Five Cultural Festivals From Around The World
Emma Mackey
Carnival - Rio De Janiero
The Rio Carnival is considered the biggest carnival celebration in the world. It has grown from the first event in 1732 to over two million people per day. The typical Rio Carnival parade is filled with revelers, floats, and adornments from numerous samba schools in Rio.
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Day of the Dead - Mexico
Widely observed in Mexico, this festival, despite its somber title, is very much a celebration. In Mexican culture, death is recognised as part of nature, something to appreciate and respect, rather than fear. Day of the Dead celebrations are joyous and lively, full of colour and light, remembering those who have passed with fondness and humour.
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Holi - India
Holi is the big Hindu festival of Colours, Love, and Spring, featuring people throwing coloured water and powders at each other in celebration. With roots in Indian mythology it's associated with a story of good forces triumphing over Hiranyakashipu, a demon king.
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Oktoberfest - Germany
Oktoberfest's roots can be traced back to 1810 in Munich, where future King Ludwig was married, inviting the entire city to attend the celebration. The event, starting in mid or late September, attracts more than seven million national and international visitors annually. People dress in traditional Bavarian attire, enjoy traditional Bavarian foods (such as pork knuckle) and, of course, drink plenty of beer served in large steins.
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Mardi Gras - New Orleans
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies. Expect vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, lively music, indulgent feasting, throwing beads from floats, wearing the colors purple, green, and gold, and eating King Cake.
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