Where Will You Find Yourself This Year? India, Africa, Japan, Ireland…watch these destinations come alive during annual festivals and special events.
Brazil – Carnival – Rio de Janeiro (February 8-12, 2013)
One of the most famous festivals in the world. Rio had its first masquerade ball to celebrate this event in 1840 followed by the addition of street parades, with colorful floats, ten years later. In 1917 the Samba (a mixture of African, Angolan, European and Cuban dances) became a big part of the carnival. Today the carnival is actually organized by “samba schools” which are neighborhood associations that work all year to prepare for carnival. Contests are held to determine the best costume, theme, and musical performance.
Taiwan – Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (February 24, 2013)
Thousands each year take the trek up to Pingxi to write their wishes inside of a lantern and release them into the heavens.
India – India Elephant Festival (March 26)
Each year in Jaipur, India, at the Royal Chaugan stadium, the Elephant Festival is held in celebration of these large mammals. Honored and worshiped as a symbol of strength and wealth, the flawlessly groomed animals take part in a pageant costumed and decorated in glittering gold. The event also showcases the elephants in graceful procession, running races and even playing polo.
Ireland – St. Patrick’s Festival in Ireland (March 14-18)
Why not celebrate in Dublin and follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick. Dublin will come alive with pageantry, carnivals and lots of entertainment while celebrating the country’s National Holiday.
South Africa – Cape Town International Jazz Festival (April 5 & 6th)
The Cape Town Festival is a diverse arts, culture and heritage event featuring concerts over two days, popular Festival Imbizos or Cultural Talks, foods representing different religions and cultures, a range of activities targeting youth, and “One City, Many Cultures” group discussions.
Washington, D.C. – Cherry Blossom Centennial (March 20 – April 14)
In 1912, a gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees was bestowed on Washington, DC by Japan. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will be April 13, 2013. The celebrations will include performances, parades, fireworks and more.
Asia – Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan
Japanese pay close attention to the blooming of cherry blossoms and turn out in large numbers in parks, shrines and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties.
The Best Places to See Japan’s Cherry Blossoms:
| Place |
Where | When |
| Tokyo | Ueno Park | Early April |
| Fuji Five Lakes | Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko | Mid April |
| Osaka Kema | Sakuranomiya Park | Early April |
| Tohoku | Hirosaki Castle | Late April to Early May |
| Sendal | Mikamine Park | Mid to late April |
| Kumamoto | Kumamoto Castle | Late March to Early April |
Jerusalem, Israel – Holy Week (March 24th – 31st)
Hundreds of thousands head to Jerusalem on a Pilgrimage for Holy Week. Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths all flock to the Holy City the week prior to Easter and after Passover to pray and experience the special spiritual connection.
Louisiana – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 26 – May 5)
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a ten-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks, and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year. The Louisiana Heritage Fair showcases unforgettable music, delicious Louisiana cuisine and artisans from the region and around the world.
China – Dragon Boat Festival (June 10-12)
Also known as the Duanwu Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional and statutory holiday originating China and associated with a number of East Asian and South Asian societies. The focus of the celebration includes eating rice dumplings, drinking wine and racing dragon boats.
Russia – White Nights Festival (Late May – Early July)
In the middle of the summer for about a month, the nights are bright in St. Petersburg. When the sun sets, the town is left in an eerie half-light. There are fireworks and celebrations on virtually every corner. The White Nights Festival, a combination of classical music, opera and ballet performances, is held from May through July.
Peru – South America Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) (June 24)
The Festival of the Sun is the second largest festival in South America. The centerpiece of the festival is the all-day celebration, the actual day of Inti Raymi. Thousands flock from around the world to celebrate marking the beginning of a new year. Every day has its events from daytime expositions to people dancing in the streets. In the evenings, live music from the best of the Peruvian musical groups draws crowds to the Plaza de Armas for free concerts.
France – Bordeaux Wine Festival (June 28 – July 1)
Lovers of food, wine, celebration and culture come together at the Bordeaux Wine Festival. The festivities include an original “Wine Road” to taste all local and critically acclaimed wines; Bordeaux Wine School comprised of tastings, aroma tests and games; Bordeaux Music Festival; Sound and Light show; and nightly fireworks.
Germany – Oktoberfest (September 22 – October 7)
Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world’s largest fair, with more than five million people attending every year.
Germany – Berlin Christmas Market (November 22 – December 26)
Berlin is the capital city of German Christmas Markets, with over 60 different markets. Discover the magic charm and unique gift selection along the large boulevards and squares as well as on the small side streets and even in several museums.
Australia – New Year’s Eve in Sydney (December 31)
Australia’s Sydney Harbour is possibly the best place in the world to farewell the old year and ring in the new. And if you really want the best New Year’s experience, head to the harbor, because that’s where the real party is! Indulge in a luxury dinner cruise, dress up for the occasion and enjoy the show as you celebrate the New Year in style.
