Being a Brit I am ashamed to say that I have never been to a festival. In England, putting your wellies on, buying a crate of Fosters, and attending one of the annual summer music festivals, is a thing a lot of us youngsters look forward to. Tickets for these events go on sale months in advance, and come the month of May, as the weather gets warmer (well kind-of), a sort of festival frenzy takes over the nation. You could say it's a coming-of-age thing I guess.
So because of this I am determined to up my game and buy my 2013 festival ticket. Even though I'll be a 22-year-old festival virgin, and will feel far too old and uncool, I don't want to miss out on a thing which you should experience once in your life-time.
There are so many amazing festivals out there, all celebrating a collection of things, and all over the world. So I've decided to write a collection of festivals I don't want to miss out on before I die. Hopefully, once I've raved it up at a festival on my home turf, I'll travel further afield and see what the rest of the world has to offer.
Glastonbury, England
Frequently heralded as the finest music festival in the world, Glastonbury always attracts the biggest-named bands. However, in addition to the great music line-up, this festival is most famous for it's groovy vibe. So as well as listening to great sounds, this is the perfect place to get in touch with your free-spirited, tree-hugging side. I'll hopefully be going next year!
Full Moon Party, Ko Pha Ngan
Dubbed as the giant rave, every month travelers flock to the island to listen to techno music, drink out of buckets, smother themselves in UV body paint, and party the night away. Expect a night of good-natured, booze-filled and drug-fueled mayhem.
The Festival of San Fermin
Most famously known as the Pamplona Bull Run, this festival begins at midday on the 6th July every year with the 'chupinazo' which takes place on the balcony of the Casa Consistorial. Thousands of people congregate in the square awaiting the mayor's official announcement that the fiestas have begun. With all those bulls running about, this 'Festival of the Brave' is not for the faint-hearted.
Festival of Lathmar Holi
This is a festival which celebrates color. The event involves thousands of men and women showering themselves in an array of rainbow colored powders and flower petals. The festival is celebrated throughout India and the legend behind it claims that it is closely associated with Lord Krishna and his principle consort and childhood friend, Radha.
La Tomatina Festival, Valencia
I am dying to go to this festival. The world's largest tomato fight is a week-long celebration that includes music, parades and fireworks, but is highlighted by the tomato fight in the town square. The battle begins at noon after more than 300,000 pounds of tomatoes are trucked in. For one hour, locals and tourists pelt each other, creating a memorable and mushy mess.
Los Diablos Danzantes, Caracas Venezuela
This spectacle of devil dancers and drummers marks the Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi. A day when blood coloured worshippers ward off evil and renew their faith, with a fantastic display of parades and papier-mâché masks.
Mardi Gras, USA
Every January in New Orleans, this two-week festival features parades headed by ‘Kings’ and ‘Queens’ leading a flotilla of garish floats manned by ‘krewes’ who throw trinkets to the crowds. Heralded as the ultimate knees-up, its the perfect place to have a pint and let your hair down.
Carnival, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro offers sex on a stick with this throbbing, four-day-long event. The highlight is the Sambódromo parade,when neighbourhood groups compete against each other for the title of best ‘samba school’. Expect flashy floats and practically nude, beautiful women.
Diwali, India
The 'Festival of Lights' sees homes all through India lit by candles and lamps to ward of the darkness of evil. The homes are then thoroughly spring-cleaned while the people set off an army of fire crackers. Sweets are exchanged as religions are united and grudges are forgotten...at least for a short while. A fantastic thing to witness.
Día de Muertos, Mexico
In my opinion, probably one of the most interesting festivals, Dia de Muertos (or Day of the Dead as its most commonly called) is a two-day celebration of the reunion of relatives to their dear departed. The event includes skeletons on stilts, parties in cemeteries, skull-shaped lollies, and mariachi bands playing next to graves. Despite it's kookiness, don't expect a Halloween-style party. The 'Day Of The Dead' manages to smash the taboo of crossing over to the unknown. It celebrates the continuation of life beyond, and the special bond between loved ones.
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