Friday, October 15, 2004
Escape Destinations
Freak fests
CARNEVALE
Brazil
THIS legendary four-day party dates back to 1723 when it began as a simple lime and water fight in the streets. These days it attracts thousands, and the samba parade is telecast around the world. With everything from expensive balls to a gigantic free street party, Carnevale has been called one of the greatest parties on earth, ending in Mardi Gras on the fourth day.Where: Rio de Janeiro When: In 2005 Carnevale is February 5-8. www.ipanema.com/carnival
THIS legendary four-day party dates back to 1723 when it began as a simple lime and water fight in the streets. These days it attracts thousands, and the samba parade is telecast around the world. With everything from expensive balls to a gigantic free street party, Carnevale has been called one of the greatest parties on earth, ending in Mardi Gras on the fourth day.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS
Canada
A COUNTRY that produced Robertson Davies, Margaret Atwood and Carol Shields, to name just a few, must be a special environment for writers. This festival hosts more than 80 eminent writers from around the world in readings, on-stage interviews, lectures and tributes, as well as signing books and meeting audiences.Where: Harbourfront Centre, Toronto When: October torontoartsonline.org
A COUNTRY that produced Robertson Davies, Margaret Atwood and Carol Shields, to name just a few, must be a special environment for writers. This festival hosts more than 80 eminent writers from around the world in readings, on-stage interviews, lectures and tributes, as well as signing books and meeting audiences.
FESTIVAL OF THE DESERT
Africa
A MUSICAL event based on traditional gatherings of the Tuareg people, which draws musicians from Mali, Niger, Mauritania and other countries. Festivities include traditional singing, dancing, sword-play and camel races. With hot days and cold nights spent in tents and on mats on the ground, it's a unique cultural experience.Where: In the desert oasis of Essakane, 65km from Timbuktu, Mali. When: The fifth annual music Festival of the Desert will be held on January 7-9, 2005. e-mail: festidesert@yahoo.fr
A MUSICAL event based on traditional gatherings of the Tuareg people, which draws musicians from Mali, Niger, Mauritania and other countries. Festivities include traditional singing, dancing, sword-play and camel races. With hot days and cold nights spent in tents and on mats on the ground, it's a unique cultural experience.
BURNING MAN
USA
THIS artistic and spiritual festival began with a group of friends in 1986 and today attracts 25,000 to the annual ritual of building a giant effigy of a man and burning it. The multitudes form a temporary community and camp on a dry lake bed in the hot desert and a theme is assigned to every year's festival. Everyone is challenged to express themselves in some way along the lines of the theme.Where: Black Rock Desert, 190km north of Reno, Nevada When: The week before and including Labor Day weekend, either August or September. www.burningman.com
THIS artistic and spiritual festival began with a group of friends in 1986 and today attracts 25,000 to the annual ritual of building a giant effigy of a man and burning it. The multitudes form a temporary community and camp on a dry lake bed in the hot desert and a theme is assigned to every year's festival. Everyone is challenged to express themselves in some way along the lines of the theme.
HOLI
India
A FRENETIC celebration of spring, Holi is celebrated with the hurling of coloured dyes and water bombs in the streets. Foreigners attract extra attention on the dye-throwing front but it's all very friendly. Get outside among it in your old clothes but remember that the dye-wars stop promptly at noon, when a ceasefire is declared so the afternoon can be spent cleaning up. A joyous celebration and, being spring, a great time to explore the crazy wonders of India.Where: All around the northern states of India. When: Full moon in late February to early March. tourismofindia.com
A FRENETIC celebration of spring, Holi is celebrated with the hurling of coloured dyes and water bombs in the streets. Foreigners attract extra attention on the dye-throwing front but it's all very friendly. Get outside among it in your old clothes but remember that the dye-wars stop promptly at noon, when a ceasefire is declared so the afternoon can be spent cleaning up. A joyous celebration and, being spring, a great time to explore the crazy wonders of India.
BEER CAN REGATTA
PENIS FESTIVAL
Japan
KNOWN locally as the Kanamara Matsuri Festival or Festival of the Steel Phallus, this is the place to appeal to the gods for fertility, or just to see everything from radishes and lollipops to playground see-saws made into the shape of penises. This 400-year-old festival occurs during the two-week window of cherry-blossom season and is a magnet for couples looking for fertility help, gays and lesbians, overseas tourists and locals. Included are phallic sculptures, street parades and a straight and gay party.Where: Kawasaki When: Late March or early April metropolis.japantoday.com
KNOWN locally as the Kanamara Matsuri Festival or Festival of the Steel Phallus, this is the place to appeal to the gods for fertility, or just to see everything from radishes and lollipops to playground see-saws made into the shape of penises. This 400-year-old festival occurs during the two-week window of cherry-blossom season and is a magnet for couples looking for fertility help, gays and lesbians, overseas tourists and locals. Included are phallic sculptures, street parades and a straight and gay party.
GALWAY OYSTER FESTIVAL
Ireland
IF YOU love fresh oysters and have a passion for Guinness, try the Galway International Oyster Festival, which celebrates Galway's annual oyster harvest. A weekend of top-class national and international artists, cabaret and dancing. Catch the oyster opening, or shucking, championships, the mardi gras, oyster tastings and, if you're up for a good old-fashioned beauty quest, join the hunt for the "pearl" of the festival.Where: Nimmos Pier, The Claddagh, Galway. When: September 22-25, 2005 galwayoysterfest.com
IF YOU love fresh oysters and have a passion for Guinness, try the Galway International Oyster Festival, which celebrates Galway's annual oyster harvest. A weekend of top-class national and international artists, cabaret and dancing. Catch the oyster opening, or shucking, championships, the mardi gras, oyster tastings and, if you're up for a good old-fashioned beauty quest, join the hunt for the "pearl" of the festival.
INTERNATIONAL REGATTA OF BATHTUBS
Belgium
THE Meuse River meanders through the tiny town of Dinant, its banks lined with sweeping lawns, tangles of wild roses and steep cliffs topped by an 11th-century citadel. It's here that crowds gather for one day every August to watch La Regate des Baignoires, a race of eccentrically decked-out bathtub-craft notable more for their creativity than their speed. Motors are forbidden, as is deliberate sinking of rivals. Water antics and lots of Belgian beer combine to create a raucous free-for-all.
WIFE-CARRYING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
