Festivals in May usually feature a lot of activities that highlight a regions customs and traditions. Attending a festival is a great way to stop feeling like a tourist and blend in with the locals. Below are some of the best festivals that are happening around the world this month.
White Nights Festival St. Petersburg, Russia- May 23rd- July 10th
St. Petersbugh is located at latitude 60° N, a unique geographical location that brings warm weather and unusually long daylight hours in the summer, a phenomenon known as “midnight sun.” (pictured here) Backed by a strong Russian desire to celebrate, the “White Nights Festival” was born. This festival is so big that it goes all the way from the end of May until the beginning of July. The White Nights Festival takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia each year during what is called the season of the midnight sun. It consists of performances by various art genres including ballet and music. Many of the performances feature those of Russian decent, but there are international guest stars that will perform as well. The festival will kick off with the Stars of the White Nights that will be held at the Mariinsky Theatre. Tickets are required and prices vary with each performance.
Cannes Film Festival France- May 14th-25th
The Cannes Film Festival in France is celebrating its 67th year. This annual event is taking place from May 14th to 25th. Many different films throughout the world will be played throughout the festival. Grace of Monaco, which stars Nicole Kidman, will be the opening film of the Cannes Film Festival. The host of this event will be French Actor Lambert Wilson. No tickets are required for this event, but only attendees that have been invited can attend.
Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix- May 22nd– May 25th
The Monaco Formula Grand Prix is a festival like no other. It consists of a yearly race that takes place on the streets of Monaco. Many spectators gather at the Monaco Circuit to watch these professional drivers navigate the roads and make their way through the traffic. This event has been taking place in Monaco since 1955. Tickets for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix cost anywhere from around $60 to over $6,000.
Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival Gloucester, England- May 26th
This one day festival will be taking place on May 26th and start around noon. The Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival in one of the most anticipated events in Gloucester, England each year. People from all over the world travel to the area to compete in one of three different races. Basically, participants run down the top of the hill racing after a 9 pound round of cheese. The first person to reach the finish line wins their prize, the round of cheese. Tickets cost about 20 pounds and attendees often joke that both spectators and participants should have adequate medical insurance as people are often injured by the cheese because it can reach 70 mph in speed as it goes down the hill. In 2013 the cheese was actually replaced by a piece of foam in order to avoid individuals from getting hurt.
If you’ve already made your plans for May, and are interesting in traveling to Europe, consider September which like May is cooler and less crowded. You can also book Trafalgar Winter Break Tours which travel November through April, for packages discounted over 40% from peak travel months, since not everyone likes to travel in cold weather. It’s a great value if you don’t mind the weather.
