Do you fancy making your travel experience a little out of ordinary this year? Are you fed up with your rather quiet and uneventful holiday? Then, perhaps it might be worth trying to plan your trip around one of the most unique festivals around the globe. For your inspiration, we have highlighted these extremely unusual venues which can provoke various feelings ranging from joy, shock, pleasure…
Buenos Aires Tango Festival, Argentina
Without a doubt, South America is not lacking multiple opportunities of never-ending fun, after all the carnival in Rio de Janeiro is by far the most popular in the world. However, every year at the end of February there is another special event in Buenos Aires, where lovers of Latin music and dance can experience the Buenos Aires Tango Festival which is characterized by its elegancy and passion. Whether you are a beginner or professional you can hit a dance floor and enjoy the spirit of Tango. While you are there, you can stay in one of our hostels in Buenos Aires and take a rest in the city which never sleeps.
Pasifika Festival in Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand, is home to the Pasifika Festival, which is typically held in March. The event celebrates various cultures and identities of the Pacific nations through traditional food, dance, music and arts. Annually, more than 200,000 people come to visit this special event, including performers from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Tahiti, Tuvalu and the Tangata Whenua (New Zealand Maori). You can choose from two of our hostels in Auckland which are both located a short distance from the city centre.
Songkran Water Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you are looking for a lively experience, then you should definitely be heading to Thailand in mid-April when Songkran Water Festival takes place. The most popular celebrations take place in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. This three day event, which aims to celebrate Thai New Year, quickly turns into a big water fight, which is fun for family members of all ages. People dance to the rhythm of the music all night long but to get some sleep to keep you going, you can choose from three of our hostels in Chiang Mai which all provide comfortable and well equipped accommodation.
Paris Chocolate Festival, France
If you are a chocolate lover, October’s Paris Chocolate Festival is a must see. It is located at the exhibition centre Paris Expo Porte de Versailles which allows for 14,000 square metres to be filled with chocolate exhibitors , showcasing their delicious products – including chocolate shaped animals, tools and beauty products. The biggest highlight of this event however, is the haute couture fashion show, where models strut their stuff down the catwalk in outfits made entirely from chocolate. HI has several hostels in Paris, all conveniently located close to many major attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, Montmartre and the Louvre museum.
Brussels International Tattoo Convention
Planning to visit Brussels in November? Be prepared to be shocked by checking out the International Tattoo Convention in November. World-leading tattooists display their handiwork during the day and then spend the night rocking to live bands playing rockabilly and punk. HI has several centrally located hostels in Brussels which besides of a great location are well equipped with all modern amenities.
La Diablada in Puno, Peru
If you are looking for something special, head to Peru and the town of Puno, on the banks of the legendary Lake Titicaca for the La Diablada (‘party of the devil’) in November. This event features a parade of “possessed” locals, headed by an evil spirit, wearing a huge metal mask and crucifixes and ends at the city’s cemetery. While being in Puno you can stay in the Don Hostel in Puno which is a perfect place to meet fellow travel nomads.
Tokyo Samurai Festival, Japan
If you happen to be in Tokyo on 14th December, you may enjoy The Samurai Festival which purpose is to honour the 47 Ronin Warriors of Ako, a group of Samurai, who revenged their master’s death by killing his enemy, and afterwards committing ritual suicide. This fabulous event is represented by a parade of the warriors, enemy lords and folk dancers who are making its way throughout busy streets of Tokyo towards Sengakuji Temple where the Ronins are buried. Enjoy your stay in one of our hostels in Tokyo whose local knowledge may help you experience even more from Japanese culture and its origins.
Rock, Paper, Scissors, World Championship in Toronto, Canada
Canadians have been always known for being a peaceful nation and so it may come as no surprise that the ultimate non-violent conflict resolution game championship is held in Toronto. Yes, we are talking about the Rock, Paper and Scissors World Championship held annually in November. Although the rules may be simple, the stakes are high. The winner walks off with a cool 10,000 Canadian dollars. HI Toronto hostel provides you with affordable and comfortable accommodation which is located within short walking distance of public transport, the theatre district, restaurants, clubs, major shopping sites and many tourist attractions.
