Festive celebrations are wonderfully varied across the globe – at home in the UK we know Christmastime best, but we would love to introduce you to some of the most joyous holidays across our beautiful destinations.
From the exuberant Chilean tradition of sledding down a hill strapped to banana tree trunks during Tapati, to the respectful Elephant festivals of Laos. The flamboyant three-month celebrations in Barbados, and the Cherry Blossom festival in Japan. There is a celebration of people, nature and beautiful surroundings every month of the year.
The Fleewinter team are thrilled to share some of our favourites with you here. Get in touch with the team to learn more and get involved with these traditions for yourself on your next holiday!
The Esala Perahera in Kandy takes place in the summer months over 9 days, and is one of the oldest of all the Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, and arguably the most grand.
It honours and celebrates the sacred Tooth of Buddha, which resides in Kandy. Expect dancing, music, juggling, fire-breathing, and lots of ornately decorated elephants.
The cherry blossom festival in Japan is well known all over the world for a reason. Thousands of trees bloom simultaneously, creating one of the most stunning natural spectacles in the world!
The blooming trees symbolize a new beginning, they are fully enjoyed by Japanese people who love to meet under the blooming cherry trees for picnic and foreigners alike.
Ra, the Sun God, was the most important deity for Ancient Egyptians. The solar festival takes place twice a year in one of the better preserved ancient temples, Abbu Simbel.
This incredible festival uses physics in the most mystical of ways, culminating in a natural light show leaving only Ptah, the God of Creation, illuminated…
In the first half of February, Easter Island celebrates its most famous festival. During Tapati, inhabitants take part in ancestral sports to showcase their physical and artistic abilities.
The most difficult of these endeavours is for the participants to slide down a hill at quite high speed on two trunks of banana tree joined together!
One of the most important events in the Greek calendar is the week of Easter.
Festivities range from raucous pot-smashing, table-dancing, and letting fireworks off late into the night, to the more traditional baking of sweet breads and dying eggs bright red, which are deeply symbolic.
Celebrations are ongoing for as week, and this is a truly joyous time to be in Greece!
Every year at the end of the summer, young, unmarried men and women gather in a small village of Imilchil. The couples participate in an engagement ceremony and then marry at a later date of their choosing in a private gathering.
Today, most of the couples already know each other but in the past from the age of 18, they would head to the village for the wedding festival in search of their future partners.
Which is your favourite?
If any of these festivals have sparked your interest, you can call us on 020 7112 0019 or email escape@fleewinter.com to start planning your next adventure.
“Either country is amazing standalone – but Sri Lanka and the Maldives are such an addictive pairing. 10 days exploring the highlights of Sri Lanka hits culture, wildlife, breathtaking scenery and incredible food at a good pace, and then you can wind down with a few nights of luxury on the most perfect beaches in the world” – Carly, Asia Specialist
Kaamatan occurs every May in Borneo and is known throughout Malaysia as the Sabah Harvest Festival.
In the first half of February, Easter Island celebrates its most famous festival. During Tapati, inhabitants take part in ancestral sports to showcase their physical and artistic abilities.
