April Festivals Around the World
From Spring celebrations to water blessings, and land dives, there are many festivals throughout the world in the month of April.
Here are a few…
Festivals in Asia
What: Songkran Festival
Where: Thailand
When: Mid April (check the Thai Tourism website for exact dates)
In every town and city throughout Thailand, the Thai people are celebrating the Lunar New Year with Songkran. Songkran is a festival when Thais throw water at each other and over Buddha images. The water symbolizes giving blessings for the New Year, and seeking blessings too. When we visited Thailand, everyone participates in this festival for a few days, sometimes throwing buckets of water at each other. After changing out of our wet clothes several times, but never dried off.
Photo Credit: All-Thailand-Exp.com
What: Naghol Land Diving
Where: Pentecost Island, Vanuatu, South Pacific
When: April – TBC (check the Vanuatu Tourism Site)
There’s a tradition on Pentecost Island, where men from the Sa Tribe tie jungle vines to their ankles and jump off a spiked tower, diving 100 feet to the ground. It’s a way to please the Gods and show their manhood to the village women.
Photo Credit: TheAustralian.com.au
What: Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage Festival
Where: Ganges, India
When: Starts end of April
Up to 100 million devotees make an annual pilgrimage to immerse themselves in the Ganges River in India. Many consider bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges will wash away their sins and find the nectar of life. Gurus give spiritual lectures, and there are many events throughout this lengthy festival that can last 1-2 months.
Photo Credit: Porter Yates
Festivals in Europe
What: April Fair
Where: Seville, Spain
When: Week before Easter Sunday
Seville’s April Fair, Feria de Abril, is one of Andalucia’s most colorful festivals, and lasts for an entire week. Locals and visitors smell orange blossoms and jasmine in the air, and women parade around in their beautiful flamenco dresses.
Photo Credit: SpainTravel2016.com
Festivals in the United States
What: New Orleans Jazz Festival
Where: New Orleans
When: End of April
The New Orleans Jazz Festival brings musicians from all over the world and music lovers! Next to Mardi Gras, this is one of the best parties in New Orleans.
Is there a great local festival near you? Comment below we want to hear about it and put it on our list!
