Unveil one of Greece's treasures at the TIF in Thessaloniki (09 to 17 September 2023):
Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) is an annual cultural event held in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city filled with history and natural beauty. TIF serves as a meeting point for artists, businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate the Greek culture and industry achievements.
This established international exhibition event is integrally linked to the history of Greece's cultural and economic growth including a strong interest on regional development through the model of circular economy which was the focus of their 2022 theme. Dating back to 1926, TIF has grown into one of the largest international fairs in Southeast Europe, attracting visitors and participants from around the world to this unique hub.
The fair offers a dynamic mix of exhibitions, trade shows, concerts, performances, and cultural activities, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. TIF is a hub showcasing Greece's rich heritage, diverse culture, and vibrant economy. It typically spans several days in September, making it an exciting highlight of Thessaloniki's annual calendar.
Get ready for Tel Aviv Pride (08 to 09 June, 2023):
Experience the vibrant energy of Israel's biggest event as the city becomes a rainbow of celebration. Join locals and visitors from around the world for Tel Aviv Gay Pride Week, packed with gay-friendly events culminating in the legendary pride parade.
Tel Aviv Pride Parade: Don't miss the creative floats and live performances along the Herbert Samuel Boardwalk on Thursday evening, June 8, 2023. The party continues at Yehoshua Park on Friday afternoon, June 9, 2023, with a massive celebration until sunset. Join nearly 300,000 marchers in a joyful display of pride.
Plan your visit: Check out Tel Aviv Pride Package Tours for an unforgettable experience that includes exploring Israel's highlights alongside pride festivities. If you prefer to travel independently, discover Tel Aviv's vibrant scene with city tours and day trips to nearby attractions like Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Petra, and more.
Beyond Pride Week: Tel Aviv boasts a thriving gay community and offers a warm welcome year-round. Don't miss Adam Lambert's concert at Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday, June 13, 2023, as part of the Pride Month celebrations.
Get ready to paint the town rainbow in Tel Aviv!
Be captivated by the enchanting Esala Perahera in Kandy:
Join the mesmerising Esala Perahera in Kandy, Sri Lanka, honoring the Buddha's tooth. Experience stunning night-time parades with drummers, dancers, torch-bearers, whip-crackers, fire-eaters, and over a hundred elephants in elaborate costumes. The parades begin at dusk, engulfing the route in a dense mass of people, accompanied by the scents of jasmine, incense, frangipani, and tantalizing picnic suppers. The surroundings shimmer with tinsel and colourful lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The festivities span the final ten days of the Buddhist lunar month of Esala, which usually falls between late July and mid-August. The parades typically take place from 8pm to 9pm, and as dusk approaches, an more people emerge to participate.
Immerse yourself in the rhythm at India's Thrissur Puram:
Thrissur's Puram festival in Kerala is an extravagant spectacle. Witness caparisoned elephants, thunderous drum orchestras, spectacular fireworks, and masked dance dramas. The intensity of the festivities, combined with the pre-monsoon heat, creates an exhilarating yet seemingly insane ambiance. Two competing groups representing Tiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples parade fifteen beautifully adorned elephants, with priests carrying symbolic items. The procession is accompanied by hundreds of drummers, cymbals crashing, and haunting melodies from the double-reeded khuzal. Puram typically occurs on a single day between April and May. To find the precise dates, please check the state tourist office at www.keralatourism.org.
Celebrate at the Philippines' Ati-Atihan festival:
Prepare for three days and nights of non-stop dancing at the flamboyant Ati-Atihan festival in the Philippines - held annually on the third Sunday of January. Embrace the mantra "hala bira, puera pasma" and keep going without tiring. Active participation is expected. Join in the lively conga lines and energise your spirit with lambanog, a potent local aperitif. This vibrant festival guarantees unforgettable moments.
Dancing under a full moon in Thailand:
Unleash your energy at Hat Rin Beach on the island of Ko Pha Ngan island in Thailand during the monthly Full Moon Party. It takes place every month throughout the year on the night of, before or after every full moon- The party starts when the moon comes out, which is around 7 pm, although many only will arrive around 10 pm. This pulsating celebration marks the start of Southeast Asia's party season. Arrive a few days early to secure accommodation and fully immerse yourself in the beach's stunning ambiance. Dance until dawn alongside the enthusiastic crowd, and witness the last beach DJs winding down as noon approaches.
Experience Junkanoo in the Bahamas:
A sensory explosion of organized pandemonium rooted in African traditions. Held pre-dawn on December 26 and New Year's Day, Nassau comes alive with massive parades, vibrant floats, stilt-dancers, acrobats, and pulsating music. It's a distinctly Bahamian celebration you won't forget.
Celebrate with the Maya in Guatemala (15 August and more):
Immerse yourself in a riot of colour, music, dance, and tradition as every Maya village honours their patron saint. Experience bustling village squares, dazzling festival queens on floats adorned with exquisite textiles, and explosive fireworks. Traditional dances and lively music create an unforgettable celebration that pays homage to highland rituals.
Each town in Guatemala has its own patron saint and celebrates Patron Saints Day with vibrant festivities across the country. One such celebration is the Virgin of the Assumption (Virgen de la Asunción), the patron saint of Guatemala City, observed on August 15th. This joyous occasion is marked by lively parades, fairs and parties held throughout the nation. In addition to Guatemala City, towns like Joyabaj, El Quiché also commemorate their patron saint on August 15th, although the specific patron differs. For example, Joyabaj honours the Virgin of Transit as its patron during the celebration. These diverse celebrations add to the rich tapestry of Guatemala's cultural heritage. The best part? These enchanting festivals are free, making them a perfect choice for budget-conscious visitors exploring Guatemala.
Also held in August is the Totonicapán Dance Festival showcases traditional dances in Guatemala. Held annually since 1993, this two-day festival takes place in August and is dedicated to celebrating Mayan traditions and cultural heritage. The festivities last throughout the day and feature a diversity of traditional food and dance performances.
Join the vibrant Boi Bumba Festival in Brazil's Amazon:
Deep in Parintins Island's jungle, immerse yourself in a two-day journey filled with color, dance, pageantry, and parades. Surrounded by the rainforest, the festival becomes an intimate gathering of familiar faces, offering a unique experience unlike any other major festival in Brazil. Boi Bumba takes place for three days every June.
Witness the outrageous Oruro Carnival in Bolivia:
Discover Latin America's most extravagant carnival, where satirical performances and elaborate costumes take center stage. Experience the pulsating energy of Ben Hur-scale brass bands, the mesmerizing morenada dancers symbolizing African slaves, and the epic diablada showdown between Lucifer and the Archangel Michael. Prepare for a carnival like no other. Each year on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, the usually sleepy Oruro comes alive, hosting the world renowned Carnival.
Unleash your wild side at the Naked Man Festival in Inazawa, Japan:
Enter a surreal world where thousands of men in giant nappies gather, chanting "Washyoi! Washyoi!" Amid the chaotic crush, witness the courageous Naked Man, sought after by the crowd hoping to transfer their misfortune. This intense and unique spectacle pushes boundaries and tests bravery, making it an unforgettable experience for the daring few. The Naked Man festival generally falls between Jan and March
Share your most memorable festival or carnival experiences below!
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