A list of must-visit festivals and events across the globe in 2017
Many of us harbour the desire to see as much of the world as possible. Making the decision of where to go in order to get the maximum out of your precious time can be a daunting prospect. We make that a simple affair with our top picks.
Oktoberfest (Germany)
This 18-day folk festival is held in Munich, Germany, every year and runs from late September to early October. It is also the world’s largest fair, registering more than 5 million attendees and is considered an important part of Bavarian culture. Its primary nature is that of a beer festival, with amusement rides, side stalls and games also forming part of the festivities. Apart from booze, visitors can also enjoy traditional German food and other Bavarian delicacies.
Mardi Gras (USA)
Mardi Gras (also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’) is held every year in New Orleans, Louisiana, in February over a period of two weeks. The celebrations begin after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and end a day before Ash Wednesday.
The massive and famous masquerade parades are led by ‘Kings’ and ‘Queens’ followed by brightly-coloured floats that are manned by ‘krewes’ throwing trinkets to the crowds. Mardi Gras Day is the culmination of this mayhem marked by feasts full of rich, fatty foods - a stark contrast to the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins the next day.
Rio Carnival (Brazil)
It should suffice to say that this is the world’s biggest carnival. The Rio Carnival is an annual occurrence, which takes place in the month of February before the Christian month of Lent. The carnival spreads over 4 days attracting around a million people each year.
The Sambodromo Parade is its main event featuring samba schools from the neighbourhood competing for the title of the ‘Best Samba School’. This mega event comprises of fancy costumes, fancier floats and Brazilian women, dancing to the traditional tunes of samba.