We live in an age where we are rushing from school to college to work without stopping to take a breath. By the time we are 30, our career is set, and we think of settling down and taking up some more responsibilities. While all this is important, it is equally crucial to take a break and live your life to the fullest, especially when you are young and single.
festivals that you must attend before you hit 30.
Taiwan Lantern Festival
If you have watched Disney’s Rapunzel and were mesmerized by the lantern festival held by the king and queen in memory of their lost daughter, you will be happy to know that you can experience this phenomenon in real life. The Taiwan Lantern Festival is held in the Pingxi District every year in February or March (the months and dates change as per the lunar calendar). Traditionally, this festival was celebrated to mark the end of the Chinese New Year in China, and the lanterns are a symbol that the town is completely safe. The Taiwan Lantern Festival is celebrated along with the Tainan Yanshui Fireworks Display, during which fireworks are burst to eliminate evil and illnesses from the town. If you want to take in the beautiful views of thousands of paper-lit lanterns along with some awesome fireworks, head to Taiwan this February.
In 2023, it will be held from February 1 to February 19.
Oktoberfest
If beer is your favorite drink and you cannot get enough of it, head to Munich, Germany, for its famous Oktoberfest. It is the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival) and one of the top festivals to celebrate in October. Every year, it runs from mid-to-late September to the first weekend in October. This festival is a part of Bavarian culture and has been one of the region’s most amazing celebrations since 1810. The main attraction of this event is the oh-so-delicious, frothy Oktoberfest beer served in huge traditional jars. People from all around the world arrive for this festival. Apart from the delicious beer, it is a great time to try some of the traditional dishes like pretzels (Brezen), roast pork (Schewinebraten), red cabbage (Sauerkraut), roast chicken (Hendl), grilled ham hock (Schweinshaxe), etc. The beer and food aside, you also get to have a lot of fun as there are numerous attractions like games, amusement rides, side stalls, etc. for your entertainment.
Oktoberfest is all gearing up to make a grand comeback in 2023, from September 17 to October 3.
The Venice Carnevale
If you have always wished to dress in elaborate costumes and flaunt them too, the beautiful city of Venice in Italy gives you the chance to do it during its Carnevale festival. This festival dates back to 1162, when it was first held to celebrate Venice’s victory against an invasion from the Patriarch of Aquileia. It is held between late January and early February, usually before the beginning of the Lent season. The festival has seen several changes since it began, but one thing that remains unchanged is the use of masks. Apart from the elaborate costumes and makeup adorned by the participants, the masks are the most significant part of the festival. Moreover, there is also a prize for the most beautiful mask, which is judged by a panel of internationally famed costume and fashion designers. If you find this festival interesting, apply for your Italy visa soon so you can enjoy the magnificence and elegance of this historical event.
The upcoming Venice Carnevale in 2023 will be held from February 4 to February 21.
La Tomatina
If you are looking for fun, pure, and simple, there is nothing better than the Tomatina Festival. Held in Buñol, a Spanish town, this festival has no religious or social significance and is celebrated purely for fun and entertainment. As the name suggests, at this festival, participants throw tomatoes at each other and basically get drenched in tomato paste. Although there is no certainty as to why and how this festival began, it is believed that it was started when the locals hurled tomatoes at city councilmen during a parade or town celebration somewhere around 1945 or 1947 as a protest. From then on, this tradition began and continues still today, although it was banned for a few years. Nowadays, an entry fee has been imposed on the festival, mostly to limit participants and thus increase security as well as the fun element. If you plan to attend this exciting festival, get your visa and book your tickets as soon as possible. The next La Tomatina is scheduled for 2023, on the 30th of August.
Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year
Although Chinese New Year is celebrated in different parts of China, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. the celebrations as part of Hong Kong Chinese New Year are probably the grandest of all. The Chinese New Year date varies as per the Chinese calendar but usually falls in late January or early February. To welcome the New Year, millions of people come together in the streets of Hong Kong and celebrate this special occasion with great pomp and fervor. Red is the most prominent color found during the festival, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits. The festive markets, the colorful dragons, the numerous parades, the fortune hotspots, and the spectacular fireworks would surely draw to the festival as well as the city. With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, it is time for you to apply for your China visa and get ready to take part in this celebration of peace and happiness. In 2023, the Hong Kong New Year is expected to begin on February 1st.
[Hong Kong Visa Online]Splendor in the Grass
If you love music and are ready to travel to any lengths to enjoy some great music from different genres, it is time to get an Australia visa. Australia’s New South Wales organizes Splendour in the Grass, an annual music festival. Held during mid-winter (usually in July), this is a 3-day festival and features several international musicians. Some of the most popular musicians and bands that have performed at this Australian music festival include Coldplay, Kanye West, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bloc Party, etc. This festival, conducted in Byron Bay, sees music enthusiasts from different corners of the world as it celebrates various music genres.
In 2023, you can look forward to joining for its grandest version.
FAQs
1. Why should I attend festivals before I turn 30?
Attending festivals before the age 30 can be a transformative experience for most people. It promises a deeper understanding of different communities and a renewed appreciation for cultural uniqueness and traditions. It is especially significant if you enjoy meeting new people, exploring diverse cultures, creating precious memories, and making long-lasting friendships. Overall, it can change your perception of life and how you see the world, thus positively impacting your mental and physical health.
2. Are there other festivals to attend other than the ones mentioned above?
Apart from the abovementioned festivals, you can attend some fantastic festivals during your prime years, such as the Dubai Camel Racing Festival, the Wanderlust Festival in California, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil, Winter Light Festival in Japan, and the Snow and Ice Festival in China.
3. What is the best or most recommended time to attend festivals?
Festivals take place across the world all through the year. For instance, festivals like the Taiwan Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year fall during the winter months, while others, like La Tomatina, occur in the fall. So, the answer to this question depends on your personal preferences, such as your favorite festival or desired time to travel.
4. How should I prepare for taking part in a festival?
For this, you can take into consideration the following:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the festival you plan to attend by collecting all its details, like its venue, timing, and rules and regulations.
- Pre-plan your travel program and book your accommodations in advance to avoid all last-minute chaos.
- Equally important is to pre-arrange transfers to and from the festival venue.
- Carry appropriate clothing and accessories (like shoes, sunscreen lotions, etc.) that suit the weather conditions and other aspects of your chosen festival location.
- Festival location in any destination will be packed with chances for petty thefts and the loss of important documents or valuables. So take all sensible precautions and efforts to ensure both others and your safety.
5. What are the top tips to make the most of the festival I plan to attend?
Attending a festival is not all about immersing yourself in its interesting cultural or historical aspects. You can make the most of this time to discover other elements, such as the region’s top attractions and unique food and drinks. You can also mingle with locals, shop for amazing souvenirs, and explore off-beat sights, to name a few things.
Conclusion
As they say, life is short; hence, make the most of it. Book your tickets and attend at least one of these world’s biggest festivals to experience something that you have never seen before!
