The festival season is a multifarious time of year and a fever pitch. It is the best time of the year to visit a city and enjoy the diverse array of activities. The climate is generally moderate, and the air is filled with natural fragrance. It is as if you’re in a fancied fairyland, and the festive atmosphere is contagious. Here are some of the activities to enjoy during your next festival:
Education: Another social benefit of a festival is education. But this doesn’t mean a classroom lesson. Education is best achieved through hands-on experiences that aren’t always easy to access through textbooks. In 2011, for example, the University of Minnesota Tourism Center measured the educational goals of the Lady Slipper Celebration, a cultural festival in Minneapolis. Almost eighty-seven percent of visitors reported learning new things about lady slippers during the event, while four-six percent reported learning about Native American culture.
Safety is another important factor. When visiting a festival, it is wise to wear a high-quality camera and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from potential dangers. Be careful not to leave your hotel room late at night because some festival goers are prone to exploitation. Make sure you have a phone number of your hotel administration to call in case you need to contact them. You’ll be glad you did. You’ll also be glad you did!
Another traditional festival in India is the Kumbh Mela. This twelve-day event celebrates the confluence of three sacred rivers in the region. The area is often covered in a thick layer of tourists. The Kumbh Mela festival draws pilgrims from all over the world. The throng includes Hindu sadhus, pilgrims and tourists. This ancient festival dates back to 3464 BC, so the festival itself is sacred and attracts millions of people each year.
Public transport is another option. Public transport provides a clear direction and is much safer than cabs. Additionally, other passengers may be willing to lend a helping hand in case of problems. Cab drivers may take advantage of you, so be sure to have a printed route map handy. You’ll be glad you did! It makes the trip more enjoyable. If you plan on traveling alone, consider hiring a tour operator or booking a taxi.
The Philippines is home to over 42,000 known major festivals. These festivals are generally local and not nationalized. Many of these festivals have been criticized by late Filipino nationalist writer Dr. Jose Rizal, who cited their idolatrous nature and wasteful nature. Those who follow this tradition will often take part in a parade. Several months before Easter, many people gather in a public space for parades. In some places, this parade includes a giant bull’s head that is carried by cart pushers. The bull was later dressed in white, as a sign that Lent was approaching.
In many cultures, festivals celebrate specific communal purposes. Some, like those celebrated in India, celebrate gods and goddesses. Patronal festivals are intended to honour gods and saints while providing entertainment for the community. This was an important aspect of community life before the advent of mass entertainment. Other festivals are centered around ethnic or cultural topics. Many festivals involve elders, providing a sense of unity among family members. So, no matter what kind of festival you are looking for, there is a festival to celebrate in your region.