Partying Around the Globe

Nomadic Lifestyle, Travel

Travelers often pick themes for their trips. One could tour a country, continent or even the world with an idea of visiting the top art museums or sporting events in all of the places they wish to visit. It is in this spirit that The Life Nomadic presents this list of some of the world’s greatest parties and festivals.

Carnival
Probably the most obvious festival for any global party list is Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This celebration of gluttony and debauchery; Carnival is actually a religious observance currently attributed to Roman-Catholics, but originally like many other Christian holidays was likely stolen from the Pagans. Immediately following Carnival, followers of the belief observe Lent – a 40 day period of self-deprivation and prayer. Strict adherence to the Catholic version of Lent would mean no consumption of meat during this period – and some say that the name Carnival comes from Latin carne meaning meat and vale meaning a farewell. During the 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday the streets or Rio come alive with parades, samba musicians, masquerading people and gorgeous women crowned with feathers.

Mardi Gras
Mardi-Gras is another word for Carnival, and like Carnival, Mardi-Gras is celebrated in many places around the world, but probably the most famous of all Mard-Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States.

Dia de Los Muertos
Or day of the dead is another excuse to party with a basis in catholicism. This holiday is observed mainly in Mexico, but also in other Latino communities across North America. It is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November to coincide with the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day which fall on the same dates respectively. Although this observance is attributed to catholicism, its origins date back much further to the days of the Aztecs.

The celebration is a time to observe, remember and commemorate family members, friends and loved ones who have passed. One of the largest and most vibrant day of the dead celebrations takes place in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca Mexico.

Oktoberfest
You don’t even have to pretend religious belief to partake in this traditional German celebration of beer. The most famous Oktoberfest celebration is held in Munich, Germany for sixteen days during late September and running into early October. American bar owners take note: At the genuine Oktoberfest only lagers are served, no ales!

Burning Man
A celebration of art, creativity and an experiment in temporary community, this festival held yearly in late August/early September in the temporary community of Black Rock City, Nevada in the United States boasts some of the most bizarre creations imaginable. The event is a seven day/seven night undertaking, culminating in the ceremonial burning of a gigantic wooden man.

The Hahnenkamm Ski Race Party
The ultimate apres-ski event is held each year in late January at the end of the ski race in Kitzbühel, Austria. The race is on the same level as the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500 or the Tour de France and the party at the end of the race is of equal proportion. This is THE place to be to get your ski party on!

Will @ August 18, 2008