Aloha festival

Aloha festival

 This festival is held in Hawaii, USA from September to October in every year. It lasts about 40 days. This festival is held by Polynesian to protect their traditional culture as people reenacted loyal family since 1946. But it developed to inform and prevent their traditional culture. During this festival, you can see lots of fancy flower carriages everywhere. I heard that the theme of this festival changes every year. The theme of this year was Turtle. Since Hawaii is famous for tour city, this festival attracts a lot of people from all around the world.

 Hula performances, traditional food tasting, Parade of people were included.

 This picture is Hula performances. They seemed to be very happy :)

Actually I love Hula music, I really want to participate this festival.

People who are riding a horse is loyal family.

They seemed to be very satisfactory. Look at the smile girl on the horse!

If you want to find some more information, you could check this. This is the official homepage of this festival. www.alohafestivals.com/

Images from http://blog.naver.com/fkdlssjaqjxn?Redirect=Log&logNo=120067288679

Boryeong Mud festival

Boryeong Mud festival

Boryeong Mud Festival is became more popular and popular recently. 

It is held in Dae-chun beach in Boryeong, Chung-cheong province. 

It started in 1998 first. It is held in the middle of July and lasts 4 days.

 Boryeong city wants to promote mud as their excellent choice, that's why this festival grew up so fast. Boryeong Mud includes many good ingredient like Mineral, Germanum, Bentonite. These ingredient for Skin. So this festival is especially popular to women.

This festival includes many fun games: Mud slide, Crossing a single log bridge, Performing an traditional exorcism, Mud make-up contest. Mud massage, Mud human mannequin. It also grow as an international festival. A lot of foreigners participate this festival as well.  Actually I've never been to this festival, but I really want to go there!! Since its very near so I'm going to visit next year. I think this is the easiest festival that I can visit.

This is mud sliding. I want to experience that!! 

They cover mud to each other's face. Aren't they cute? 

Wow! They are fight by using mud!!

I want to recommend this to my friend. She's good at fighting:)

This is Boryeong mud pack. You can also buy this pack!

If you visit here, you will find lots of fun!!!

Here is the official homepage of Boryeong Mud Festival. You can find more information.

http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?where=image&sm=tab_nmr&query=%EB%B3%B4%EB%A0%B9%EB%A8%B8%EB%93%9C%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C&nso=so%3Ar%2Ca%3Aall%2Cp%3Aall&sort=0&site=&ie=utf8

Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival

Songkran festival is held in entire Thailand from 13th, April to 15th April. This festival is also called water festival. This festival is held to celebrate Thai Lunar New Year's Day. And here, people can spray water to each other praying bless. This festival is very famous along with the Yi peng festival in Thai. If I participate this festival in summer, it should be more cooler and cooler.

Even the elephant sprays water to people. It  seems to be very cool. Isn't it?

People spray water to each other.

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?where=image&sm=tab_nmr&query=%EC%86%A1%ED%81%AC%EB%9E%80%20%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C&nso=so%3Ar%2Ca%3Aall%2Cp%3Aall&sort=0&site=&ie=utf8

This is the official homepage of Songkran Festival. You could find more information in here. http://songkran.tourismthailand.org/

Yi peng lantern festival

Yi peng lantern festival

  Yi peng lantern festival takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. This festival is also called festival of lights. Also it is the oldest festival in Thailand. The highlight of this festival is flying lanterns and floating lanterns on the river which is Loi Krathong. Some people put their hairs and nails in Krathong hoping their bad lucks are gone. Loi means float and Krathong means lantern shaped in lotus in Thai.

People floating lanterns on the fiver. They wish when they float the lanterns. If the candle doesn't turn off and goes far away, then wish might come true. :)

I heard that the atmosphere of this festival is very peaceful and lyrical contrasts to other festivals. And I found a really beautiful video. People fly their lanterns into the sky. 

Look at this video. This is really beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN7jhXlYEc8

If you want to feel like you were in the fairy tale, I would recommend to go this festival.

I think this is super beautiful.

All images from http://www.google.co.kr/search?q=loi+krathong&hl=ko&newwindow=1&prmd=imvnsul&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=TtLhTt6FAsLLrQeV4bjKAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CFsQ7Ak&biw=1280&bih=646

Lio Carnival

Lio Carnival

Lio Carnival is held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil around  from end of February to early March. This festival is almost Samba Festival. The carnival parade is filled with people and floats from various samba schools. A samba school can either be an actual school or just a collaboration of local neighbors that want to attend carnival. I think this is kind of interesting. Because people go to school because they just want to participate the festival.

This festival was the combination of the festival which was held by people from the Portugal and dances and songs of the African slaves. It developed as one big festival as time goes by. I read that the passion of African slaves can lead this festival to a one of the big festivals. 

During the festival, the city is crowded thousands of people.

It also has worth of 2 billion economic effect and creates more than 400 thousand jobs.

I think this festival is very important to Brazil's economy.

Wow!! Look those people! 

Thousands of people!!!

I heard this festival attracts more than one hundred thousand people from the world and three hundred thousand people from the Brazil. What a number!!

You can see also many beautiful and passionate dancers.

They are so splendid. I couldn't find the picture of handsome male dancers :(

This is the official homepage of Lio Carnival http://www.rio-carnival.net/

All images from http://blog.naver.com/yugyug2?Redirect=Log&logNo=110104570723

Harbin Snow Festival

Harbin Snow Festival

Harbin Snow Festival is one of the biggest festivals in China. It also can be selected as the best festival in China since it started in 1985. It is held from every 5th, February to 5th, March. Actually Harbin is very familiar to Koreans. Because when we were dominated by Japanese, some Koreans built independence organization. So we have heard of Harbin many times.

When you go to this festival, you have to wear cloth warmly because Harbin is so cold. I heard that even the camera can be frozen while you take the photo. Wasn't it enormous?

During the festival a lot of well-known sculptors get together making the model of buildings, animals, work of arts. They exhibit those sculpts. The interesting is the ice which was used in this festival is collected from Sungarri, which is the river. This ice froze in -20 degree Centigrade. At night every sculpt turn up the light so it's going to be really beautiful. So people recommend to come at night than noon.

When the temperature drops to -30degree, the steam in the atmosphere is frozen. That means you can see Diamond dust phenomenon.


 Diamond dust is a ground-level cloud composed of tiny ice crystals. This meteorological phenomenon is also referred to simply as ice crystals. Diamond dust generally forms under otherwise clear or nearly clear skies, so it is sometimes referred to as clear-sky precipitation. It is most commonly observed in Antartica and the Arctic, but it can occur anywhere with a temperature well below freezing. In Polar regions diamond dust may continue for several days without interruption.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_dust

This is picture of ice statues. Look how big they are.

A visitor climbs the stair.

Visitors are enjoying the ice sleigh. Seems like fun!

I think this sculpt is symbol of China. I heard that this is popular photo spot.

So beautiful :)

There are beautiful fireworks as well!

If you want to feel the real cold and fun, you gotta check this out!

This is the official homepage of Harbin Snow Festival. http://www.hrbicesnow.com/

All images from http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/harbin_ice_and_snow_sculpture.html

The Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival

The next festival I'm going to introduce is Edinburgh International Festival. This festival is held in Edinburgh, Scotland from the middle of August to early September. This festival is actually for artists. Lots of opera, ballet, play, orchestra will be showing on this festival. Actually the genre could be anything. Comedy, exhibit..... Maybe I can show people something as well :) Edinburgh is crowded with many unknown and famous artists around August. That means even if you're not famous artist, you could enjoy the festival!!

The origin of this festival started in 1947. It was one of the efforts to harmonize Europe since the Second World War. The highlight of this festival is Military tattoo. Military band are marching tying bagpipes and drums which are traditional Scottish instrument in Edinburgh castle. After that, many bands from around the world are playing songs.

They are playing on the street. Aren't they look free?

This is one the Military tattoo. They are so organized!

  This is the combine of every people which performed. Can you see the Korean traditional fans in the middle of the picture? They are especially beautiful :-)

If you want to feel artistic soul and find some more fun, check this festival!

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?sm=tab_hty.top&where=image&ie=utf8&query=%EC%97%90%EB%94%98%EB%B2%84%EB%9F%AC+%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C

Carnevale di Venezia

Carnevale di Venezia

 This carnival is held in Venezia, Italy in  two weeks before Lent which is the 40-day Christian observance of fasting and penitence before Easter. So it is usually held in the middle of February. This festival is one of the oldest and international festival around the world.This festival has been hosted since 1268. It has the longest history among than any other festivals I introduced.

Venezia is a small city is know for floating city. When February arrives, this city is covered with thousands of masks. I saw those kind masks when I've been to abroad, it was a little bit scary. Because it can hide someone's real face and real emotion. So if you could join this festival, maybe you could run away from yourself for a one day!

The highlight of this festival is masquerade. People wear masks and fancy clothing in San Marco Piazza. 

Look those elaborate mask! How beautiful they are! Looks very expensive.

But you can also buy cheaper one. It usually costs 5~15€ depending its quality.

Look at the picture below.

Those masks are more usual ones.

People wearing fancy clothing and masks. Although its beautiful and showy if I look them constantly, it terrifying somehow. But it seems like very fun to visit there someday

Be like a king and queen :)

Here is the official homepage of Carnevale di Venezia. 

http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?sm=tab_hty.top&where=image&ie=utf8&query=%EB%B2%A0%EB%8B%88%EC%8A%A4+%EA%B0%80%EB%A9%B4+%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C

Oktoberfest Beer Festival

Oktoberfest Beer Festival

 Oktoberfest Beer Festival is the world largest beer festival. It is held from late September to the first weekend in October. More than 5 million people attend it. This is quite huge scale!!!! This festival started since 1810 which means it has more than 200 years history.

This festival started to honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig in 1810 adding musical festival. Since then, it is developed as a national festival in Germany being supported by Munich's 6 major beer company.

 The main event of this festival is divided into three points: A music festival, Costume parade, Drinking beer. The first day of this festival, people parade wearing various customs like queen or king. Pub which were made of tent was built at the same time. This pub can accommodate more than 3000 people. After that, the mayor of Munich declares opening by showing the first beer of that year.

I think the interesting thing about this festival is beers which made in Munich only can be provided.

A lot of people wear German traditional clothes because it's a traditional festival of Germany. Aren't they cute? I want to wear them!!

 People hold the beers! They were act like "Cheers!" I love beers as well. So I really want to participate than any other festivals. Also I found a interesting video in Youtube. People participate in this festival are singing "country roads." Everybody seems to be very funny and happy. I attached this video because I love this song as well. Look how they enjoy the festival.

If you want to drink all day long and have fun with thousands of people you should go Oktoberfest Beer Festival!!!

Here is the official homepage of Oktoberfest Beer Festival. http://www.oktoberfest.de/de

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?sm=tab_hty.top&where=image&ie=utf8&query=%EC%98%A5%ED%86%A0%EB%B2%84%ED%8E%98%EC%8A%A4%ED%8A%B8+%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

 Sapporo Snow Festival is held every early February. It is going to be held in 6th, February this year. Sapporo is well know for snow city and also the background of the movie "Love letter". There are a lot of events which something have to do with snow since November. But this snow festival is the most big festival among them.

 The first Sapporo snow festival was held in 1950. But there were only 6 snow statues made by local students. It is surprised that it was such small students!!  From that time, snow festival has constantly expanded and gain its reputation.

  If you go to this festival, there are three tips you can enjoy it. First, it is divided into three banquet halls. The first one is called "Odori" You can see various, awesome statues made of snow and ice.

This is Odori banquet. Statues were made very elaborately. This is amazing!
I think the statues are like real ones.

  Second is "Tsudomu" Tsudomu is sports exchange facility communicate dome. You can enjoy winter sports like sleigh, skate.

This is Tsudomu banquet. Look those lovely snowman!! Also there is booths that you can buy local foods.

 The last one is susukino. Many fantastic ice sculpts were exhibited in here. Especially the lights through the sculpts in night is grand. It is recommended to come at night.

This picture is susukino banquet. Look how elaborate statues are!!

Also if you visit Sapporo, you could enjoy hot spring as well. Because Sapporo is famous for hot spring.

Here is the official homepage of Sapporo Snow Festival. http://www.snowfes.com/

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?sm=tab_hty.top&where=image&ie=utf8&query=%EC%82%BF%ED%8F%AC%EB%A1%9C+%EB%88%88%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C

La tomatina

 La tomatina

  La tomatina is tomato festival which is held in the Valencian town of Bunyol located in Spain every Wednesday last week of August. This festival is one of the well-known Spanish festivals. I think symbol of this festival is throwing tomatoes.

  We have to go back in 1944 to know the origin of this festival. As tomato's price plunged, people started to throw tomatoes to the members of the city council as taking it out on them. Throwing ripe tomatoes was continued to celebrate accepting their intent and meditate their spirit of citizenship.

  The most important thing to people in Bunyol is covering all buildings and window with vinyl and fabric. When the festival begins, the town could be messed up with tomatoes. 

 Also when I search this festival, I found a very interesting thing about this festival. It has rule which should be followed.

Rules of the festival 

The city council follows a short list of instructions for the safety of the participants and the festival:

• The tomatoes have to be squashed before throwing to avoid injuries.
• No other projectiles except tomatoes are allowed.
• Participants have to give way to the truck and lorries.
• The festival doesn't allow ripping off T-shirts.
• After the second shot indicative of ending the tomato hurl, no tomatoes should be thrown  From<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomatina>

This is the Valencian town of Bunyol. It seems like very quite and peaceful.

A lot of people enjoy the festival. Tomatoes which used in this festival are over 100 ton. You can guess how big scale it is. If I participate in this festival and throw tomatoes, I can release all my stress!

 Here is the official homepage of La tomatina www.latomatina.es

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?where=image&sm=tab_jum&ie=utf8&query=%EC%8A%A4%ED%8E%98%EC%9D%B8+%ED%86%A0%EB%A7%88%ED%86%A0+%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C

Jinju Lantern Festival

Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival

 Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival is held in Jinju, which is located in Gyeong-sang province, in the first week of October annually. Unfortunately a lot of people who don't live in Gyeong-sang province don't know about this festival, so that's why I want to introduce this beautiful festival to you.I think it is worth a visit.

  Actually this festival has only 9-year history which is short compared to the other famous festival. It was part of Gaecheon art festival but it is developed as "Jinju Lantern Festival" since 2002. It was selected as the best festival in Korea by Ministry of Culture and Tourism for 5 years. It is grown up very fast as time goes by.

  To know the origin of this festival, we have to go back in 1592. When Japanese invaded Korea in 1592, General Kim si min defeated them with few soldiers. The lantern was used one of the tactics and it is also used as means of communication by soldiers to say hello to their family. But in 1593, palace of jinju fell to the enemy. People started to float lanterns to memorize the spirit of soldiers.

  In the exhibition, you can see a lot of beautiful lanterns floating on the river which is my favorite. I bought a lot of exotic things in there. There is night market, which include many  foods and amusement. There is also fountain called "Music fountain". You could also enjoy traditional games in there as well.

You could see many different lanterns floating on the Nam river. (above) Isn't it beautiful?

There's a bridge above the river so you could across the river enjoying the lanterns which floats on the river.

 These lanterns were hanged in ceiling. These lanterns were called "Lantern of hope" which people write their wishes on it. It costs about $10 and everybody can participate.
My father bought 4 of them for each of my family last year and wish my family's health.

 These lanterns were made by students in Jinju. You can find a lot of creative lanterns in there! When I was in high school, I also made it!!

  You could enjoy a lot of fun to visit Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival. Here is the official homepage of Jinju Namgang lantern festival. http://www.yudeung.com/

All images from http://image.search.naver.com/search.naver?where=image&sm=tab_nmr&query=%EC%A7%84%EC%A3%BC%20%EC%97%B0%EB%93%B1%20%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C&nso=so%3Ar%2Ca%3Aall%2Cp%3Aall&sort=0&site=&ie=utf8