Being in college, my spirit (as well as many others') wants to go explore the world, and one of the best ways to do that is festivals. Festivals are great for seeing the rich cultures of other countries, so I have done my research and here is my own personal bucket list of festivals.
Holi. Going on this past month on March 6 in India, Holi is known as the festival of colors. What started our modern day color run in America is India's beginning of spring festival. Bring your own dye and experience the culture of the Hindu religion in India or Nepal.
Up Helly Aa Fire. Since I am visiting Scotland this summer, I decided that it's a must to attend Scotland's festival in Lerwick. It is the largest fire festival in Europe! It is the tradition to burn an authentic large Viking ship and have large parties afterwards in the pubs. What more could you possibly want?
Tomorrowland. The name of the town in Belgium that Tomorrowland is hosted in is Boom, which is exciting enough, but it is also home to the largest EDM music festival in the world. I have been to my fair share of music festivals, but this is one that people come from all over the world to dance the day and night away.
Mardi Gras. New Orleans, NOLA, the Big Easy -- one of my favorite places on earth. Mardi Gras is all about Fat Tuesday, and the culture in New Orleans is one you will never forget! If you want the party of your lifetime down Bourbon and you quite enjoy catching beads, then Mardi Gras is the festival for you!
Oktoberfest. I am particularly interested in trying out this festival in Munich, Germany. If you have a taste for beer, the first week of October in Germany is the place for you! Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world. Recently, more than $96,178,668 worth of beer was served every day during the festival. That's a lot of beer, folks.
Running of the Bulls. Are you ready to run? Pamplona, Spain is home to the fastest festival in the world. Running of the Bulls is a Spanish tradition in Spain. Since I am currently learning more about the Spanish culture this would be the perfect festival for me. This is one that I would prefer to sit back and make fun of the foolish ones that participate in it. This is one festival that will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, even if you are just watching!
Lantern Festival. Everyone deserves to experience a bit of magic in their lives. In Pingxi, Taiwan, you can experience the world's largest lights festival as you watch the night sky light up. There is nothing better than watching the sky light up with lanterns for as far as you can see in all directions. It is a symbol of tradition to let others know that the town is safe and well. Each lantern has the owner's wishes attached as they release it into the night sky.
