare to the banks of the river Beas. Here a pile of wood and grass is set on fire to symbolize the burning of Lanka and five animals-a crab, a cock, a fish, a buffalo and a male goat are sacrificed. The people then immerse themselves in revelry. Lugri, the traditional Kullu drink, flows by the gallon.
Holi — Celebrated in India and by Hindus Around the World
Holi is a traditional Hindu festival. It celebrates the beginning of spring as well as the triumph of good over evil. It is best known around the world for the powder that revelers throw on each other, leaving festival goers coated in color by the end of the day.  Although the festival originated in India and is still widely celebrated there as a religious festival, it is now celebrated in many places around the world.
Holi's different celebrations come from various Hindu legends. One story tells the story of how the god Vishnu saved his follower Prahlada from a pyre while Prahlada's evil aunt Holika burned.  The night before the Holi festival a Holika bonfire is burned to celebrate the victory of good over evil.  The coloured powder (gulal) thrown during the festival come from the legend of Krishna, whose skin was dark blue. Worried he wouldn't be accepted by his love Radha, he mischievously coloured her face to make her like himself. Today, anyone at Holi is fair game to be covered in the perfumed powder as a celebration of Krishna and Radha's love, regardless of age or social status. The powder also signifies the coming of spring and all the new colours it brings to nature.  While Holi is an ancient festival in India and Nepal, it is celebrated in many parts of the world today. Hindu communities in many countries, as well as non Hindus, join in.
Snow & Ice Festival – Harbin (China)
	The Snow and Ice Sculpture Annual Festival is Harbin's main tourist attraction. It was started about 18 years ago, and has become the world's biggest winter festival. The bitterly cold winters are just right for this festival.  The festival is the largest snow and ice festival in the world and it features carvings towering over 20 feet in height and full-size buildings made from gigantic blocks of ice. What sets this festival apart is the scale and size of the sculptures and the beautiful lighting.
It is bigger than the ones in Sapporo, Norway, and Quebec.  In the beginning, mainly Chinese celebrated it, but nowadays, it has become an international festival and competition. As the festival grows in international participation, and as China's economy grows, the size of the snow sculptures and ice architecture exhibits keeps growing. The work going into making these exhibits is astounding, and their size and beauty is amazing. The lightning effects on the huge ice sculptures in the Ice and Snow World are technologically sophisticated. They use computer controlled LEDs and regular lighting to animate stunning displays of color and design.
Cascamorras — Baza, Spain
	In September, Guadix and Baza, in the province of Granada, live one of the most long-awaited moments of the year: the "Cascamorras". This fiesta dates back to the Middle Ages, and the appearance of the statue of the Virgen de la Piedad, which made enemies of the two towns. In the end, the statue remained in Baza. To celebrate this, each 6 September, the "Cascamorras", a clown dressed in special clothes, makes his way from Guadix to Baza, aiming to carry away the statue of the Virgen de la Piedad.
Meanwhile, Baza residents try and stop him by throwing paint and generally taking it out on him in lively runs through the streets of the town. On 9 September, having failed in his objective, the "Cascamorras" heads back to Guadix without the highly-prized statue, making the locals there angry, which leads to more throwing of paint.  Between one run and the next, the Cascamorras makes various rest stops, and on the way he lifts the flag of the Virgen de la Piedad above the heads of the people around him who get down on their knees. Besides the paint throwing, another vital element in this fiesta, which is more than five hundred years old, is water, which refreshes participants as they chase him. The origins of the festival are impressive, with different versions of the legend, of which this is the most widely accepted. When a workman from Guadix nicknamed Cascamorras was building a church on the site of a mozarabe temple, he found a sacred image of the Virgen de la Piedad (Our Lady of Mercy) buried in the ground. Both Baza and Guadix claimed the find as their own. The tribunals decided that the image should remain in Baza, except one day a year when it could be taken to Guadix, but it seems that neither town trusted the practicalities of this decision.  Either before or after the tribunal's decision, the workman and his fellows from Guadix attempted to take the virgin back to their town, but the people from Baza snatched it back. When Cascamorras returned to Guadix empty-handed, the deeply disappointed villagers castigated Cascomorras and continued to pray to 'their' Virgin who was located in the other town. Baza declared that on the saint's day, if a nominated person from Guadix was able to reach the Virgin remaining clean, he could keep it for Guadix. Each year the nominated Cascamorras tries to fulfil the pledge, but to this day has never succeeded due to being smeared with black oil.
Carnevale — Venice, Italy
Carnevale is the last celebration before lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent has historically been the time before Easter when many Catholics deprive themselves of something they enjoy. The thought is to party until you drop and spend the period of Lent recovering.  Celebrations are held all over Italy from Venice and Milan down to the villages and towns of Sicily. The celebration of Carnevale is the Italian version of Mardi Gras in New Orleans with oranges instead of beads.
Carnevale was first celebrated in Venice in 1094 and has been officially sanctioned in that city since 1296. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Carnevale celebrations were popular throughout Europe. Today for two weeks public areas around Venice become the showcase for actors, acrobats and musicians with residents and visitors alike wearing elaborate masks and elegant costumes.  In Rome, Carnevale gained popularity in the 17th century.  Until the 1880’s carnevale was celebrated with a riderless horserace down the Via del Corso. After numerous accidents it was decided this was too dangerous and the city began celebrating in more traditional ways.One of the largest celebrations in Italy is in Viareggio a city on the Ligurean Sea. Carnevale in Viareggio is well-known in Italy with parades being held for the 5 weekends before lent. Viareggio has elaborately decorated floats and people wearing paper mache masks that lampoon politicians and famous people.
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival — Lerwick, Scotland
	UP-HELLY-AA is a relatively modern festival. There is some evidence that people in rural Shetland celebrated the 24th day after Christmas as "Antonsmas" or "Up Helly Night", but there is no evidence that their cousins in Lerwick did the same. The emergence of Yuletide and New Year festivities in the town seems to post-date the Napoleonic Wars, when soldiers and sailors came home with rowdy habits and a taste for firearms. On old Christmas eve in 1824 a
visiting Methodist missionary wrote in his diary that "the whole town was in an uproar: from twelve o clock last night until late this night blowing of horns, beating of drums, tinkling of old tin kettles, firing of guns, shouting, bawling, fiddling, fifeing, drinking, fighting. This was the state of the town all the night – the street was as thronged with people as any fair I ever saw in England." As Lerwick grew in size the celebrations became more elaborate. Sometime about 1840 the participants introduced burning tar barrels into the proceedings. "Sometimes", as one observer wrote, "there were two tubs fastened to a great raft-like frame knocked together at the Docks, whence the combustibles were generally obtained. Two chains were fastened to the bogie asupporting the capacious tub or tar-barrel . . . eked to these were two strong ropes on which a motley mob, wearing masks for the most part, fastened. A party of about a dozen were told off to stir up the molten contents." The main street of Lerwick in the mid-19th century was extremely narrow, and rival groups of tarbarrelers frequently clashed in the middle. The proceeding were thus dangerous and dirty, and Lerwick's middle classes often complained about them. The Town Council began to appoint special constables every Christmas to control the revellers, with only limited success. When the end came for tar-barrelling, in the early 1870s, it seems to have been because the young Lerwegians themselves had decided it was time for a change. Around 1870 a group of young men in the town with intellectual interests injected a series of new ideas into the proceedings. First, they improvised the name Up-Helly-Aa, and gradually postponed the celebrations until the end of January. Secondly, they introduced a far more elaborate element of disguise - "guizing" - into the new festival.
Tomorrowland — Boom, Belgium
Tomorrowland is an electronic dance music festival held every year in Boom, Belgium. It was first held in 2005, since then it has become one of the world's largest and most notable music festivals. It now stretches over 2 weekends and usually sells out in minutes. Tomorrowland is without doubt the biggest and most important dance music festival on the planet. House, EDM, techno, drum & bass, hardstyle and every other corner of electronic music is represented by
worldwide superstars, all staged amongst the highest levels of production known to humankind. With every single detail of the festival experience covered, a trip to Tomorrowland leaves a lasting impression that long outlives the party marathon of the festival itself. The first edition of the festival took place on August 14, 2005. ID&T organized the festival. Performers included Push (M.I.K.E.), Armin van Buuren, Cor Fijneman, Yves Deruyter, Technolboy, Yoji Biomehanika and Coone. The second festival, on July 30, 2006, hosted Armin van Buuren, Axwell, Marco Bailey, Fred Baker, David Guetta, Ruthless and DJ Zany. The DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold was also announced on the poster, but canceled at the last moment, as he was on tour with Madonna at the time. Emjay, the producer of 'Stimulate', the anthem of 2006, performed on the main stage with The Atari Babies. The third year, the festival lasted two days for the first time in its history, taking place on July 28 and 29, 2007. In 2008, the festival took place on July 26 and 27. For the first time, more than 100 DJs participated. The number of visitors exceeded 50,000 for the first time. For the fifth event, ID&T led to even more venues, one ski, and much more. Sun has included an "I Love the 90's" stage, where musicians such as Push, Natural Born Deejays and SASH from the dance scene were present. La Rocca performed live at the event for the first time. The special act on the main stage was Moby. Tomorrowland 2009 took place on July 25 and 26 and attracted 90,000 people.
Mardi Gras — New Orleans
	The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies.  On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it
was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America's very first Mardi Gras. In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile), similar to those that form our current Mardi Gras krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Gras Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. The procession was held with a huge bull's head pushed along on wheels by 16 men.  Later, Rex would parade with an actual bull, draped in white and signaling the coming Lenten meat fast. This occurred on Fat Tuesday. New Orleans was established in 1718 by Bienville. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today. The earliest reference to Mardi Gras "Carnival" appears in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. That year, the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association was the first of hundreds of clubs and carnival organizations formed in New Orleans. By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders to celebrate Mardi Gras. Dazzling gaslight torches, or "flambeaux," lit the way for the krewe's members and lent each event an exciting air of romance and festivity. In 1856, six young Mobile natives formed the Mistick Krewe of Comus, invoking John Milton's hero Comus to represent their organization. Comus brought magic and mystery to New Orleans with dazzling floats (known as tableaux cars) and masked balls. Krewe members remained anonymous. In 1870, Mardi Gras' second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was formed. This is also the first recorded account of Mardi Gras "throws."
Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany
The Munich Oktoberfest justly lays claim to being the world’s largest folk festival (yes, it’s not just about drinking beer). Over the past decade it has attracted an average of around six million visitors a year, who between them consume almost seven million litres of beer and munch their way through thousands of grilled sausages, chickens, giant pretzels and – for those really wanting to soak it all up – wild oxen.
The festival, which spans just over two weeks, is held annually in a meadow just outside Munich’s city centre. In addition to eating, drinking and dancing, visitors can enjoy colourful parades, a variety of fairground rides, and for those not themselves in traditional Bavarian gear, admire those that are.  Its fame and popularity mean that Oktoberfest is a huge crowd-puller and as a rule accommodation and transport have to be booked well in advance. That said, it is still possible to plan a trip at short notice. Here’s a guide to how Oktoberfest started, what exactly it entails and how best to plan a visit. Although the festival concludes in October, most of it takes place in September. This year’s dates are Saturday September 16 – Tuesday October 3.  The original Oktoberfest in October 1810 was held in honour of the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. For five full days, the burghers of Munich were invited to eat, drink and be merry, and enjoy parades involving kettle drums and music, shooting displays and a horse race around a meadow on the edge of town. Such a good time was had by all that it was decided to stage the race (and the accompanying indulgences) every year. There has been the occasional pause in proceedings (usually at times of war), but this year will mark the 184th time Oktoberfest is held.   The original Oktoberfest in October 1810 was held in honour of the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. For five full days, the burghers of Munich were invited to eat, drink and be merry, and enjoy parades involving kettle drums and music, shooting displays and a horse race around a meadow on the edge of town. Such a good time was had by all that it was decided to stage the race (and the accompanying indulgences) every year. There has been the occasional pause in proceedings (usually at times of war), but this year will mark the 184th time Oktoberfest is held.
La Tomatina — Buñol, Spain
	La Tomatina takes place in the state of Valencia (Spain), surrounded by the multiple mountains ranges and 30 kilometers from the realm of the Mediterranean, lies the city of Buñol. It’s fundamentally Holi, but with tomatoes! It begins around 11 a.m. and lasts for precisely an hour. In that hour, participants indulge in the act of hurling tomatoes at one another, purely for fun...till they’re ultimately hosed off  by fire trucks that drive down the streets washing the tomato juice off the participants and lanes!
You may remember Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol throwing tomatoes at each other in the hit song ‘Ik Junoon’ from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD). The land of the La Tomatina festival is one of the many tourist attractions in Spain and for good reason. Apart from being host to one of the most unusual fiestas, it offers a beautiful and culturally enriching visit.
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival — Albuquerque, N.M.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than four decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.  Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year October 7-15, 2017.
From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon Fiesta—which, with almost 600 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States. Imagine 54 football fields, all put together. That's the size of Balloon Fiesta Park's 78-acre launch field! And at this Park's "playing field," there are no losing teams and no viewing stands. Guests walk the field and are part of the action. Hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue New Mexico sky. What you can't hear until you walk our field at nightfall is the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the Park into a huge lighted Christmas tree of colorful balloons. What you can't feel until you join us is the massive joy everywhere around you.
Day of the Dead & the Sugar Skull Tradition (Dia de los Muertos) – Mexico
	Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly days of November 1 & 2. Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, the indigenous people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones. They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the
adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them. In most Indian villages, beautiful altars (ofrendas) are made in each home. They are decorated with candles, buckets of flowers (wild marigolds called cempasuchil & bright red cock's combs) mounds of fruit, peanuts, plates of turkey mole, stacks of tortillas and big Day-of-the-Dead breads called pan demuerto. The altar needs to have lots of food, bottles of soda, hot cocoa and water for the weary spirits. Toys and candies are left for the angelitos, and on Nov. 2, cigarettes and shots of mezcal are offered to the adult spirits. Little folk art skeletons and sugar skulls, purchased at open-air markets, provide the final touches. Day of the Dead is a very expensive holiday for these self-sufficient, rural based, indigenous families. Many spend over two month's income to honor their dead relatives. They believe that happy spirits will provide protection, good luck and wisdom to their families. Ofrendabuilding keeps the family close. On the afternoon of Nov. 2, the festivities are taken to the cemetery. People clean tombs, play cards, listen to the village band and reminisce about their loved ones. Tradition keeps the village close. Day of the Dead is becoming very popular in the U.S. ~ perhaps because we don't have a way to celebrate and honor our dead, or maybe it's because of our fascination with it's mysticism.
Running of the Bulls — Pamplona, Spain
The fiestas of San Fermin are celebrated in Irunea/Pamplona, in the region of Navarra, every year from the 6th to the 14th of July. They have become internationally known because of the running of the bulls, where the bulls are lead through the streets of the old quarter as far as the bull ring by runners. The fiestas are celebrated in honor of San Fermin, patron saint of Navarra, although the religious aspect would seem to have taken on a secondary role over the last number of years. Nowadays, the fiestas are seen as a mass gathering
of people from all the corners of the world and where the partying, the fun and the joy of it all are the most outstanding ingredients.  The following are the main attractions of this event:  ⊳  The Encierro ... The Running of the Bulls  ⊳ Chants to San Fermin  ⊳ Rockets in the Bullring  ⊳ A Fence of 3,000 Parts  ⊳ The Role of the Pastores ⊳ The Dobladores ⊳ The Two Groups of Mansos (Bullocks) ⊳ Useful information about the Bull run The following are some restrictions in Bull Run ⊳ People under 18 years of age, who must not run or participate. ⊳ Crossing police barriers placed to ensure that the run goes off smoothly. ⊳ Standing in areas and places along the route that have been expressly prohibited by the municipal police force. ⊳ Before the bulls are released, waiting in corners, blind spots, doorways or in entrances to other establishments located along the run. ⊳ Leaving doors of shops or entrances to apartments open along the route. The responsibility for ensuring these doors are closed lies with the owners or tenants of the properties. ⊳ Being in the bull run while drunk, under the effects of drugs or in any other improper manner. ⊳ Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the run to take place correctly. ⊳ Wearing inappropriate clothes or footwear for the run. ⊳ Inciting the bulls or attracting their attention in any manner, and for whatever reason, along the route of the run or in the bullring. ⊳ Running backwards towards the bulls or running behind them. ⊳ Holding, harassing or maltreating the bulls and stopping them from moving or being led to the pens in the bullring. ⊳ Stopping along the run and staying on the fence, barriers or in doorways in such a way that the run or the safety of other runners is jeopardised. ⊳ Taking photographs inside the run, or from the fences or barriers without due authorisation. ⊳ Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the good order and security of the bull run. ⊳ Installing elements that invade horizontal, vertical or aerial space along the bull run, unless expressly authorised by the Mayor's Office. ⊳ Any other action that could hamper the bull run taking place normally. The encierro is an unrepeatable experience for spectators and runners alike. It is a spectacle that is defined by the level of risk and the physical ability of the runners. An inexperienced runner should learn about the characteristics of this dangerous "race" (although it should not be considered as a race) before starting, and also about the protective measures to be taken for his/her own safety and that of the people running alongside. Not everyone can run the encierro. It requires cool nerves, quick reflexes and a good level of physical fitness. Anyone who does not have these three should not take part. It is a highly risky enterprise. Runners should start somewhere between the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square) and the pink-slab Education building in the Cuesta of Santo Domingo, and they should be there before 7:30am because entry to the run is closed from that time on. The rest of the run, except for the stretch mentioned above, must be completely clear of runners until a few minutes before 8am.
Songkran Water Festival — Chiang Mai, Thailand
	Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. An important event on the Buddhist calendar, this water festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’.  Water is an important element of Songkran, especially in more recent times when the throwing of water has become a huge part of the annual celebrations. If you’re visiting Thailand during this period don’t
be surprised if you get splashed. Crowds of people roam around throwing buckets of water, using water pistols and just generally soaking anyone in the vicinity. Appreciation of family is another important aspect of the festival, with many Thai people making their way to their hometowns to spend time with older relatives. Buddhists also visit temples throughout Songkran where water is poured on Buddha images and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a mark of respect. Known as Songkran Day, the first day of the festival is an exuberant celebration with processions of Buddha images taking place throughout the country. The Thai people also prepare themselves for the beginning of the New Year by cleaning their houses. More importantly, April 13th is when the water throwing really gets going. Wan Nao is the celebration of the old Thai New Year’s Eve and takes place on April 14th when the sun travels between Pisces and Aires. You can observe one of Songkran’s more formal rituals on Wan Nao as it’s on this day that many Buddhists go to their temples to build sand chedis (a sand castle built to resemble a Buddhist temple). Celebrated on April 15th, Thai New Year’s Day is the final day of Songkran celebrations in many parts of the country. Offerings are left at temples on this day to ring in the New Year, with plenty of other events also taking place. The Thai capital celebrates with the Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival which is taking place this year from April 13th to 15th. The official opening ceremony is held at Wat Pho, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand and home to a spectacular, giant gold-plated reclining Buddha. Many other celebrations are held on and around the Khao San Road, which is one of the most popular areas in the world amongst backpackers. Events during the festival include water throwing, the ritual bathing of Buddha images, processions and performances. A tempting array of traditional foods can also be enjoyed throughout the celebrations. Without a doubt, Songkran is a hugely important festival to the Thai people but it’s also very popular with visitors and many tourists specifically arrange their holidays around this unique event. Anyone and everyone can and will get involved in the celebrations. If you’re out and about during Songkran, you’re almost guaranteed to end up soaked but you’ll have lots of fun in the process!  So, if you’re planning a trip to Songkran in Thailand, hopefully this feature will have given you some insight into what makes this such an important event for the Thai people and also what you can expect from Songkran celebrations throughout the country.
Burning Man — Black Rock City, Nevada
Burning Man 2017 takes place August 27 – September 4, 2017 in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Participants join in the effort to co-create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to art and community.
Burning Man isn’t a usual festival. It’s a city wherein almost everything that happens is created entirely by its citizens, who are active participants in the experience.
Kirpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament — Erdine, Turkey
The former Ottoman capital of Erdine hosts a wrestling festival early July. The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament, which has been held annually for over 630 years, begins with a prayer for the wrestlers recited by the cazgir, or tournament announcer, who then shouts out, 'In God's name! If you fall below give up, if you get on top hang on!' To the rhythmic music of drums and zurnas, the contestants are roused to exert themselves to the utmost.
The historic atmosphere pervading this event adds to the audiencred enjoyment. Following the prayer, the wrestlers come out onto the field and perform the warming up movements known as pesrev which resemble the way an eagle flaps its wings when about to swoop onto its prey. They then make the traditional gesture of greeting, which involves rapping their right hand on the ground and touching it to their breast and forehead. This conveys the following message to their rival, 'You are such a great wrestler that I am unworthy to be a part of the earth you walk upon.' In Ottoman times this three-day tournament was held every year in the village of Kirkpinar near Edirne. Today this village is part of Greece and called Samona, so the Kirkpinar Wrestling Tournament is held at Sarayici in Edirne instead. As in the past, wrestlers from all over Turkey prepare for this tournament throughout the previous year. Restaurants, tea houses and side shows turn the field into a colourful and animated fair ground. The wrestlers wear breeches known as kispet made of cow or goat leather, and oil their bodies with olive oil before each bout. The tournament is opened by the aga (master), who is the person who bids the largest sum for the tournament ram. Over the three days the wrestling field is never empty for a moment. The wrestlers are divided into ten categories depending on their previous experience and track record in competition. These categories are known as tesvik, deste kucuk boy, deste orta boy, deste buyuk boy, orta kucuk boy, kucuk orta, buyuk boy, buyuk orta, bas alti and bas gures. The contests in the highest bas gures category are held on the last day, and the two wrestlers who get through to the final wrestle for the Gold Belt. This final match can sometimes last for several hours. Those wrestlers who win the title at Kirkpinar three years in a row are presented with a belt made from 1,450 gr of gold by Edirne Municipality. For the losers there is one consolation, the chance to try again at next year's tournament.
Boryeong Mud Festival — Boryeong, South Korea
	Immerse yourself in nutrient-rich mud at the Boryeong Mud Festival, one of Korea's most popular summer festivals! The festival takes place at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong of Chungcheongnam-do, a few hours ride to the southwest from Seoul.  Daecheon Beach is the largest beach on Korea's west coast and is also well known for its nutrient-rich mud that has health benefits for the skin. Welcoming thousands of international visitors every year, this year’s festival guarantees a variety of fun-packed activities along with lively events in celebration of its 20th anniversary
from July 21 to 30. Don’t miss this opportunity to join in on the excitement of fun with mud as well as your chance to see K-Pop performances!  Boryeong Mud Festival is packed with unique and exciting mud-themed activities ranging from games, sports, arts and craft, and skin therapy. Head to the Giant Mud Bath located at the Mud Square and participate in recreational activities perfect for friends and family as well as pampering yourself with a mud massage. You can also enjoy crafting activities like making mud soaps and miniature character figures or take the challenge to pass through a mud maze as fast as you can. Make sure you get at least a bit of mud on you as soon as you arrive at the festival grounds or you'll risk being locked up in the Mud Prison with other "mud-less" visitors. The Mud Self Massage Zone is the perfect first stop for timid visitors or the beauty-conscious. Boryeong mud is known to be rich in beneficial minerals that result in clean and radiant skin. Simply spread the mud all over your body and wait for about 10 minutes until the mud turns white before wash the mud off. Soothe your skin and wash away your stress at the Self Massage Zone! Enjoy the cool, breezy atmosphere of the festival's nighttime events after a full day of festivities. Held at Daecheon Beach Mud Square Special Stage, nighttime events include the opening ceremony, Firework Fantasy, exciting Hip Hop Rave Party, World Skin Beauty Pageant and the closing ceremony. The opening ceremony in particular is expected to hype up the audience as a special concert featuring popular K-pop idols will take place.
Glastonbury — Glastonbury, England
Glastonbury Festival is a five-day festival of contemporary performing arts that takes place near Pilton, Somerset. In addition to contemporary music, the festival hosts dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts. Leading pop and rock artists have headlined, alongside thousands of others appearing on smaller stages and performance areas. Films and albums recorded at Glastonbury have been released, and the festival receives extensive television and newspaper coverage.
Glastonbury is the largest greenfield festival in the world, and is now attended by around 175,000 people,[1] requiring extensive infrastructure in terms of security, transport, water, and electricity supply. The majority of staff are volunteers, helping the festival to raise millions of pounds for charity organizations Regarded as a major event in British culture, the festival is inspired by the ethos of the hippie, counterculture, and free festival movements. It retains vestiges of these traditions, such as the Green Fields area, which includes sections known as the Green Futures and Healing Fields. After the 1970s, the festival took place almost every year and grew in size, with the number of attendees sometimes being swollen by gatecrashers. Michael Eavis hosted the first festival, then called Pilton Festival, after seeing an open-air Led Zeppelin concert at the 1970 Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music.  Glastonbury Festival was held intermittently from 1970 until 1981; since then, it has been held every year, except for "fallow years" taken mostly at five year intervals, intended to give the land, local population, and organisers a break.  A series of concerts, lectures and recitals called the Glastonbury Festivals was established with a summer school in the town of Glastonbury between 1914 and 1926 by classical composer Rutland Boughton (1878–1960), and with their location attracted a bohemian audience by the standards of the time. They featured works by then-contemporary composers, sponsored by the Clark family, as well as a wide range of traditional works, from Everyman to James Shirley's Cupid and Death.