Are you making travel plans for the coming year? Well, we've just gathered our top ten favorite festivals all around the world and it's your chance to see them! Take a break from the ordinary sights and sounds of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wonderful experience. Where will your next adventure take you? South America? Europe? Asia? No matter where you go, we've got a festival for you to enjoy, so take your pick!
1. New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia
December 31st, 2013
The whole entire world celebrates the coming of the New Year, but amongst all of the celebrations, the most epic one has to be in Australia. If you want to catch all of the action, head over to Sydney's Harbor Bridge for an impressive display of fireworks.
2. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival in Scotland
January 28th, 2014
This Scottish festival occurs on the last Tuesday in January and it features elaborate costumes and songs that come after the mock burning of a galley. The sight of the burning galley is one to behold especially against the dark black night sky.
3. Chinese New Year in China
January 31st, 2014
The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar. This two-week celebration explodes with large, colorful, puppet-dragons that run through the streets. There are also red lanterns that hang above the heads of people walking down the street. This joyous celebration will ring in the Year of the Horse.
4. Rio Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
February 28th, 2014-Tuesday, March 4th, 2014
The Rio Carnival marks the beginning of Lent, which is part of the Easter celebration. Extravagant dance performances, floats, and costumes make their way down the streets for one of the most beautiful parades that you will ever experience.
5. Holi in India
March 17th, 2014
Holi is an Indian festival that is meant to be a day of joy, laughter, and love. This festival paints the streets of India while people roam around and throw colored powder at each other. The many different colors bring the city to life, so if you're looking for a bright and fun festival, Holi is for you.
6. Scarlet Sails in St. Petersburg, Russia
June 23rd, 2014
The Scarlet Sails tradition marks the freedom from school and rules! It's launched with a vibrant display of fireworks, music, and a water show that features different displays of ships that are lit up with beautiful lights.
7. Burning Man in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, U.S.A
August 25th, 2014- September 1st, 2014
The Burning Man festival is a radical event of self-expression that takes place over several days. The key features of this festival are the creatively crafted 'mutant' vehicles, song and dance, and the main attraction – a 100-foot wooden burning man.
8. La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain
August 27th, 2014
What does a real, live, gigantic food fight feel like? Well, La Tomatina can give you a feel for a food fight, but you'll only have tomatoes as ammo! This amazing festival will have you painting the town red with thousands of other Spaniards that are pelting tomatoes at each other.
9. OktoberFest in Munich, Germany
September 20th, 2014-October 5th, 2014
Are you a beer lover? Well, you might want to pay a visit to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest! Roam the streets of Munich to discover new beers, food and treats, and new friends. Beer and food? What a winning combo.
10. Day of the Dead in Mexico
October 31st, 2014-November 2nd, 2014
The Day of the Dead is a time for people to gather, pray, and remember family members and friends that have died. It's a joyous and colorful celebration where people masquerade through cemeteries as the “dead”. People also offer up colorfully painted skulls and skeletons on the graves of their loved ones.
Do any of these adventures sound exciting to you? Well, catch the next mystery shop flight out with SQM and save 50%off of your air fare! Visit http://www.sqm.ca/index.php/en/become-a-shopper.html to find out more!
