In This Issue:
2012 World Festivals Events

2012 World Festivals Events

There is no better way to experience local culture than attending a local festival or celebration! Check out the list of festivals happening overseas, across the border and in our own backyard.

January

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival - Okinawa, Japan
Mid-January to Mid-February

Cherry trees begin blooming in Okinawa well before any other part of Japan and the Okinawans celebrate with a parade, cultural programs, food and entertainment.

February

Mardi Gras - New Oreans, USA
February 16 - 21

Music, parades, floats, parties and crazy costumes take over the streets of New Orleans.

Winter Carnival - Quebec, Canada
January 27 - February 12

The largest winter carnival in the world today, it is a winter amusement park with attractions such as skiing, snow rafting, ice sculptures, snow sled-slides and outdoor shows.

February - March

Sydney Mardi Gras - Sydney, Australia
February 17 - March 3

Parades, art festivals, beach parties, concerts and sports are some of the events that make up the largest Gay & Lesbian festival in the world.

April

Semana Santa - Antigua, Guatemala
March 30 - April 8

Also known as Holy Week, Semana Santa is a vibrant and colourful celebration over Easter.

May

The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival - British Columbia, Canada
May 4 - 13

Local BC winemakers and vineyards celebrate the arrival of spring with over 100 wine & food events throughout the valley.

June

Isle of Wight Festival - Isle of Wight, England
June 8 - 10

This 3-day music festival attracts over 60,000 visitors each year and has featured notable artists such as The Rolling Stones, Coldplay and The Police.

Montreal Jazz Festival - Montreal, Canada
June 28 - July 7

This summer music celebration features 11 days of non-stop entertainment with more than 3,000 artists from 30 countries in the heart of downtown Montreal.

July

Calgary Stampede - Calgary, Canada
July 6 - 15

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012, it attracts over one million visitors per year and features the world's largest rodeo, a parade, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing and more.

August

La Tomatina Festival - Bunol, Spain
August 29

The world's most famous food fight consists of 45,000 tourists hurling 130,000kg of over-ripe tomatoes until the streets are ankle-deep in tomato sauce.

September

US Open Tennis - New York, USA
September 8 - 10

Tennis enthusiasts have been watching the final major championship of the "Grand Slam" season for over 100 years.

Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany
September 22 - October 7

This festival is made for beer lovers and is the largest beer festival in the world with over 5 million people attending every year and over 7 million liters of beer served.

October

Celtic Colours International - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
October 5 - 13

A unique celebration of music and culture with dozens of concerts all over the island, workshops, exhibitions and nightly entertainment.

November

Day of the Dead - Mexico
November 1 & 2

Friends and family members get together in remembrance of their passed loved ones with music and festivities.

Melbourne Cup - Melbourne, Australia
November 6

Known as "the race that stops the nation", the Melbourne Cup is an annual horse racing event and a popular social event throughout the whole country.

December

Christmas Markets - Prague, Czech Republic
December

Christmas markets run daily throughout December with a festive array of stalls, Christmas carols, warm food and hot wine.

Book one of these events with Flight Centre at 1 866 317 4794.

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