Famous Festivals Around The World

Famous Festivals Around The World

Index

1. Diwali, India

2. Semana Santa, Guatemala

3. Carnival of Venice, Italy

4. Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea

5. Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, ABD

Diwali

Also known as the 'festival of lights', this one day festival usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November and is celebrated in many countries. Overall it is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, but for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains the festival has different religious meanings. Many houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware lamps called diyas, fireworks are set off, religious rituals are practised and gifts are exchanged.

Boryeong Mud Festival

First staged in 1998 The Boryeong Mud Festival is a fairly new festival celebrated in the coastal town of Boryeong, South Korea. It was originally conceptualized to provide PR for a range of cosmetics created using the nutrient-rich mud from the area but the festival quickly became Korea’s most popular summer festival. Now, Boryeong Mud Festival is just a great excuse to get down and dirty and have some fun.

Semana Santa

To honour the holy week, towns throughout Guatemala host enormous celebrations featuring colourful parades, extravagant floats, burning incense and intricate costumes. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Good Friday, Antigua boasts the most extravagant festival with Catholic processions commemorating the life and death of Christ. Before the main procession streets are lined with intricately woven, colourful carpets made of flowers, coloured sawdust and intricately carved fruit and vegetables.

Carnival of Venice

Carnevale di Venezia or Venice Carnival dates all the way back to the 11th century, but came to international acclaim in the 18th century. During the weeks dedicated to Carnival each year thousands of tourists and locals take to the streets in beautiful costumes and masks to enjoy music, dancing, parties and the festive atmosphere. Festivities also include live theatrical plays featuring intriguing and comical traditional folk characters, lavish 18th century-style galas in beautiful old Venetian buildings, open air street parties and an award ceremony at Carnival’s closing to celebrate the very best costumes and masks.

Albuquerque International Balloon Festival

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest annual international event held in the US. For more than four decades, the first or second week in October has ushered in the magical moving picture show of colorful hot air balloons gliding through the crisp fall air. Laser light shows, fireworks, live band performances and interactive education complete the magic at Balloon Fiesta and ensure that there’s something fun to do or see for everyone.

These kinds of festivals are worth seeing. They are a great way to have a fantastic time with others. If you can, you should definitely go and enjoy it.

Thanks for watching!

Elif Naz Ocak 10-A 144