10 Amazing Events to attend before you die

Learning to run your own hugely success events, festivals or conferences is the end game right? So what better way to learn than to learn from the best.

Today we take a look at 10 festivals that you MUST see before you die. The sheer size and organisation required to pull off these events is amazing – we all have a long way to go!

Festivals are perfect for tourists as most of these celebrations have religious origins, cultural significance, or mark a momentous occasion in history. Some people say that you’ll know the heart of a country when they gather and celebrate an occasion together. What better way to get to know a new place than to party with the locals?

Festivals bring out the best events around town and you’ll never go short on activities to choose from.

Here are 10 festivals that you should check out, in no particular order.

1. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

This 16-day festival happens every year in late September and early October. This is the ultimate keg fest for beer lovers around the world. Indulge in all the beer you can drink with Germany’s famous pork sausages while you sing your heart out to folk songs.

2. Love Parade – Berlin, Germany

This festival was born as a political demonstration for peace and international understanding through love and music. The streets of Germany come alive with electronic dance music booming out of sound systems. Celebrate with the most popular DJs as they transform Berlin into one big party scene.

3. Carnivale – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This four-day celebration is the ultimate king of all carnivals. The streets of Rio de Janeiro are filled with people dancing and singing. Euphoria envelopes the atmosphere as people party practically everywhere from the streets, squares, to the clubs.

4. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, LA

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual of fasting for the Lenten season. Nowadays, this festive New Orleans celebration goes beyond the indulgence of good gumbo and King cakes. The streets are busy with parades and floats with people in costumes and masks, tossing “throws” or strings of colorful plastic beads into the crowd.

5. San Fermin – Pamplona, Spain

This bull running festival in July is the most popular of all Spanish fiestas. Run before the bulls or watch bullfights for an adrenaline rush, know more about the country’s traditional and folkloric events, or party with free-flowing sangria. Millions of people attend this world-renowned festival in the beautiful and historic city of Pamplona.

6. Cannes Film Festival – Cannes, France

If you’re looking for ritz and glamour outside of Hollywood, head over to Cannes. This regal event in May is where the who’s who of the entertainment industry parties. Everyone is dressed in haute couture, paparazzi are flashing their cameras everywhere, and posh yacht owners dot the coastline. You don’t have to be a celebrity to join in the fun. There are plenty of free movies, booze, and fine living experiences for all.

7. Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada

The Burning Man marks the end of summer, a week before Labor Day. This festival celebrates freedom of experimental self-expression that transforms the desert into an interesting city of art and imagination called Black Rock City. Marvel at the interesting sculptures and don’t be surprised to find a blue man towering over you as you walk around. It’s self-expression at its finest, encouraging visitors to be creators and not just spectators.

8. Sinulog – Cebu, Philippines

This is a weeklong religious celebration in honor of Santo Nino or Baby Jesus. The main festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January to honor the patron saint of Cebu. The streets are filled with dancers covered in black body paint, performing dance rituals that symbolize the country’s pagan past and acceptance of Christianity. Cebu also transforms into one big party scene with concerts and parties all over the city.

9. Chinese New Year – Hong Kong, China

This festival, filled with amazing fireworks displays and ear-popping firecrackers, marks the last day of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese community comes alive with fire dragons dancing in the streets painted in celebratory. Families offer traditional delicacies such as rice cakes and blow whistles and horns for good luck. This festival is rich in tradition and culture. And for tourists, this is one gastronomical feast!

10. Venice Carnival – Venice, Italy

This colorful and fascinating festival turns the beautiful St. Mark’s square into a magical, fantasy dress party. The occasion marks the celebration of spring and runs through the last week before the Lenten season. Marvel at the beautiful costumes and over-the-top masks dotted with gems and lined with flamboyant feathers.