This summer has been full of fun, vibrant, cultural celebrations around the world. As travel geeks we’re all about partying with other countries while also, of course, taking in the appreciation for heritage and traditions. Our travel intern, Katie, has compiled a list of her favorite world festivals this summer has seen and will see. Expect the odd and bizarre, the popular and famous, and otherwise fascinating events happening around the world. Which are your favorites? Or even better, have you ever experienced these festivals first hand?
Common Ridings June 8 – 10 Hawick, Scotland
Three days of equestrian races, drinking, and ceremonies that celebrate the patrols on the Scottish/English borders since the 1500s.
Glastonbury Festival June 25 – 28 Glastonbury, Scotland
Four days featuring hundreds of bands, from Lady GaGa and Bruce Springsteen, to bands you’ve never heard of. Expect to camp all weekend!
Crop Over June 28 – August 15 Bridgetown, Barbados
Summer carnival marking the end of the sugar harvest concluding with parades, calypso concerts and rum block parties.
The Humungus Fungus Fest August 7-9 Crystal Falls, Michigan
Wow, the U.S. has the largest mushroom in the world – it’s 11 tons! Come eat mushroom pizza and get bragging rights.
Il Palio August 13-16 Sienna, Italy
Ridiculous breakneck speed horse race where the only rules are there are no rules. Needless to say it’s intense. Note that the first horse to cross the line wins!
Buenos Aires Tango Festival August 14-31 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Free shows, exclusive performances, tributes, premieres of original productions, lectures, seminars, interdisciplinary spaces and appearances by both established and emerging artists of the genre. Man that’s a lot to do!
Henley-On-Todd Regatta August 22Henley-On-Todd, Australia
Water races in the middle of the desert – except boats have holes in the bottom of it, so you can run the race, or participate in yachting, sand shoveling, the triathlon, and countless other activities.
La Tomatina August 26 Spain
A humongous tomato food fight on the streets of Spain. You know the rest of course.
Burning Man August 31 – September 7 Black Rock City, Nevada
To quote: the “most artistic, survivalist, futuristic and utterly surreal show on earth” which culminates burning a 50 ft effigy of a man in the desert, in a town that is created only for this festival in Nevada.
These are just a few of the festivals Katie enjoyed. But if you’re in search of more global happenings from this summer, we’ve created our own trip around the world for other global get-togethers. Check out Sosauce’s list for summer global festivals and if you’d like to submit your own festival experience, let us know!
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[...] concluded this summer (or just about completed) with our own trip and guide to the most unique global events this year. Take a look at the get-togethers and popular happenings that have graced and will grace [...]