There are festivals in the world whose names do not cause a desire to visit them. But do not focus only on them – look at the description of the event, and we are sure: you will want to visit there!
In fact, all these eventsclearly show how peoples honor their ancestors, observe traditions and rituals.
Mexican Day of the Dead
It takes 3 days from 31.10 to 2.11. The holiday can easily compete with Halloween. It combines European Catholic and local ancient traditions, bright colorsand fun, and is how Mexico honors its deceased relatives. Beautiful altars are installed on the streets, where everyone can leave gifts, bread is baked and decorated (pan de muerto), costume parties are arranged. The ceremonyis characterized by a magnificent procession and an abundance of symbolic rituals.
Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of death and life at the same time. Many Mexicans on this day go to the cemetery, to the graves of their deceased relatives, to pay tribute to them. In the magicianof azins and on the shelves they sell a variety of treats and sweets, and carnival attractions are installed near the cemeteries.
Although it originated in Mexico, but now it is celebrated throughout Latin America by representatives of all ethnic and religious groups. And in 2008, UNESCO officially recognized its importance and included it in the list of cultural heritage.
The Burning Man
The festival takes place in Nevada, in Black Rock City (USA), in the desert. The holiday lasts from the last Sunday of August to the first Monday of September, that is, 8 days. For some, the name is creepy, but this is one of the most popular events in the United States. Having visited it at least once, you will understand that this is not at all terrible, but very spectacular and symbolic. The traditional burning of an effigy turns into a colorfuland exciting action. Every year the festival has a different theme, that’s why the scarecrow is different every time.
Various works of art, sometimes quite bizarre, are exhibited right in the desert. Some are burned by the creators even before the end of the event. What’s remarkable is that you can’t buy anything but fuel, coffee, and ice here. Everything else—food, drink, clothing—is just a gift. And the participants do it with great pleasure. You can take pictures and shoot videos, but youcan’t use them for a personal purpose.
Participants of the festival enjoy each other’s company and art. Particular attention is paid to community cooperation and self-expression. Participants are encouraged to generously share their creativity and talent, to express themselves through interactive andexperimental sculptures, performances and other available methods in accordance with the theme of the festival. Almost everything that is on Burning Man is created by the residents of the town, who take an active part in the event. Guests are entertained by visiting artists.
Is there a holiday?
Especially before each festival, a temporary runway is built here. The festival has the official status of a private airport. In 1995, the entrance to the event became paid. At first it was a symbolic cost in the region of 35 tollar, and then it grew to 380 dollars. And now you also need to pay extra for the fare of the car.
The history of the event says that its beginning was laid in 1986, when several artists from San Francisco burned on the shores of the Pacific Ocean a sculpture made of wood in the form of a man, 3 meters high and a dog and called this action “a moment of self-expression.”
The tradition of burning wooden sculptures appealed to the locals, the fans of the festival became more and more every year, and the height of the dolls grew. In 1987, it was 5 meters, and in 1988 it was already 12 meters.
What do you need to know before visiting the festival of a burning person?
The rules of conduct are designed to ensure the safety of participants on the territory of the Berning Maine Festival, because every year several thousand people come to it:
- It is necessary to observe the speed of movement of cars with a maximum of 8 km / h.
- The burning of one’s own sculptures is allowed only in specially designated places – on platforms that are equipped specifically for this purpose.
- It is not allowed to bring fireworks and dogs to the territory of the festival.
- Only cars of special services and mutant cars can drive around the city.
- The construction of the city is carried out according to a pre-developed and approved scheme.
Austrian Krampus Beg
The time of the event is from the end of November to Christmas. The venue is Igls, near Innsbruck. Krampus, according to Alpine folklore, is a Christmas devil with horns. His task is to kidnap, punish and frighten disobedient young children with chains and whips. This is the complete antipode of St. Nicholas. According to the stories, he is very cruel, but the degree of cruelty varies depending on who is talking about him.
Residents create pretty realistic costumes so that Krampus knocks on the door and walks down the street, frightening and punishing those children who did not obey during the year. This procession is called The Krampus Run. It’s not a scary and very popular festival.
The day of Krampus’ passage through the streets of the city begins with donuts and mulled wine. The procession of more than 70 people dressed in costumes of various creatures begins in the afternoon and turns the city into one continuous cheerful winter, snowy carnival.
This traditionis associated with the arrival of winter, the peasantry and the arrival of evil spirits. Therefore, in small Austrian villages, young people still dress in Krampus and run through the streets, creating noise. Men are looking for young girls hiding from them. The evil spirits of winterare especially rampant in this time.