World festivals that will make you go wow – Part 2!

In our first post about world festivals, we spoke about some of the most stunning festivals in the world. But those were just the tip of the iceberg! The world is a big place with wonderful places, people and experiences. There is not one festival that could be ranked above the other, so we’ve compiled another list of world festivals that will definitely make you go wow! Read, enjoy and start planning a trip to one of these destinations!

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival—China

Harbin, located in Northeast China, receives cold winter wind from Siberia. This is the location of the renowned Ice and Snow Festival of China. Every year, people build the most exquisite ice and snow sculptures in the world and decorate them with lights and lasers. This colourful and bright festival is something that you need to see to believe.

Dia de los muertos (Day of the dead)—Mexico

Celebrated throughout Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a holiday when families come together to pray for their dead friends and family members. But that’s not all; this day in Mexico is a bank holiday and is celebrated by visiting cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed. They bring gifts of toys, trinkets, favourite candies, and marigold flowers. Graves are cleaned and decorated, and some people even dress up in costumes depicting the dead!

Up Helly Aa Fire Festival—Scotland

Held annually in Shetland in the middle of winter, Up Helly Aa is a festival that involves a procession of mummers who march through the towns dressed up in a number of themed costumes. These marches close with torch-lit processions and the burning of a galley. This exhilarating event is then followed by acts and dancing in halls throughout Shetland.

Saint Patrick’s Day—Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick is celebrated on the traditional death day of Saint Patrick, on March 17. Celebrations on Saint Patrick’s Day involve colourful public parades, and you will spot almost all of the people wearing green. Christians attend church services and restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day.

Battle of the Oranges—Italy

Battle of the Oranges, as the name suggests, is a festival in which people, usually in organized groups, throw oranges at each other. Similar to La Tomatina of Spain, this orangey festival is the largest food fight in Italy! This festival has its roots in the story of a young woman, Violetta, who decapitated a tyrant when he attempted to rape her on her wedding day. This festival signifies the defiance of the city against the city’s tyrants.

Now that we’ve given you an all new list of world festivals to go to, what’s keeping you from planning your trip? Go on and throw some oranges at each other!