Worldwide Festivals

At midnight, in time for the turning over of the new year, you will witness lavish display of Chinese fireworks. They believe that through noise and dazzling light, they will drive away evil spirits and welcome the new year with a bang. For a time, firecrackers will dominate the scene of the city while the spirit of the season will soon captivate every family's heart. To greet the coming year, they get rid of debts, clean the house, wear new clothes, and get new haircuts. You'll also find their house a beauty of culture and traditions with different ornaments hanging around the place. They also burn incense in the temples or at home to pay respect and ask for blessings from ancestors and gods. It may be silly but even if they look forward to a new year, they never fail to preserve their old-age beliefs, and that for me is the true sense of the season. The fusion of the old and new for a prosperous life ahead.

We deem Hong Kong as the shopping capital in the world, all in search for cheaper bargains. Why not? If you're shopping extravagance in Europe such as France or Italy can amount to heaven's worth of delight in this wonderful city. Great weather, great food, great scenery. What else is there but for you to enjoy and have fun while you stretch out your vacation to various activities other than shopping. My whole family is among those who enjoyed the Chinese vacation. Although it is a foreign turf, we found ally in its lavish tourism programs and sites. But if there's one more thing we are lucky to have seen, it's the Dragon Boat Festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival started from a folklore. They say that there used to be a man named Chu Yuan. He was intelligent, patriotic, and brave. He tried his best to guide the emperor as a scholar, but the emperor just wouldn't listen, so as part of his protest, he drowned himself in the water. When people heard about it, they sympathized with him and tried to rescue the drowning hero. But after the search, they only failed to recover his body. So in desperate hopes, they use the drums to scare the fish so they wouldn't touch Chu Yuan's body. They threw in rice dumplings as a sacrifice and to commemorate Chu Yuan's loyalty and courage, hence, the Dragon Boat Festival was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

The fifth lunar month is believed to be an unlucky month. It is a month not only for Chu Yuan's death but a time when plague usually breaks out. Because of this superstitious conviction, families hang different ornaments and chimes to drive evil spirits away. The Dragon Boat Festival is also a day when you'll be able to munch on the best rice dumplings as part of their tradition. Rice dumplings have been around for a time and they celebrate this humble feast for the great respect for Chu Yuan. They say that during this day, it is also best to collect herbs as medicine and it works better if you'll prepare them on the same glorious day.

I've always been fascinated about the culture and heritage of Asia. It may not be as gaudy as Europe but it reveals the colorful life on other side of the world. Every street, every corner is a chance to meet friendly and hospitable Asian people. There are also a lot of ways to have fun. You can go shopping without burning down your pocket, and you can go clubbing or enjoy their eccentric cuisines. A change of atmosphere can be good at times. I was invited once by a Malaysian delegate for the Gawai Dayak festival and I came with the whole family to discover Malaysia.

I've heard a lot about Spanish fiestas, food, and music festivals, but Gawai Dayak doesn't fit in any of these categories. It's a harvest festival, a lavish celebration to give thanks to the spirits for all the blessings they've enjoyed. To be a part of it, I was like transported back to the primitive days when ethnic people conjure a spell or mantra. The whole thing is an ancient festivity when we see local folks dancing, singing, and worshiping their gods.

Part of the common tradition and practice is to dress in native costumes while they perform rituals or traditional rites. The Malaysian counterpart who invited my whole family was a native of Sarawak. He even introduced us to their customs and even served us a platter of different native varieties. If you're thinking that it's primitive and boring, well I assure you that they do know how to party. There were games, processions, and feast of food for everyone to taste. My son loved the culture. He said that Malaysia is a moving picture of energy and enthusiasm from people who didn't forget to trail back to old ways. They know how to preserve beliefs even in a bullet-paced world.

When they say Spanish "fiesta", I fancy a mental picture of long procession and ceaseless praying crowd. So when Marco asked me to celebrate Fiesta de San Isidro in Madrid, I was reluctant for a while. I have nothing against Spain, but I wasn't not sure if I'll be able to imbibe the same sincerity for their religious faith. If it's bull fighting, then I'd be more glad to come. But saints? I'm not sure if I fit in the category.

But I couldn't refuse Marco's invitation. How could I when he was the one who introduced me to my wife Marissa? So we went back to his Spanish origin in Madrid when I could have a grand affair with the city. I was in Spain in time for the religious festival of San Isidro.

San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid, the saint of peasants. Marco's family are devotees of San Isidro. "He played a significant role in our life", Marco's mom said. "If not for his blessing, we won't be able to pursue the American dream," She said that before Marco was born, she prayed to San Isidro that they be given a chance to pursue an American dream. This year, they wish to thank the saint of peasants for the fruitful life they had.

I thought it was all about a saintly pilgrimage, but the Spanish spirit crept into me contagiously. Before I knew it, I was praying and enjoying myself in picnics. The friendly crowd was dressed in their national costumes. There were also spectacular events like the traditional dance and concerts as well as contests. I couldn't say that I'm religiously uplifted, but it was fine to celebrate in honor of a saint once in while.

If there's one religion that captures my enthusiasm the most, it is Buddhism. I marvel at its teachings and I also believe in some of its principles. So when a Buddhist friend of mine asked me to join him to see the Candle Festival, I packed my bags hurriedly to catch the next plane.

For my friend Kit, going to the Candle Festival was synonymous to a journey to the Mecca or the Vatican City. He was excited to observe the Buddhist Lent because this trip to Thailand is part of his religious feat. I even remember the old Kit. He was a gambler, a womanizer, and a cheat when it comes to life. But he then resigned to salvation. I gave him a month to return to his old lifestyle. But it has been a year now, and he had proven himself to be free of his old ways. This was the culmination of his faith.

We visited different temples and donated candles as part of their worship. They say that the generous act itself will bestow luck and blessing to the donor. I was surprised to receive a warm welcome even if I'm not a Buddhist. Later, I observed and embraced some traditions and practices. I also learned more about its unique traits and qualities.

There was an explosion of dazzling light and mystified illumination as part of the spectacle. The candles were carved into lofty details of full-bodied heritage and artistry. You'll truly fall in love with Thailand. Unlike Italy or France, it may be a little rowdy and crowdy, but it only establishes the life in Asia, that is with dynamic energy and synergy to culture.

Sticky, icky, and almost shitty! I hate muds, ever since I was a kid. I always associate them to dirt and filth. So I don't know how exactly I was wheedled to attend the Boryeong Mud Festival! If not for my friend Lee, I couldn't imagine myself toying in Korea.

The only Korean I knew and I thought will ever know is Lee. I'd say that if there's one thing I do love about Lee, it's his soft, sensitive, baby skin. Almost perfect, I'd always say. But at least now, I don't have the hots for him! I could admit that I love Korean skin next to their Kimchi. So I don't know how they can daub their skin with mud!

As weird as their dancing antics and hideous Karaoke singing, I'd say that they know how to dig a shit of fun. It took a lot of fawning and pleading before I agreed to a mud pack. They say that Boryeong Mud Cosmetic had perked up the use of muds in skin and instead of filth, minerals help alleviate dead cells into shinier skin glow. Though I'm not an expert, I'll have to take their word for it. Besides, they have the nicest skin in town!

Apart from mud wrestling, games, and fireworks, I also loved the beach. I got into my trunks and went swimming all day long. I was lucky to meet a lot of Korean folks actually. But the surprise of all, I didn't know they have a wild side in them. And I love them more for their spontaneous chemistry for laughs and adventure!

There are pigs in every corner. Pigs in government, pigs in society, pigs in the internet sites, and pigs in romance. But there's nothing like an all crunchy roasted pig! Forget the cruel world, instead, let's feast our way to salvation.

In Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, "lechon" or roasted pig are paraded on the streets in honor of Saint John the Baptist. Sincerely dead to roast but alive in revealing fashion, the spectacle of the parade is the different costumes and dress-ups for the scrumptious "lechon". There's trendy, native, outrageous, and eccentric characters, but all the same they're crispy and glam. And I'd say that's dining in style!

You'll not only enjoy the colorful costumes, but also the warm welcome of local folks. Filipinos are religious and fun-loving. And when it comes to feasts and lavish celebrations, they definitely know how to party!

After a fashion slam of "lechons", the festive atmosphere is relished with a banquet and "pagoda", all to commemorate the religious saint with renewed faith and energy. If you think you had the whole day to tickle your taste buds and soothe your pallette, wait 'til sun down to enjoy the beat of street dancing as well other cultural dramas. Yum, yum, yum to feast! The Lechon Festival is a hit!

We went to Spain to observe the "Semana Santa" (Holy Week). It was a solemn celebration and a lot of rituals and age-old beliefs were held for spectacle. I marveled at their devotion and passion when it comes to religion. But after weeks of silent prayers and sincere adoration, these Spanish locals also know how to have fun and rock their towns alive.

Feria de Abril first started as cattle fair during the 1840's. While the cattle had soon blown their heads out of the scene, the tradition bloomed to be a lavish celebration of fun, imbibing the summer frolic. I personally enjoyed the bull fight. Not that I love gore and violence, but life is captured in a minute of death match. You will feel the fire flowing through your veins for what seems to be a battle of life and death. I salute the "matadors" for their courage and willingness to stand in the way of the ferocious bull.

After the bloodbath, there was a starring feast for food, games, and lavish parades. It's a relief to see how the Spanish people embrace life. That's something that the modern society should learn. Their excitment was a contagious virus in the air. Sure, there's the Disneyland with better rides and thrill, but Mickey Mouse can't mimic the same spirit of Spanish people.

That only goes to show the childish wonders in our hearts. And I think the world should take part in these fairs and "fiestas" so they would also learn the value of a smile, of fun, and of thanking the Divine for even a fleeting moment. This celebration reminded me that while other people are fighting for power and debating for politics and greed, there's a part of the world where love and mindless revelry exist.

Ever wonder why people go to food festival? Not because they want the food in the festival, but because they want to taste what is not their favorite. Why did I say so? It's because most of the time people are more curious about the festival's activities, particularly the prepared food, rather than the festival's mission. They want to eat unusual food that they haven't or rarely eaten in their common cuisines. It's about trying something out of the ordinary.

Such is the case with the Bread & Honey Festival in Streetville. My friend Joshua attends the festival every year and he is delighted with what the festival has, and not particularly about the bread and honey. He does not want to eat a bread filled with honey, but he attends the event because he believes that he will meet the woman of her dream through attending that festival. And though it is not his favorite jam, he eats honey nonetheless.

And so if you want to eat not your favorite, attend to a food festival. For sure, you will bite even the food is not your delight. Actually, food festival, like bread and honey festival, is not for people who wants to pig-out. It is for individuals who believe that food festival is an affair to encounter new experience, new people, new uncommon recipes, and the excitement it gives.

Every year, million of art lovers from around the world troop to Sausalito, California to celebrate the annual Sausalito Art Festival. This festival warms the hearts of guests and visitors through unique and variety of works of fine arts. I always remember the time that I first attended in this occasion. That was the joyous affair for art works that I ever attended.

The unique culture of Sausalito invites people to witness and appreciate the world's finest masterpieces, crafts, performances, and culinary arts. One of the highlights of the festival is the selection of the best two hundred seventy artists from different parts of the world to exhibit their greatest arts. The festival boasts its rich collection of world-class quality, and all-original fine arts.

Recognized as America's No. 1 outdoor fine arts festival, this affair continuously supports finest art works as well as the community by means of grant programs, awards for artists, and through Sausalito Chamber of Commerce Community Service Programs. Since it was established in 1952, more than a million visitors enjoy different activities and programs of the festival. And if you're excited to meet professional artists, or you want to meet your colleagues, this festival will help you attain your goal. Meeting new friends and old ones is possible when you attend in this occasion.

Chu'sok means "fall evening" and is celebrated every 24th of September, which is the 15th day of the eighth lunar moon. This serves as Korea's Harvest Moon festival and at the same time the Thanksgiving Day for the country. The holiday is said to have originated during the time of the Shilla Kingdom, when the king held a festival of games, entertainment, food, and drinks. Today, it is one of the most important festivals for the Koreans, which is observed by both farmers and the city dwellers.

The occassion is the day in the year when family members come together to share lots of special foods. They commemorate their ancestors by visiting the graves and pay respect. Children enjoy playing different games like see-saw, swinging, and other type of dances like Kang-gangsulle. The men played sirum, which a Korean wrestling. They also held races that has animals as a price. And of course, Thanksgiving will not be complete without the special dishes on the table. They serve Songpyon, which is a full-moon rice cakes stuffed with sesame, beans,chestnuts, or Chinese dates. They also have Khaegangjong, YakGwa, and yultanja (made of rice flour, chestnuts and honey) to share together. In general, the Korean Thanksgiving is not very different from ours. They still observe the very essence of the occasion, which is about the importance of family.

1991 was the year that gave birth to the Cascade Festival of African Films. Spearheaded by 4 faculty members of Portland Community College, namely Linda Elegant, Mary Holmstrom, Michael Dembrow, and Joseph Smith-Buani, the festival was established geared with a purpose of informing people about the land of Africa via African movies. During the maiden celebration of the festival, the format was a four-film program. The program was managed by volunteered organizers, and they offered the program to the public, students, educators, and staff without charge.

During the first celebration of the festival in 1991, about 400 participants witnessed and enjoyed the film festival. And for several years, approximately 4,000 people enjoy the annual affair for free. The four founders are still active in organizing the festival since it was established. Also, 30 volunteer members have contributed their time, effort, and dedication to achieve the success of the yearly film festival.

Several activities are included in the program of the festival, including the Opening Night Gala, Family Film Day, Women Filmmakers Week, among others. Prominent movie directors and other film professionals have joined in the festival over the years. And still, the festival is one of the most much-awaited events in Portland and its surrounding cities.

A garlic festival? Yes, it's real, and it's inviting you to come and celebrate with other garlic lovers out there. And I know, you will also love this festival because of several reasons. If luscious garlic-filled food will make you the happiest person, visit this annual festival. It celebrates with, what else, thousands of fresh and spicy garlics. This yearly celebration is certainly a memorable moment for all food fanatics.

For the past 27 years, this yearly festival has been giving first-time guests and festival veterans extreme fun with its different, exciting activities. Entertainment shows, craft and arts shops, and delicious recipes and cooking demonstrations are some of the highlights of the affair. Parents can also have the chance to enjoy the children's area, or pay visit to different displays made by its supportive sponsors.

I'm sure, you will also notice the warm welcome of the people in Gilroy. And through collective efforts of more than 4,000 volunteered members, the festival has always been an unforgettable experience. The merrymaking festival supports community projects, charities, and service groups in the city. With millions of visitors, this festival is undeniably one of the exciting occasions in this land. Different booths located in the festival venue add more thrill to the event.

Promoting literacy and literature to citizens of Northern Arizona and the greater Southwest is the primary purpose of the Northern Arizona Book Festival (NABF). Established in year 1998, the Literacy Volunteers of Coconino Country aimed to connect literacy and literary works of great authors. Book reading, workshops, group and panel discussions, and other significant activities are celebrated in this annual event in Arizona. In fact, this occasion has become one of the most celebrated affairs in Flagstaff.

In previous years, award winning authors and prominent people attended the festival to celebrate the affair; including Nobel Prize winners Toni Morison and Czeslaw Milosz, and other great book writers. Book lovers can enjoy months of reading good books before and after the affair. Authors can have opportunity to meet their readers, while readers can have the chance to speak with their favorite writers. Some students enjoy reading literature works, while others are fascinated with poetry slams, workshops, and other writing and reading activities. More so, local authors, artists, and musicians visit the festival to add more excitement and thrill to guests and attenders. Actually, this yearly festival brings a basket full of cheers to people of Arizona. That's why, this annual festival has become an exciting and educational moment for book lovers in the state.

Cinema followers and film producers are excited about the annual occasion for world-class produced films. Since 1954, Sydney has been celebrating one of the most distinguished film festivals in the globe; it's the Sydney Film Festival. This annual occasion has been one the favorite events of film lovers from Australia and other parts of the globe. It celebrates hottest movies from the country and from other nations. The festival cradles over 133,000 movie enthusiasts every year. Included in the highlights are presentation of more than two hundred films and the much-awaited awards night. Both film makers and artists are greatly honored on this annual occasion, because audience give unwavering appreciation to the masterpieces of the globe's best filmmakers.

The event celebrates excellent films, including features, high-quality short films, world-class animations, outstanding documentaries, and retrospectives. Also, the festival's program includes forums and informative lectures provided by the industry's local and international professionals. The magnificent State Theatre embraces the occasion since 1974. The place is recognized as one of the finest venues for festival, like this brilliant film fest. More so, the Dendy Opera Quays in Sydney Harbour, and the George Street Cinema, located at the center of Sydney, are also the venues of film screening.

If there is a celebration for apples, why not have an occasion for corns? Corn lovers should not be dismayed. It's because Zellwood celebrates it's New Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival for all corn munchers out there. As a sweet corn addict, I never miss this occasion, too. I also bring my family to celebrate this merry-making event.

My family enjoy all activities in this festival. I enjoy watching "Big Bertha" prepares her corns. While my kids have fun in amusement rides. There are many activities for both parents and children. This festival is packed with entertainment and a number of great outdoor activities for the whole family; adults and children have respective activities they can enjoy.

Every time I have a chance to attend to this affair, I always visit the Arts and Crafts section. I love to see the exhibits, and pick my choice. I don't forget to buy different items for souvenirs, too. And of course, there are some fresh sweet corns for sale in the festival. Long & Scott Farms provide all delicious Zellwood sweet corns for the festival. This means, you can buy sweet corns as many as want to take home with you, and enjoy those corns even if the festival is already through.

If food is your delight, you will surely enjoy the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. This occasion will bring back your appetite if you are in serious diet. World's famous chefs and wine producers are celebrating this yearly occasion. Indeed, this festival is also a much-awaited event in the city. And if you want to feed your hungry stomach, this kind of festival is your event.

It started in year 1993, with 12 joyous events. And from then, the festival developed into a more exciting occasion, bringing more than 120 fun-filled events. All festival goers are delighted with outstanding presentations and efforts of people in the industry. Also, this occasion gave an honor to Melbourne as a superior food and wine capital.

Yearly, this affair encourages food as well as wine masters from other countries to present their best products along with Australia's finest. As a matter of fact, the city was recognized as included in the list of cities with great and finest wines. Actually, I will never forget this festival. It is because, I met here a popular wine maker of the city. When I tasted his wine, I immediately liked it. It was a perfect wine. So I agree, Melbourne is a city of talented and skilled wine and food producers.

Originated in the 19th century, Ghent Festival began when fathers of Ghent city have decided a consolidation of a weekly Sunday celebration in their neighborhood. The purpose was the cutting down of the usual Monday tardiness during those times.

Early Ghent Festival celebrations were usually sponsored by the rich folks. On the other hand, the said festivities during that time revolved around horse racing. At the beginning of the 20th century, all festivities were transferred at the center of the city, wherein the "Bal Populaire" was usually held. The aristocrats were the ones who occupied the said place, while the peasants stayed at the dusty street sides. Meanwhile, the Ghent festivities turned middle class in the 60s, wherein came the emergence of the so-called graffiti walls. Today, the said festival involves circus, market selling of crafts and arts, puppet theaters, street performers, an open cinema, and jugglers. It also promises jazz, pop music, and rock 'n' roll music at the city center. Expect a lot of beer with different Belgian and popular European cuisines, as well as other sweet delicacies that will surely flood in the said festivity.

Indeed, Ghent Festivity is truly among the best and popular European festival that travelers and country explorers should experience.

One of the most celebrated and largest festivals in the world is the Edinburgh International Festival. It started in 1947; and it became part of tradition in the city. Thousands of people attend to this event to recognize various cultural developments, particularly in areas of arts and entertainment. The 3-week festival is celebrated every year in late summer. This popular event is rich in presentations, which include classical music, theatre shows, opera presentations, and entertaining dances. These programmes are usually held in largest theatres, concert halls, and other smaller locations in the city.

More so, the festival has year-long activity specifically designed for education and outreach programmes for children and adults. Thousands of visitors from different parts of the world come and celebrate to this merry-making annual festival. The thrill starts with shows and entertainment begin the day.

Celebrators enjoy the atmosphere in venues. Live performances of some popular artists highlight the festival. The Festival, a non-profit organization, takes care of the fund raising, sponsorships, ticket selling, and other concerns of the festival. The festival brings joy to the hearts of audiences and participants. People who join in this yearly occasion will definitely bring home the joyous memories of this annual festival.

Good news for all the chocolate lovers out there. Your sweet days will be celebrated again. More fun, more excitement, and more delicious tastes. We will celebrate the most delicious and delightful festival of all, the Chocolate Festival. Yes, in UK, this festival is the most celebrated and attended occasion. The event is held every October 31st to November 6th of the year. This mouth-watery, merrymaking festival will challenge our appetite again. And if your delight is a chocolate, visit this occasion for made for family and friends. Even if you are not fond of eating chocolates, I know you will be attracted to the taste and aroma of one of the world's most favorite foods.

It was first recognized as the Chocolate Week, but the name was changed into Chocolate Festival to give a new inspiration and excitement to all chocolate devotees. There are several activities in the festival that chocolate addicts will surely enjoy. Included in the festival are chocolate talks, exciting tastings, chocolate demonstrations, new product launching, chocolate sculptures, and other chocolate related activities. For sure, chocolate lovers will learn a lot from this special and tasteful event. The origin of chocolates, production, and the World Chocolate Awards are some of the information and activities to check out.

The Martinsburg, West Virginia has been celebrating the Apple Harvest Festival for many years now. The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is one of the most joyous events in the city. Locals and other visitors from neighboring cities gathered to witness the fun and excitement of this annual harvest festival. It highlights the significant roles of apple in the culture and tradition of West Virginia. This festival brings joy to many, especially for children and ladies. This fun event is memorable to every guest because it brings more than delicious apple recipes. It pays homage to the importance of apples in the country's rich history.

There are several events that organizers prepare for visitors. It features the agricultural tours, the exciting Gala Dinner, Sports Breakfast, Grand Ball, Arts and Crafts Show, Apple Pie Baking Contest, and the much awaited crowning of Queen Pomona. Vendors are also invited to show off their crafts and specialties for souvenirs and memorabilia. The fireworks show also brings surprises to visitors. And of course, this occasion is not complete without free entertainment shows. Indeed, apples are a part of the life and history of West Virginia. Aside from nutritional significance, apples give joy, laughter, and more surprises to people through this harvest festival.