TheMapPinJunkie

TheMapPinJunkie

Friday, February 5, 2016

Celebrate Around the World - February Festivals!

2016 is off to a rollicking start and February brings us a whole host of event from the four corners of the globe. Here is an overview of the most colorful!

February 8th - Chinese New Year! The annual celebration of Chinese New Year has grown out of this tradition of superstition. For thousands of years since, the Chinese have hung crimson-colored lanterns to scare away the beast, giving the occasion its iconic color. Especially on the first day of the New Year, loud firecrackers, drums, and cymbals echo through the city, while fireworks and burning bamboo sticks keep the sky ablaze—all to keep the mythical Nian at bay. [Photo and text courtesy of Fest3000.com]
Hongkongtourismchinesenewyear   22


February 9th - Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Carnival is celebrated around the world and marks the days leading up to Lent, when Catholics (and some Episcopalians) begin a period of fasting, repentance and denial preceding the Easter season. Meaning French for Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is the culmination of 2 weeks of celebration before the solemnity of Ash Wednesday. [Photo courtesy of mardigrasworld.com]
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February 13th - Tapati Rapa Nui Festival on Easter Island. A celebration of with traditional displays of athleticism, music, and dance. According to the website www.easterislandspirit.com, the festival is organized by locals for locals but tourists are welcome. Dates change each year and it runs from January 28th to February 13th this year. 
Tongariki 2 sunrise 
 February 20 - Jaisalmer Desert Festival in Rajasthan, India. This is a three-day festival that highlights the culture of the area. It began as a marketing ploy to bring people to the area, it now draws thousands of people from around the world to enjoy the colorful events which include a well-stocked bazaar of jewelry, textiles, and more. Visitors can enjoy contests of turban tying, camel races and mustache robusticity. [Photo courtesy of www.rajastahnvisit.com]
 


February 28 - National Grape Harvest Festival in the Mendoza province, Argentina. In Spanish it is called the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia and has roots in religious festivals. This modern day celebration began 1936 wand today features parades, parties, and dancing occurring over three months and across all 18 departments of the province. The Central Festivities are held in the city of Mendoza and include the Central Act as well as events like the Blessing of the Fruit. As if those aren't enough reasons to partake, there is the election of the National Grape Harvest Queen and a dazzling fireworks display. Wine, fireworks, and pageantry? Sounds like my kind of party! [Photo courtesy of MendozaWineToursandTravel.com]
Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia


If you are traveling to any of these regions, there is no better way to absorb the culture than to experience one of these festivals. Whether religious, secular, or commercial each has color, culture, and celebration and that is always a good thing!
peace, love, and travel!