Top festivals around the world this January
siddlobo
04 January, 2010 13:18
The New Year has begun. It’s freezing cold in many parts of the northern hemisphere but that doesn’t stop people from having fun. Here’s a round up of some of the festivals making a splash from around the world this January.
Ati-Atihan Festival, Philippines
14th -16th January
Held every third Sunday in the month of January, this festival is a cross between Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras, Philippino style. It is one of the biggest events in the cultural calendar and a must visit for travellers in the region. Expect much singing, dancing, music and food.
World Buskers Festival, New Zealand
21st – 31st January
This is the meeting of the world’s best buskers. For 10 days, the streets and pavements of Christchurch are transformed into stages for the public. This open air street fest is crammed with entertainment and music for the entire family. With over 450 live shows planned for the upcoming event, you can say goodbye to a boring day at home.
Thaipusam, Malaysia
30th January
Thaipusam is a day of penance and Thanksgiving for Hindus in honour of Lord Muruga. Main celebrations in Malaysia are at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. After a period of fasting and abstinence, many devotees can be seen in trance as they flock to the temple on Thaipusam. Most of them carry ‘kavadis’ or ornate frames with spikes that are hooked onto the body or some have spears pierced through their tongues. It is said that devotees don’t feel any pain and nor is there any blood shed. Close to 800,000 people throng to the temple to watch and join the celebrations.
World championship cockroach racing, Brisbane, Australia
26th January
Yep, you read it right. Described as ‘the greatest gathering of thoroughbred cockroaches in the universe’, this race is just that… a cockroach race. The fastest roach wins. Or rather the human owner who dragged him out from under the fridge wins. The race itself is set in a boxing ring style set up and all proceeds from the event go to charity.
Kumbha Mela, Haridwar, India
14th January – 28th April
Described as the largest gathering of people for a religious purpose in the world, the Kumbha Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage. The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
Celtic Connections, Scotland
16th January – 3rd February
This is one of the most important events on Scotland’s cultural calendar. From torchlight processions to amazing performances from Scottish and international bands, get ready for non stop entertainment. This year’s line up includes performances by Bobby McFerrin and Naturally 7 to name a few.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter
Happy New Year 2010
easyexpat
01 January, 2010 00:01
We all wish you a very happy year 2010!
Same time each year, the end of 2009 is a period to think about what has been achieved and what will be done in 2010.
2009 was a good year on EasyExpat's network but the growth was
slower than predicted. Beside the expansion of our guides covering
several new cities, we have implemented a complete new design to our
expat websites.
For 2010 we have already several very exiting projects:
- new forums: a global makeover of the forum to create a community for each destination;
- new functionalities for the classifieds, with a better presentation and subscription;
- more guides: Beijing, Prague, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul... etc;
- many others including more proper translations, blog articles...etc.
And don't forget to have a look at our newest city-guide: Auckland
Our solutions:
Once again, happy new year 2010 with Easy Expat!
