Carnival of Venice:

  • Official Site:  Carnival of Venice
  • What is it?:  An annual festival held in Venice, Italy famed for its elaborate costumes & masks, parades, and parties. It ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday).   
  • Dates: January 27 - February 13, 2018
  • Locations:  Throughout Venice, Italy


Up Helly Aa Fire Festival:

  • Official Site:  Up Helly Aa
  • What is it?:  An annual tradition that originated in the 1880's marking the end of yule season.  It features troupes of thousands of "guizers" (actors or mummers) depicting Vikings & Norse legends with songs, processions, a town hall civic reception, and a museum.
  • Dates: January 30, 2018
  • Location:  Lerwick, Scotland (Shetland Islands)


Yi Peng Lantern Festival:

  • Informational Site:  Lantern Festival
  • What is it?:  This "Festival of Lights" is celebrated throughout Thailand with Loi Krathongs (lotus-shaped receptacles) released on water to bring luck & fulfill wishes.  In Chiang Mai (Yi Peng Festival), people release thousands of lighted lanterns into the sky while making a wish.  The spectacle is amazing. 
  • Dates: November 1 - 4, 2017
  • Location:  Chiang Mai, Thailand (and throughout Southwestern Thai cultures)
Cost:
$ $ $ $
 Difficulty:
⚒ ⚒  
 Bliss Level:
☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎