If someone asks you to drape yourself completely in grease and oil paints, and get into a physical combat (friendly of course!) with thousands others, you’d probably recommend them a psychiatrist. But, what if you get to know that there is a huge festival celebrated in Spain, which involves the exact same theme as described above? Surprised!!? Well, this is just one of the many astoundingly unique festivals, which takes place around the globe in different countries.
These festivals have been a part of their regional culture from centuries, and still hold the same significance in the community. As an ardent traveler, you must visit some of these (if not all) at least once in your lifetime. Take a look and decide by yourself; try not to freak out!
Days of the Dead - Mexico
“La bienvenida a los muertos”, which means “Welcome the Dead”; and that is exactly what the theme of this Mexican annual festival is. A two days of gothic and ghostly celebration begins every year on the 31st of October. People celebrate this day to welcome the departed souls of their friends and family members. Apart from building private altars, people visit the graves of the deceased with their favorite food and beverages, possessions and several other gifts. As the last week of October approaches, the entire region becomes exuberant, the markets get burgeoned with gifts and accessories used as a part of the celebration, bakeries start offering delicious Pan de Muerto, a “Day of the Dead bread”, made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, orange peel, anise and yeast. In 2008 the tradition was inscribed in the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. And you thought that Halloween was scary!!!
Cascamorras, Baza - Spain
Platoon of people from Guadix covered with stain, grease, oil paints; march fiercely towards the township of Baza, where an entire separate troop of people, with their face rubbed in mud, wait ferociously with an armor of colored water and eggs, to thwart the movement of the intruders. Well, if that sounded like a brutal war like situation, let me tell you that this is actually one of the biggest, oldest and the most interesting festivals celebrated in Spain.
Legends has it that Cascamorras, a worker from Guadix, found a buried sacred image of the Virgen de la Piedad(Our Lady of Mercy) while working on the land of Baza. Encouraged by his Guadixan countrymen, he attempted to carry the sacred image to Guadix, but Bazans snatched it before he arrived, punishing what they considered a sacred theft. When Cascamorras returned to Guadix empty-handed, his countrymen, who expected the image of the Virgin, were deeply disappointed and viciously pursued those they considered responsible for their frustration. Finally, hero and people reconciled, they prayed to the Virgin who was in the other town. Since then, recalling those events that unite and oppose them, Baza and Guadix celebrate the Fiesta de Cascamorras for three days in the late summer of each year, starting from 6thof September.
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival, Lerwick – Scotland
“Get you heads ready for Piking, ‘cause here come the Vikings!” and many more such war cries can be heard on the streets of Lerwick, Scotland. The “Up Helly Aa Fire Festival” is an annual affair, celebrated on the last Tuesday of January month, which witness large groups of people, in sheepskins, carrying shields and axes, and flaming torches. The festival is the largest of its kind in the entire Europe, which is a part of the cultural wagon of the Scottish, from centuries. It is understood that, it was the Vikings who ruled this land 1000 of years ago, for almost 500 years, and this jubilant parade is a token of respect paid to the great warriors from the years of yore.
If Europe is your next trip destination, and Scotland is a part of the route, make sure you do not miss this. And if it’s not, well….. better take a detour!
For the sake of the world’s finest whiskies, if nothing else.
Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival, Gloucester – England
Broken bones, bruised organs, dislocated shoulders, concussions, ripped clothing and scratches; and all of this for what? To get your hands on a heavy piece of cheese, rolling downhill, and rise victorious. Ah! Don’t get your hopes ‘high’ already. This is not a race between a bunch of people who get to smoke a doobie and run for the cheese.
The Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival is an annual race event. What started as a local tradition for the people of Brockworth village in Gloucester, England, has attained a worldwide fame in recent years. People from all over the world gather at the Cooper’s Hill,every year in the month of May, to indulge in this crazy and mind-wrecking fun event. And, while, it’s not a race of tokers, no one said it’s not allowed!
Wanderlust Yoga Festival, Oahu – Hawaii
While the long-lasting benefit of regular Yogapractice is a worldwide phenomenon, taking it to the shores of beautiful beaches of Hawaii and mixing it up with great taste of wine, music and local food just takes the experience to another level altogether. The annual congregation of Yoga gurus and practitioners, for 5 days of spiritual and meditational learning( starts during Feb end), embodies the refine and scintillating Yoga festival of Wanderlust in Oahu.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), Cusco – Peru
Symbolizing one of the greatest and oldest festivals from the IncaEmpire, Inti Raymi marks the beginning of the New Year for the Peruvians. Large groups of people, colorfully dressed, dancing jubilantly on the beats of local acoustics, is a general view one will see on attending this fest. For many years, since its inception, the festival, which takes place every year on the 24thof June, use to witness sacrifice rituals that is banished now, and involves music, dance, prayers and other heritage ceremonies.
International Sand Sculpture Festival – Portugal
Considered to be the largest sand sculpture festival in the world, Fiesa International Festival of Sand Sculpture is one of the most popular attractions in the Algarve. The festival witness some fantastic and artistic use of around 35000 tons of sand, spread across 4 acres (approx.) of land, carved into figures of famous personalities, drawn by a group of some 60 artists from all across the globe. Celebrated annually from 25thof May to 25thof October, the festival portrays sculptures with different themes every year; 2013 and 2014 followed the theme of Music.
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, Koh Sa Mui - Thailand
If Tomorrowlandor Sunburnis flashing in your head, trust me you, this is a way much enthralling party event. It was a bunch of tourist who initiated this carnival almost 30 years back, while they were at the Haad Rin beach, when they saw a full, pale yellow colored moon and found it to be the most beautiful moon ever. A small celebration that started on that night with a handful of people has turned into a monthly carnival with 20-30 thousand party freaks dancing and celebrating all night long. A short half an hour ferry ride from Koh Samui will take you to the location. This is easily the best way to celebrate with the locals, by being the part of this ‘culture’.
Entroida - Spain
While majority of festivals, celebrated around the world, involves dancing, food, wine, and lots of fun, Galicia, in Spain, has its own style of celebrating one of its biggest carnivals every year. The festival of Entroidais one of the craziest, yet exciting carnivals,you would ever witness. People throwing muddy rags at each other and making a mess is one thing, and it all seems a lot of fun until you realize that the rags are no more just full of mud, but significant number of fire ants in it, which a bunch of mischievous lads have put in, and the rags are landing all on your face. Though, as painful and scary as it sounds, people of Galicia celebrate the event with much fervor and jubilance, every year.
And you thought bullfighting was extreme Spanish!
Pushkar Camel Fair – India
Well! I am assuming, many of you might already be aware of this particular event. With a flock of thousands of camels, decorated to their uber best, standing tall and sharp in the middle of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and nearly a million people, the “Pushkar Mela”(fondly known as) is one of world’s largest camel trading festivals. Held every year in the months of October - November in the vibrant city of Pushkar, this festival is your best chance to witness the traditional extravaganza. The fair showcases some really interesting activities and competitions, including “Longest Moustache”, “Bridal Competition”, “Camel Race”, and much more. The fest goes on for a long five days, marking its end on the full moon day.
So if you are planning a trip to any of these places, this year, make sure you schedule your arrival in line with these festivals. After all, not every day you get to roll down the hill to chase a role of cheese, or get bit by fire ants while getting all messy.
