International Celebrations Not to be Missed

With the Forth of July this weekend, everybody is celebrating across the Nation. We’re not the only country that likes to party. When traveling or studying abroad, one of the best ways to learn about a new culture is to experience its local festivals or sporting events. Here are a few celebrations to check out:

Oktoberfest in Germany

Germany's O-Fest is for the Whole Family

What happens at Oktoberfest…well, you know how it goes. Oktoberfest is one of Germany’s greatest festivals, with more than six million people attending each year. Held in Munchen (Munich) each Fall, the event dates back to 1810, when King Ludwig I commemorated his wedding with a grand horse race. Each year the city of Munich turns into a big fair. The festival consists of dozens of beer tents, food stands, a grand ferris wheel, and dozens of rides for those too young for the tents. Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without lederhosens.  It’s not all about beer, attendees indulge in Pretzeln (a special cake), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Weisswurst (a white sausage), and sauerkraut. A few words of caution: don’t lose your friends (you may never find them) and never leave a camera unattended (believe me, it happens).

Brazil’s Famous Carnaval

It starts four days before Ash Wednesday. For four glorious days and nights- Saturday to Thursday- people don their costumes and take over the town. Several cities celebrate, but Rio de Janeiro’s lavish carnaval is one of the world’s most famous. Carnival dates back to a Portuguese pre-lent festivity called “entrudo,” a chaotic scene where participants threw mud, water, and food at each other in a street event. Times have changed a bit- today carnaval consists of street parades, samba music, elaborate costumes, and thousands of dancers, singers, and drummers. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Palio di Siena

Catch One of Italy's Best Races

If you’re in Siena, Italy in July or August don’t miss one of the country’s greatest sporting events. Il Palio is a horse race held twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th. Traditionally, ten horses and riders represent ten of the seventeen Contrade, or city wards. The horserace circles the Piazza del Campo three times and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds. Don’t be surprised to see a few jockeys thrown off their horses while making the treacherous turns in the piazza. A festive pageant, the Corteo Storico, precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world.

Saint Patrick’s Day Festival in Ireland

Ok, we know you can celebrate this stateside, but there is nothing like spending Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland. For five days (March 12th to 17th) Ireland honors it’s culture, tradition, and history.  There’s music, carnivals, comedy, street performances, and treasure hunts. It all culminates with the world famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Five days. Thousands of performers. Millions of people. You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day…but it doesn’t hurt.

The list goes on.   What are some of your favorite celebrations? Or those you are dying to someday attend?