With hundreds of festivals during the Northern Hemisphere summer (May-September), festival-hopping is a great way to experience new cultures and meet the locals. And for those on a repeat visit to a favourite destination, festivals provide a great alternative to the traditional tourist attractions.
For people booking a summer holiday in the Northern Hemisphere this year, we reveal some of the best summer festivals to help you plan your holiday.
The Expedia.com.au top 10 Northern Hemisphere summer festivals:
1. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts
Glastonbury, England (June 27-29)
One of the world's most environmentally and socially conscious events,
the Glastonbury Festival is the largest music and performing arts festival in the world, featuring dance, comedy, theatre, circus and cabaret. There are literally hundreds of bands and artists performing across more than 80 stages, attracting some 200,000 people. And, given this is England in June, travellers are advised to pack their wellies.
2. Gion Matsuri
Kyoto, Japan (July 1-31)
Gion Matsuri is Japan's most famous festival and celebrates the rich culture of the country with amazing decorative floats on parade, exhibitions and an array of traditional food. The month-long festival is a wonderful opportunity to observe Japanese traditions and rituals.
3. La Tomatina
Valencia, Spain (August 27–September 3)
La Tomatina brings food fighting to the next level as the world's largest tomato-throwing party. Tens of thousands flock to Valencia where more than one hundred metric tonnes of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets. The week-long festival also features music, parades, dancing and fireworks. Be sure to take plenty of spare clothes.
4. Palio di Siena
Siena, Italy (July 2 and August 16)
Providing a glimpse into Italian medieval history, the
Palio di Siena is a horse race that harks back to the sacred games of Ancient
Rome. The opening pageant attracts crowds with medieval costumes, flag bearers and swordsmen parading on horseback. Each competing rider and his horse is dressed and armed in attire representing one of the 17 regions of Italy. In keeping with its medieval heritage, the race has some unusual quirks, with riders allowed to sabotage competitors and the horse achieving second place being proclaimed the loser. Races take place both at the beginning and end of the festival giving holiday-makers time inbetween to enjoy Italian cooking and hospitality.
5. Dragon Boat Festival
Hong Kong, China (June 19)
In one of China's most picturesque annual festivals, thousands gather to watch beautifully decorated dragon boats compete in
Hong Kong's Stanley Bay harbour. The
Dragon Boat Festival
memorialises Qu Yuan, a great officer who drowned himself after losing in battle.
6. Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
Montreal, Canada (June 26-July 6)
With both indoor and outdoor events, the
Festival International de Jazz de Montreal brings together jazz and related music from all round the world. The two-week event boasts the largest attendance of an international jazz festival, with more than 2.1 million festivalgoers in 2007.
7. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Edinburgh, Scotland (August 3-25)
During the past 61 years, the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival has dramatically grown to become the largest festival on record, holding more than 31,000 performances in 2007 alone. The festival is a combination of theatre, comedy, dance, music and children's shows, providing something for everyone. With comedy overtaking theatre as the most popular genre at the festival, it is a good opportunity to see some of the world's funniest and up-and-coming comedians.
8. The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence, France (June 27-July 23)
Lovers of opera flock to the beautiful region of Provence in the south of France every year to attend this celebration of opera. The festival was started in 1948 by a group of opera enthusiasts and has become one of the most prestigious and renowned opera events in the world. The The
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence includes operas, concerts, exhibitions, meetings and master
9. Taste of Chicago
Chicago, United States (June 27July 6)
The world's largest food festival,
Taste of Chicago is held annually for two weeks in June. The festival is attended by millions of locals and tourists alike, tasting a variety of local, ethnic and regional food prepared by Chicago's most popular chefs. The event attracts big names, with musical artists such as Carlos Santana, Moby and Kenny Rogers performing live at recent festivals. This event will make you reassess your view of American food.
10. Győr Summer International Cultural Festival
Győr, Hungary (June 8July 6)
The Győr Summer International Cultural Festival is a celebration of Győr's cultural heritage, with a series of performances and festivals taking place during four weeks . With the city decorated, the festivities take place in the city centre and by the atmospheric Raba River. Festivals include the International Ballet Festival, the International Folk Dancing Festival and the International Handcraft Fair and Exhibition, with separate performances by the Győr Ballet, the Győr National Theatre, the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra and visiting theatre companies and musicians.
