The end of summer is a favorite time of year to take a vacation. Fall and school loom just around the corner, and there’s that urge to get one last hurrah in before the leaves start to fall. Luckily, August also happens to be one of the best times of year to find fantastic festivals, celebrating everything from food to art and a great deal more. Here are some of the best festivals in August – some for families, some for grown-ups alone, all for tons of fun!
Crop Over (Barbados) – Early August finds the capital become one giant festival of island culture. A King and Queen are elected, special music is chosen in a spectacular ceremony, and the streets are overrun with a parade of what Lonely Planet calls “a Calypso convoy of costumes, craziness, fireworks and rum.” More information at http://cropoverbarbados.com/
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland, UK) – Touted as “the largest arts festival in the world,” it takes over the streets and venues of the country’s capital city for three weeks in August. Offers a wild variety of movies, theater, dance, music, and so much more. Information available at http://www.edfringe.com/
Burning Man (Black Rock Desert, NV, USA) – One of the wildest gatherings of human beings on Earth. There is no set definition for its purpose beyond a general art theme, and no regulations for behavior “save the rules that serve to protect the health, safety, and experience of the community at large.” Learn more about this unique experience at http://www.burningman.com/
Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally (Binghamton, NY, USA) – Fun for all ages, this gathering includes not only the spectacular balloons, but fireworks, live music, arts, crafts, car show, kids events and more. More information at http://www.spiediefest.com/guest-guide.aspx
The Verona Opera Festival (Verona, Italy) – For 90 years, this extravaganza has offered the classics of opera at the famed Arena di Verona. In August of this special celebration season, the Festival will present Puccini’s Turnadot and Tosca for the opera fan’s enjoyment. Check the website for scheduling and tickets: http://www.arena.it/en-US/HOMEen.html
The Yu Lan (Hungry Ghost) Festival (International) – Chinese tradition tells that the 15th day of the 7th Lunar Month, which this year falls in mid-August, is when hungry ghosts can steal the living to the Underworld. Halfway through the month, the Chinese throw enormous parties to please the spirits, with street festivals, magnificent lights, and giant banquets.
This is one of the most important holidays on the Chinese calendar, and is celebrated wherever there is a substantial Chinese community. Some popular locations to celebrate include Hong King, Taiwan, Singapore, or any international city with a substantial Chinese expat, Buddhist, or Taoist community
Victorian Festival (Llandrindod, Wales) – One of the most authentic festivals celebrating Victorian life, this festival lets the visitor either express their inner 19th century self, or watch the era unfold before their eyes with costume parades, street fairs, reenactments, and exhibitions, all in the beautiful Welsh countryside. More information at http://www.victorianfestival.co.uk/
BumbaMeuBoi (São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil) – A wild street festival with its origins in slave times, the dancing, music, and general frenzy are typical of the high energy of festivals that take place in Brazil. http://www.festivalpig.com/boi-bumba.html
Elvis Week (Memphis, TN, USA) – Thousands of Elvis impersonators and fans descend on Graceland and the streets of Elvis’ hometown of Memphis to celebrate his life and mourn his death during the middle of August. The week includes music and exhibitions at various venues, tours to Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi, and a candlelight vigil at Graceland, which sponsors a number of other events as well. Find more info at http://www.Elvis.com
Festival de Tango (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – The end of August finds Tango professionals, fans, and aficionados from around the world packing the clubs and schools of the city celebrating their favorite dance form, performing, polishing their skills, and learning new ones. Schedules and registration for advanced lessons at http://www.mundialdetango.gob.ar/home09/web/en/index.html
August is the peak of festival season. Whatever your taste, wherever you want to go in the world, there’s something wonderful there being celebrated in the clubs, restaurants, and best of all, out of doors.
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Becky is an adult fun blogger keeping the online world entertained through Online Casino Mate.