Festivals from Around the Globe
One of my favorite ways to connect to a country is to learn about the local festivals, events and traditions that make each place unique. I find we all celebrate in our own ways. Some are religiously linked traditions, some celebrate the change in seasons, and others are simply ways to enjoy this life we are all living. Festivals can be a huge inspiration for my art journals and artwork.
Located in the area of Northeast China, there is an abundance of ice and snow! This exposition has exquisite ice sculptures made from people around the world.
One of the most famous carnivals around the world and it is centuries old. The festival lasts for several weeks and dates back to 1094. At the time, the masks were a way of hiding people’s social class.
Colorful and extravagant, Rio Carnival is a significant Catholic tradition which signal the start of Lent and dates back to the 1650’s. Floats, samba dancers, movement and dancing fill Brazil during this time. Brazil’s Rio carnival is a mixture of African, Portuguese and indigenous culture.
The Hindu Festival of Color marks the beginning of spring. People celebrate by creating large bonfires around the country signifying burning of the evil spirits. Colors are thrown around each holding significance. Despite having roots in Hinduism, Holi has been celebrated across all religious communities in India.
“Hanami is the ancient tradition of going to enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) and sometimes plum blossoms (ume) in parks and throughout the countryside in Japan. Because cherry blossoms are beautiful and fleeting—the blooms often last no more than two weeks—they have become symbolic of the impermanence of beauty. Gorgeous flowers are the main attraction at the cherry blossom festivals, but there are a variety of traditional Japanese performances presented during these festivals.” - Trip Savvy
When we travelled to Japan, it was such a beautiful experience. We travelled through Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. By far the best location to see these beautiful blooming trees was Kyoto. The tress are everywhere here! People gather in the streets, local parks to delight in these fleeting beauties. Gion and Higashiyama are the best areas to stay as you can walk to most areas. If you have a chance try staying at a Ryokan or traditional Japanese-style inn. Yasaka Padoda, Kodai-ji Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Kamogawa River, Shirakawa Canal in Gion, and Takenaka Inari Shrine are all amazing viewing points.
This may be one of the more eclectic festivals on our list! “The small Valencian town of Buñol become rivers of tomato juice, as people from all over the world throw over-ripe tomatoes at each other in this state-sanctioned food fight.” It’s origins date back to a street brawl in Spain. - Culture Trip
“Larry Harvey and his friend Jerry James knock together an improvised wooden figure and drag it down to Baker beach on the Summer Solstice. They light it up, and a curious crowd gathers to watch it burn.”
The world's most famous beer festivals takes place every year in Munich, Germany held at the Theresienwiese (the festival grounds). Established in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, it has evolved over time and can last up to 18 days.
“Thousands of paper lanterns float up into the sky each year in Thailand. Celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. Temples and houses decorate their entrances with flowers in this Buddhist culture as it represents moving away from darkness and into the light.”
One of the most prominent connections to death is Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. It has since been commercialized around the world but it has significance in the country beyond many peoples understanding. This is a time meant to honor the lives of those who have passed away. Dating over 3,000 years ago it was connected with the Aztec tradition and has since been combined with Catholicsism.
In Mexico, shrines or alters are decorated with offerings to the deceased. These typically include items such as skulls, photos of the deceased, possessions, skeletons, monarch butterflies which symbolize the spirit returning home as they migrate at the same time of the year as Day of the Dead. Papel picado or perforated paper flags which symbolized the fragility of life, candles, incense, lanterns. They also provide offerings such as food and drink as the people believe the spirits are thirsty or hungry on their journey to visit the shrine or their loved ones.
In our Art Passports to Mexico course, we learn more about this tradition and dive into some art journal prompts inspired by this event. Also find our bonus art projects on the blog of Calavera or painted skulls and DIY Flower Crowns.
