With warmer weather in the summer months millions of people around the world gather outdoors and celebrate for various occasions and events. Here are a few fun and unique festivals to check out on your next summer adventure.
The Festival of the Sun – Inti Raymi Festival, Cusco, Peru
June 24, 2018
Each year on June 24th, a tribute to the worshiped Sun God Inti includes more than 500 actors who assemble to re-enact an ancient Inca ceremony in adoration of the sun god. The 9-day celebration is held in the great square of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and includes large banquets, festive music and thousands of people dressed in colourful costumes.
Pride Week, New York City, NY, USA
June 24, 2018
The New York City Pride March attracts tens of thousands of participants and sidewalk spectators each June. In addition to the parade, other NYC Pride events include a LGBT rights rally, a family movie night, a street fair and the Dance on the Pier, which has featured popular artists including Janet Jackson, Cher and Ariana Grande.
Running With the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain: July 6-14, 2018
The Running of the Bulls is a time-honoured Spanish tradition, which will raise your adrenaline levels, whether you’re running or watching.
This exhilarating race takes place during a nine day festival unlike any other. Locals and tourists come together in a rowdy crowd ready to take on nine days of celebratory drinking and eating. The actual bull run itself includes a half-mile course that winds through four different cobblestone streets of the historic Spanish town.
Just for Laughs Festival, Montreal, Canada
July 11-29, 2018
Spend time laughing, see some celebrity comics and tour one of the most beautiful cities in the world. During the day street performers delight the crowds and at night the city comes alive with comedy happenings scattered throughout the City. Comics who have played Just for Laughs include: Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart & Howie Mandel.
Comic Con International, San Diego, California, USA
July 19-22, 2018
With the rise in popularity of animated films, video games and other fantasy novels, the franchise of Comic Con has been growing. This festival features a 4 day event that is held at San Diego Convention Center in California. Some famous movie and TV personalities can also be seen in this big event such as Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool)
July 20-29, 2018
Tomorrowland has quickly grown to become one of the world’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festivals. It stretches over 2 weekends and usually sells out in minutes. Over 100,000 visitors flock to this Belgium festival to dance the day and night away.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aug 3 – Aug 27, 2018
The world’s largest arts festival transforms Scotland’s capital every August, as thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows of all kinds and for every taste. The work on show ranges from huge names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers.
Elvis Week, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
August 9-18, 2018
Each year fans from around the world gather at Graceland in Memphis to celebrate and honour the life of Elvis Presley during Elvis Week. Unprecedented concerts, special performances and guest appearances take place at Graceland’s new entertainment complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
La Tomatina, Bunol, Valencia, Spain
August 29, 2018
This festival takes place each year on the last Wednesday in August. The event is held in the Valencian town of Buñol, located in the east of Spain. Thousands of people make their way from all corners of the world to take part in this food fight where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets. Participants get involved purely for entertainment purposes.
Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Orlando, Florida, USA
August 30 to November 12, 2018
Special kiosks are set up around the World Showcase with food and drinks that reflect various countries. This year’s festival will continue its tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favourite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favourite bands of the last few decades.