If you can’t already tell, bucket lists are a thing at Honeycombers. You have only one life to live (YOLO!) and plenty of amazing experiences to be had in a very short time. Inspired by Glastonbury last week, here’s our list of the world’s best festivals that are simply too epic to miss.
Holi
Where: India
When: According to the Phalguna Purnima (full moon), sometime in March.
What: A colourful and riotous affair that celebrates the end of Winter and the arrival of Spring. Don’t worry, the memories will last longer than the stains on your clothes.
Glastonbury
Where: Somerset, England
When: Last week of June
What: The granddaddy of all music festivals that has played host to some of the greatest names in music. Expect five days of amazing tunes and A-list celeb sightings (think Kate Moss, Emma Watson, Alexa Chung rocking the shortest of shorts and wellington boots) in the picturesque English countryside.
Songkran
Where: Thailand
When: 13 to 15 April, coinciding with the traditional Thai New Year’s Day.
What: A nationwide water-throwing frenzy to symbolise the washing away of bad luck – making it a splashin’ good time for all ages. Splish splash!
Running of the Bulls
Where: Pamplona, Spain and other Latin countries
When: 7 to 14 July
What: Possibly one of the most dangerous and hair-raising festivals in the world where a small group of participants are chased through the streets by a herd of bulls. Unless you have balls of steel, we recommend watching the spectacle from the safety of the sidelines.
Oktoberfest
Where: Munich, Germany
When: Late September to early October
What: Barrels and barrels of the finest German beer served by gorgeous ladies in dirndls. ‘Nuff said.
Mardi Gras
Where: New Orleans, USA
When: The two weeks preceding Ash Wednesday (between February and March)
What: A raucous two-week extravaganza of parades, balls, street parties, and copious drinking. Only hardcore party animals and college girls with a penchant for taking their tops off need apply.
La Tomatina
Where: Buñol, Spain
When: Last Wednesday of August
What: The biggest, baddest, and messiest food fight in the history of mankind with enough tomatoes to keep you drinking Bloody Marys for life.
Carnavale
Where: Brazil
When: The week preceding Ash Wednesday (between February and March)
What: Much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, only bigger and better with the addition of patented Brazilian magic – imagine non-stop partying, samba music, and extravagantly (yet skimpily) dressed showgirls.
Lantern Festival
Where: Pingxi, Taiwan
When: Chinese New Year
What: The release of thousands of paper lanterns into the night sky – not exactly environmentally friendly but truly a sight to behold.
Gay Pride Parade
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: End of June
What: Whether you’re part of the LGBT community or simply believe in the freedom to love, this momentous event is a reminder of how far we’ve come and a celebration of love in all forms.
Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Japan
When: Late March to mid April
What: Technically not a festival, but the natural phenomenon of thousands of pink sakura flowers in bloom is a wondrous sight everyone must witness firsthand once in their lifetime.
Mass Games
Where: Pyongyang, North Korea
When: Opening of the Arirang Festival (early August to mid September)
What: A mind-blowing 90-minute mass spectacle of gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance performed by over 100, 000 participants in unison. Say what you want about North Korea, but the reclusive state sure knows how to put on a show.
Dia de los Meurtos
Where: Mexico
When: 31 October to 2 November
What: Also known as Day of the Dead – an intriguingly morbid holiday celebrated by Mexicans all over to honour the deceased with offerings and prayer altars.
International Yoga Festival
Where: Rishikesh, India
When: March
What: THE place to get your Om on with over 60 hours of yoga lessons taught by the world’s most renowned yogis and spiritual masters – none of the debauchery associated with festivals but a transcendental experience for downward-dogging yoga lovers everywhere.
Burning Man
Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
When: Last Monday in August
What: Want to break free from the shackles of society and party like it’s 1999 (or rather, the end of the world)? This is it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Now we want to hear from you! If there’s a festival or epic event on your bucket list, tell us in the comments below.