We’ve put together a list of top festivals and events to give you some inspiration to travel in 2019! Thaipusam Festival
Location: Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
January'21st
Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival, observed on the day of the full moon during the Tamil month of Thai. More than a million faithful, as well as tens of thousands of tourists, visit the Temple of Batu Caves located in Gombak, Selangor, right next to Kuala Lumpur. Some visitors are shocked to learn that many of the devotees at this temple seem to be in some sort of a trance. However, that is often not the most shocking part of the ceremony. Some of the faithful pay penance to Lord Murugan by piercing their flesh with hooks.
Carnival of Venice
Location: Venice, Italy
February'16th-March'5th
The Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest festivals held in Venice, Italy. The entire city of Venice transforms into a magical place during the mid-winter carnival celebrations. People attend the Carnival wearing elaborate costumes and masks.
Rio Carnival
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
March'1st-March'9th
Considered as one of the biggest parties in the world, the Rio Carnival is a blend of the most energizing, electrifying, and unforgettable performances to meet your eyes.
Songkran Festival
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
April'13th-April'15th
Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. An important event on the Buddhist calendar, this water festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. People splash each other with water to symbolize the purification of the soul. Get ready to get soaking wet during this festival.
The White Nights Festival
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
May' 22nd-July'28th
Due to the latitude, St. Petersburg is well known for the remarkable natural phenomenon “white nights”, which lasts from late May until mid-June. It doesn't get dark for weeks and you can see a lot of couples in the streets celebrating the most romantic time of the year. The White Nights Festival in Saint Petersburg is famous for spectacular fireworks and Scarlet Sails, a massive show celebrating the end of school year
World Naked Bike Ride
Location: England
June
The World Naked Bike Ride is an international clothing-optional bike ride in which participants plan, meet and ride together to "deliver a vision of a cleaner, safer, body-positive world." The dress code motto is "bare as you dare".
Running of the bulls
Location: Pamplona, Spain
July'7th-July'14th
For those who like extreme situations, you can run in front of six fighting bulls. This event takes place in the narrow streets of Pamplona, Spain. Participation is completely free. You have to be 18+ and make sure you are not intoxicated! La Tomatina
Location: Bunol, Spain
August'28th
Thousands of people travel to this Spanish town Bunol to fight in the 'World's Biggest Food Fight' where more than one hundred metric tons of tomatoes are thrown in the streets.
Oktoberfest
Location: Munich, Germany
September'21st-October'6th
Octoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, takes place in Munich, Germany. You will drink, eat and party in absolutely amazing friendly atmosphere.
Day of the Dead
Location: Mexico
October'31st-November'2nd
Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico. The days of the dead are truly a celebration of life. When children dance with caricatures of death, eat skull sugar molds and learn to respect that life is brief, they learn there is a circle to life and to not fear death and then are free to enjoy and appreciate every moment.
Loi Krathong
Location: Thailand
November'11th-November'13th
Loi Krathong is a Siamese festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand . The candle venerates the Buddha with light, while the krathong's floating symbolizes letting go of all one's hatred, anger, and all kinds of negativity.
