Unnamed: 0
int64 0
8.98k
| pageid
int64 3.94k
78.1M
| ns
int64 0
10
| title
stringlengths 3
72
| country
stringclasses 42
values | description
stringlengths 1
137k
⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
586 | 48,860,699 | 10 | Template:Festivals in South Korea | South Korea | null |
587 | 67,106,549 | 0 | Baet Nori | South Korea | Baet nori (Korean: 뱃놀이) is a ritual of artwork appreciation on boats. It means “to appreciate artwork while boating”, which was mainly held by Yangban, who were the privileged classes of the Joseon period. Baet Nori for the aristocratic classes can be divided into two types: The Sojourn, where people would stay on the boat in a specific area; and Excursion, where people would move around in their boats over a relatively long period. Baet Nori does not mean just sitting still on a scenic boat but also enjoying music, poetry, and painting. It also involved drinking and partaking in ad-lib poetry on boats. Baet Nori was influential since it involved leaving home to travel to places in nature while appreciating arts. It illustrated how the Yangban appreciated Arts.
== History ==
Baet Nori is known as Seonyu in Chinese. During the Joseon dynasty, foreign envoys were invited on boats which floated on the Han river as a welcome party for them. Baet Nori in front of Buyongdae, Nakdonggangga, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do is popular for its propensity as representing scholarships for Gimang in July. The commoners had fun by boating during Sambok, and fishing fishes such as Gobies and boiling Maeuntang or fish porridge. From ancient times, scholars enjoyed the wind, such as floating boats on the river, admiring the coastal scenery, making poetry or making sounds according to their interests, and drinking sashimi with fish and boiling stew. In particular, during the Joseon dynasty, foreign envoys were welcomed, boats were floated on the Han River, and city halls were held to serve as a welcome party for them. Even in the New Year of 1450 (Sejong 32), there is a record of giving good luck when the Ming dynasty envoys Ye-gyeom Si and Sama-sun, the envoys of the Ming dynasty, came. The scene of Seonyu at this time was written in detail. Among them, he said, The ship was washed, and a small roof was made in the middle and covered with grass”. In many of the games played, it is common for gisaengs or women from outcast families to ride with them and create wind music to raise the atmosphere. The common people especially enjoyed boating during the sambok, and they enjoyed the day by fishing for fish such as gobies and boiling maeuntang or eating fish porridge. From ancient times, Gwangjin, Noryang, Yongsan, Mapo, and Yanghwajin have been cited as boat playgrounds in Seoul. Boating is done by floating the boat in one place, but if you move around and play, the scenery around you changes, making it even more exciting.
== Baetnori and Korea ==
The Baetnori usually takes place from spring to the end of fall and is considered as one of the most advanced recreational game of the time. Ambassadors from other countries to Korea were also invited by the court to host the Batenori boat game. This is also the way the rich show their power and wealth. Usually boat singing (Betnae) is the name of a fisherman's song while fishing or sailing. But Gyeonggi Province's folk song Singing the Boat (Baetnorae) is a song that expresses the finale of the boat player's excitement. Koreans have the proverb that Pyeongan's boss won't take it if he doesn't like it implying that even if it's a good thing, it's impossible to force him if he doesn't like it. The place called Pyeongan is the intersection of ancient China and Joseon. Pyeongan belonging to North Korea now had more silver mines than Hanyang (former name of Seoul), and because of that, it had developed a prosperous life.
== Societal influence ==
It had a special meaning not only because of the scenery of the cruise, but also because it was a rare pastime to participate. The reason is that the cost of renting a boat, decorating a boat, preparing food and drinking, and hiring the okiya to serve on the trip is very expensive. But for fishermen in the fishing village, their daily boat rides are also games. When sailing for the river to the sea, when throwing fishing nets, the singing verses are always accompanied by their river life. Unlike scholars who only consider yachts as a way to enjoy good life, for fishermen, the waters of the river are as close to them as they should be, but also have the mysterious power of nature. The sound of singing in the same year is saturated with sea breeze, telling the story of the happy life of the people of the river. |
588 | 67,104,990 | 0 | Beopgonori | South Korea | Beopgonori (Korean: 법고놀이) is a type of traditional Korean performance. In the performance, a drummer plays the beopgo (법고; 法鼓; lit. Dharma drum), a small drum, while dancing. The name beopgo originally refers to one of the four Buddhist instruments. In the late Joseon period, Buddhist monks often went about asking for alms with a dharma drum set up on the roadside or formed a nongak (farmers’ music) band and begged for rice. These monks were called beopgo monks (drumming monks) or gutjungpae, meaning a group of monks who played percussion music to raise money.
== Procedure ==
According to Dongguk sesigi (A Record of the Seasonal Customs of the Eastern Kingdom), beopgo is the practice of Buddhist monks coming into the city carrying a drum and going from house to house as they beat the drum. It is written in Hanyangsesigi (A Record of the Seasonal Customs of Hanyang) that beopgo monks, wearing straw hats and playing the drum and gong, also wearing a flower made of blue feathers and paper like a hair rod and a yellow Buddhist robe, and holding two halves of a seal called bujeol, gather on the streets of a village and dance in a circle like actors or clowns to beg for grains in order to present an offering to Buddha. The above-described geollip, or fund-raising performance, carried out by beopgo monks has aspects similar to pangut (entertainment-oriented performance combining music, dance, and acrobatics). Although the Buddhist drum called beopgo and the drum of the same name used in nongak are different, and the name was adopted because of the cultural authority of Buddhist musical instruments and hence their easy acceptance by the people. A similar name, beokgu, was also derived from beopgo in this process.
== In modern culture ==
On a nationwide basis, beopgonori is often used as another name for sogonori (hand-held drum performance). Just as the percussionists (chibae) performing sogonori are called sogo or beopgu players in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do Province, the name beopgo (beokgu) is used interchangeably with sogo. Depending on the attire, the performance is called chaesangbeokgu if the player wears a chaesangmo (twirling-streamer hat), and gokkalbeokgu if the player wears a peaked hat (gokkal). In some areas, both the beopgo and sogo are included in the composition of nongak, in which case they are distinguished from each other. In Gangneung Nongak and Busan Ami Nongak, for example, the two drums are used as different instruments. Gangneung nongak features eight each of the sogo and beopgo (beokgu), the bigger drums called sogo and the smaller ones beopgo.
== Description of the instrument ==
The sogo is less than 30 cm in diameter, and the beopgo less than 20 cm. The sogo has a wooden handle, and in the past five pieces of thin iron plate were attached to the handle to produce a metallic sound whenever the drum was struck. Unlike the sogo, in Gangneung the beopgo does not have a handle but is held by winding a string around the hand. It is also known as mijigi. On the southern coast of Korea, beokgu is used as a term for buk (barrel drum). One of the remarkable features of nongak in the southern coastal region is bungnori (drum performance), also called beokkunori or beokgunori. Solo beokgunori has evolved to show greater artistry than collective performance as the drummer can demonstrate his skills unrestricted by other performers.
== Popularity ==
As a performance featuring numerous players, beopgonori produces representative scenes expressing the collective artistic ecstasy and exhilaration of nongak. Chaesangbeopgo is a visual feast of technical and artistic skills accompanied by witnoreum (spinning-streamer hat performance), while gokkalbeopgo exhibits the appeal of collective performance with many people vigorously moving in unison and keeping time with one another and also performing araetnoreum (feet-centered play). In some regions beopgonori is also called sogonori or bungnori. In some areas, a drum smaller than the sogo is distinguished as beopgo. As the Buddhist musical instrument called beopgo has been accepted widely yet on a case-to-case basis, its name has taken on a regional character. Beopgonori testifies that in as much as nongak has a history of being passed down in relation to Buddhism its performance has great expandability. (Song, Kue-jin. The Real Face of Korean Buddhism under Japanese Colonial Rule. Journal of Korean Religions 10, no. 2 (2019): 275–99. Accessed March 13, 2021. doi:10.2307/26894715.) |
589 | 14,989,599 | 0 | Boryeong Mud Festival | South Korea | The Boryeong Mud Festival is an annual festival which takes place during the summer on Daecheon Beach (대천해수욕장) near Boryeong (보령시), a town some 200 km south of Seoul, South Korea. The first Mud Festival was staged in 1998 and, by 2007, the festival attracted 2.2 million visitors to Boryeong.
The mud is taken from the Boryeong mud flats, and trucked to the Daecheon beach area, where it is used as the centrepiece of the 'Mud Experience Land'. The mud is considered rich in minerals and used to manufacture cosmetics. The festival was originally conceived as a marketing vehicle for Boryeong mud cosmetics.
Although the festival takes place over a period of around two weeks, it is most famous for its final weekend, which is popular with Korea's western population. The final weekend of the festival is usually on the second weekend in July.
== History ==
Mud flats or getbol
Until the 1990s, Daecheon's mud flats, or getbol, made the beach unappealing to tourists — although they are very important for migrating birds and other fauna.
Some time around the beginning of the 1990s, Boryeong's coal mines closed. They had been an important part of the region's economy, which plumeted with their closure.
In 1994, Mayor of Daecheon Park Sang-don was inspired by a movie scene showing a couple enjoying a mud bath. He saw in it a possible boost to the local economy while turning around the mud flats' poor reputation. He also came across a study of the mud on Korean beaches by Jae-Bek Kim, a pharmacy professor at Wonkwang University, which demonstrated that the mud from Boryeong mud flats was particularly rich in bentonite and germanium, both beneficial for the skin.
Daecheon Natural Mud Massage House, Boryeong's first tourist business, opened in July 1994. Kim Hak-hyun was elected as mayor on June 1995, and in September 1995 the grand prize in Korea National Business Competition was attributed to the Boryeong mud mask project. In 1996 and 1997, the new mayor pushed for the development of 8 types of mud cosmetics but these had little commercial success as the product was mostly unknown. During that period, the Culture and Tourism department of Boryeong required a research to improve Boryeong's Manse cultural festival, one of the five annual festivals held locally; in 1998 Jeong Kang-hwan (정강환), professor at Pai Chai University, was the first one to propose a festival focusing on mud — originally somehow linked to the Manse cultural festival — as a way to attract tourists and spread the awareness of the mud products.
The first Boryeong Mud Festival was held at Daecheon Beach from 16 to 19 July 1998. Its success exceeded all expectations.
It has since then reached international recognition, with visitors from all over the world.
== Attractions ==
For the period of the festival several large attractions are erected in the seafront area of Daecheon. These include a mud pool, mud slides, mud prison and mud skiing competitions. This is a ticketed event and the tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. Colored mud is also produced for body painting. A large stage is erected on the beach, which is used for live music, competitions and various other visual attractions. In 2023 the mud barbecue was added.
A small market runs along the seafront selling cosmetics made using the mud from Boryeong. Various health and beauty clinics offer massages, acupuncture and other treatments utilising the medicinal qualities of the mud.
The festival ends with a large firework display.
== Gallery ==
== Notes ==
== External links ==Boryeong Mud Festival. facebook.com.
Boryeong Mud Festival (in English). boryeongmudfestival.com.
Boryeong Mud Festival (in English). mudfestival.or.kr.
Boryeong Mud Festival (in English). web.archive.org/mudfestival.or.kr. City of Boryeong site. Archived from the original on 2008-01-14.
Additional Information about Korea Festival - Boryeong 2008. web.archive.org/worknplay.co.kr/boryeong-mud-festival. Archived from the original on 2008-09-25.
CRAZIEST Play! Boryeong Mud Festival Korea Reopen after 3 years 4K HDR. youtube.com (video). Seoul Walker. 2022.
Boryeong Mud Festival is back full scale for first time since 2019. youtube.com (video, with transcription of the talk in the video description). Arirang News. 2023. |
590 | 32,838,230 | 0 | Busan International Fireworks Festival | South Korea | Busan International Fireworks Festival (Korean: 부산국제불꽃축제) is an annual fireworks festival in Gwangalli Beach, Busan, South Korea. The festival features fireworks, tourist activities, music, and light shows, against the backdrop of the Busan Bay and Gwangan Bridge.
== History ==
The Busan Fireworks Festival begins with a history that began to commemorate the 2005 APEC Busan Summit. In 2010, the festival attracted about 2.52 million visitors from all over the country and abroad. In 2011, the Busan International Fireworks Festival is held from October 21 to October 29, 2011. In 2012, it held from October 26 to October 28 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge. But the festival which was scheduled to be held on October 27 was delayed because of heavy rain. In 2013, it held from October 25 to October 26. In 2014, it held from October 24 to October 25. In 2015, it held from October 23 to October 24. It was held with Tsushima at the same time.
There have been concerns expressed about traffic, high prices, waste disposal, and pollution from the fireworks.
== Gallery ==
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
Busan International Mobility Show (BIMOS)
List of festivals in South Korea
List of festivals in Asia
== External links ==
Media related to Busan International Fireworks Festival at Wikimedia CommonsHomepage (in English) |
591 | 73,686,121 | 0 | Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival | South Korea | The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival is an annual seasonal summer festival in South Korea held at Gungnamji, the first man-made pond in the nation, in Buyeo County, South Chungcheong Province.
== Background ==
In the name of the festival, Buyeo is the place. Seodong was a prince of Baekje Kingdom who became King Mu, the 30th monarch of the respective kingdom. Visitors can view 10 million lotus blossoms and a range of lotus flower varieties, including red and white lotuses as well as water lilies. This festival celebrates the beauty of lotus flowers and emphasizes the importance of wild flower preservation. Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival was designated an excellent festival four years in a row, 2015–2018, by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival, Korea's representative summer flower festival, was selected as an 'Excellent Festival' in 2015, following the promising festival for three consecutive years of Korean culture and tourism selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism from 2012 to 2014 since its inception in 2003. The festival takes place every July during the peak summer season when lotus flowers are at bloom. The festival is based on a historical love story, with programs and performance events focused on story delivery.
=== Programs ===
Many of the activities are centered on lotus, like making lotus flowers using paper and making lotus flower soap. At night, the pond is illuminated with lights and sculptures. Some popular events at the festival are the performances showcasing a royal love story, a night parade featuring Prince Seodong and Princess Seonhwa, performances of traditional music and dance, experiences of Baekje culture, and a photo contest that involves printing lotus flowers on shirts and handkerchiefs. Other activities include lotus food tasting and participating in a lotus leaf tea ceremony; a multimedia show; a lotus canoe experience; and a lotus air balloon. On the 20th Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival in 2022, a sky bike and waterside train were introduced.
=== History ===
Chungchecheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do provinces during the Baekje period (18 BCE–660 CE) were of prime importance. These provinces in the present day consist of many registered UNESCO World Heritage relics. Gungnamji Pond is an artificial pond made during King Mu's (r. 600–641) reign; he was the 30th king of Baekje Kingdom. It is Korea's first artificial pond. The lotus festival is held around Gungnamji Pond, which bears the legend of Seodang's birth. The present-day pond was restored in 1965 and 1967. In addition to that, a small pavilion, the Poryongjeong Pavilion, was set up in the middle of the pond at the end of the wooden bridge. Gungnamji Pond with Historic Site No. 135 (designated on June 10, 1964), located in Seodong Park, is the place where the legend of King Mu, who married Princess Seonhwa of Silla, dwells. The name Gungnamji's literal meaning is pond in the south of the royal palace in Korea, named according to the Samguksagi record. According to Samguksagi, there is a record that says, In the 35th year of King Mu of Baekje (634), a pond was dug to the south of the palace, water was brought in from about 20 miles away through the 8-km waterway to plant cherry trees and willow trees around it, and an island was made in the middle of the pond, symbolizing Bangjangseonsan Mountain. Judging from this, it can be seen that this pond was a palace garden built during the reign of King Mu of Baekje. From the hill to the east of the pond, stylobates, cornerstones, pieces of roof tiles, and pieces of bowls from the Baekje period were excavated, suggesting that there must have been a palace nearby. Gungnamji Pond, which created a pavilion in the middle of a pond to express the idea of Taoism and pray for longevity, is the oldest artificial garden in Korea, and it is said that Baekje's Nojagong(노자공) went to Japan and passed on Baekje's garden landscaping techniques. It can be seen that Baekje was excellent at gardening techniques among the three kingdoms. It is a beautiful tourist destination in all four seasons. In July, the Seodong Lotus Festival, a beautiful feast of 10 million lotuses, is held, and in October and November, the Chrysanthemum Exhibition decorated with various works is held, adding to the beauty of Gungnamji Pond.
=== Folklore and legends ===
The love story of Seodong and Princess Seonhwa, also known as Seodongyo (Song of Seodong). In the area around Gungnamji Pond, known as the site of a palace during the Baekje era, the legend of King Mu, whose childhood name was Seodong or Madong, both meaning yam child, has been handed down. In the kingdom of Buyeo, a widower who lived alone outside the palace near the pond to the south of the palace communicated with the dragon of Gungnamji and gave birth to a son. He is the 30th king of Baekje, King Mu (600–641). However, life outside the palace was poor, so the family dug up and sold yams to make a living. That is why his childhood name was Seodong. Despite her poverty, Seo-dong's mother raised him with sincerity. He grew up to be a leader with a strong body and extreme filial piety. Then one night, an old man came from the palace and delivered the king's secret order to infiltrate Silla's Seorabeol and spy on state affairs. Seodong gladly accepted and disguised himself as a hemp seller to infiltrate Silla and faithfully carry out his detection activities. Then one day he heard rumors about Princess Seonhwa, the third daughter of King Jinpyeong (579–632), the 26th king of Silla, and headed to Gyeongju (then Seorabeol). Seodong went to a place where many children of Seorabeol gathered, distributed yam, and made them sing. Princess Seonhwa gets married secretly and secretly visits Seodong every night. This song spread all over the country through the mouths of children. In the end, Princess Seonhwa, who soon reached the palace, was misunderstood and exiled. Seodong, knowing this in advance, joined her on the road. As the two met more often, love blossomed, so he brought Princess Seonhwa to Baekje. Later, Seodong earned trust from the king and eventually became King Mu of Baekje, who went on to found Mireuk Temple, giving rise to the legend of Mireuksa. There are some conflicts with the actual records of events, this legend can also be an output of the historical policy of alliance between Silla and Baekje through marriage. This legend of Seodong is a love story between a man and a woman of different nationalities and statuses. Also associated with hyangga is the Silla verse form title Seodongyo (Song of Seodong). |
592 | 67,118,148 | 0 | Byeokgolje Ssangnyong Nori | South Korea | Byeokgolje Ssangyong Nori is a major event of the Byeokgol Cultural Festival (38 times as of 1998) held every year in mid-October (September 9 on the lunar calendar). It is a folk game that has been handed down to Byeokgolje (a reservoir during the Baekje period) in Buryang-myeon, Gimje. It is also in honour of the spirit of Danyanangja, who became a sacrifice to protect the Byeokgolje festival in Yonggol Village, Yonggol-ri, Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do on September 9 of the lunar calendar.
Byeokgolje Ssangyong Nori is said to have developed into a folk game of the present day by fighting the two dragons of Baengnyong and Cheongnyong and an event to comfort the soul of Danya, the daughter of Tae-soo Kim, who was sacrificed in the process. The story of the embankment construction of Byeokgolje and the dragon came to the later generations and became a game as they intertwined with the affectionate conflict of humans.
== Legend ==
According to legend, two dragons, white (Baengnyong) and blue(Cheongnyong), lived near the Byeokgol Embankment. Baengnyong was gentle in nature and guarded the embankment, but the blue dragon was violent and mischievous who often hurt people. In the end, it led to the two dragon's fight, which resulted in the bank to collapse due to the loss of Baengnyong. As a result, the villagers worked together to protect Byeokgolje, but in the process, Tae-soo's daughter Danya was sacrificed, and the event to comfort Danya's soul Byeokgolje Ssangnyong Nori developed into a folk game.
== Byeokgolje ==
Byeokgolje Ssangryong Nori was formed on the basis of Byeokgolje, one of the oldest reservoirs in Korea. It is related to rice farming and dragon faith in the Kim Man (Gimje, Mangyeong) Plain (Jingge Maenggyeong Outfield Fields), which has the only horizon, and was dramatized based on the legend of Danya, which belongs to the legend of the human god. It is the core performing arts of the Horizon Festival, with a standing tug- of- war with an embedded song of a civil engineering work song.
In the history and culture of Byeokgolje, Ssangryong Nori was formed and passed down. Byeokgolje is a symbol of the rice farming culture in Gimje, and testifies to the history of exploitation and opportunity that changed from Mahan to Baekje and then to Silla. In the Gimje region, a province with rice farming developed from around the 5th century BC, and in the Mahan period there was a country called Byeokbi-ri-guk (辟卑離國). However, as Baekje pursued the Mahan annexation policy, Gimje was incorporated into Baekje's market and took on the role of a logistical base for the South Jinan gang of Baekje. Byeokgolje was built in 330 (the 27th year of King Biryu), and together with the Hwangdeungje Hwang Dynasty and the Gobunulje 高阜訥堤, it formed the golden belt of artificial irrigation facilities for rice cultivation. However, after Silla's annexation of Baekje, the area became Wansan-gu, and the centre of military administration moved from Gobu to Jeonju. As a result, the name of Byeokgolje was changed to Gimje, and became Gimje-gun under the jurisdiction of Jeonju. In addition, renovation work was carried out in 790 (6th King Wonseong in Silla), 1143 (21st Goryeo Injured), and 1415 (15th Taejong of Joseon).
The structure of Byeokgolje was five ditches. From the north to the south, it was in the order of 水餘渠 ─ Jangsaenggeo 長生渠 ─ Central 心渠 ─ Gyeongjanggeo 經藏渠 ─ Distribution 流通渠. Standing room only bar bridge groups tales for including folk beliefs and legends, such as West Wing are both with regard to rice cultivation in the province of Gimje reservoir embankment indicates the fact that the construction and worshipped the spirits of the water yongsin. The legend of Danya is related to the repair work in the days of King Wonseong. Therefore, the historical and folklore origin of Ssangryong nori, established on the basis of the Danya legend, has a deep history of play that dates back to the Silla period.
== Significance ==
This was a folklore of local shrines that occurred in the early days of rice paddy farming, and targeted 'dragons' related to water irrigation. Beings that perform heroic acts of removing evil spirits are animals such as toads or are seen in heroic stories. It shows the characteristics of a passive pottery culture in that the evil spirit was concealed by the sacrificial act of a mortal woman rather than a forceful opposition.
In addition, as human wisdom develops, it can be interpreted in a form in which the complex loyalty, filial piety, and heat appearing in Shimcheongjeon, Chunhyangjeon are refracted and accepted.
It was designated as a Jeollabuk-do folk data in 1975, and in September 1975, it was awarded the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award (now the Minister of Culture and Tourism), the best prize in the folk play category at the 16th National Folk Art Contest.
== Present Day ==
At the Byeokgol Cultural Festival of the annual 'Gimje Horizon Festival', it is dramatized as 'Ssangryong Nori' unfolding a folk play.
Byeokgolje Ssangryong Nori has a very strong legendary element and is thought to be a local shrine that occurred in the early days of the rice field farming era. Survival irrigation has occurred since the Three Kingdoms period, and Byeokgolje, located in the middle of the Honam Plain, the largest in the country, was particularly important. It is also held every year as a major event of the Byeokgol Cultural Festival, receiving the best prize, the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports Award at the 16th National Folklore Contest held in September 1975. It was designated as Folk Cultural Property No. 10 on April 2, 1976, and the transferee was Gimje High School. |
594 | 69,083,397 | 0 | Food festivals in South Korea | South Korea | The Food Festivals of South Korea are a series of celebrations that provide insight into Korea's cuisine and culture. The cuisine ranges from traditional dishes through to modern interpretations and will often focus on regionally specific recipes and ingredients. They seek to retain Korean cultural identity, raise awareness, and promote local produce, cuisine, and the Korean food industry. Over time, some festivals and dishes such as Chimaek have become part of modern Korean culture and were further popularized by K-dramas.
== Annual Food Festivals ==
=== Food Festivals in Spring ===
==== Boseong Green Tea Festival ====Historically, Boseong has been known for its high-quality green tea. The county boast of one of the best topological and weather conditions for growing green tea. The month of May witnesses an increase in visitors to the areas of Korean Tea Culture Park, especially Boseong-gun. The annual Boseong Green Tea Festival is held during the time when green tea leaves are harvested, called haetcha (Hangeul: 햇차). The festival hosts tea-themed programs and activities, such as a tea ceremony, tea making, harvest rituals and tea picking. These activities are popular among the Koreans as well as international visitors. Trekking in the green tea farms, tasting cuisine made from green tea, and witnessing the green tea door bath are some of the other attractions of this festival. Visitors also visit nearby attractions such as Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation, Yulposolbat Beach, Yulpo Seawater Green Tea Centre.
=== Food festivals in Summer ===
==== Daegu Chimac Festival ====In July, the Daegu Chimac Festival takes place at Duryu Park in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. The term chimac is a portmanteau of chicken and maekju (meaning beer). There were over 880,000 visitors in 2015, and one million visitors during the festival in 2016. During the festival the city's Duryu park is filled with citizens enjoying chi-maek and music in the outdoors performed by artist, DJs, etc. The festival kicks off with a memorial service for chickens and continue on for five days. Visitors taste chicken cooked in various different ways along with beers from all around the world as many fried chicken franchise take part in the festival. Since this festival is held in summer visitors enjoy chimaek in an ice-cold footbath. Other activities are the Chimac 99 toast time (an event held at 9:09pm where all the participants toast together), Chimac Cooking Competition, Chimac Ice Pub and Chimac busking. Participants and visitors also visit the nearby attractions like Palgongsan Mountain cable car, Modern Cultural Street and Seomun market.
==== Bonghwa Eun-uh (Sweetfish) Festival ====At the end of July, Naeseongcheon stream, Naeseongcheon Stream sports park in Bonghwa-gun and North Gyeongsang Province are the destination for Sweetfish festival. The festival holds many activities which can be enjoyed with family and friends. One can experience various ways of catching sweetfish with bare hands or with scoop nets from water tank to catching sweetfish from chilling and clean stream of Naeseongcheon. These catches are charbroiled to eat later. The festival also offers many water sports for visitors.
==== Chuncheon Dakgalbi & Makkuksu Festival ====Every year between August and September, a Dakgalbi (spicy grilled chicken) and Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) festival is held in Chuncheon, Gwangwon-do province, the hometown of the two dishes. Many programs like food sampling, making makguksu and a makguksu eating contests are offered at the festival.
=== Food festival in Fall ===
==== Geumsan Insam Festival- Sept-Oct ====
Korea is the birthplace of Goryeo Insam (Korean ginseng), and the ginseng from Geumsan is specially well known for its quality with over a thousand years of history. Every year a ginseng festival is held in Geumsan in South Chungcheong province around Chuseok (Autumn harvest day; August 15 by the lunar calendar). The festival offers visitors to see the cultivation and processing of ginseng, learn about its benefits through the various exhibitions and experience the traditional culture of the community. Popular events include selecting ginseng seeds to harvesting ginseng, ginseng footbath to ginseng cooking contest, making medicine using ginseng to traditional massage and more. Visitors also go to the nearby tourist spot such as Garden of Sky and Daedunsan Provincial Park while returning from the festival.
==== Songi Mushroom Festival ====The Yangyang Songi mushroom festival, held sometime between late September and early October, offers visitors the opportunity to see and pick mushrooms by themselves in the mushrooms' natural habitat. Songi or pine mushroom is a precious mushroom hence often referred to as “golden mushroom” and “diamond in the tree”. Events and programs in the festival include the Sansinje rituals, picking mushrooms, sampling mushroom cuisine and making Songcheon rice cake.
==== Jinan Red Ginseng Festival ====The festival is held in the beginning of October every year in the Northern area of Maisan in Jinan-gun, North Jeolla Province. Jinan in Korea is a designated special district for the production of Hangsam (Hangeul:홍삼), red ginseng. This festival is designed to spread awareness and knowledge about red ginseng. The activities in the festival ranges from sampling high-quality red ginseng and trying menus and products made with them. The festival extends out to give more authentic and traditional experience for the visitors such as royal martial arts, traditional performances, music festivals.
==== Imsil N Cheese Festival- Beginning of October ====The festival is held in Imsil Cheese Theme Park and Imsil Cheese village in Imsil, a town historically related to production of cheese dating back to 1958. Throughout the event cuisines and products made with indigenous ingredients are available. The festival has 84 different programs of cheese making, cheese themed cooking shows, performances for children, EDM party and also parade during the night. Visitors often visit Imsil Hyanngyo Confucian academy, Okjeongho Lake, Guksabong Okjeongho overlook.
==== Gangneung Coffee Festival- Beginning of October ====
Every fall Gangneung in Gangwon Province holds the coffee festival and hosts many celebrity barista making it the center for coffee culture. The festival is held in the Gangneung Ice arena and Anmok beach. This event provide opportunity for upcoming baristas and coffee houses as the festival activities also involve coffee tasting events for free and hosts seminars providing expertise and knowledge from coffee masters and contests are also held for different categories like brewing, roasting, latte art etc. Other than these, concerts and cultural events are also organized. Nearby attractions are Ojukheon House, Gyeongpo Beach and Haslla Art world.
==== Icheon Rice Cultural Festival ====Icheon in Gyeonggi province well known as the city of rice, hosts an agriculture festival every fall around the end of October. Through the festival visitors experience the flavor of Icheon rice and various aspects of the Korean traditional farming culture including threshing, planting; Fairy tale section, craft making, parade, Songpyeon making (half moon shaped rice cake) and Mujigae garaetteok (rainbow rice cake) making with Icheon Rice as long as 600m. Other popular event includes a Thanksgiving ritual and an international rice cooking contest.
==== Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival- October ====
This festival is quiet different from other festivals as rather than focusing on a particular food this festival is for all produce grown in Yeoju, which is well known for its high-quality rice, grains and sweet potatoes. Visitors experience different themes from locally grown crops, parties, ferry, folk culture and also have hands-on experience in harvesting different produce and use it to making various dishes like Bibimbap (Hangeul: 비빔밥). Visitors also visit the market Ogok Jangteo for sample tasting and purchasing indigenous Yeoju produce.
==== Gwangju World Kimchi (김치) Festival- October ====The Gwangju World Kimchi festival is targeted at both local and international tourists. It introduces and promotes Korea's Kimchi to overseas audiences, and also offers diverse experience programs, events, market, and more other special features of the festival include the Kimchi Exhibition hall and Kimchi Master contest. Foreign participants particularly enjoy the Foreigners Kimchi making contest.
==== Jeonju Bibimbap (비빔밥) Festival- October ====The National Intangible Heritage Centre and at the Hanok village in Jeonju the gastronomic capital of Korea, a festival is held every October promoting Jeonju's representative food, Bibimbap. Jeonju Bibimbap is usually topped with quality Jeonju soy bean sprouts, hwangpo-muk, gochujang, jeopjang, and seasoned raw beef and served with kongnamul-gukbap. The rice of Jeonju bibimbap is specially prepared by being cooked in beef shank broth for flavor and finished with shiteme oil for flavor and nutrients. Many local cooks and public figures introduce their own unique variation of Bibimbap along with other local cuisines. Major programs include the gigantic Bibimbap made by all the participants- capable of feeding a 1000 people, a cooking contest for foreigners and an event called find Bibimbap.
==== Hoengseong Hanu Festival ====
In the month of October Hanu (Hangeul: 한우, Korean beef) festival is held in Hoengseong, the largest Korean beef festival. This festival offers Balgol performance, parade, LED light festival, fireworks, EDM party with dining area for over a thousand visitors with barbeque place, sampling booths and signature dishes at an affordable prices. Visitors also go to the neighboring tourist destination like Hoengseong National SoopCheWin, Hoengseong Recreational Forest and Welli Hilli Park.
==== Sunchang Fermented Food Festival ====
Sunchang Fermented Food festival is held in October. The region of Sunchang is where gochujang (Korean chilli paste) served at the royal palace during the Joseon period was first made. The place has made a name for its methods of making traditional condiments, jang (장), and are carefully preserved till this day. Every fall this festival showcase the top three fermented food of Korean gochujang and other traditional condiments, Kimchi, Jeotgal (salted and fermented seafood), Tteokbokki (stir fried rice cakes) made with gochujang. Additionally, sixty different programs are held for visitors such as hands-on programs, cultural performances, exhibitions, craft making program for kids and markets where visitors purchase various fermented condiments made in a traditional way by masters at the Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Village.
==== Cheongsong Apple Festival- Between the end of October and Beginning of November ====
During fall the festival is held in Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsang province to celebrate the apple harvest, offering hands-on experience. The festival also has its own unique games like Finding the golden Apple, and make apple jam by participating in Apple Nanta, parades, sports events and masquerade.
== Some special mentions: Food attraction in festivals ==
There are many festivals in South Korea and often due the reason that they attract a lot of visitors the locals put their best foot forward to introduce many indigenous specialities including local favourite food or unique delicacy. Below are some Korean local delicacies from some well known festivals:-
Suwon Galbi from Suwon Hwaseong Cultural festival is a grilled seasoned beef rib.Hodugwaja from Cheonan World Dance festival is a type of baked walnut sweet pastry with red bean paste.Tteokgalbi from Damyang Bamboo festival is a dish made with beef, where the marinated beef is grilled with vegetables and is often eaten with steam rice.
Heukdwaejigugi from Jeju Fire Festival is a delicacy grilled on charcoal made with local bred black pork of Jeju with high marbling and thin fat.
Chuncheon Dakgalbi from Chuncheon International Mime festival is a stir fried dish made with chicken, vegetables and a special spicy sauce on a large iron plate which raises the heat.Andong Jjimdak from Andong Mask Dance festival is a local sweet, salty and savory delicacy made with soy sauce marinated chopped chicken simmered with shiitake mushroom, potatoes and dried red chili.
Maeungalbijjim from Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine festival is a steamed pork meat cooked with sweet and spicy sauce with a little soupy base and pepper flakes. This delicacy is also available in Daegu Chimac festival.
Dwaejigukbap from Gwangalli Eobang festival is a soup made with pork broth and steamed rice.Kkulppang from Tongyeong Hansan Battle festival also known as honey bread, is a sticky, sweet bread traditionally filled with sweetened red bean paste with a coating of Korean grain syrup, jocheong (Hangeul: 조청).
Korean cuisine |
595 | 71,853,794 | 0 | Jeonju Bibimbap Festival | South Korea | The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival (Korean: 전주 비빔밥 축제) is an annual Korean food festival that takes place in the Jeonju Hanok Village in South Korea. It centers on a regional variety of the popular Korean dish bibimbap. The festival has been celebrated since 2007.
== Overview ==
The festival usually takes place during the month of October every year. It showcases the most iconic dish of the region, bibimbap, and a favorite among tourists. Visitors to the festival can participate in cooking competitions, sample local recipes, and learn how to cook traditional bibimbap. They can also participate in folk games, enjoy concerts, and visit a night market.
The festival has been reported to draw 150,000 citizens and tourists. It was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2021, the festival was held over four-weeks under the title World Bibim Week (월드 비빔위크).
In 2022, the festival was held offline from the 6th to the 10th of October.
Food festivals in South Korea |
596 | 77,069,268 | 0 | Jeju Olle Walking Festival | South Korea | The Jeju Olle Walking Festival (Korean: 제주올레걷기축제) is an annual walking trail event held along the Jeju Olle Trail of Jeju Island, South Korea. The festival began in 2010 and is organized by the Jeju Olle Foundation and local government offices. Each iteration highlights three different trails out of the 27 available, allowing local residents, hikers, and international visitors to appreciate the island's environment during its mild autumn weather.
The festival showcases the local cuisine and culture of a particular area with events and performances hosted by area residents. It generally attracts around 10,000 participants from all over Korea and overseas who hike one route per day.
During the COVID-19 pandemic it was scaled back in 2020 and 2021 to encourage individual hikes rather than group hikes (under the slogan We Walk: Apart Together). In 2022, it was canceled, along with many other events nationwide, in the immediate aftermath of the Seoul Halloween crowd crush.
This year's event, its 14th iteration, will be held from November 7 to 9 and is organized around Olle routes 14 (19.1 km), 15B (13 km), and 16 (15.8 km). On-line registration begins in July 2024.
== External links ==
Jeju Olle Trail main page
Jeju Olle Walking Festival main page |
597 | 39,009,763 | 0 | Miryang Baekjung Festival | South Korea | The Miryang baekjung nori (Korean: 밀양백중놀이; Hanja: 密陽百中놀) is a festival held in the Korean city of Miryang to celebrate the holiday of Baekjung. Whilst Baekjung is a national celebration, the specific festivities in Milyang are regarded as one of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea.
Baekjung is a Buddhist festival of the dead, originating from Zhong Yuan Jie (Ghost Festival) in China. But in Korea it also has elements of an agricultural holiday as well. It is characterised by prayers to the gods of agriculture; masked dances and hoe-washing, a form of carnival in which the roles of landlord and labourer are reversed. Baekjung falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh month.
The festivities at Miryang begin with a shamanic ritual of supplication to the agricultural deities by the village elders, to purify the area and ensure a bounteous harvest in the coming autumn. This is accompanied by vigorous drum music (nong-ak). A pole called a nongshindae, similar to a maypole, is raised, and the participants circle it and offer prayers. The food and drink offerings are then shared among the celebrants, and a number of traditional dances are performed, including the Dance of the Aristocrat (Hallyangmu) and the Dance of the Cripple (Pyongshinchum). These dances tend to be comical satires of their subject, and often include improvisation and impersonation. Other activities also take place, including the gejuldarigi or spider tug-of-war, which is unique to Miryang.
The festival closes with a performance of the Five Drums Dance (Obuk-chum), a traditional farmers dance which is also a prayer for good health and a good harvest. |
598 | 54,187,075 | 0 | Wando Seaweeds Expo | South Korea | Wando Seaweeds Expo is the world's first international exposition themed to seaweeds, which, starting in 2014, has been held in Wan-do (‘island’), Republic of Korea every three years with the topic of seaweeds such as nori, sea mustard, kelp, and hijiki.
== Mascots and symbol ==
=== Mascots ===
The mascots, Haecho and Micho take their motives from the seaweeds that grow on elvan scattered in the sea off Wando.
=== Symbol ===
With the motives of seaweeds and sea, it succinctly expresses the earth that has seaweeds grow in clean water. The red color represents the development of red algae and seaweeds industry and the green color symbolizes green algae and clean natural environment, while the brown color stands for brown algae. Representing future on-farm resources and depicting the smoldering seaweeds, the shape symbolizes the unity of humankind and the wish to serve as a festive event for the whole humankind.
== Past Seaweeds EXPO ==
=== year 2014 ===
Event Name : Wando Seaweeds Expo 2014
period : 2014. 4. 11 ~ 2014. 5. 11 (31 days)
Theme: Discovery of future life, Seaweeds
Event Halls : Main Theme Hall(Energy), Health Food Hall(Food), Industrial Resources Hall(Industrial), Ecology Environment Hall(Live), Aquatic Culture Hall(Culture)
Host & Organizer : Wando County, Jeolla-namdo, Wando Seaweeds Expo Committee
Sponsors : Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Algae Society of Korea
=== year 2017 ===
Event Name : Wando Seaweeds Expo 2017
period : 2017. 4. 14 ~ 2014. 5. 7 (24 days)
Theme: Promise of Seaweeds, Challenge the Future!
Event Halls : Hall of Understanding Seaweeds, Hall of Earth Environment, Hall of Mystical Sea, Hall of Health and Humanity, Hall of Future Resources, Hall of Participation
Host & Organizer : Wando County, Jeolla-namdo, Wando Seaweeds Expo Committee
Sponsors : Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Suhyup, NH Nonghyup Bank, Korea Rural Community Corporation, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, Korea Fisheries Resources Agency, Cheonan Nonsan Expressway
==== Characteristics of 2017 Expo ====
Closed on May 7, 2015, Wando Seaweeds Expo was visited by 937,000 or so people from home or abroad.
Of its exhibition halls, Hall of Marine Mysteries, Hall of Healthy Humankind, and Hall of Future Resources were installed on barges at sea, while Hall of Marine Mysteries presented various images of seaweeds in 3D on a 360-degree water screen.
Also, a VR system was installed in Hall of Earth Environment to let the viewers get a vivid experience of the seaweed forest under the sea.
== External links ==
Main Homepage |
619 | 77,792,436 | 0 | Bangkok Design Week | Thailand | Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) (Thai: เทศกาลงานออกแบบกรุงเทพฯ) is an annual event held to celebrate and promote design and creativity in Bangkok, Thailand. Supported by the Creative Economy Agency and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the event was inaugurated in 2018 by the Thailand Creative & Design Center. In 2022, UNESCO designated Bangkok as 'Creative City of Design'.
== Overview ==
The inaugural 2018 Bangkok Design Week was hosted under the theme The New-ist Vibes, seeking to promote local creative businesses across five areas: Charoen Krung, Klong San, Sam Yan, Rama 1 and Sukhumvit.
In 2024, the event was hosted under the theme Livable Scape: The More We Act, the Better Our City”, seeking to improve public infrastructure and utilities in Bangkok.
The 2025 event will be hosted under the theme Design Up+Rising.
Chiang Mai Design Week
Pakk Taii Design Week |
620 | 5,191,438 | 0 | Bo Sang | Thailand | Bo Sang (Thai: บ่อสร้าง, pronounced [bɔ̀ː sâːŋ]), also known as Ban Bo Sang (บ้านบ่อสร้าง, pronounced [bâːn bɔ̀ː sâːŋ]) is a muban (village) in Ton Pao sub-district, San Kamphaeng district in the outskirts of Chiang Mai in upper northern Thailand.
== Overview ==
It is known for its brightly coloured handmade umbrellas and parasols, which are often decorated with floral designs. The town hosts an annual festival and the Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant. It is held annually at every third week of January for three days.
== Population ==
The ancestors of most of Bo Sang's population are Tai Lüe who migrated from Yunnan province.
== Toponymy ==
Its name comes from the locals built a well near the Phai Zang (ไผ่ซาง) (a species of bamboo). Hence called Bo Zang (well of Zang), later its name was corrupted to Bo Sang.
The first element bo (บ่อ) means well or no. The second element sang (สร้าง) means create or produce. |
621 | 77,793,120 | 0 | Chiang Mai Design Week | Thailand | Chiang Mai Design Week (Thai: เทศกาลงานออกแบบเชียงใหม่) is an annual event held to celebrate and promote design and creativity in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Supported by the Creative Economy Agency, it was Thailand's first design week. In 2017, UNESCO designated Chiang Mai as a Crafts and Folk Art Creative Cities Network.
== Overview ==
The inaugural event was held 6 - 14 December, 2014 by the Thailand Creative & Design Center.
In 2021, the event was hosted under the theme Co-Foward during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, the event was hosted under the theme Transforming Local: Adapt / Enhance / Local / Grow.
The 2024 event will be hosted under the theme Scaling Local: Creativity, Technology, Sustainability.
Chiang Mai Creative City
Bangkok Design Week
Pakk Taii Design Week |
622 | 29,150,004 | 0 | Chiang Mai Flower Festival | Thailand | The Chiang Mai Flower Festival (Thai: มหกรรม ไม้ ดอกไม้ ประดับ จังหวัด เชียงใหม่) is an annual celebration held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, that showcases a variety of flowers and ornamental plants. The event marks the transition from the cool season, over three days on the first weekend of February. It features prominent displays of yellow and white chrysanthemums and damask roses, which are unique to the region.
== Flower Festival Parade ==
The Flower Festival Parade is an event that takes place annually on a Saturday morning and continues into the afternoon or evening. The parade begins at Charoen Muang Road, stretching from Nawarat Bridge to the train station, and at 16:00, it moves along Tha Phae Road towards Tha Phae Gate. Subsequently, the parade route veers left, following the perimeter of the city moat to Suan Buak Hat Park. Characterized by its leisurely pace and regular pauses, the parade features floats adorned with flowers. These floats are accompanied by marching bands from local schools, adopting a Western-style format, as well as local drumming ensembles and dancers in traditional Thai attire. These participants also engage in performances and distribute flowers to the spectators.
== Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival ==
A part of the festival is the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival competition. Participants, often atop the decorated floats and carriages within the parade, compete for the title. The selection process begins in the late afternoon at a party featuring rock music and refreshments, culminating in the evening with the crowning of the Flower Festival Queen.
== External links ==
Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2023 |
623 | 3,590,297 | 0 | Half Moon Festival | Thailand | The Halfmoon Festival brings together world-class DJs from the house, trance, and techno genres every two weeks, delivering an unparalleled experience in Koh Phangan's Magical Forest. Surrounded by towering palm trees, lovely sandy beaches, and a brilliant green-blue sea, the event boasts enormous production on numerous stages, complete beach activities, sunset boat cruises, and more, making it a must-see for anybody in the area. In 2024, the festival will be two days long, with three music stage types and a pre-festival beach-front day party at the magnificent Harmony Beach Club.
Halfmoon Festival, founded in 2002 by DJs Jao Pattanasiri and Oren Mizrachi, brings revolutionary, European-style luxury production to a magnificent tropical location. It provides an unforgettable night with elite DJs and performers, guaranteeing a smooth trip through the finest dance music. This festival offers sublime experiences beneath the sun and sky, making it one of Thailand's most talked-about events.
The festival's origins began when the organizers decided to relocate their gatherings away from the shore, where most Full Moon parties were held, and into the mysterious settings of the natural jungle. This tropical paradise now comes to life every half-moon night and is one of the three original Moon Party open-air gatherings that have made Koh Phangan a world-famous party destination. It attracts tourists and music enthusiasts from all over the world to dance beneath the moonlight deep in the beautiful tropical jungle.
Halfmoon Festival will feature top-notch DJs and recording artists from major record labels such as Blastoyz, Neelix, Reality Test, Silver Panda, Mr.Black, Querox, Dirty Andy, Berg, Brahma, Javier Gonzalez, Ranji, Blanka, Faith, Esther Simon, Weekend Heroes, Tripical Note, White No1se, Stylo, Va Mo La, Quake, Ghost Rider, Tezla, Vakabular, Fuziger, Sun Diary, Fabio from Spin Twist Records, ENIGMA, Phaxe, and Weekend Heroes on the Prime Stage for live and DJ sets of underground psychedelic and melodic techno, as well as an exclusive fire show. G Floor is for house, indie dance, tech house, and progressive house, while The Cave is for R&B, hip-hop, and reggae music.
Every two-day festival begins with an entire day of beach events, which include a beach bar, non-alcoholic mocktails, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, ecstatic dance lessons, and optional sunset boat rides. The second day includes three dance floors, the most impressive blaze dancers and displays, fireworks, and more.
List of electronic music festivals
== External links == |
624 | 22,914,923 | 0 | Inthakhin (pillar) | Thailand | Inthakhin (Thai: อินทขีล; lit. Indra's pillar) is the name of the Lak Mueang (the city pillar) of Chiang Mai. It is said that the pillar was first erected by King Mangrai at the founding of the city on April 12, 1296 CE at Wat Sadue Mueang (lit. Temple of the Navel of the City; also known as Wat Inthakhin) on Inthawarorot road. It was brought to its present location inside a shrine on the temple grounds of Wat Chedi Luang by the Lanna king Kawila in 1800 CE.
== Inthakhin festival ==
The Inthakhin or Lak Mueang Festival in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand (also known as Sai Khan Dok or Bucha Sao Inthakhin in Thai), starts on the 12th day of the waning moon of the six lunar month and lasts eight days. Centered around Wat Chedi Luang, this is a celebration of Brahmic origin. On the first day, which is called Tam Bun Khan Dok (lit. Flower Bowl Blessing), offerings of flowers, candles and incense are made to the city pillar as well as the many other Buddhist and Lanna-era icons. Dancing, musical performances, carnival games, and Thai vendor food is present. This is a very large celebration in which the Chiang Mai citizenry participate.
In 2012 Inthakhin was on 17–24 May; 2013: 5–12 June; 2014: 25–31 May; 2015: 25–31 May.
The veneration of the city pillar was adopted from a ceremony of the Lawa people (the original inhabitants of northern Thailand) by the Thai Yuan ethnic group who built the city of Chiang Mai upon the foundations of an older Lawa city.
== Inthakhin legend ==
According to the legend on which the festival is based, in the time before Chiang Mai was founded, the Lawa people who then lived there received a pillar from the god Indra to protect them against disaster. After this original pillar was again removed by order of Indra, the Lawa were then told to place a replica of the pillar in its stead, and, if this pillar continued to be venerated and the people lived virtuous lives, the city would gain prosperity and be protected against harm.
== Gallery ==
Public holidays in Thailand
Loi Krathong
Songkran (Thailand)
== External links ==Inthakhin or Tham Boon Khan Dok – City Pillar Festival, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Best
Residents celebrate Inthakhin festival, Chiang Mai Mail Vol. VI No. 13 - Tuesday May 22, - May 28, 2007
The Drama of Inthakhin, Chiangmai.info |
625 | 889,264 | 0 | Khon Kaen Silk Festival | Thailand | The Khon Kaen Silk Festival is an event held in Khon Kaen, Isan, Thailand over ten days at the end of November and the beginning of December each year. It was first held in 1980.
The event is centred on promotion of the local silk industry, but includes a wide range of other activities including parades and performances of mor lam music. |
626 | 23,646,617 | 0 | Monkey Buffet Festival | Thailand | The Monkey Buffet Festival is an annual festival held in Lopburi, Thailand. In 2007, the festival included giving fruits and vegetables to the local monkey population of 2,000 crab-eating macaques in Lopburi Province north of Bangkok.
The festival was described as one of the strangest festivals by London's Guardian newspaper along with Spain's baby-jumping festival. A photograph from the Monkey Buffet Festival at Phra Prang Sam Yod temple in Lopburi Province shows a monkey trying to get at fresh fruits and vegetables embedded in blocks of ice. |
627 | 6,413,076 | 0 | Nine Emperor Gods Festival | Thailand | The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Min Nan Chinese: 九皇爺誕; Malay: Perayaan Sembilan Maharaja Dewa; Thai: เทศกาลกินเจ, เทศกาลกินผัก (ภาคใต้ประเทศไทย) ) or Vegetarian Festival or Jay Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, celebrated primarily in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Southern Thailand by the Peranakans community. In Thailand, this festival is called thetsakan kin che (เทศกาลกินเจ), the Vegetarian Festival. It is celebrated throughout Thailand, with the festivities at their height in Phuket, where over the half of the population is Peranakans. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival attracts crowds of spectators because of many of the unusual religious rituals that are performed. The Vegetarian Festival takes place at the same time as the Hindu festival Navaratri.
== Celebration in Thailand ==
=== Vegan food ===
During the Vegetarian Festival, shops in Phuket and throughout Thailand display red and yellow jay flags (เจ) to indicate they are serving appropriate vegan food for observant participants. Vegan food is prepared because it is considered the most pure.
During the festival, food stalls sell Thai and Chinese food made without animal products. Noodle dishes, curries and soups are prepared without meat, fish sauce, eggs or dairy. Realistic vegetarian meats are used instead. The dishes are prepared without the use of garlic, chili, or strong spices. Many varieties of tofu are prepared and sold during the festival. Popular dishes are vegetarian pink noodle soup, which uses mushrooms to substitute pork blood cubes, fried tofu, deep-fried spring roll, and fried taro.
=== Self-purification ===
In addition to eating pure food, festival participants must keep their thoughts pure and wear white as a symbol of purity. Also to maintain purity devout festival participants abstain from sex, alcohol and stimulants during the festival.
=== Festival locations ===
Phuket has the largest festival, but many other cities in Thailand celebrate the festival as well.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai also have many vendors selling vegan food during the festival. In 2023, the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit advertised an extensive vegetarian menu for the festival. Hat Yai had more than 100 vegetarian food stalls during the 2022 festival. It was also reported that Chinese temples in Hat Yai stockpiled vegetarian food in advance of the festival and hired more people. Many tourists come from Malaysia.
Nan also has many vendors selling vegan food during the festival. The American chef Dan Sriprasert used the vegan recipes he learned to make at his mother's food stall in Nan during the festival to create the menu for the popular Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro in the United States.
Malls in Thailand participate in the festival that include the CentralWorld, Central Phuket, Central Pattana, and Central Hatyai.
=== Economic impact ===
The Vegetarian Festival has significant economic impact on the nation. In 2023, the festival was forecast to generate revenue of 44.6 billion baht, a forecast 5.5% increase over 2022 revenue and the highest in 10 years.
== Introduction to the Nine Emperor Gods ==The Nine Emperor Gods Jiǔ Huáng Xīng Jūn / Jiǔ Huáng Da Di (九皇星君/九皇大帝) are the nine sons manifested by Father Emperor Zhou Yu Dou Fu Yuan Jun (斗父周御國王天尊) and Mother of the Big Dipper Dou Mu Yuan Jun (斗母元君) who holds the Registrar of Life and Death. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. However, Dou Fu Yuan Jun is invoked alongside Dou Mu Yuan Jun in Great Dipper Honouring known as Li Dou (禮斗) ceremonies.According to Rev. Long Hua, the 35th generation Taoist priest from Singapore, honouring the Northern Dipper stars prolongs one's life, eliminate calamities, and absolves sins and past debts of oneself and his family. The term Ye (爺) as in Jiu Huang Ye (九皇爺) loosely translates as Grandfather, a title worshipers commonly use to bring a more intimate relationship between themselves and the Nine Emperors. The Nine Emperor Gods should not be mixed up with the Wang Ye or Princes of the Ming loyalists. Popular folk culture has it that the Nine Emperor Gods are actually loyalists of the Ming dynasty who fought against Qing dynasty. According to Long Hua, this information is inaccurate and considered derogatory to the actual teachings of Taoism as the Nine Emperor Gods are actually high-ranking Star Lords who preside over the movement of planets and coordinate mortal Life and Death issues. The Nine Emperors is formed by the seven stars of the Big Dipper of the North Ursa Major (visible) and two assistant stars (invisible to most people). The Nine Emperor Stars are:Tan Lang Tai Xing Jun (貪狼太星君)1st Star (Visible) Bayer: α UMa
Ju Men Yuan Xing Jun (巨門元星君) 2nd Star (Visible) Bayer: β UMa
Lu Cun Zhen Xing Jun (祿存貞星君) 3rd Star (Visible) Bayer: γ UMa
Wen Qu Niu Xing Jun (文曲紐星君) 4th Star (Visible) Bayer: δ UMa
Lian Zhen Gang Xing Jun (玉廉貞綱星君) 5th Star (Visible) Bayer: ε UMa
Wu Qu Ji Xing Jun (武曲紀星君) 6th Star (Visible) Bayer: ζ UMa
Po Jun Guan Xing Jun (破軍關星君) 7th Star (Visible) Bayer: η UMa
Zuo Fu Da Dao Xing Jun (左輔大道星君) 8th Star (Invisible)
You Bi Da Dao Xing Jun (右弼大道星君) 9th Star (Invisible)
== Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebration in popular folk culture ==On the eve of the lunar ninth month, temples dedicated to Nine Emperor Gods will conduct an important ceremony to invoke and welcome the Nine Emperor Gods. Since the arrival of the Nine Emperor Gods is believed to be descending through the waterways, processions are held from temples to the seashore or river to symbolize this belief. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await for their arrival.
A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests or mediums are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, eat vegetarian meals, maintain celibacy and recite continuous chanting of prayer. It is believed that there will be rain throughout the nine days of the celebration.
The ninth day of the festival is its climax. An important procession that draws thousands of devotees to send the Nine Emperor Gods back via waterways.
== Phuket ritualized mutilation ==
In accordance with the traditions, many religious mediums will conduct ritualized mutilation upon themselves and one another while under a trance-like state, including but not limited to: impaling through cheeks, arms, face, legs, back etc., with everything from as small as syringes to as large as is agreed upon between all members; partial skinning (the skin is not removed, just cut and flipped over); slashing of limbs, chest, stomach and especially tongue with swords, axes and knives; bloodletting; removal of tissue (normally limited to cysts) and intentionally wrapping or standing near fire crackers as they are lit.
This is done without anaesthetic, always inside or near the temples surrounded by other devotees with only iodine, petroleum jelly and surgical gloves as precautionary measures. Despite this scenario, many of the people performing the rituals are also the people who will care for many of the people in their recovery.
To this effect few people ever need to have prolonged medical treatment, and although in the weeks after the festival many people will be seen covered in bandages, scarring is uncommon, stitching, even on individual devotees who impale their cheeks, is rare, and return to daily activity for the devotees occurs shortly after the completion of the ritual, frequently before the festival ends unless performed on the last days, much sooner than before the bandages themselves are removed.The purpose of this practice is a mixture of veneration for their gods and ancestors, to display their devotion to their beliefs and the trance itself, which has a profound impact upon demeanour for days or weeks after, frequently with devotees appearing exceptionally calm and focused in their day-to-day activities after the festival is completed.
=== Jeh ===
During a period of nine days, those who are participating in the festival dress all in white and ghin jeh กินเจ, which has come to be translated as abstinence from eating meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products. Vendors and proprietors of restaurants indicate that jeh food is for sale at their establishments by putting a yellow flag out with the word เจ (jeh) written on it in red. However, technically, only food prepared in the sacred kitchen of the Chinese temple (in Thailand, called sarnjao ศาลเจ้า or um อ๊ำ) is jeh, as it must undergo a series of rituals before it can be given that name.
=== Masong ===
Masong ม้าทรง are the people who invite the spirits of gods to possess their bodies. Ma ม้า is the word for horse in Thai, and the name masong refers to how the spirits of the gods use the bodies of these people as a vehicle, as one rides a horse. Only pure, unmarried men or women without families of their own can become masong. At the temple they undergo a series of rituals to protect them for the duration of the festival, during which flagellation and self-mutilation is practiced. The masong tradition which is similar to Tâng-ki also exist among the Chinese communities in Singapore and Malaysia during this festival.
According to an early-nineteenth-century interpretation of Chinese Taoism by a local community of Chinese immigrant miners, the Nine Emperor Gods descend from poles located in the shrine's yards and incarnate by using the bodies of the participants as shells for walking on Earth. The participants who prepare to volunteer their bodies to the gods are called the Ma Song. During the main ritual at the temples, the Ma Song fall into a trance and pierce their cheeks with ritual objects, including knives, spears, relics, and other items of personal significance. Then, the Ma Song demonstrate their submission by presenting their expressive forms of self-mutilation in a public procession. In his research project starting in 2012, Schneider identified the affective states of the Ma Song that reflected a religious frame of submission. While in Western cultures dominance is seen as a cherished goal, Schneider observed an unusual appreciation of submission amongst the Ma Song. This might be generalizable to other religious practices where believers submit in devotion. This study has been made possible through the support by Fulbright Scholar grant PD2082693, the National Research Council of Thailand in Bangkok, and the members of the Phuket Provincial Cultural Office. Dr. Schneider was depicted on his research site in a National Geographic documentation by Morgan Freeman.
The festivities in Phuket include a procession of masong wearing elaborate costumes who pierce their cheeks and tongues with all manner of things, including swords, banners, machine guns, table lamps, and flowers. While the face is the most common area pierced, some also pierce their arms with pins and fishhooks. Teams of people accompany the masong to keep their wounds clean and to help support the heavier piercings. It is believed that while they are possessed the masong will not feel any pain. They can also be seen shaking their heads back and forth continually, and usually do not seem to see their surroundings. At the temple during the festival there is also firewalking and blade-ladder climbing. While large crowds of people gather to watch, the entranced mah song distribute blessed candy and pieces of orange cloth with Chinese characters printed on them yan ยันต์ for good luck.
== Gallery ==
Doumu (斗母元君)
Tou Mu Kung Temple, Singapore
Chinese folk religion in Southeast Asia
Wang Ye worship
Birthday of the Monkey God
Monkey King Festival
Zhong Yuan Festival
List of vegetarian festivals
== Notes ==Cohen, Eric; The Chinese Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Bangkok; White Lotus, 2001, ISBN 974-7534-89-4
== News articles ==
NTU team to study popular Taoist festival of the Nine Emperor Gods. The Straits Times (online). 2016-10-01. Retrieved 2022-07-11.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebrated with many people of all races and religions. The Straits Times (online). 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2022-07-11.
== External links ==Singapore Nine Emperor Gods Project 九皇文化
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
Nine Emperor Gods 九皇大帝 Temple in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Phuket Vegetarian Festival - Thailand
Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2018 - Phuket
Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2018 | Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2018 - Video |
628 | 77,793,337 | 0 | Pakk Taii Design Week | Thailand | Pakk Taii Design Week (Thai: เทศกาลงานออกแบบปักษ์ใต้) is an annual event held to celebrate and promote design and creativity in Southern Thailand. The inaugural event was launched in 2023 in Songkhla, Thailand, hosted under the theme The Next Spring. “Pakk Taii” refers to Southern Thailand (Thai: ปักษ์ใต้; RTGS: phak tai).
== Overview ==
Supported by the Creative Economy Agency and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Pakk Taii Design Week hosts events including live performances, workshops, music, creative markets, and talks focused on Southern Thailand's culture.
In 2024, the event was hosted under the theme The South's Turn!, seeking to revitalize the region's economy. It also held the Microwave Film Festival, focused on Thai cinema.
Bangkok Design Week
Chiang Mai Design Week |
629 | 7,632,999 | 0 | Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 | Thailand | The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek was an international horticultural exposition held 1 November, 2006 to 31 January, 2007 at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in the Thai city Chiang Mai of Chiang Mai Province that drew 3,781,624 visitors. Recognised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), it was one of the grand celebrations hosted by the Royal Thai Government in honor of King Bhumibol, the world's longest reigning monarch.
== Preparation ==
The ratchaphruek (Cassia fistula), or golden shower tree, is the de facto national flower of Thailand. Its yellow blossoms correspond to Monday, the birthday of Bhumibol. It is also named Khun or Rajapruek.
The event was located on 80 hectares of land at the Royal Agricultural Research Center in the Mae Hia sub-district, Mueang district, Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. The 92 days of the expo featured 30 international gardens reflecting nations such as Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Netherlands, South Africa, and Canada. More than 2.5 million trees of 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers were on display in this exhibition. The Association of International Horticultural Producers (AIPH), gave this expo A1 status, its highest level. Such exhibitions occur only once a year throughout the world. In addition, a host country can only hold one such exhibition once a decade.
== The festival ==
The festival included many highlights to attract tourists:Gardens for the king There were two features in this zone: one was international gardens, which were presented by 30 participating nations and covered 21,000 square meters; the other was corporate gardens, which covered 27,475 square meters, and were presented by both Thai state enterprises, and domestic and international major corporations.
Ho Kham Royal Pavilion This building featured Lanna architecture, the architectural style of northern Thailand; inside, visitors saw pictures of King Bhumibol's works and his dedication.
Thai Tropical Garden The enormous 100,000-square-meter garden showcased the diversity of tropical horticulture: fruit varieties, plants, flowers, herbs, and rare plants.
Expo Plaza This was the focus of the exposition's fun-filled activities, amenities, and services. Visitors were able to purchase products from royal projects and authentic local products from Chiang Mai such as handicrafts, paper umbrellas, and souvenirs.
Cultural shows A total of 45 cultural shows from various regions of Thailand were performed, including traditional music and dance. In addition, cultural performances from other nations were presented.
The Thai government had expected an average of 20,000 visitors per day, with over 100,000 visitors on a crowded day, and 3 million visitors in total to attend the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006. At the exposition's conclusion, organizers claimed that the exposition had injected 27 billion baht into the regional economy.
The Thai government has proposed transforming the site of the exposition into a permanent training center. Despite some complaints of corruption and substandard facilities, organizers believed the exposition achieved its goals of promoting tourism and developing Thai horticultural industries.
The park was open to the public in 2008 with many of the past highlights still very much in evidence, including the international exhibits. It is thought that it will remain to stay open as a valued addition to things to do in Chiang Mai. The park receives around 500 visitors a day at the moment, mainly Thai.
== Gallery ==
== External links ==Official website of the BIE |
632 | 176,457 | 0 | Songkran (Thailand) | Thailand | Thai New Year: 802 : 127 or Songkran: 802 (Thai: เทศกาลสงกรานต์, pronounced [tʰêːt.sā.kāːn sǒŋ.krāːn]), also known as Songkran Festival, Songkran Splendours,: 127 is the Thai New Year's national holiday. Songkran is on 13 April every year, but the holiday period extends from 14 to 15 April. In 2018 the Thai cabinet extended the festival nationwide to seven days, 9–16 April, to enable citizens to travel home for the holiday. In 2019, the holiday was observed 9–16 April as 13 April fell on a Saturday. In 2024, Songkran was extended to almost the entire month, starting on the first of April, and ending on the twenty-first, departing from the traditional 3-day format. And with the New Year of many calendars of Southeast and South Asia, in keeping with the Buddhist calendar and also coincides with New Year in Hindu calendar such as Vishu, Bihu, Pohela Boishakh, Pana Sankranti, Vaisakhi. The New Year takes place at around the same time as the new year celebrations of many regions of South Asia like China (Dai people of Yunnan Province), India, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
In Siam, New Year is now officially celebrated 1 January. Songkran was the official New Year until 1888, when it was switched to a fixed date of 1 April. Then in 1940, this date was shifted to 1 January. The traditional Thai New Year Songkran was transformed into a national holiday. Celebrations are famous for the public water fights framed as ritual cleansing. This had become quite popular among Thai and foreigners.
== Meaning ==
Songkran is a Thai word, derived from Sanskrit संक्रान्ति saṅkrānti meaning 'to move', 'movement',: 4 'the passing of' or 'astrological passage'.: 70 It derives from the movement of the sun from one position to another in the zodiac. According to its literal meaning in Sanskrit, a Songkran occurs every month. However, the period that Thai people refer to as Songkran happens when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries in the zodiac. The correct name for this period should actually be Maha Songkran ('great Songkran): 4 because it coincides with the arrival of a New Year. The Songkran festival is, therefore, a celebration of the New Year in accordance with the solar calendar. The celebration covers a period of three days: 13 April is regarded as Maha Songkran, the day that the sun moves into Aries on the zodiac or the last day of the old year. The next day, 14 April is called Wan Nao, the transitional day between the old and the new years, and 15 April is called Wan Thaloeng Sok (Thai: วันเถลิงศก 'to begin a new era or year'), New Year's day itself.
== Computation ==
In 1989, the Thai cabinet fixed Songkran at 12–14 April, despite the correct starting date (13 April at 20:57). Songkran, however, was traditionally computed according to the method described in Suriyayart (Thai: สุริยยาตร์), the Thai version of Surya Siddhanta. The celebration starts when the sun enters Aries according to the sidereal zodiac system. This is called Maha Songkran day: 26 : 236 : 4 (Thai: วันมหาสงกรานต์). The final day marks the new solar year and is called Wan Thaloengsok (Thai: วันเถลิงศก). The astrologers, local or royal, then make predictions about the economy, agriculture, rainfall, and political affairs according to observations between both days. The king, or Chief Royal Astrologer on the monarch's behalf, issued an official notification on the new year to the public. The announcement, called Prakat Songkran (Thai: ประกาศสงกรานต์, Songkran notification), contained the information on Maha Songkran, Thaloengsok, the lunisolar calendar, and religious and royal ceremonies. The government strictly adhered to the announcement and arranged some ceremonies according to the computation made by the royal astrologer.
According to the scripture, 800 years equal 292,207 days. In other words, each solar year lasts 292,207 kammaja (Thai: กัมมัช, lit. one produced by karma), where 1 kammaja equals 108 seconds and 800 kammaja corresponds to 1 solar day. Timekeeping began as Kali Yuga started in 3102 BCE (−3101 CE). At the start of each year, it is possible to compute the number of days since Kali Yuga commenced using the following formula:
S
D
=
292207
×
(
K
E
)
800
=
292207
×
(
C
E
+
3101
)
800
=
292207
×
(
B
E
+
2558
)
800
,
{\displaystyle SD={\frac {292207\times \left(KE\right)},{800}}={\frac {292207\times \left(CE+3101\right)},{800}}={\frac {292207\times \left(BE+2558\right)},{800}},}
where
K
E
{\displaystyle KE}
,
C
E
{\displaystyle CE}
,
B
E
{\displaystyle BE}
denote Kali Era, Common Era, and Buddhist Era respectively.
S
D
{\displaystyle SD}
is the Suriyayart day number, which can vary according to the calendar era being used. The integer result is the count of days at New Year's Day, while the remainder indicates the time at which the new year begins (in kammaja), measured from the previous midnight.
Owing to a huge day number in the calculation, new calendar eras were devised to solve this problem, including the Minor Era (ME). 0 ME corresponds to 1181 BE, 638 CE or 3739 KE. Following the above equation, it follows that there were 1,365,702 days since the start of Kali Yuga. The remainder of the division suggests that the new year started at 373 kammaja after the previous midnight. This corresponds to 373/800 of a day or 11 hours, 11 minutes, and 24 seconds. In other words, 0 ME started at 11:11:24 on Sunday, 25 March 638 CE in the proleptic Gregorian calendar. The Julian day at the new year is computed according to the following formula:
J
D
n
e
w
y
e
a
r
=
(
292207
×
M
E
)
+
373
800
+
1954167.5
=
(
292207
×
(
C
E
−
638
)
)
+
373
800
+
1954167.5
,
{\displaystyle JD_{\mathrm {newyear} }={\frac {\left(292207\times ME\right)+373},{800}}+1954167.5={\frac {\left(292207\times \left(CE-638\right)\right)+373},{800}}+1954167.5,}
The number can then be converted back into a date using an algorithm (see Julian day). Maha Songkran day is computed either by a lengthy process or by subtracting
J
D
n
e
w
y
e
a
r
{\displaystyle JD_{\mathrm {newyear} }}
by 2.165 days (2 days 3 hours 57 minutes 36 seconds). This can be rewritten as
J
D
s
o
n
g
k
r
a
n
=
(
292207
×
M
E
)
−
1732
800
+
1954167.5
=
(
292207
×
(
C
E
−
638
)
)
−
1732
800
+
1954167.5.
{\displaystyle JD_{\mathrm {songkran} }={\frac {\left(292207\times ME\right)-1732},{800}}+1954167.5={\frac {\left(292207\times \left(CE-638\right)\right)-1732},{800}}+1954167.5.}
A solar year lasts 292,207 kammaja or 365.25875 days every year. However, a Gregorian year lasts, on average, 292194 kammaja. The difference of 13 kammaja (23 minutes, 24 seconds) accumulates every year, causing the shift of Songkran towards the end of the calendar year. In 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000, Maha Songkran was on 7 April 9 April, 10 April 12 and 13 April respectively.
Nowadays the royal palace has ceased to issue the Prakat Songkran, replacing it with a small calendar booklet given to the public on New Year's Day. Government Savings Bank still prints a one-page lunisolar calendar, which is different from the multiple-page solar calendar commonly seen. The calendar features the image of Nang Songkran with her vehicle and subordinates, led by a Chinese zodiac animal holding a flag with Thai script for that zodiac. It also contains a piece of comprehensive information on the correct Songkran day and religious days. Some astrologers, especially in northern Thailand, still issue their own Songkran notification containing predictions and other information. In 2013, the Chiang Mai Provincial Council decided to defy the government-set holiday by rescheduling the ceremony according to the correct calculation.
The following table lists the start and end dates of Songkran festival obtained from the formulae discussed above. The Chinese zodiac for each year is also given since it is also used in Thai astrology. However, the Chinese zodiac in Chinese astrology changes on Lichun, just before the Chinese New Year, in February, while Thai astrology uses the first day of fifth lunar month (roughly the new moon in late–March to early–April). Before the cut off date, astrologer uses the zodiac of the last year.
== Origin and myths ==
The origin of songkran festival lies in a Buddhist folk myth or non canonical jataka related to harvest and spring. In prosperous city of Sukhavati in suvannabhumi, Bodistva was born in the household of a poor farmer. Once upon a time, Indra the king of Devas, looked at the city from heaven, and felt sad seeing the high level of corruption. He found that people did not respect their elders, behaved rudely, and didn't serve them proper food and medicines. They had no compassion to the needy and helpless. No faith in Sila and Uposath but fun in sins, no faith in donation but greedy for wealth, no faith in Dhamma but made business of Dhamma. By seeing decline of Dhamma, he said, Glory/Siri of humans lies in their faith in Dhamma. There is no Glory without Dhamma. With affirmation of this truth, people in the city immediately lost their glory, no proper rains, water and food scarcity prevailed, extreme drought with skin-burning hot sun waves and dirty bad smelling garbage filled their homes.
To get saved from this suffering, In leadership of bodistva, people prayed to mother earth or Siri. They asked Siri the causes and solutions of their misfortune. Out of compassion and sympathy to her children, she told them the causes and solutions to their sufferings. She told them restoration of their faith in Dhamma will end their suffering. She gave them a divine piece of fertile land, divine seeds, mysterious song for rain and pots divine thanaka powder of several colours to apply on their skin to cool body from hot sun waves. Now, people pleaged to observe sila and upasotha under guidance of bodistva.
Bodistva and his companions started cultivating the divine land, sowing divine seeds. They used to apply several colours of thanaka powder and water is poured to cool their body from heavy sun waves. In few days their crops were grown that was the day when the sun entered aries constellation. They produced adequate grains. At the day of harvest, they washed feets of their elders, saluted them and served delicious food and proper cloths. Donations were made to needy and helpless. Hence, Dhamma was restored by the people.
Same day when Indra the king of devas again looked at the city of SuvannaBhumi. He praised them and said, Glory of humans lies in their faith in Dhamma, there is no Glory without Dhamma. By affirmation of this truth immediately their lost glory was restored back and the people elected bodistva as their leader and celebrated the harvest day with throwing water on each other and started playing with several colours of thanaka powder by applying it on each other's body.
Thus, in Buddhist community in South East Asia, to remember and celebrate this day, people clean their houses, salute and show respect to their elders by washing their feets, serving delicious food and proper clothing to them. Donations are made to monastery and needy. People play with water and different colours of thanaka powder is applied to each other's body.
According to the Buddhist scripture of Wat Pho, Songkran originated from the death of Kapila Brahma (Thai: กบิลพรหม, romanized: Kabilaphrom, lit. 'reddish Brahma'). In the olden days, there was a wealthy man and his neighbor, a drunkard. The drunkard, who had two sons, belittled the rich man for being childless. The rich man was humiliated and beseeched the Sun and the Moon gods to grant him a son. His attempts failed until he offered cooked rice to the tree god living in a banyan tree, who asked Indra to grant the man's wish. The child, named Thammabal (Thai: ธรรมบาล, also Dhammapala, lit. 'one who protects righteousness'), was born.
Thammabal was a clever child who learned three vedas, bird language and also taught people to avoid sin. Kapila Brahma learned of the child and wanted to test the child's cleverness. The god asked, Where is the glory of men (sri) located in the morning, during the day, and in the evening?. The loser would have his head chopped off. The boy thought in vain for six days, but could not find a solution to the riddles. He lay beneath a sugar palm tree and overheard a conversation between a pair of eagles who planned to eat his corpse when he lost the bet. The female eagle asked her mate whether he knew the answer. He answered, In the morning, the sri appears on the face, so people wash their faces every morning. At noon, the sri is at the chest where people spray perfume every noon. In the evening, the sri goes to the feet, so people wash their feet every evening. Thmmabal memorized the answer and gave it to Kapila Brahma the next day. Having lost, Kapila Brahma summoned his seven daughters and told them that he must cut his head off. However, if his head fell to earth, it would create an inferno that would engulf the world. If his head was thrown into the air, the rains would stop. And if his head was dropped into the ocean, all seawater would dry up. To prevent these calamities, he told his daughters to place his head on an elevated phan. Thungsa, his eldest child, stored her father's head in the cave in Mount Kailash.
Every year when the Sun enters Aries, one of Kapila Brahma's children, called the Nang Songkran (Thai: นางสงกรานต์, lit. 'Lady Songkran') for that year, and other angels form a procession. One of them takes the phan with Kapila Brahma's head. The lady stands, sits, reclines or sleeps on the back of the animal depending on the time. From the dawn to midday, the lady will stand on the back of her conveyance. After midday until the sunset, she will sit down. Between the sunset and midnight, the lady lies down on her vehicle but leaves her eyes open. After midnight, she sleeps. These postures and other details were previously drawn as part of the Prakat Songkran and now as part of the lunisolar calendar. The procession lasts for 60 minutes around Mount Meru. This is subsequently called Maha Songkran to distinguish from other Songkran that occur when the Sun moves from one to another zodiac. For simplicity, the name was later shortened as Songkran.
The following table lists the names and characteristics of Nang Songkran, which vary according to which day of the week Maha Songkran falls on in each year.
== New year traditions ==
In De Beschryving van Japan (The History of Japan) handwrote in 1690 by Engelbert Kaempfer in reign of King Phetracha of Ayutthaya Kingdom said of Songkran in old-17th century Dutch :-De Siamiten vieren den ecrſtcn en vyſtienden dag der maand, zynde de dagen der nieuwe en volle maan. Sommige gaan ook op den cerſtcn dag van de kwartier maanen na de Pagoden, 't welk eeniger maaten overeenkomt met onzen Zondag. Behalven deze hebben zy fommige jaarlykſche plechtige Feeſtdagen, by voorbeeld een in ’t begin van 't jaar, genaamt Sonkraen, ...
(Translation): Every first day and 15th day of month, Siamese people had celebration as the first day of new moon and the 15th day of full moon. Some Siamese people went to temple at the first day of the week which was similar to our Sunday—Holy Communion. There were also many annual ceremonies, such as Siamese New Year celebration called Songkran (Sonkraen), ...In the reign of King Borommakot (1733–58), there was recorded of ancient royal ceremonies of Siamese New Year observance called Maha Songkran Day, the tradition-inherited from past generations of King of Ayutthaya Kingdom such ceremonies as, royal forming of sand stupa with royal ornaments, sprinkling the water onto the statues of Buddha and graven images, offering food to monks, procession of sand stupas parade to temples, royal musical fanfares, and also establishing the almshouse assignment subsequently, said in the Concise Royal Chronicle of Ayutthaya Kingdom of royal forming the sand stupa in the reign of King Borommakot:-อนึ่งเมื่อครั้ง (แผ่นดิน) สมเด็จพระพุทธเจ้าหลวงในพระบรมโกศนั้น ครั้นวันขึ้นปีใหม่โหรถวายฤกษ์เป็นวันมหาสงกรานต์ เจ้าพนักงานได้ก่อพระทรายหน้าพระวิหารหลวงวัดพระศรีสรรเพ็ชญ์...และเครื่องราชวัติฉัตรธงเครื่องประดับพระทรายนั้น เจ้าพนักงานได้เบิกสิ่งของให้แก่ช่างเขียนทำ และพระทรายนั้นช่างเขียนได้ตัด [เขียนตัดเส้นระบายสี หรือตัดพระทรายให้เป็นรูปทรง] ครั้นรุ่งขึ้นเพลาเช้าวันมหาสงกรานต์ ล้นเกล้าล้นกระหม่อมเสด็จไป ณ พระวิหารใหญ่ด้วย [พระวิหารหลวงวัดพระศรีสรรเพ็ชญ์ หลังกลาง] นิมนต์พระสงฆ์ราชาคณะอธิการวัด ได้ฉัน ณ พระวิหารใหญ่ฉลองพระทราย และที่พระ(ทราย)มหาธาตุและพระทรายบริวารนั้น วิเศษแต่งเทียนและบายศรี (มี) เทียนทองคำขวัญบูชาพระทรายองค์ละสำรับ ครั้นเสร็จ (งาน) พระทรายที่วัดพระศรีสรรเพ็ชญ์แล้วรุ่งขึ้นเป็นวันเนา เจ้าพนักงานจึงเอาทรายและเตียงเข้าไปให้ล้นเกล้าล้นกระหม่อมทรงก่อพระทราย ณ พระที่นั่งทรงปืน...ทรงก่อแล้วพนักงานยกพระทรายออกให้ช่างเขียนตัด และเครื่องประดับพระพรายนั้นให้เจ้าพนักงานปิดทองอังกฤษประดับ และช่าง [ช่างเขียน] เขียนทำประดับประดาพระทราย แล้วยกเข้าไปตั้งไว้ ณ พระที่นั่งทรงปืน ครั้นรุ่งขึ้นเพลาเช้าวันเถลิงศกเสด็จ ฯ ออกฉลองพระเจดีย์ทราย เตียงยกพระที่นั่งทรงปืน พระสงฑ์ฉันเสร็จแล้ว เจ้าพนักงานยกพระทรายออกมาตั้งไว้ ณ ศาลาลูกขุนท้ายสระ พันพุฒ พันเทพราช พันจันท์ เกณฑ์เครื่องเล่นและคู่แห่เดินเท้าและม้า ปี่กลองชนะ ธงสามชาย ปีกลองมลายู ปี่กลองจีนแห่พระทรายไปไว้ ฯ วัดวรโพธิ์ วัดพระราม วัดมงคลบพิตร (เป็น) อย่างธรรมเนียมสืบมาแต่ก่อน (ดังนี้)
(Translation): After the royal ceremony of Phra Sai at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the next day was Wan Nao. The royal officials offered the sands and a big tray to the Majesty King to form the sand in the shape of stupa (Phra Sai) with five hollow spears of the sky at the Song Peun Throne Hall. The royal officials moved King’s sand stupa (Phra Sai) to the painter for decorating the British gold on it and the royal officials then moved it to place at the Song Peun Throne Hall. After the Buddhist monks had already eaten their morning meals, the royal officials moved to move (Phra Sai) King’s sand stupa (Phra Sai) to place in the pavilion “Lukkhun Thai Sara”. The three colonels named Put, Thep Rat and Chan marched the parade with the pairs of flocks by walking and riding the horses. The royal officials produced melodies with the flutes and victory drums, Malaya drum and Chinese drums and took three jagged-edge flags in the parade to move King’s sand stupa (Phra Sai) to Wat Worapho, Wat Pra Ram and Wat Mongkol Bophit as the inherited tradition.There was a contemporary archive mentioned Songkran festival of Siam in reign of King Mongkut. The archive written in 1854 by Jean-Baptiste Pallegoix, a priest of the Société des Missions Etrangères who was assigned as Coadjutor Vicar Apostolic and lived in Siam. Said in French:-Ils ont en outre, durant le cours de l’année, plusieurs jours de fêtes civiles ou religieuses, qu’ils célèbrent avec grande pompe : 1°Songkran; c’est leur nouvel an, qui tombe ordinairement dans leur cinquième mois; on le célèbre pendant trois jours; ce n’est qu’à cette époque que le peuple apprend des astro-logues, si l’ange de l’année monte un tigre, un bœuf, un ours, un cheval; une chèvre, un dragon ou quelque autre animal.
(Translation): During the year, Siamese also have several days of civil or religious festivals, which they celebrate with great splendor: 1°Songkran; it is Siamese New Year, which usually falls in April (fifth month in brahman calendar); it held an observance for three days; Siamese people's able to acknowledge horoscope from astrologers whether the angel of the year to ride a tiger, an ox, a bear, a horse, a goat, a dragon or other animals during the this festival only.The Songkran celebration is rich with symbolic traditions. Mornings begin with merit-making. Visiting local temples and offering food to the Buddhist monks is commonly practiced. On this specific occasion, performing water pouring on Buddha statues and the young and elderly is a traditional ritual, representing purification and the washing away of one's sins and bad luck. As a festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elders. Paying reverence to ancestors is an important part of Songkran tradition.
The holiday is known for its Water Festival. Major streets are closed to traffic, and are used as arenas for water fights. Celebrants, young and old, participate in this tradition by splashing water on each other. Traditional parades are held and in some venues Lady Songkran or Miss Songkran is crowned, where contestants are clothed in traditional Thai dress. For the general public, floral shirt or Hawaiian shirt is a popular clothing item worn during this festival.
== In Thailand ==Central Region: people in this region clean their houses when Songkran approaches. All dress up in colorful clothing or Thai dress. After offering food to the monks, people will offer a requiem to their ancestors. People make merit offerings such as giving sand to the temple for construction or repair. Other forms of merit include releasing birds and fish. Nowadays, people also release other kinds of animals such as buffaloes and cows. Phra Pradaeng hosts traditional ceremonies of Mon people such as parades in the colourful traditional outfits and folklore performances.
South: southerners have three Songkran rules: Work as little as possible and avoid spending money; do not hurt other persons or animals; do not tell lies.
North: on 7 April, Baan Had Siew in Si Satchanalai District hosts the'Elephant Procession Ordination' event with a colourful parade where men dressed in the traditional clothes are taken to the temples on elephants. In northern Thailand 13 April is celebrated with gunfire or firecrackers to repel bad luck. On the next day, people prepare food and useful things to offer to the monks at the temple. People have to go to temple to make merit and bathe Buddha's statue and after that they pour water on the hands of elders and ask for their blessings.
East: the eastern region has activities similar to the other part of Thailand, but people in the east always make merit at the temple throughout all the days of the Songkran Festival and create sand pagodas. Some people, after making merit at the temple, prepare food to be given to the elderly members of their family.
The Capital (Bangkok): the Khao San Road and Silom Road with Siam Square are the hubs for modern celebration of Songkran. The roads are closed for traffic, and posts equipped with water guns and buckets full of water. The party runs day and night.At the festival of Songkran, which marks the beginning of the old Siamese solar year, it is the custom to bathe the images of the Buddha and also the monks and old people. The young folk make this an occasion for throwing water over each other amidst much fun and laughter.: 125 : 133
== Elsewhere ==Songkran is celebrated by the Malaysian Siamese community, particularly in the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Perlis and Terengganu where most Siamese are located.
Pana Sankranti (Odia: ପଣା ସଂକ୍ରାନ୍ତି), also known as Maha bisuba Sankranti, is the traditional new year day festival of Buddhists and Hindus in Odisha, India.
The festival is celebrated as Sangken in northeastern areas of India and as Bizu, Boisuk, Shangrai, and Boisabi in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, which is the traditional New Year's Day by the indigenous Hindu people and Buddhist community. The Sangken festival is celebrated by the Tai people — Khamti people Khamyang, Phake and Turung people. The festival is also celebrated by Singpho, Tikhak (Tangsa) and Duoniya people. Sangken generally falls in the month of 'Naun Ha', the fifth month of the year of the Tai Lunar calendar coinciding with the month of April. It is celebrated in the last days of the old year and the lunar new year begins on the day just after the end of the festival.
Vishu, a Hindu religious festival, celebrated mainly in the South Indian State of Kerala (and some parts of Tamil Nadu), also falls during the same timeframe. It is predominantly a harvest festival.
In some villages in south India, especially Karnataka, a festival called Okhali or Okhli is celebrated in which every household keeps a barrel of water mixed with chalk and turmeric to throw on passers-by. The date of Okhali coincides with that of Songkran in Thailand and Thingyan in Myanmar, not with the dates of Holi, which is a north Indian festival.
In Japan, Songkran festival observance held along with the Hot Spring festival, Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri, in Beppu city, Ōita Prefecture, called Beppu Songkran Festival, not only water-splashing observance but also Thai cultural fanfares occurred, and also held at the world's wettest music festival, S2O Japan Songkran Music Festival. It's combination of Thai-Japan culture and depiction of long time relation of each other.
Songkran is celebrated annually on the U.S. territory of Wake Island by Air Force members and American and Thai contractors, including New York State for commemorating the Asian American community's celebration of Songkran on April as an important cultural event on the state according to Assembly Resolution No. 1059.
== In other calendars ==
Songkran occurs at the same time as that given by Bede for festivals of Ēostre—and Easter weekend occasionally coincides with Songkran (most recently 1979, 1990, and 2001, but not again until 2063).
== Controversies ==
=== Roadway fatalities ===
Police statistics show that the death toll from road accidents doubles during the annual Songkran holiday. Between 2009 and 2013 there were about 27 road deaths per day during non-holiday periods and an average of 52 road deaths per day during Songkran. Thailand has among the highest traffic fatality rates in the world, along with Liberia, Congo, and Tanzania. Approximately 70–80 percent of the accidents that occur during the long holiday period are motorcycle accidents. About 10,000 people per year die in motorcycle accidents.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) says a total of 110,909 people were arrested and 5,772 vehicles impounded at road safety checkpoints across the country between 9–16 April 2016. In 2018 the number of offenders arrested at 2,029 checkpoints had risen to 146,589. Of these, 39,572 had failed to wear crash helmets and 37,779 carried no driving licence. Reacting to the numbers, the prime minister ordered stricter enforcement of the law; the interior minister said he would propose greater efforts in raising awareness as an additional measure, insisting that traffic laws were [already] strictly enforced; and deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan said he would work harder to ensure motorcyclists wore helmets.
This period is known locally as 7 dangerous days.
=== Arrests ===
Police arrested a British tourist in Chiang Mai on the first day of the 2016 Songkran holiday, 13 April, for violating the junta's ban on indecent dress. In a water fight the culprit was topless, wearing only short pants, but no shirt. He was taken into custody, fined 100 baht, then released. Temperatures in Chiang Mai reached 41 °C that day.
A man was arrested during Songkran 2016 for posting a video of a topless woman dancing during the 2015 Songkran festival. Police said Jakkrapatsorn Akkarapokanan, 29, was charged under the Computer Crime Act for posting the year-old video of a woman rolling up her wet shirt to let revelers touch her breasts. Jakkrapatsorn was released on a 100,000 baht bond. Police said they attempted to find the topless woman in the video to fine her 500 baht for indecency, but the one year statute of limitations had expired.
=== Intellectual property ===
==== Celebrate Singapore ====
In 2014, Celebrate Singapore, a large two-day Songkran-style water festival, was planned for Singapore and the event was promoted as the largest water festival party in Singapore. However, controversy emerged when the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor for Tourism Products, Vilaiwan Twichasri, claimed that Thailand holds exclusive rights to celebrate Songkran and planned to consult with officials at the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Culture to discuss a potential lawsuit. The Deputy Governor's view was supported by numerous Thai citizens on social media websites. Chai Nakhonchai, Cultural Promotion Department chief, pointed out that Songkran is a traditional festival shared by many countries throughout Southeast Asia, while historian Charnvit Kasetsiri stated that no single nation can claim ownership of a tradition. On 25 March 2014, the Bangkok Post reported that the Singaporean government had intervened in the festival's content and there would be no water-throwing, no water pistols and no public drinking. The festival was also reduced to a one-day event.
Holi – an Indian holiday famous for its ritualized street celebrations with colored powder
== Notes ==
== Further reading ==
E-books
Phraya Anuman Ratchathon (Yong Sathiankoset). (1954). Amusements During Songkran Festival. Archived 29 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine Journal of the Siam Society (volume 42, part 1). pp. 39–43.
Ministry of Culture (Thailand). (2021). Songkran Tradition. Bangkok: Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. 262 pp. ISBN 978-616-543-698-4
== External links ==
Media related to Songkran in Thailand at Wikimedia Commons |
633 | 56,167,355 | 10 | Template:Songkran days | Thailand | null |
634 | 876,867 | 0 | Surin Elephant Round-up | Thailand | The Surin Elephant Round-up is a cultural festival held every year in Surin Province, Isan, Thailand. Usually the event is organized during the third week of November on the weekend. The festival has its origins in the royal hunts which were conducted in Surin Province during medieval times. The indigenous residents of Surin, the Kuy, have been traditional practitioners of corralling elephants and training them as working animals. When the Ayutthaya Kingdom came into power these hunts were converted into a public extravaganza and wild elephants were replaced with tame ones. The festival, in its contemporary form, was first organized in the 1960s when civil war in Cambodia and the steady decline in economic value of elephants forced the elephant handlers (mahouts) to seek occupations in the entertainment and tourism industry.
The modern two-day event includes a variety of shows displaying the physical prowess and skill of the animals, such as soccer games and tugs of war with the Royal Thai Army. Elephants painting pictures, playing polo, and whirling hula hoops on their trunks are also incorporated into the show. Numerous floats are put on display. The venue for the event, Si Narong Stadium, has been dubbed the world's largest domestic elephant village by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
== Ancient tradition ==
Since ancient times wild elephants, believed to number in the thousands, roamed freely in the forests around Thailand. In Surin these elephants were rounded up, corralled and captured in hunts which were highly ritualistic and involved many mythological aspects. These hunts also served an economic purpose, as the captured elephants were tamed and used as pack animals or sometimes as war animals. These ritual hunts were noted by historians as ancient as Strabo, Arrian, and Megasthenes. The hunters, who mainly came from the tribe of Kuy people, performed several rituals before, during and after performing the actual hunt. These included divination from bones, wearing special clothes believed to possess protective powers, praying to the lassos for the strength to restrain the elephants and praying to ancestors. They also prayed to terrestrial and woodland spirits to grant success to the hunt.
== Emergence as a spectacle ==
=== 14th to 18th century ===
While the Ayutthaya Kings were in power, the elephant hunts were converted into a public spectacle and lost much of their ritualistic element. The round-ups became a royally sponsored event where local dignitaries and overseas guests were invited to savour the spectacle. Among these notable foreign dignitaries, who attended the event through royal invitation was François-Timoléon de Choisy. He wrote in his diary that the king had arranged a special round-up for his foreign guests even though the real event date had not arrived.
=== Late-19th century to 1960s ===As the post-war era neared its end, the elephant round-up became progressively more staged and less of a real hunt. It became common to use tame or even trained elephants during the event. The round-ups were enacted primarily for the entertainment of royal guests. For example, King Chulalongkorn, also called Rama V, had a round-up specially staged for the Russian Prince Nicholas II in 1891 during the latter's world tour as a crown prince. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore visited Thailand and its provinces during 1903 and was bestowed with a royal invitation to see the round-up as an envoy of the NGS. She wrote about her experience, titling the story The Greatest Hunt in the World. In her printed story she related that the monarch of Siam and his entourage came to stay at the summer palace for the roundup which they sponsored. Dignitaries came by cruiser or rail, and locals mostly arrived by boat. She said that hunters worked for many hours and used various tactics to herd elephants numbering in their hundreds towards the kraal. The krall was an enclosure, the broadness of whose walls was about two meters and it had an inner enclosure made out of thick teak logs which measured up three and half meters in height. Iron bands buttressed the wooden walls. According to her account, more than 250 elephants were rounded up that year. Some were unintentionally hurt as they stomped and trumpeted during the round-up, but these received immediate care.
Over time, the round-ups grew progressively staged. The elephants utilized in the round-ups were often tame, who had to play the role of wild animals. This move from actual to artifice preceded the influx of tourism and therefore tourists never witnessed a real hunt. By 1938, the round-up had transitioned so far into a staged event that ladies in the audience were asked to choose which elephant ought to be captured next. The round-ups were abandoned in 1938, although a special last round-up was officially sponsored by the monarchy in 1962. It was staged in honour of King Frederik IX of Denmark and his wife Ingrid, who visited Thailand in early-1962.
== Re-emergence as a contemporary cultural festival ==
Less than 34 years after the event lost royal patronage, it re-emerged as a prominent social festival with less ritual and more flair. According to some sources the first such round-up was organized and celebrated in 1955, while according to others the first event was celebrated in the 1960s. Either way, the first modern event was held on a modest scale in the Tha Tum subdistrict of Surin Province.
The festival was then moved to Surin proper. Nowadays, elephants and their trainers travel 100 km to Surin to participate in the festival. The ritualistic elements and traits of the festival have all but disappeared and the festival has become a pure tourist festival.
== Events held during the modern festival ==
=== Preparation ===
The Kuy hunters who are singled out to perform in the round-up perform a morning ritual called the Pak Kum Luang almost an entire week before the festival. This ritual includes praying at the Pakam shrine, which is sacred to the lasso, as their elders had done in ancient times and then offering pigs heads, chickens, wine, jos sticks and herbs. When the required sign is obtained, the elders blow the hunters horn which signals that the 60 km long trek to the festival can commence. The journey is usually undertaken using trucks. The elephants and their mahouts arrive with at least five days to spare and spend this time roaming the streets while offering rides and practicing for their performance. The wives of the mahouts travel alongside them.
=== Festival ===On Friday morning, a marching procession of approximately 300 elephants starts moving through Surin city from the railway station toward the elephant roundabout on Prasat Road in the southernmost neighborhood of the city.
The elephants carry dignitaries who dismount their steeds on arrival. Some elephants carry mahouts in authentic replicas of battle outfits from the Thai–Khmer–Laos battles. Intermingled with the elephant procession are students of local schools and their teachers in traditional dress, who are dancing and playing music.
Once all the elephants have arrived, the banquet begins. The tables for the banquet measure 400 meters in length and are customarily decorated with traditional silk cloth.
The food is presented before the elephants; leftovers are taken home by the local people. On 14 November 2003, the buffet set a Guinness World Record for largest elephant buffet when 269 Asian elephants came together to devour over 50 tonnes (50,000 kg; 110,000 lb) of fruit and vegetables.
On Saturday, the entire company of elephants and their mahouts congregate at the Elephant Stadium just after daybreak. The ceremony at the stadium begins with a speech from the chairperson of the ceremony, after which baby elephants are paraded through the stadium. Then the processional march of bull elephants takes place. Next, the Kuy hunters pray to the lasso and showcase their skills at capturing elephants. They display how elephants were captured by hunters working alone, and how sometimes elephant riders were used to capture other elephants. Tame elephants which could be utilized to corral wild ones have been bred by the Kuy people since ancient times and are called Khonkies or Koomkies.
After the elephant capture technique displays, there are displays of acrobatics, matches of soccer and polo, and displays of tasks performed by tamed elephants, such as logging. Another event which displays the raw strength of Surin's elephants is the elephant vs. army tug of war contest. The contest starts with 50 army personnel against the biggest bull elephant. As the bull beats the soldiers, 15 more are added until there are 100 soldiers matched against a single bull, and even then the bull usually wins.
The finale of the show is re-enactment of a historical battle between Siamese and Burmese forces. The forces are dressed in traditional colours with red for Siam and blue for Burma. They take up positions according to traditional battle tactics, with a front row of foot soldiers, central portion of elephants protecting the king elephant in the middle and a rear guard. The battle ends with Siamese victory.
Along with the elephant show the stadium hosts a mini-half marathon called Mueang Chang. The Red Cross Society also holds a cultural performance with the elephant show. The elephant show is repeated on Sunday morning.
== External links ==
First-hand account of visiting the Surin Elephant Festival
Elephant round-up
The Surin Elephant Round-up Festival
Elephants Holiday in Thailand which includes the Surin Elephant Festival in 2015 |
635 | 8,805,263 | 0 | Vegetarian Festival (Phuket) | Thailand | null |
636 | 50,796,735 | 0 | Wonderfruit | Thailand | Wonderfruit is an annual gathering for art, culture, music, and nature at The Fields at Siam Country Club, outside Pattaya in Chonburi Province, Thailand. The event features a farm, musical performances, art and architectural installations, talks, workshops, wellness activities, and feasts.
The event was launched in December 2014, produced by Thai-based production company Scratch First; the second iteration expanded from three to four days and took place a year later. Wonderfruit 2016 was originally scheduled for 15–18 December 2016. Due to a period of mourning in Thailand following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however, it was postponed to 16–19 February 2017. Wonderfruit returned later that year for its fourth iteration in its usual winter position over 14 to 17 December 2017. December 2018 saw the event move a kilometre east of the original site, to a larger, more topographically diverse space; the fifth edition took place from 13 to 16 December 2018. The sixth edition of Wonderfruit was staged from 12 to 16 December 2019, with a program stretching from midday Thursday 12 December to the afternoon of Monday 16 December, effectively spanning 99 hours without breaks. The festival announced it would return for its seventh year from 10 to 14 December 2020, before announcing a 12-month postponement to an undisclosed date in December 2021 due to travel restrictions and social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. In lieu of a full gathering due to border closures, Wonderfruit created a smaller, localised event targeting domestic audiences in Thailand: Moobaan Wonder. The revised event was scheduled to be held across five weekends in December 2020 and January 2021, but ultimately ended after just two weekends following a resurgence of COVID-19 inside the country.
Notable musical acts have included Richie Hawtin, Roots Manuva, Izzy Bizu, Wild Beasts, Lianne La Havas, Rudimental, Young Fathers, De La Soul, Woodkid, Little Dragon, José González, Seth Troxler, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Submotion Orchestra, Chris Levine x Jon Hopkins (the iy_project), The Faint, Blonde Redhead, Goldie, Four Tet, Floating Points, Massive Attack's Daddy G, Busy P, Breakbot, Acid Pauli, Mantravine, and Nightmares on Wax. Controversy was caused in the first two years with no-shows from billed performers Chet Faker (2014) and Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def (2015).
In addition to music, the event places significant emphasis on art and culture.
Sustainable architecture projects have been contributed by architects including Ab Rogers, Adam Pollina, Gregg Fleishman, Boonserm Premthada and MPD Studio.
A design competition held in 2019 saw designers, architects and creators from all over the world submit ideas for a sustainable pavilion. Alongside architectural design, local and regional artists' thoughtful art installations make up much of The Fields' aesthetic.
== History ==
Wonderfruit was created by founder Pranitan “Pete” Phornprapha with Thai musician and co-founder Montonn “Jay” Jira in an effort to bring the festival experience to Thailand, with an emphasis on arts and awareness. The son of the founder of Think Earth, Pete was inspired by the environmental projects of his father’s organization but wanted to merge fun with social responsibility, and to solve environmental problems in a relevant, contemporary way. He aimed to combine quality curation and social interaction in a platform that could engage audiences.
== Pillars ==
In 2014 and 2015, Wonderfruit was structured around six pillars: Arts, Music, Farm to Feasts, Health & Wellness, Talks & Workshops and Natural Adventures. In 2016, Wonderfruit announced a slight alteration the original list: Music, Arts, Family, Farm to Feasts, Wellness & Adventures, Talks & Workshops. In 2018, the pillars became Music, Art & Architecture, Family, Farm to Feasts, Talks & Workshops, and Wellness.
== Moobaan Wonder ==
Following the postponement of Wonderfruit 2020 due to the pandemic in Thailand, Wonderfruit announced Moobaan Wonder, a local-targeted event on the same grounds. Scheduled over five weekends in December 2020 and January 2021, the event celebrated Thai art, culture, and nature. It started from December 4–6 and continued from December 11–13, but the remaining weekends were canceled due to a COVID-19 resurgence and social distancing measures. Initially planned to be rescheduled, the event was ultimately canceled by February 10, 2021. Moobaan Wonder featured art, architecture, food, family activities, and workshops.
== Line-up 2023 ==
Wonderfruit 2023 took place from 14 to 18 December 2023. The festival featured a diverse lineup of musical performances, art and architectural installations, talks, workshops, wellness activities and feasts. Through activities and experiences, attendees were encouraged to explore the intersections of art, culture and nature.
New art installations included Theater of Images by Hiraki Sawa, The Grower by Dusadee Huntrakul and Under the Tree Tango by ADRUNNOGNT.
Talks welcomed RA who spoke about Respecting Southeast Asian Music and another that explored how Mycelium is revolutionizing contemporary design.
=== Venues ===
New venues included Indigo World, Enfold, Catch 428, Unconditional Space, Dhyana and Forest Stage at the Ancestral Forest.
26 permanent cabins were also built on-site in collaboration with Slowness. Next to it, an upscale restaurant called Jungle House was also built.
=== Sound ===
The line-up for Wonderfruit 2023 included a variety of artists and performers, such as Alabaster dePlume, Alex Kassian, Brendan Eder Ensemble, Di Linh, Elaheh, Fantastic Man, Ffan, Helena Hauff, Monophonik, Patrick Watson, Powder, Rival Consoles, Siam Bharat Electric, Space Afrika, Sweely, Terry Riley, Tontrakul, and Vân Anh.
== Line-up 2022 ==
Wonderfruit 2022 took place from 15 to 18 December 2022. The event showcased a vibrant array of musical performances, art installations, architectural marvels, talks, workshops, wellness activities and feasts, all centered around deepening the relationship with mind and nature.
Dozens of art installations appeared in The Fields, including a collaborative art project called Wonder OK with Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul and Reung Loy, a floating installation that took Wonderers out into the middle of a lake. Japanese artist Yumiko Morioka performed her 1987 album in collaboration with MSCTY Studio’s Nick Luscombe and James Greer and Philip Huang presented an immersive public indigo dyeing experience.
The music lineup for Wonderfruit 2022 included an eclectic mix of artists and performers, such as Ajate, Âme, Awkward Corners, Circle of Live, Kai Campos, Efterklang, Penguin Cafe, Snapped Ankles, Soichi Terada, Viken Arman, Vieux Farka Touré, Hatis Noit, Mantravine and many more.
Elsewhere, Dr William N Wait talked on the past, present and future of psychedelics and architects Ab Rogers, Gunn, Boonserm and Gregg Fleishman gave a talk on how to build things well.
=== Venues ===
Open Kitchen debuted in 2022, a two-story permanent venue designed by Boonserm Premthada made from reclaimed wood. The artist also contributed to another permanent venue called Neramit.
Wonderfruit, SUGi and a local forest planting team from Baansuan Onsorn designed a 10 rai (4 acre / 1.6 hectare) interactive sensory forest using the Miyawaki Method. Called the Ancestral Forest, it covers 10,000 square meters and features 30,000 trees of 46 native species.
== Line-up 2019 ==
=== Music ===
International artists included Four Tet, Floating Points, Acid Pauli, Massive Attack's Daddy G, The Turbans, Antal, Alfa Mist, Craig Richards, Gidge, Photay, Sarathy Korwar, and Brushy One String. Stages and time slots were offered to record labels and other festival brands as 'takeovers', wherein the operator of the takeover selected the musical performances for the venue or time. Notable takeovers included Ed Banger Records' curation of the Forbidden Fruit stage with Busy P, Breakbot & Irfane, Myd, and Yasmin; ZudRangMa Records' takeover of Neramit stage with local and regional world and soul performers; Rainbow Disco Club's takeover of the Forbidden Fruit stage with Japanese artists; a Red Bull 3Style turntablist showcase at SOT stage; and local DJs playing alongside Colleen Cosmo Murphy as part of 'God Save The Queer'—an LGBT-friendly party hosted by Bangkok ball group Go Grrrls and Korean queer club night Shade Seoul. Local performers at the event included DABOYWAY, Chalermpol Malakham, Chris the Pianist, DOTT, Nannue Tipitier, Twopee, Supergoods, The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Valentina Ploy, Young Bong, The Richman Toy, and Mattnimare.
British radio host and record label owner Nick Luscombe brought his Musicity Global initiative to Wonderfruit in 2019. Local musicians and members of the Erased Tapes record label from abroad were selected to record sounds on location in Bangkok and compose original songs from the sounds. The songs were then performed on the Theatre Stage. Participating performers included Rival Consoles, Hatis Noit, Midori Hirano, Douglas Dare, and Daniel Brandt & Eternal Something.
=== Sustainability ===
Wonderfruit banned the use of single-use cups for 2019. All attendees were required to bring their own cups to the festival, in an effort to remove some 200,000 cups from being wasted during the event (claimed).
The 2019 event was awarded the Greener Creative Award for 2020 in the annual A Greener Festival Awards.
=== Art & Architecture ===
Many of the structures debuted in 2018 remained for 2019. A new space, Living Village, was unveiled for the 2019 edition, designed by Ab Rogers Design studio. The space was the setting for Living Stage, a new stage decorated with rPET fabrics. The art program featured installation works by international and Thai artists, including ADRUNNOGNT, Animali Domestici, and Tentacles x Stu.Dio Ke.Th. Jay Plodpai x Spark Industries and ZEIGHT created light-based work, and performance pieces were executed by Lordfai and Nice Monster. b 2019 also saw the return of A Singing Sea by Satit Raksasri.
An open call design competition, ‘Super Green, Super Clean, Super Lean’ attracted entries from around the world. The winning design, titled Woven House, was made with bamboo and naturally-dyed fibres. The winning design was selected by a judging panel of international architects.
=== Farm to Feasts ===
Wonder Feasts were provided by 80/20, Haoma, bo.lan and chef Rishi Naleendra of Cloudstreet in Singapore, and three female chefs from Thailand: chef Aoom of Koei Trang, Chef Tanya of Tanya’s Homemade Eatery, and Chef Beer of Blackitch. Wonder Kitchen returned for 2019, with an omakase service by Chef Randy of Fillets and an historic Isaan tasting menu by Weerawat “Num” Triyasenawat of Samuay & Sons.
=== Talks ===
Scratch Talks 2019 featured topics including adventure, cannabis legalisation, sex and relationships, gender identity, and alternative proteins. Blind pilot Divyanshu Ganatra spoke about adventuring over adversity, fa’afafine storyteller Amao Leota Lu discussed gender, a panel of industry representatives and activists discussed plastic pollution, and landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom spoke about sustainable architecture.
== Line-up 2018 ==
=== Music ===
International artists included Goldie, who played with The Ensemble, as well as Nightmares on Wax, Stars and Rabbit, Kweku Collins, Costlywood, Carmen Rizzo & Huun Huur Tu, Howie Lee and KNOWER. Local Thai acts included Mendy Indigo, Sirintip and Job2do. The DJ line up featured CYK, Alixkun, and Sisi Jesse You, Fleetmac Wood, Craig Richardson, Horse Meat Disco, Bobby Pleasure and Cobletone Jazz.
=== Art & Architecture ===
A focus was placed on the aesthetics of the stages and platforms for content. The Theatre Stage was built from hemp by mpdstudio. Late night dance stage The Quarry was reimagined for 2018 with a network of flexible panels made from recycled material designed like a canopy. Ab Rogers built the Eco Pavilion into a landscaped amphitheatre to host Scratch Talks under handmade cotton umbrellas. The same studio was responsible for the Bath House, a cluster of floating islands built from bamboo, suspended over the natural lake. British artist Sean Rogg continued his art series, The Waldorf Project, at Wonderfruit with FUTURO-X, a festival-wide experiment in empathy engineering.
=== Farm to Feasts ===
Wonderfruit 2018 saw the entry of new dining space Wonder Kitchen to the food program. The smaller venue featured popular Chiang Mai chef Phanuphon Black Bulsuwan and TV chef Chudaree Tam Debhakam who each hosted chef's table-style dining for around 30 diners. The Wonder Kitchen also featured a zero-waste bar. Wonder Feasts returned in a new Ab Rogers-designed dining hall, the 'Theatre of Feasts'. Wonder Feasts were offered by chefs Duangporn Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones of bo.lan; chef Garima Arora of Gaa; chefs Chalee Kader (100 Mahaseth), Prin Polsuk (Samrub for Thai) and Weerawat “Num” Triyasenawat (Samuay and Sons); and chefs Paolo Vitaletti (Appia) and Jarret Wrisley (Soul Food Mahanakorn).
=== Talks ===
Scratch Talks 2018 included topics as diverse as technology, sustainability, urban farming, biotechnology, waste management, and mindfulness. Ashoka Finley of ConsenSys discussed blockchain, Lance Diaresco of Google, ran a meditation seminar, and serial entrepreneur Constant Tedder presented Earth.org, explaining how it tracks climate change with satellite imagery.
=== Wellness ===
Wellness was given further prominence in the program thanks to a new, expanded area for Wellness dubbed 'Wonder Garden'. Orgasmic yoga, gong baths, and massage therapies were among the highlights.
== Line-up 2017 (December edition) ==
=== Music ===
Richie Hawtin, Roots Manuva, Songhoy Blues, Gui Boratto, Craig Richards (DJ), Bangkok's More Rice and Hong Kong’s ALTN8, Sarayu, Nicola Cruz, Chronixx with Zincfence Redemption, Izzy Bizu, Wild Beasts, Khun Narin and his Electric Phin Band, Yeasayer, All Thidsa, Be Svendsen, Bobby Pleasure, Boonhugsa, Crew Love Takeover, Curtismith, CYRK, Eduardo Castillo, Gapi and the Thai Dub Mafia, Hernandez Brothers, Kingkong and The Chum, Marmosets, Matt Sassari, Mimi Love, Nerve, Side Effect and Singto Numchok.
=== Arts ===
Artistic creations were curated based on their adherence to Wonderfruit’s sustainable ethos and many were selected for their choice of and use of recycled or sustainable materials. Architectural additions included The Quarry, by artist and designer Adam Pollina and architect/bamboo supplier and contractor Thor Kaichon. The previous iteration’s Solar Stage by Gregg Fleishman was redeveloped for 2017.
=== Talks & Workshops ===
Activities emphasized self-improvement and environmental awareness and included permaculture, orangutan conservation, crystal healing and a raku ceramics workshop by Thailand Young Farmers. The event’s series of seminars, Scratch Talks featured speakers including Dianna Cohen of Plastic Pollution Coalition, Bea Johnson - author of Zero Waste Home, activist and paddle boarder Shilpika Gautam and Dr. Arne Fjortoft of Worldview International.
=== Wellness & Adventures ===
Wellness sessions included yoga workshops, gong meditation and power naps. The program for more active participants included Muay Thai and capoeira, as well as a range of fitness sessions with instructors from Guava Pass.
== Line-up 2017 (February edition) ==
Wonderfruit 2016 (originally scheduled to take place 15–18 December 2016) was postponed due to the national mourning period following the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX of Thailand. The festival took place from 16–19 February 2017 with some revisions to the lineup.
=== Music ===
Lianne La Havas, Rudimental, Young Fathers, Buke and Gase, Kate Simko and London Electronic Orchestra, Simian Mobile Disco, Nicole Moudaber, Headless Horesman, Yaya, Eric Volta, Sabo, YokoO, Wolf + Lamb, Norman Jay, KMLN, Marc Antona, Akimbo, Superglasses Ska Ensemble, Yena, Sahai Hang Sailom, Srirajah Rockers, At Adau, Luna City Express, Noxro and Uone.
=== Art ===
Arts included Solar Stage, created by geometric architect Gregg Fleishman, and Farm Stage, which was designed by Thor. Kaichon and PO-D Architect and inspired by traditional rice farming ceremonies and decorated with harvested rice; it stood in the middle of the Wonderfruit farm. Theatrical performances included a puppet show, pyrotechnics and circus acts, and Friday night saw the event's first LGBT-friendly party, hosted by eminent Thai drag queen, Pangina Heals. Installations included Dancing Muntjacs by Joel Stockdill and CYM Temple by Basurama, both of which were made from recycled materials. Wonderfruit's creative designer, Adam Pollina, built the event's first moving art installation - Wonder Kar, which traveled around the site.
=== Family ===
Family-friendly offerings in the dedicated kids' zone included games and crafts.
=== Talks & Workshops ===
Interactive activities included martial arts and parkour with local experts and there were talks on subjects including sustainability, Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Wonderfruit's series of seminars, Scratch Talks, took place in new venue, Rainforest Pavilion and speakers included Trash Hero Thailand and Michaelangelo Moran - co-founder of Go-Jek.
=== Wellness & Adventures ===
Wellness sessions included yoga workshops, gong meditation and power naps. The program for more active participants included Muay Thai and capoeira, as well as a range of fitness sessions with instructors from Guava Pass.
=== Farm to Feasts ===
Food offerings included raw vegan dishes by Chef Daphne Cheng, cheesesteaks by Full Moon Food Truck, lobster rolls, sashimi and organic Thai omelets. The Wonder Feasts banquet series featured lunch by Cocotte, a reggae brunch by Jarrett Wrisley of Soul Food Mahanakorn and Paolo Vitaletti of Appia, dinner by former Thai Iron Chef contestant Chef Panupon Black Bulsuwan - part of F.A.C.T. Collective, and a return from Chef Gaggan Anand, who was joined by chef Daniel Chavez of Singapore's Ola Cocina del Mar.
== Line-up 2015 ==
=== Music ===
Jon Hopkins x Chris Levine (iy_project), Submotion Orchestra, Rhye, Lucent Dossier Experience, Goldroom, Com Truise, Daedelus, Greasy Cafe and “Pu” Pongsit Kampee, Electro Guzzi, Polycat and Win from Sqweez Animal, with Thai folk music (performed at the Morlam Bus, presented by Jim Thompson Arts Center).
=== Art ===
The main Living Stage was designed by Coachella and Burning Man artist Joel Stockdill, and featured spiralling bird structures either side of the proscenium. Gregg Fleishman, the designer behind the Temple of Whollyness At Burning Man 2013, built The Playground, incorporating climbing frames, slides and a Headis pitch on which guests played the German game - a hybrid of table tennis and football. Thai installation artist, “O” Witaya Junma created an interactive bubble blower, and Blossom Poetica by French-Laotian artist Aligna featured flowers sculpted from aluminium cans and other discarded materials.
=== Design ===
Local and international designers showcased and sold festival gear at A Taste Of Wonder, the day-to-night fashion market. The Wonder Salon offered hair and makeup treatments.
=== Food ===
At the Theatre of Feasts, Wonder Feasts were presented by Gaggan Anand of Gaggan (voted number one in Asia on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2015 and 2016), and Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones of Bo.lan. Cocktails designed by mixologist Shingo Gokan were served in hidden bar, The Shingo Shack.
=== Talks & Workshops ===
In 2015, Wonderfruit introduced Scratch Talks, a new series of seminars by international speakers. Talks included “Creativity at the Source” by Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, and “Unleash your Legend” by Dream Rockwell - founder of Lucent Dossier Experience. John Hardy, founder of Bali’s Green School and Melati and Isabel Wijsen of Bye Bye Plastic Bags also delivered talks and eco-friendly workshops. A number of additional craft workshops took place in The Sharing Neighbourhood, including traditional skills and techniques, as well as meditation, self-defense, breathing exercises and foundational yoga at the Goddess Camp.
=== Activities and Experiences ===
Circus skills including hoop and poi were taught by Samui Circus Camp, and guests had the opportunity to be ordained as a Latter-Day Dude Priest by the Church of Dudeism. Champion free runners, Team Farang taught their skills to youngsters, among other child-friendly activities including a kids’ disco, foraging workshop and traditional kite-making, plus storytelling, magic, and a puppet show in Camp Wonder. Natural adventures included swimming in the lake and a boot camp set on an obstacle course.
== Line-up 2014 ==
=== Music ===
De La Soul, Little Dragon, Woodkid, José González, Jamie Jones, Damian Lazarus, The Gaslamp Killer, Francesca Lombardo(Live), Andrew Ashong, Nick Mulvey, Hercules and Love Affair, Seth Troxler, Fat Freddy's Drop, Craig Richards, Subb-An, Soul Clap, Citizen, Pillow Talk (Live), Ali Love (Live), Boris Rubin, Sunju Hargun, and local Thai acts Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Burin Boonvisut, Apartment Khun Pa and Yellow Fang.
=== Art ===
Offerings included work by Thai architect, Duangrit Bunnag.
=== Food ===
The on-site farm offered tours and foraging workshops and Siam Winery offered wine tasting sessions.
== Address and Location ==
Wonderfruit takes place in The Fields at Siam Country Club, 50 Moo 9, Pong, Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand. |
649 | 41,986,498 | 0 | ABC Show | Russia | ABC Show (Advertising Best Collection) is an advertising festival which demonstrates the collection of most awarded commercials and prints of the leading international advertising awards.
== Description ==
ABC Show was established on 6 November 2002 by Ivan Churilin, and since that time has experienced rapid growth. It includes the most awarded commercials and prints from the leading international advertising awards. All commercials and prints are translated into Russian, voiced by both male and female actors. Annually the show is opened by the representatives of international festivals – in 2013 the show was opened by Philip Thomas, the chief executive officer of Cannes Liones.
The founder of ABC Show, Ivan Churilin, is an official representative of the Gunn Report in Russia, One Show (New York City), and a member of the jury of New York Festivals (New York) and Mobius Awards (Los Angeles).
== Geography of ABC Show ==
ABC Show has taken place in more than 50 cities of Russia and CIS. Its geography extends from Kaliningrad in the west to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the east, and from Norilsk in the north to Krasnodar in the south.
== External links ==
Official website |
650 | 22,120,932 | 0 | AngloMockBa | Russia | AngloMockBa is an international/British-Russian festival of arts, fashion, film, media, music, ideas, and literature to be held in Moscow from 1–3 May. It is understood to be the second edition of the Jewel of Russia Festival.
== External links ==
AngloMockBa Liberatum Website
AngloMockBa Red Square PR Website
AngloMockBa Official Blog |
651 | 63,170,771 | 0 | Ariadna's Thread | Russia | The Ariadna's Thread (Russian: Нить Ариадны) is an international festival of creativity for people with mental disabilities held in Moscow, Russia since 2010. The festival also includes scientific and practical conferences. Among the venues of the festival: Yermolova Theater, Cinema House, Central House of Scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences, State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. Pushkin, Department of personal collections and the Museyon Center for Aesthetic Education of Children and Youth, Moscow Academic Art Lyceum of the Russian Academy of Arts, Scientific and Practical Center for the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents, and Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow Drama Theater under the direction of A. Dzhigarkhanyan, Theater of the Moon.
== Programmes ==
Participants are nominated in seven categories: theater, concert, literary creativity, photography, cinema, visual and applied art, multimedia projects (journalism). |
652 | 7,221,172 | 0 | Baltai | Russia | Baltai (Mordvin: Балта́й) is a traditional festival celebrated by the Mordvin people, predominantly in Tatarstan. The festival's name translates to Feast of Honey in the Tatar language, derived from the words bal meaning honey and tuy signifying a feast. Baltai is observed on the first Sunday following Whitsunday, marking the commencement of the mowing season. The festival is characterized by distinctive traditions, including the decoration of a bear with birch leaves and the performance of a round dance.
The Baltai festival serves as a significant cultural event among the Mordvin people, reflecting their deep-rooted traditions and customs. The festival's unique practices, such as the bear decoration and round dance, further highlight the Mordvin people's connection to nature and their cultural heritage.
Sabantuy
Çük
== Sources ==
(in Russian) Национальный праздник | Новости администрации за июль 2002 года | Балаково в сети |
653 | 7,225,075 | 0 | Çük | Russia | Çük (Çuq; Tatar pronunciation: [ɕyk] or [ɕuq]; Cyrillic: Чук, Чүк, Чӳк, Чӱк) was a holiday of Keräşen Tatars, Chuvashes, Udmurts, preserved before the beginning of 20th century. It was celebrated as summer, before the Whitsunday or at the Poqraw eve (The Intercession). Commoners arranged a collective meal, and called for rain. Recent years Çük is celebrated in several districts of Tatarstan and is held in the manner of Sabantuy, in Chuvash чӳке(н) - rinse.
Sabantuy
Baltai
== Sources ==
Çük/Чүк. Tatar Encyclopaedia (in Tatar). Kazan: The Republic of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. Institution of the Tatar Encyclopaedia. 2002.
(in Russian) Chuvash Çük and other Chuvash holidays |
654 | 63,015,480 | 0 | Eeron Bagany | Russia | Eeron Bagany, Iron Bagan, or Iron Bagany is an Ossetian beer festival which takes place annually in Northern and Southern Ossetia in autumn. The festival lasts a day and can be regarded as a kind of Oktoberfest.
== History of Ossetian brewing culture and Ossetian beer ==
Ossetian brewing culture can be traced back to descriptions to be found in the Nart sagas, which contain an aetiological legend recounting the discovery of beer. According to the legend a warchief saw a bird in the forest that ate some hops and immediately fainted. The chief took the hops home and told his wife, the wise matriarch Shatana, what had happened. She mixed the hops with ground malt, and added water to brew the first ever batch of Ossetian beer.
Differing from the ordinary beer, the Ossetian beer is significantly less intoxicating, has no foam, ranges from color dark brown to black, and is brewed without technology. It is traditionally brewed by the oldest woman in the family.
== Activities within the festival ==
During the festival, the beers which are brewed by the locals are tested by the judges choosing the best brewer.
== External links ==
Ossetian Oktoberfest | Vestnik Kavkaza |
655 | 41,020,618 | 0 | Geek Picnic | Russia | Geek Picnic is the largest European open air festival dedicated to popular science, modern technology, science and art.
The first festival was held in St. Petersburg in 2011. Since 2014, Geek Picnic has been held in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In 2016, the first Geek Picnic was held in Israel.
== Festivals ==
=== 2011 ===
The first Geek Picnic took place, at the New Holland Island in Saint Petersburg, on August 6, 2011. It presented several scientific shows, including 3D printing and robotics, as well as indoor and outdoor activities like modern game consoles, monocycles, jumping stilts, gaming zone and sports ground. The festival attracted more than 1500 visitors.
=== 2012 ===
The second Geek Picnic was held at the same location on August, 3rd. It featured a wide variety of events including robot exhibition, a number of lectures in the format of TEDx and masterclasses by recognized experts from Russian IT companies (Gaidar Magdanurov, Grachik Adzhamian, Alexey Voinov, Filipp Katz, Kirill Shichanov and Yury Lifshits), a job fair for programmers and a dedicated Windarium Windows education site. The recreational zone offered open library, gaming space, sports and a picnic. Around 7000 people have visited the event.
=== 2013 ===
In 2013, Geek Picnic was a two-day festival held at Yelagin Island. The territory was divided into 4 zones dedicated to technology, science, art and picnic. The festival featured a display of most recent inventions in robotics and 3d printing, interactive science museum, meteorite exhibition and Fab lab. Event schedule included lectures by cosmonaut Alexander Volkov, historian Lev Lurie, a known polyglot, language teacher and television presenter Dmitry Petrov, engineer Anatoly Wasserman, and Nigel Ackland, known to be the world’s first person to receive a bionic prosthetic arm, and numerous entrepreneurs, scientists and academics. The Russian quadcopter racing championship took place during the festival. Recreational areas included food court, playground and open-air exhibitions. Visitor count exceeded 15000 through 2 days.
=== 2014 ===The winter session of 2014 Geek Picnic took place in VDNKh , Moscow, on January 25–26. Theme zones dedicated to technology, science and art, entertainment, lectorium and a playground for children were set up in a 15 thousand square meters pavilion. A number of speakers including Anatoly Wasserman and futurologist Dmitry Gluchovskiy gave lectures, and the founder of the Venus project Jacque Fresco held a skype conference call. The festival featured musical performance by Alexander Robotnick and the Desert Planet band. The displays included the world’s biggest Tesla coil, 3D bioprinter prototype, quadcopter show, sculptures of Transformers characters and a robot show featuring Exoatlet hauler and InMoove android. The event had 30000 visitors.
The summer Geek Picnic was held at Yelagin Island, Saint-Petersburg, in August. The event schedule included over 60 lectures and 30 masterclasses and workshops, drone and robot operation competitions, programming contest. Festival featured DIY-zones, robotics and 3D printing exhibition as well as 3D printed fashion show by Larisa Katz, Pia Hinze and Joshua Harker and had a total of 18000 visitors.
=== 2015 ===
That year, both Moscow and Saint Petersburg festivals took place in summer. The Geek Picnic in Moscow was held in Krasnaya Presnya park and featured 6 theme zones named 'Technology', 'Science', 'Art', 'Picnic', 'Expo' and 'Market'. A huge convention of people with bionic implants and prosthetics was the core event of the festival. Bebionic pioneer [Nigel Ackland], Actress [Angel Giuffria],'cyborg' activist Neil Harbisson, Jens Naumann whose vision is partially restored by brain implant, drummer Jason Barnes with robotic arm, Christian Ristow with large-scale robotic arm 'The Hand of Man,' and model and singer Viktoria Modesta, were among the participants. The musicians who played on the 3D-printed instruments also performed on the Picnic. 2015 Moscow Geek Picnic schedule also included music show performed on 3D printed instruments, fireworks, drone championship, lectures by Anatoly Wasserman, space test pilot Sergey Ryazansky and painter Boryana Rossa, and a communication session with Gennady Padalka and Mikhail Kornienko from aboard the ISS. The festival in Moscow had 22000 visitors.
The Saint Petersburg 2015 Geek Picnic was held at Yelagin Island on June, 20th and 21st and had an event schedule similar to earlier Moscow festival. The visitors were greeted by Ristow's 6-ton robotic arm. The educational part of festival featured talks by the head of the Pushkin Museum Marina Loshak, artistic director of the Bolshoi Drama Theater Andrey Moguchy, musician Oleg Nesterov, ‘Mediaculture’ laboratory head Andrey Svibovich and other science and art workers joined by ‘cyborgs’ Nicolas Huchet and Viktoria Modesta. Pecha Kucha took place during the events. The festival had approximately 25000 visitors.
=== 2016 ===The first Israeli Geek Picnic, attended by more than 35 thousand people, took place in the Sacher Park in the center of Jerusalem on April 25–27. There were about 150 exhibition stands, of which about 75% were represented by Israeli teams.
The Moscow festival was held on June 18–19 in the Kolomenskoye Museum, in St. Petersburg – on June 25–26 on Elagin Island. Jamie Hyneman, the MythBusters presenter, became the headliner of Russian festivals. More than 40 people gave lectures, including scientific journalist Asya Kazantseva, sculptor Andrey Bartenev, political analyst Anatoly Vasserman, space exploration popularizer Vitaly Egorov, space pilot and hero of the Russian Federation Anton Shkaplerov and others. Traditionally the festival was divided into zones Science, Technology, Art and Picnic. ITMO University had its own section at the Petersburg festival, the Polytechnic University – at the Moscow festival. There was a Mars rover presented by St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications and a five-meter high robot Dragon, created in Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry.
In 2016 Geek Picnic beat the record for attendance: 29,000 people visited the St. Petersburg festival, the Moscow event attracted 27,000 spectators.
=== 2017 ===
In 2017, Moscow's Geek Picnic is scheduled for June 17–18 and will be held on the territory of the Kolomenskoye Museum. The festival in St. Petersburg will be held on June 24–25, in Pulkovo Park in the south of the city. The main theme of the festivals in 2017, co-organized by Kaspersky Lab, is mind games. Among more than 20 invited researchers are Alexander Panchin, Petr Levich, Ilya Zakharov, Daniel Laman and Vasily Klyucharev. The key speaker of the St. Petersburg festival is the science popularizer Richard Dawkins, the astrophysicist Lawrence Krauss will be the main guest at the Moscow festival.
== External links ==Official website |
656 | 41,095,454 | 0 | J-Fest | Russia | J-Fest (Russian: J-FEST, formerly Фестиваль японской поп-культуры Japanese Pop Culture Festival) is an annual event held in Moscow. The main organizer is the Embassy of Japan in Russia.
== Musical artists ==
This is a list of musical artists who have performed at the festival:2010: AKB48
2011: Kan, May J., Haruko Momoi
2012: Yui Makino
2013: Sumire Uesaka
2014: Eir Aoi
== External links ==
Official website |
657 | 59,648,448 | 0 | Kamyshin Watermelon Festival | Russia | The Kamyshin Watermelon Festival (Russian: Камышинский арбузный фестиваль) is an annual Russian entertainment festival held in the city of Kamyshin in the Volgograd Oblast. Similar to the Moscow City Day celebrations, the festival is held on the city's birthday in late August and honors the city's claim to fame – Watermelons, of which it officially known to be the country's watermelon capital. Concerts, exhibitions and sales are organized in every town square all day long, including a huge civilian parade which includes marching bands and giant floats.
== History ==
The festival revolves around a historical event that occurred in 1722, when Peter the Great visited the city which was, at that time named Dmitrievsk. During the visit, he exclaimed Very good fruit! after eating a local watermelon. In 2007, the first watermelon festival was organized by the Business System Group of Companies in the bay of the Kamyshinka River in front of the Borodino Bridge. Then the festival brought together about a thousand canes and guests of the city. Since 2008, the Administration of the City of Kamyshin has been the main organizer of the festival. New competitions are introduced every couple of years, with one being introduced as recently as 2017.
== Organization ==
The motto of the festival changes every year, determining the theme of the main festival events. Many tourists regularly take part in the Kamyshin Watermelon Festival. According to various estimates, from 20 to 30 thousand people attend the festival, with guests come from Saratov, Moscow, Astrakhan, Krasnodar, as well as countries near and far abroad (Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Germany, France). The guest of honor of the festival is the Governor of Volgograd Oblast. In the carnival procession, a watermelon parade takes place, during which 4,000 people participate and more than 20 enterprises exhibit their ceremonial columns. More than 60 tons of watermelons are brought to the square for the festival. The record holder of the Festival is a watermelon weighing 21.7 kg, which received the first prize in 2014.
== External links ==Official website |
658 | 21,685,314 | 0 | Kha b-Nisan | Russia | Kha b-Nisan, Ha b-Nisin, or Ha b-Nison (Syriac: ܚܕ ܒܢܝܣܢ, First of April), also known as Resha d-Sheta (Syriac: ܪܫܐ ܕܫܢܬܐ, Head of the year) and as Akitu (ܐܟܝܬܘ), or Assyrian New Year, is the spring festival among the indigenous Assyrians of northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and northwestern Iran, celebrated on the first day of April.
The festival has its roots in the ancient Mesopotamian religion and its festival of Akitu, which were practiced by Assyrians until the faith's gradual demise in the face of Syriac Christianity between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Today, Assyrians are predominantly Christian, with most being adherents of the Assyrian Church of the East, Chaldean Catholic Church, Syriac Orthodox Church, Syriac Catholic Church, Ancient Church of the East, Assyrian Pentecostal Church and Assyrian Evangelical Church.
Celebrations involve parades and parties. Some Assyrians wear traditional costumes and dance for hours. Celebrations take place throughout Assyria and other areas in the Middle East, along with some in the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada and the Caucasus among Assyrian diaspora communities. There are often parties with food, music and dancing.
== History ==The month of Nisan was around the time of the vernal equinox, which is around March 21. (In the Hebrew calendar, Nisan may start a couple of weeks before the equinox.) Now the name Nisan is used for April, so the first of Nisan is April 1. The Vernal equinox is celebrated throughout Greater Iran as Noruz (meaning New Day) on 21 March. However, in the ancient Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian traditions, the spring festival was celebrated in the first days of the month known as Nisan and the calendar adopted by the ancient Assyrians had the month Nisan at the beginning of the calendar lending to the term Kha b-Nisan, or the first of Nisan.
The modern observance of Akitu began in the 1960s during the Assyrian intellectual renaissance. Due to political oppression, however, the celebrations were largely private until the 1990s.
The event is largely celebrated by Assyrians residing in Syria. Although the Syrian government does not acknowledge the festival, Assyrians still continue with the celebration. In 2002, Assyrians in Syria celebrated the event with a mass wedding of 16 couples and over 25,000 attendees. After the formation of Turkey, Kha b-Nisan along with Nowruz were banned from public celebration. Assyrians in Turkey were first allowed to publicly celebrate Kha b-Nisan in 2005, after organizers received permission from the government to stage the event, in light of democratic reforms adopted in support of Turkey's EU membership bid. Around 5,000 people including large groups of visiting ethnic Assyrians from Europe, Syria and Iraq took part in the Kha b-Nisan celebrations.
One of the largest Assyrian New Year celebrations took place in Iraq in 2008. Public celebrations were not allowed by Saddam Hussein's regime prior to the start of the Iraq war. The event was organized by the Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa) and between 45,000 and 65,000 people took part in the parade.
In 2004, Hon. George Radanovich of the California State Assembly recognized the Assyrian New Year and extended his wishes to the Assyrian community in California. This was later followed by a letter from the California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to the Assyrian community in California, congratulating them on the annual celebration.
In 2020 festivities were cancelled in northeastern Syria due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
== Celebration ==
Assyrians celebrate Kha b-Nisan by holding social events including parades and parties. They also gather in clubs and social institutions and listen to the poets who recite the story of creation. Those celebrating wear traditional clothes and poppies. Some people will dress up as ancient Assyrian royalty. People greet each other by saying Reesh Shato Brikhto, Reesha D’Sheeta Brikhta or Akitu Breekha.
Due to its modern alignment with April Fool's Day, the festival is often more lighthearted than its historical counterpart.
It is a tradition in Assyrian villages for girls to gather flowers and herbs which are then suspended under the house's roof or made into a garland for a home's front door. The bunches are referred to as Deqna d-Nisan (ܕܩܢܐ ܕܢܝܣܢ), meaning the beard of April/Spring.
Newer traditions have also arisen in diaspora communities. The Assyrian community in Yonkers, New York has a tradition of raising the Assyrian flag in front of City Hall on April 1. In Chicago, Illinois, it has also become tradition to hold a parade down King Sargon Boulevard.
== Image gallery ==
Assyria
Akitu
Nowruz
Seharane
Sham el-Nessim
== Sources ==
== External links ==
Akitu and Newruz (aina.org)
Kurd's – Persian New Year; its Assyrian – Babylonian origin Archived 6 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine (christiansofiraq.com)
Assyrian NewYear 6758 Ceremony In Tehran (brasheet.com)
Assyrian NewYear 6758 Ceremony In Urmia (brasheet.com) |
659 | 3,978,442 | 0 | Maslenitsa | Russia | Maslenitsa (Belarusian: Масленіца; Russian: Мaсленица; Rusyn: Пущаня; Ukrainian: Масляна or Масниця), also known as Butter Lady, Butter Week, Crepe week, or Cheesefare Week, is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday which has retained a number of elements of Slavic mythology in its ritual. It is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent; that is, the eighth week before Eastern Orthodox Pascha.
The date of Maslenitsa changes every year, depending on the date of the celebration of Easter. It corresponds to the Western Christian Carnival, except that Orthodox Lent begins on a Monday instead of a Wednesday, and the Orthodox date of Easter can differ greatly from the Western Christian date.
The traditional attributes of the Maslenitsa celebration are the Maslenitsa effigy, sleigh rides, and festivities. Russians bake bliny and flatbread, while Belarusians and Ukrainians cook pierogi and syrniki.
== Traditions ==
According to archeological evidence from the 2nd century A.D., Maslenitsa may be the oldest surviving Slavic holiday.
In the Christian tradition, Maslenitsa is the last week before the onset of Great Lent.
During the week of Maslenitsa, meat is already forbidden to Orthodox Christians, and it is the last week during which eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products are permitted, leading to its name of Cheese-fare week or Crepe week. The most characteristic food of Maslenitsa is bliny – thin pancakes or crêpes, made from the rich foods still allowed by the Orthodox tradition that week: butter, eggs and milk.
Since Lent excludes parties, secular music, dancing and other distractions from spiritual life, Maslenitsa represents the last chance to take part in social activities that are not appropriate during the more prayerful, sober and introspective Lenten season.
In some regions, each day of Maslenitsa had its traditional activity. Monday may be the welcoming of Lady Maslenitsa. The community builds the Maslenitsa effigy out of straw, decorated with pieces of rags, and fixed to a pole formerly known as Kostroma. It is paraded around, and the first pancakes may be made and offered to the poor. On Tuesday, young men might search for a fiancée to marry after Lent. On Wednesday, sons-in-law may visit their mother-in-law, who has prepared pancakes and invited other guests for a party. Thursday may be devoted to outdoor activities. People may take time off work and spend the day sledding, ice skating, conducting snowball fights and with sleigh rides. On Friday, sons-in-law may invite their mothers-in-law for dinner. Saturday may be a gathering of a young wife with her sisters-in-law to work on a good relationship.
== Sunday of Forgiveness ==The last day of Cheesefare Week is called Forgiveness Sunday (Прощёное воскресенье). Relatives and friends ask each other for forgiveness and might offer them small presents. As the culmination of the celebration, people gather to strip Lady Maslenitsa of her finery and burn her in a bonfire. Left-over pancakes may also be thrown into the fire, and Lady Maslenitsa's ashes are buried in the snow to fertilize the crops.
At Vespers on Sunday evening, people may make a poklon (bow) before one another and ask forgiveness. Another name for Forgiveness Sunday is Cheesefare Sunday, because for devout Orthodox Christians it is the last day on which dairy products may be consumed until Easter. Fish, wine and olive oil will also be forbidden on most days of Great Lent. The day following Cheesefare Sunday is called Clean Monday, because people have confessed their sins, asked forgiveness, and begun Great Lent with a clean slate.
== Modern times ==Due to cultural factors in the Russian Empire, large public celebrations of Maslenitsa were no longer as common by the turn of the 20th century. After the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the following state atheism in the Soviet Union, public Maslenitsa celebrations became even less common, although Maslenitsa continued to observed particularly in smaller private celebrations in homes and villages. In the 1960s and 1970s, as the USSR brought back some traditional folk holidays, Maslenitsa was again observed in large public celebrations that retained some of the holiday's secular elements, but with additional contemporary socialist elements grafted onto it.
After the start of perestroika and fall of the Soviet Union in the 1980s and 1990s, large outdoor celebrations began to be start up again, and much of the older Maslenitsa traditions began to be revived in a modern context. Since 2002, Moscow has staged a yearly Maslenitsa festival next to the Red Square, with that and other celebrations attracting around 300,000 visitors a year as of 2011.
With increasing secularization, many Russians do not abstain from meat and Maslenitsa celebrations can be accompanied by shashlik vendors. Nevertheless, meat still does not play a major role in the festivities. Many countries with a significant number of Russian immigrants consider Maslenitsa a suitable occasion to celebrate Russian culture, although the celebrations are usually reduced to one day and may not coincide with the date of the religious celebrations.
== Gallery ==
== Adaptations ==
in 2012, Russian-Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov composed an Overture Maslenitsa. It was premiered in Chicoutimi, Canada on 24 February 2013 by L'Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean under the baton of French-Canadian conductor Jacques Clément.
Candlemas
Slavic carnival
Fašiangy (in Slovakia)
Rio Carnival (in Brazil)
Carnaval (in the Netherlands)
Fat Thursday (in Poland)
Mardi Gras (in other countries)
Mărţişor (in Romania and Moldova)
Marzanna (in Poland)
Meteņi (in Latvia)
Patras Carnival (in Greece)
Tsiknopempti
Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day (in the United Kingdom and Ireland)
Petrushka (ballet)
Užgavėnės (in Lithuania)
Farsang (Hungarian carnival)
Shrovetide
== External links ==Lives of the Saints The Orthodox Church in America, undated.
Marks, Gil (2010). Encyclopedia of Jewish Food. Wiley. pp. 56–58. ISBN 9780470943540. Retrieved April 18, 2012. ISBN 9780470391303 |
660 | 200,561 | 0 | Nowruz | Russia | Nowruz (Persian: نوروز [noːˈɾuːz]) is the Iranian New Year or Persian New Year. Historically, it has been observed by Persians and other Iranian peoples, but is now celebrated by many ethnicities worldwide. It is a festival based on the Northern Hemisphere spring equinox, which marks the first day of a new year on the Solar Hijri calendar; it usually coincides with a date between 19 March and 22 March on the Gregorian calendar.
The roots of Nowruz lie in Zoroastrianism, and it has been celebrated by many peoples across West Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia for over 3,000 years. In the modern era, while it is observed as a secular holiday by most celebrants, Nowruz remains a holy day for Zoroastrians, Baháʼís, and Ismaʿili Shia Muslims.
For the Northern Hemisphere, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring. Customs for the festival include various fire and water rituals, celebratory dances, gift exchanges, and poetry recitations, among others; these observances differ between the cultures of the diverse communities that celebrate it.
== Overview ==
The first day of the Iranian calendar falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring, around 21 March. In the 11th century AD the Iranian calendar was reformed by Omar Khayyam in order to fix the beginning of the calendar year, i.e. Nowruz, at the vernal equinox. Accordingly, the definition of Nowruz given by the Iranian astronomer Tusi was the following: the first day of the official New Year [Nowruz] was always the day on which the sun entered Aries before noon. Nowruz is the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar, which is the official calendar in use in Iran, and formerly in Afghanistan.
The United Nations officially recognized the International Day of Nowruz with the adoption of Resolution 64/253 by the United Nations General Assembly in February 2010.
=== Etymology ===
The word Nowruz is a combination of the Persian words نو (now, meaning 'new') and روز (ruz, 'day'). Pronunciation varies among Persian dialects, with Eastern dialects using the pronunciation [nawˈɾoːz] (as in Dari and Classical Persian, however in Tajik, it is navrūz, written наврӯз), western dialects [nowˈɾuːz], and Tehranis [noːˈɾuːz]. A variety of spelling variations for the word nowruz exist in English-language usage, including norooz, novruz, nowruz, navruz, nauruz and newroz.
=== Spring equinox calculation ===Nowruz's timing is based on the vernal equinox. In Iran, it is the day of the new year in the Solar Hijri algorithmic calendar, which is based on precise astronomical observations, and moreover use of sophisticated intercalation system, which makes it more accurate than its European counterpart, the Gregorian calendar.
Each 2820-year great grand cycle contains 2,137 normal years of 365 days and 683 leap years of 366 days, with the average year length over the great grand cycle 365.24219852. This average is just 0.00000026 (2.6×10−7) of a day—slightly more than 1/50 of a second—shorter than Newcomb's value for the mean tropical year of 365.24219878 days, but differs considerably more from the current average vernal equinox year of 365.242362 days, which means that the new year, intended to fall on the vernal equinox, would drift by half a day over the course of a cycle. As the source explains, the 2820-year cycle is erroneous and has never been used in practice.
=== Chaharshanbe Suri ===Chaharshanbe Suri (Persian: چهارشنبهسوری, romanized: čahâr-šanbeh suri (lit. Festive Wednesday) is a prelude to the New Year. In Iran, it is celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. It is usually celebrated in the evening by performing rituals such as jumping over bonfires and lighting off firecrackers and fireworks.
In Azerbaijan, where the preparation for Novruz usually begins a month earlier, the festival is held every Tuesday during four weeks before the holiday of Novruz. Each Tuesday, people celebrate the day of one of the four elements—water, fire, earth and wind. On the holiday eve, the graves of relatives are visited and tended.
Iranians sing the poetic line my yellow is yours, your red is mine, which means my weakness to you and your strength to me (Persian: سرخی تو از من، زردی من از تو, romanized: sorkhi-ye to az man, zardi-ye man az to) to the fire during the festival, asking the fire to take away ill-health and problems and replace them with warmth, health, and energy. Trail mix and berries are also served during the celebration.
Spoon banging (قاشق زنی, qāšoq zani) is a tradition observed on the eve of Charshanbe Suri, similar to the Halloween custom of trick-or-treating. In Iran, people wear disguises and go door-to-door banging spoons against plates or bowls and receive packaged snacks. In Azerbaijan, children slip around to their neighbors' homes and apartments on the last Tuesday prior to Novruz, knock at the doors, and leave their caps or little basket on the thresholds, hiding nearby to wait for candies, pastries and nuts.
The ritual of jumping over fire has continued in Armenia in the feast of Trndez, which is a feast of purification in the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Catholic Church, celebrated forty days after Jesus's birth.
=== Sizdah Be-dar ===In Iran, the Nowruz holidays last thirteen days. On the thirteenth day of the New Year, Iranians leave their houses to enjoy nature and picnic outdoors, as part of the Sizdah Bedar ceremony. The greenery grown for the Haft-sin setting is thrown away, usually into running water. It is also customary for young single people, especially young girls, to tie the leaves of the greenery before discarding it, expressing a wish to find a partner. Another custom associated with Sizdah Bedar is the playing of jokes and pranks, similar to April Fools' Day.
== History ==
=== Origin in the Iranian religions ===There exist various foundation myths for Nowruz in Iranian mythology.
The Shahnameh credits the foundation of Nowruz to the mythical Iranian King Jamshid, who saves mankind from a winter destined to kill every living creature. To defeat the killer winter, Jamshid constructed a throne studded with gems. He had demons raise him above the earth into the heavens; there he sat, shining like the Sun. The world's creatures gathered and scattered jewels around him and proclaimed that this was the New Day (Now Ruz). This was the first day of Farvardin, which is the first month of the Iranian calendar.
Although it is not clear whether Proto-Indo-Iranians celebrated a feast as the first day of the calendar, there are indications that Iranians may have observed the beginning of both autumn and spring, respectively related to the harvest and the sowing of seeds, for the celebration of the New Year. Mary Boyce and Frantz Grenet explain the traditions for seasonal festivals and comment: It is possible that the splendor of the Babylonian festivities at this season, led the Iranians to develop their own spring festival into an established New Year feast, with the name Navasarda New Year (a name which, though first attested through Middle Persian derivatives, is attributed to the Achaemenian period). Akitu was the Babylonian festivity held during the spring month of Nisan in which Nowruz falls. Since the communal observations of the ancient Iranians appear in general to have been seasonal ones and related to agriculture, it is probable that they traditionally held festivals in both autumn and spring, to mark the major turning points of the natural year.
Nowruz is partly rooted in the tradition of Iranian religions, such as Mithraism and Zoroastrianism. In Mithraism, festivals had a deep linkage with the Sun's light. The Iranian festivals such as Mehregan (autumnal equinox), Tirgan, and the eve of Chelle ye Zemestan (winter solstice) also had an origin in the Sun god (Mithra). Among other ideas, Zoroastrianism is the first monotheistic religion that emphasizes broad concepts such as the corresponding work of good and evil in the world, and the connection of humans to nature. Zoroastrian practices were dominant for much of the history of ancient Iran. In Zoroastrianism, the seven most important Zoroastrian festivals are the six Gahambar festivals and Nowruz, which occurs at the spring equinox. According to Mary Boyce, It seems a reasonable surmise that Nowruz, the holiest of them all, with deep doctrinal significance, was founded by Zoroaster himself; although there is no clear date of origin. Between sunset on the day of the sixth Gahambar and sunrise of Nowruz, Hamaspathmaedaya (later known, in its extended form, as Frawardinegan; and today is known as Farvardigan) was celebrated. This and the Gahambars are the only festivals named in the surviving text of the Avesta.
The 10th-century scholar Biruni, in his work Kitab al-Tafhim li Awa'il Sina'at al-Tanjim, provides a description of the calendars of various nations. Besides the Iranian calendar, various festivals of Greeks, Jews, Arabs, Sabians, and other nations are mentioned in the book. In the section on the Iranian calendar, he mentions Nowruz, Sadeh, Tirgan, Mehrgan, the six Gahambars, Farvardigan, Bahmanja, Esfand Armaz and several other festivals. According to him, It is the belief of the Iranians that Nowruz marks the first day when the universe started its motion. The Persian historian Gardizi, in his work titled Zayn al-Akhbār, under the section of the Zoroastrians festivals, mentions Nowruz (among other festivals) and specifically points out that Zoroaster highly emphasized the celebration of Nowruz and Mehrgan.
=== Achaemenid period ===Although the word Nowruz is not recorded in Achaemenid inscriptions, there is a detailed account by Xenophon of a Nowruz celebration taking place in Persepolis and the continuity of this festival in the Achaemenid tradition. Nowruz was an important day during the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BC). Kings of the different Achaemenid nations would bring gifts to the King of Kings. The significance of the ceremony was such that King Cambyses II's appointment as the king of Babylon was legitimized only after his participation in the referred annual Achaemenid festival.
==== Celebrations at Persepolis ====
It has been suggested that the famous Persepolis complex, or at least the palace of Apadana and the Hundred Columns Hall, were built for the specific purpose of celebrating a feast related to Nowruz.
==== Iranian and Jewish calendars ====
In 539 BC, the Jews came under Iranian rule, thus exposing both groups to each other's customs. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, the story of Purim as told in the Book of Esther is adapted from an Iranian novella about the shrewdness of harem queens, suggesting that Purim may be an adoption of Iranian New Year. A specific novella is not identified and Encyclopedia Britannica itself notes that no Jewish texts of this genre from the Persian period are extant, so these new elements can be recognized only inferentially. Purim is celebrated the 14 of Adar, usually within a month before Nowruz (as the date of Purim is set according to the Jewish calendar, which is lunisolar), while Nowruz occurs at the spring equinox. It is possible that the Jews and Iranians of the time may have shared or adopted similar customs for these holidays. The Lunar new year of the Middle East occurs on 1 Nisan, the new moon of the first month of spring, which usually falls within a few weeks of Nowruz.
==== Legacy in Persian literature ====
In his Shahnameh, the tenth-century poet Ferdowsi narrates a fictional account of Darius III's death, where an injured Darius, with his head cradled on Alexander the Great’s thigh, asks Alexander to wed Roxana, so their children might uphold Nowruz and keep the flame of Zoroaster burning:Her mother named her Roxana the fair; The world found joy and solace in her care. ... From her, perhaps, a glorious one shall rise; Who shall renew the name of bold Esfandiyār, wise. This sacred flame of Zoroaster, he shall adorn; The Zend and Avesta scriptures, in his hands be borne. The feast of Sadeh, this auspicious rite he'll keep; The splendor of Nowruz and fire temples deep.
=== Parthian and Sasanian periods ===
Nowruz was the holiday of Parthian dynastic empires who ruled Iran (248 BC–224 AD) and the other areas ruled by the Arsacid dynasties outside of Parthia (such as the Arsacid dynasties of Armenia and Iberia). There are specific references to the celebration of Nowruz during the reign of Vologases I (51–78 AD), but these include no details. Before Sassanians established their power in Western Asia around 300 AD, Parthians celebrated Nowruz in autumn, and the first of Farvardin began at the autumn equinox. During the reign of the Parthian dynasty, the spring festival was Mehregan, a Zoroastrian and Iranian festival celebrated in honor of Mithra.
Extensive records on the celebration of Nowruz appear following the accession of Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire (224–651 AD). Under the Sassanid emperors, Nowruz was celebrated as the most important day of the year. Most royal traditions of Nowruz, such as royal audiences with the public, cash gifts, and the pardoning of prisoners, were established during the Sassanid era and persisted unchanged until modern times.
=== Arab conquest and Islamization of Persia ===
Nowruz, along with the mid-winter celebration Sadeh, survived the Muslim conquest of Persia of 650 CE. Other celebrations such as the Gahambars and Mehrgan were eventually side-lined or only observed by Zoroastrians. Nowruz became the main royal holiday during the Abbasid period. Much like their predecessors in the Sasanian period, Dehqans would offer gifts to the caliphs and local rulers at the Nowruz and Mehragan festivals.
Following the demise of the caliphate and the subsequent re-emergence of Iranian dynasties such as the Samanids and Buyids, Nowruz became an even more important event. The Buyids revived the ancient traditions of Sassanian times and restored many smaller celebrations that had been eliminated by the caliphate. The Iranian Buyid ruler 'Adud al-Dawla (r. 949–983) customarily welcomed Nowruz in a majestic hall, decked with gold and silver plates and vases full of fruit and colorful flowers. The King would sit on the royal throne, and the court astronomer would come forward, kiss the ground, and congratulate him on the arrival of the New Year. The king would then summon musicians and singers, and invited his friends to gather and enjoy a great festive occasion.
Later Turkic and Mongol invaders did not attempt to abolish Nowruz.
In 1079 CE during the Seljuq dynasty era, a group of eight scholars led by astronomer and polymath Omar Khayyam calculated and established the Jalali calendar, computing the year starting from Nowruz.
The festival along with Mehregan was widely celebrated in Al-Andalus, as the Andalusians from the 9th century onwards strongly identified with many Iranian traditions despite the opposition from the Maliki jurists. Also, from the 10th century onwards the nobility, emirs and governors sponsored the celebrations and festivals. However, the jurists beginning from the 12th century started encouraging the Andalusians to celebrate Mawlid instead.
=== Contemporary era ===
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran and Afghanistan were the only countries that officially observed the ceremonies of Nowruz. When the Caucasian and Central Asian countries gained independence from the Soviets, they also declared Nowruz as a national holiday.
Nowruz was added to the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
== Customs ==
=== House cleaning and shopping ===
House cleaning, or shaking the house (Persian: خانه تکانی, romanized: xāne tekāni) is commonly done before the arrival of Nowruz. People start preparing for Nowruz with a major spring cleaning of their homes and by buying new clothes to wear for the New Year, as well as the purchase of flowers. The hyacinth and the tulip are popular and conspicuous.
=== Visiting family and friends ===
During the Nowruz holidays, people are expected to make short visits to the homes of family, friends and neighbors. Typically, young people will visit their elders first, and the elders return their visit later. Visitors are offered tea and pastries, cookies, fresh and dried fruits and mixed nuts or other snacks. Many Iranians throw large Nowruz parties as a way of dealing with the long distances between groups of friends and family.
=== Food preparation ===One of the most common foods cooked on the occasion of Nowruz is Samanu (Samanak, Somank, Somalek). This food is prepared using wheat germ. In most countries that celebrate Nowruz, this food is cooked. In some countries, cooking this food is associated with certain rituals. Women and girls in different parts of Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan cook Samanu in groups and sometimes during the night, and when cooking it, they sing memorable songs.
Cooking other foods is also common on Nowruz. For example, sabzi polo with fish is eaten on Eid night, as are sweets such as Nan-e Nokhodchi. In general, cooking Nowruz food is common in every region where Nowruz is celebrated, and each area has its food and sweets.
=== Haft-sin ===Typically, before the arrival of Nowruz, family members gather around the Haft-sin table and await the exact moment of the March equinox to celebrate the New Year. The number 7 and the letter S are related to the seven Ameshasepantas as mentioned in the Zend-Avesta. They relate to the four elements of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the three life forms of Humans, Animals and Plants. In modern times, the explanation was simplified to mean that the Haft-sin (Persian: هفتسین, seven things beginning with the letter sin (س)) are:Sabze (Persian: سبزه) – wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentil sprouts grown in a dish.
Samanu (Persian: سمنو) – sweet pudding made from wheat germ
Persian olive (Persian: سنجد, romanized: senjed)
Vinegar (Persian: سرکه, romanized: serke)
Apple (Persian: سیب, romanized: sib)
Garlic (Persian: سیر, romanized: sir)
Sumac (Persian: سماق, romanized: somāq)
The Haft-sin table may also include a mirror, candles, painted eggs, a bowl of water, goldfish, coins, hyacinth, and traditional confectioneries. A book of wisdom such as the Quran, Bible, Avesta, the Šāhnāme of Ferdowsi, or the divān of Hafez may also be included. Haft-sin's origins are not clear. The practice is believed to have been popularized over the past 100 years.
=== Haft-mewa ===In Afghanistan, people prepare Haft Mēwa (Dari: هفت میوه, English: seven fruits) for Nauruz, a mixture of seven different dried fruits and nuts (such as raisins, silver berry, pistachios, hazelnuts, prunes, walnut, and almonds) served in syrup.
=== Khoncha ===Khoncha (Azerbaijani: Xonça) is the traditional display of Novruz in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It consists of a big silver or copper tray, with a tray of green, sprouting wheat (samani) in the middle and a dyed egg for each member of the family arranged around it. The table should be with at least seven dishes.
=== Amu Nowruz and Hajji Firuz ===In Iran, the traditional heralds of the festival of Nowruz are Amu Nowruz and Haji Firuz, who appear in the streets to celebrate the New Year.
Amu Nowruz brings children gifts, much like his counterpart Santa Claus. He is the husband of Nane Sarma, with whom he shares a traditional love story in which they can meet each other only once a year. He is depicted as an elderly silver-haired man with a long beard carrying a walking stick, wearing a felt hat, a long cloak of blue canvas, a sash, giveh, and linen trousers.
Haji Firuz, a character with his face and hands covered in soot, clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat, is the companion of Amu Nowruz. He dances through the streets while singing and playing the tambourine. In the traditional songs, he introduces himself as a serf trying to cheer people whom he refers to as his lords.
=== Kampirak ===
In the folklore of Afghanistan, Kampirak and his retinue pass village by village, distributing gathered charities among people. He is an old, bearded man wearing colorful clothes with a long hat and rosary who symbolizes beneficence and the power of nature yielding the forces of winter. The tradition is observed in central provinces, specially Bamyan and Daykundi.
=== Nauryz kozhe ===
In Kazakhstan, Kazakhs start the new year by cooking nauryz kozhe, a traditional drink.
== Communities ==
The festival of Nowruz is celebrated by many groups of people in the Black Sea basin, the Balkans, the South Caucasus, Western Asia, central and southern Asia, and by Iranian peoples worldwide.Places where Nowruz is a public holiday include:Nowruz is celebrated by Kurds in Iraq Syria, and Turkey, as well as by the Iranis, Shias and Parsis in the Indian subcontinent and Iranian diaspora.
Nowruz is also celebrated by Iranian communities in the Americas and in Europe, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Toronto, Cologne and London. In Phoenix, Arizona, Nowruz is celebrated at the Persian New Year Festival. But because Los Angeles is prone to devastating fires, there are very strict fire codes in the city. Usually, Iranians living in Southern California go to the beaches to celebrate the event where it is permissible to build fires. On 15 March 2010, the United States House of Representatives passed the Nowruz Resolution (H.Res. 267), by a 384–2 vote, Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz.
=== Afghanistan ===Nowruz marks Afghanistan's New Year's Day with the Solar Hijri Calendar as their official calendar.
In Afghanistan, the festival of Gul-i-Surkh (Dari: گل سرخ, 'red flower') is the principal festival for Nauruz. It is celebrated in Mazar-i-Sharif during the first 40 days of the year, when red tulips grow in the green plains and over the hills surrounding the city. People from all over the country travel to Mazar-i-Sharif to attend the Nauruz festivals. Buzkashi tournaments are held during the Gul-i-Surkh festival in Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul and other northern Afghan cities.
Jahenda Bala (Dari: جهنده بالا, 'raising') is celebrated on the first day of the New Year. It is a religious ceremony performed at the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif by raising a special banner resembling the Derafsh Kaviani royal standard. It is attended by high-ranking government officials such as the Vice-President, Ministers, and Provincial Governors and is the biggest recorded Nawroz gathering, with up to 200,000 people from all over Afghanistan attending.
In the festival of Dehqān (Dari: دهقان, 'farmer'), also celebrated on the first day of the New Year, farmers walk in the cities as a sign of encouragement for the agricultural production. In recent years, this activity only happens in Kabul and other major cities where the mayor and other government officials attend.
During the first two weeks of the New Year, the citizens of Kabul hold family picnics in Istalif, Charikar and other green places where redbuds grow.
During the Taliban regime of 1996–2001, Nauruz was banned as an ancient pagan holiday centered on fire worship. In March 2022, the Taliban said that Nauruz would not be a public holiday that year, although allowed celebrations to take place.
=== Albania ===Nevruz is celebrated annually in Albania on 22 March as Sultan Nevruz. In Albania, the festival commemorates the birthday of Ali ibn Abi Talib (died 661 CE) and simultaneously the advent of spring. It is prominent amongst the nations' Bektashis, but adherents of Sunnism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy also share in the nevruz festival to respect the ecumenical spirit of Albania.
=== Armenia ===
Since the 19th century, Nowruz has not generally been celebrated by Armenians and is not a public holiday in Armenia. However, it is celebrated in Armenia by tens of thousands of Iranian tourists who visit Armenia with relative ease. The influx of tourists from Iran accelerated since around 2010–11. In 2010 alone, around 27,600 Iranians spent Nowruz in capital Yerevan.
In 2015, President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter of congratulations to Kurds living in Armenia and to the Iranian political leadership on the occasion of Nowruz.
=== Azerbaijan ===In Azerbaijan, Nowruz celebrations go on for several days and included festive public dancing and folk music, and sporting competitions. In rural areas, crop holidays are also marked. Additionally, in Azerbaijani tradition, the weather on the first day of Novruz is believed to forecast the seasons: spring, summer follows on the second day, autumn on the third, and winter on the fourth.
Communities of the Azerbaijani diaspora also celebrate Nowruz in the US, Canada, and Israel.
=== Bangladesh ===
Nowruz is generally not celebrated by Bangladeshis, but it is widely celebrated by the country's Shia Muslims. It continues to be celebrated regularly in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Khulna. During the Mughal period; Nowruz was celebrated for 19 days with pomp and gaiety. Shia Muslims in Bangladesh have been seen spraying water around their home and drinking that water to keep themselves protected from diseases. A congregation to seek divine blessing is also arranged. Members of the Nawab family of Dhaka used to celebrate it amid pomp and grandeur. In the evening, they used to float thousands of candle lights in nearby ponds and water bodies. The National poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, also a Sunni, portrayed a vivid sketch of the festival highlighting its various aspects. In his poem, he described it as a platform of exposing a youth's physical and mental beauty to another opposite one for conquering his or her heart.
=== Central Asia ===Nowruz widely celebrated on a vast territory of Central Asia and ritual practice acquired its special features. The festival was legitimized by prayers at mosques, and visits to the mazars of Muslim saints and to sacred streams. In the Emirate of Bukhara, a broad official celebration of Nowruz was started by Amir Muzaffar, who sought to strengthen the image of the Manghyt dynasty during the crisis of political legitimacy. Currently, all five Central Asian countries (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan) celebrate Nowruz as a public holiday.
=== China ===
Traditionally, Nowruz is celebrated mainly in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by the Uyghurs, Chinese Tajik, Salar, Kyrgyz and Kazakh ethnicities.
=== Georgia ===
Nowruz is not celebrated by Georgians, but it is widely celebrated by the country's large Azerbaijani minority (~7% of the total population) as well as by Iranians living in Georgia. Every year, large festivities are held in the capital Tbilisi, as well as in areas with a significant number of Azerbaijanis, such as the Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti, Shida Kartli, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti regions. Georgian politicians have attended the festivities in the capital over the years, and have congratulated the Nowruz-observing ethnic groups and nationals in Georgia on the day of Nowruz.
=== India ===The tradition of Nowruz in Northern India dates back to the Mughal Empire; the festival was celebrated for 19 days with pomp and gaiety in the realm. However, it further goes back to the Parsi Zoroastrian community in Western India, who migrated to the Indian subcontinent from Persia during the Muslim conquest of Persia of 636–651 CE.
In the Princely State of Hyderabad, Nowruz (Nauroz) was one of the four holidays where the Nizam would hold a public Darbar, along with the two official Islamic holidays and the sovereign's birthday. Prior to Asaf Jahi rule in Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahi dynasty celebrated Nowruz with a ritual called Panjeri, and the festival was celebrated by all with great grandeur.
A popular Deccani Urdu poem written by the founder of Hyderabad, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, is recited in the Deccan region on Nauroz:
=== Iran ===
Nowruz is a two-week celebration that marks the beginning of the New Year in Iran's official Solar Hijri calendar. The celebration includes four public holidays from the first to the fourth day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian calendar, usually beginning on 21 March. On the Eve of Nowruz, the fire festival Chaharshanbe Suri is celebrated. Following the 1979 Revolution, some radical elements from the Islamic government attempted to suppress Nowruz, considering it a pagan holiday and a distraction from Islamic holidays. Nowruz has been politicized, with political leaders making annual Nowruz speeches.
=== Kurdistan ===Newroz is largely considered as a potent symbol of Kurdish identity. The Kurds of Turkey celebrate this feast between 18 and 21 March. Kurds gather into fairgrounds mostly outside the cities to welcome spring. Women wear colored dresses and spangled head scarves and young men wave flags of green, yellow and red, the historic colors of Kurdish people. They hold this festival by lighting fire and dancing around it. Newroz has seen many bans in Turkey, as Turkey has a strong and long history of trying to suppress Kurdish history and culture. It has only been celebrated legally since 1992 after the ban on the Kurdish language was lifted. The holiday is now officially allowed in Turkey after international pressure on the Turkish government to lift culture bans. The Turkish government renamed the holiday Nevroz in 1995. However, Newroz celebrations are still suppressed and lead to continual confrontations with the Turkish authority. In Cizre, Nusyabin and Şırnak celebrations turned violent as Turkish police forces fired in the celebrating crowds. In recent years, the Newroz celebration summons around 1 million participants in Diyarbakır, the biggest city of the Kurdish dominated Southeastern Turkey.
In Syria, the Kurds dress up in their national dress and celebrate the New Year. According to Human Rights Watch, the Kurds have had to struggle to celebrate Newroz, and in the past and the celebration has led to violent oppression, leading to several deaths and mass arrests. The Syrian Arab Ba'athist government stated in 2004 that the Newroz celebrations will be tolerated as long as they do not become political demonstrations. During the Newroz celebrations in 2008, three Kurds were shot dead by Syrian security forces. In March 2010, an attack by Syrian police killed two or three people, one of them a 15-year-old girl, and more than 50 people were wounded. The Rojava revolution of 2012 and the subsequent establishment of the de facto Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria saw Kurdish civil rights greatly expand, and Newroz is now celebrated freely in most Kurdish areas of Syria except for Efrin, where the ritual is no longer allowed since the 2018 occupation by Turkish-backed rebel groups.
Kurds in Iraq and Iran have had more freedom to celebrate Newroz than their countrymen of Syria and Turkey.
Kurds in the diaspora also celebrate the New Year; for example, Kurds in Australia celebrate Newroz not only as the beginning of the new year, but also as the Kurdish National Day. Similarly, the Kurds in Finland celebrate the new year as a way of demonstrating their support for the Kurdish cause. Also in London, organizers estimated that 25,000 people celebrated Newroz during March 2006. In Canada, the largest Kurdish Newroz festival is held in Ontario. In the States, the city of Nashville, Tennessee includes the largest Kurdish population in the United States. The Kurds celebrate Newroz by holding a Nashville festival; dressed in their traditional clothing, they sing and dance around a fire with their family and friends.
=== Pakistan ===
In Pakistan, Nowruz is typically celebrated in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially near the border with Afghanistan, and across Balochistan, with a large celebration held in the capital of Quetta. Recently, the government of Iran has participated in hosting celebrations in Islamabad to commemorate the holiday. Like in India, the Parsi and Isma'ili communities have historically celebrated the holiday, as have some Shi'a Muslims.
=== United States ===
Vibrant Persian speaking Immigrant communities have been celebrating Nowruz for decades in the United States. The state of California is considered to have the largest Farsi speaking community in the country. On 19 March 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring 19 March the day as Nowruz day.
== Theology ==
=== Zoroastrianism ===
Followers of the Zoroastrian faith include Nowruz in their religious calendar, as do followers of other faiths. Shia literature refers to the merits of the day of Nowruz; the Day of Ghadir took place on Nowruz; and the fatwas of major Shia scholars recommend fasting. Nowruz is also a holy day for Sufis, Bektashis, Ismailis, Alawites, Alevis, Babis and adherents of the Baháʼí Faith.
=== Baháʼí Faith ===Naw-Rúz is one of nine holy days for adherents of the Baháʼí Faith worldwide. It is the first day of the Baháʼí calendar, occurring on the vernal equinox around 21 March. The Baháʼí calendar is composed of 19 months, each of 19 days, and each of the months is named after an attribute of God; similarly, each of the 19 days in the month also are named after an attribute of God. The first day and the first month were given the attribute of Bahá, an Arabic word meaning splendour or glory, and thus the first day of the year was the day of Bahá in the month of Bahá. Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, explained that Naw-Rúz was associated with the Most Great Name of God, and was instituted as a festival for those who observed the Nineteen-Day Fast.
The day is also used to symbolize the renewal of time in each religious dispensation. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh's son and successor, explained that significance of Naw-Rúz in terms of spring and the new life it brings. He explained that the equinox is a symbol of the messengers of God and the message that they proclaim is like a spiritual springtime, and that Naw-Rúz is used to commemorate it.
As with all Baháʼí holy days, there are few fixed rules for observing Naw-Rúz, and Baháʼís all over the world celebrate it as a festive day, according to local custom. Persian Baháʼís still observe many of the Iranian customs associated with Nowruz such as the Haft-sin, but American Baháʼí communities, for example, may have a potluck dinner, along with prayers and readings from Baháʼí scripture.
=== Shia Islam ===
Along with Ismailis, Alawites and Alevis , the Twelver Shia also hold the day of Nowruz in high regard.
It has been said that Musa al-Kadhim, the seventh Twelver Shia imam, has explained Nowruz and said: In Nowruz God made a covenant with His servants to worship Him and not to allow any partner for Him. To welcome His messengers and obey their rulings. This day is the first day that the fertile wind blew and the flowers on the earth appeared. The archangel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet, and it is the day that Abraham broke the idols. The day Prophet Muhammad held Ali on his shoulders to destroy the Quraishie's idols in the house of God, the Kaaba.
The day upon which Nowruz falls has been recommended as a day of fasting for Twelver Shia Muslims by Shia scholars, including Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali al-Sistani. The day also assumes special significance for Shias as it has been said that it was on 16 March 632 AD, that the first Shia Imam, Ali, assumed the office of caliphate. Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims around the globe celebrate Nowruz as a religious festival. Special prayers and Majalis are arranged in Jamatkhanas. Special foods are cooked and people share best wishes and prayers with each other.
== Notes ==
== Further reading ==
Mozaffari, Ali; Akbar, Ali (20 August 2023). Heritage Diplomacy and Soft Power Competition Between Iran and Turkey: Competing Claims over Rumi and Nowruz. International Journal of Cultural Policy. 30 (5): 597–614. doi:10.1080/10286632.2023.2241872. ISSN 1028-6632.
== External links ==Nowruz at Encyclopædia Iranica |
661 | 62,863,789 | 0 | Ođđajagemánnu | Russia | null |
662 | 21,179,978 | 0 | Perm International Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival | Russia | The International Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival Ice, Snow, and Fire (sometimes translated as Ice, Snow and Flame) has been held annually in Perm, Russia, in Gorky Amusement Park since 1995.
The festivals holds two competitions: in ice sculpture and snow sculpture.
Winter festival
== External links ==
2000: [1]
1999: [2]
1998: [3]
1997: 3rd Festival |
663 | 43,867,530 | 0 | Platonov Arts Festival | Russia | Platonov Arts Festival is an international arts festival, named after the Russian writer Andrey Platonov.
Platonov Festival is an annual cultural event, held in Voronezh at the beginning of June. For the past 4 editions (2011-2014) the festival has become the major cultural project in Voronezh region. Musicians, theatre companies, artists and writers from all over the world take part in this cultural event. The 4th festival edition (5–15 June 2014) included projects from 18 countries - UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, India, Spain, Lithuania, Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Russia.
The Artistic Director of the Festival is Mikhail Bychkov, also known as a theatre director and founder of the Voronezh Chamber Theatre (1994 – 2023).
== Program ==
Platonov Festival presents works in fields of Classical Music, World Music, Theatre, Street Theatre, Exhibitions and Literature.
All festival events are divided into 3 programs:Main program includes masterpieces with artistic values recognized at various festivals and by professional critics.
Actual art program is a platform to showcase creative experiments and search for new artistic means. The festival program is composed by the Expert Council.
Platonov program consists of works based on Platonov’s literary heritage, or devoted to the Platonov’s work.
Besides the traditional formats for the majority of arts festival (concerts, performances, art exhibitions, meetings with writers), there are special projects in the festival program:Street theatres parade – one of the brightest festival projects, a pageantry. Russian and foreign theatre artists, acrobats, dancers, stilt-walkers, musicians and clowns take part in the procession along the main street of Voronezh city – Revolution Avenue (Prospekt Revolutsii).
Platonov Club – literature project of the festival, which unites scholars, writers, translators, philosophers from Russia and abroad. During round-tables and meetings of Platonov Club new books on Platonov issues are presented, club members discuss influence of Platonov’s ideas on contemporary art and philosophical process, analyze his heritage in the context of modern culture and discourse and raise other related issues.
During the festival Book Fair, which works 3 days in one of the city squares, a lot of independent publishing houses present and sell their books of different genres – modern prose and poetry, children's books, albums and art books, memoirs and biographies, intellectual literature and non-fiction books, originally illustrated conceptual publications and much more. Meeting with famous Russian writers, poets and literary critics are held within the Book Fair working days, children’s tent provides interactive games and workshops for the very young readers.
== Participants of the festival ==
World Music part, which was added to the music program of the festival in 2014, included concerts of Rokia Traore (Mali), Alim Qasimov (Azerbaijan), Huun-Huur-Tu (Tuva), Cristina Branco (Portugal), Mostar Sevdah Reunion (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Marlene Dorcena (Haiti), Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam (India) and Roma trio Loyko (Russia). Some of the artists had their first performance in Russia within Platonov Festival.
In the Theatre Program, Platonov Festival hosted performances of Philippe Genty, Eimuntas Nekrošius, Alvis Hermanis, Mindaugas Karbauskis, Rezo Gabriadze, Lev Dodin, Rimas Tuminas, Sergey Zhenovach, Susanne Andrade, Victoria Thierrée-Chaplin, Yuriy Butusov, Anton Adasinskiy, Amit Lahav, Ivan Vyrypaev and others. Some foreign productions had their premieres in Russia at Platonov Festival – «Miranda» by Oskaras Koršunovas Theatre (Lithuania), «A Piece on Mother and the Fatherland» of the Polski Theatre from Wroclaw (Poland), cabaret-show «In the CROCODILE bar» directed by Ralph Reichel (Germany), «Happiness» Theatre on Pechersk (Ukraine), monoperformance «GO!» by Polina Borisova (France), «Untitled» by Slava Daubnerova (Slovakia).
The Art of Dance as part of Theatre Program at the past festival editions was presented by performances of such choreographers as Nacho Duato, Jiri Kylian, Jorma Elo, Ohad Naharin, Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak, Russel Maliphant, Josef Nadj. Productions «Daphnis and Chloe» and «The Rite of Spring» (The Grenoble National Choreographic Centre, France), «Oyster» (Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company, Israel), Russell Maliphant’s «Still Current» was presented for the first time in Russia within Platonov Arts Festival.
The Street Theatre Program featured French performance «Duo for a dancer and excavator». (Association Beau Geste), shows of PAVANA theatre from Netherlands and Tall Brothers from Moscow, production «Planet Lem» (Teatr Biuro Podróży, Poland) and the street theatres parade along the main city avenue.
== The Platonov Award in Literature and Art ==
The Platonov Award in Literature and Art, established by the Government of the Voronezh region, is annually conferred on Russian and foreign cultural figures for their significant contribution to cultural heritage of Russian Federation, for creation of outstanding works of literature, theatre, music, visual arts, and for innovative development of humanistic and cultural traditions. The amount of the Award is 500 thousand rubles.
=== Platonov Award laureates ===
Boris Ekimov (2011), Russian writer (born 1938)
Lev Dodin (2012), Russian theatre director, artistic director of The Maly Drama Theatre – Theatre of Europe (born 1944)
Mikhail Pletnev (2013), Russian pianist, artistic director and chief conductor of the Russian National Orchestra (born 1957)
Aleksandr Petrov (2014), Russian animator and animation director (born 1957)
Andrei Bitov (2015), Russian writer (1937–2018)
== External links ==
Media related to Platonov Arts Festival at Wikimedia Commons |
664 | 62,863,710 | 0 | Quviasukvik | Russia | Quviasukvik (Inuktitut: ᖁᕕᐊᓲᑎᖃᕐᕕᒃ; Christmas), is the first day of the year according to Inuit. The festival of the New Year is celebrated by Inuit, Yupik, Aleuts, Chukchi, NunatuKavummiut and the Iñupiat. The feast originally derives from traditional Inuit religion but in modern times, it has Christian influences.
== Timing ==
The Quviasukvik festival starts on Christmas Eve and ends on January 7. This festival celebrates the coming of the new year and the sea goddess, Sedna and the transferring of spirits for good luck in the new year. During these days, many traditional customs are displayed. Due to Christian influences, Christmas was considered a new year to the Inuit which gave the festival its name.
Angakkuq
First sunrise
== Notes ==
^a This would only apply in those areas where the sun rose on December 24. Many circumpolar peoples live above the Arctic Circle, experience polar night, and thus have no sunrise on December 24. For example the Copper Inuit who lived in the Umingmaktok area (67°41′45″N 107°56′45″W) did not see the sunrise between (approximately) December 12 and 29 |
665 | 12,949,731 | 0 | Scarlet Sails (tradition) | Russia | The Scarlet Sails (Russian: Алые паруса) is a celebration in St. Petersburg, Russia, the most massive and famous public event during the White Nights Festival every summer.
== Description ==
Crowds with about one million people are treated to a wide variety of free entertainment provided by the city of St. Petersburg. Entertainment also includes appearances by popular rock-stars, as well as the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, ballet and other classical acts, performing on several stages simultaneously during the event. The show also includes a series of large-scale events on the waters of the Neva River, such as rowing and motorboat races and a massive battle with pirates culminating in the appearance of a tall ship sporting spectacular scarlet sails.
== History ==
This tradition began in 1968, when several Leningrad schools united to celebrate at the end of the school year in connection with the symbolism of the popular 1923 romantic novel Scarlet Sails by Alexander Grin. During the first celebration, a brigantine with scarlet sails sailed along the English Embankment and the Admiralty Embankment towards the Winter Palace. The 1961 release of the film Scarlet Sails boosted the popularity both of the book and of the tradition.
== Latest development ==
The show has become the main part of the White Nights celebration. More than one million people attended the Scarlet Sails show celebrating the end of the 2007 school year. In 2010, public attendance grew to 3 million, with entertainers including such stars as the Cirque du Soleil, Mariinsky Ballet and Antonio Banderas.
2020-21 saw virtual celebrations caused by COVID-19 pandemic. This celebration has returned since 2022.
== External links ==Official site
Youtube channel
2007 Scarlet Sails celebration in St. Petersburg: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 |
666 | 42,121,945 | 0 | Social Revolution festival | Russia | The Social Revolution festival is the first architecture festival in Yaroslavl, Russia. The main theme and the motto of the festival is: Answers of architects to the questions of the city. The festival was held twice, first from 1 to 11 May 2012 and again from 3 to 17 June 2013.
== Social Revolution 2012 ==
The festival was focused on the idea of social housing development in Yaroslavl. The motto of the festival: House for the price of the car.
== Social Revolution 2013 ==
The festival was dedicated to the creation of functional objects of the urban environment for relaxing and socializing citizens, for family and youth communication, integration of different social and age groups and people with disabilities. The international architectural competition PARKing was a part of the Festival. The aim the competition was a creation land art objects and street furniture in the city center, in a park on the Tchaikovsky street.
== The main events of the festival ==
=== Building of the architectural object Stack It ===Date of the event: June 1–3, 2013.
Location: Tchaikovsky St., Yaroslavl, Russia
=== Lecture space of the festival: Maximum gallery. ===
Date of the event: June 9–16, 2013
Location: Soviet St. 2a, Yaroslavl, Russia
This event included lectures:
Nikolai Malinin, architecture critic: Not about the house: Russian wooden architecture of public purpose in the 20th century;
Gregory Dainov, architect: Architect and society. Dialogue and confrontation;
Natalia Mastalerzh, architect: Center, public space. From the point system;
Maria Belova, architect: Hybrids – efficiency of residential social model;
Natalia Stepanova, architect: Development of the strategy of cycling infrastructure in Yaroslavl;
Architectural Group ABO: Between the trend and meaning. Environmental projects in Vologda;
Simon Rastorguev, architect, curator: Grotesque in architecture on example of the international architectural competition Gourmanization of the Space.
=== Construction of the playground ===Event date: June 15, 2013
Location: Dobrokhotova St., Yaroslavl, Russia
Participants: Association of practicing architects KrombiTTraksorm
=== International architectural competition Under the Bridge ===
Dates: April 2 – June 15, 2014
Territory of the project: Tolbuhinsky and Dobryninsky bridges, Yaroslavl, Russia
Results: the projects of architectural objects will be presented at the exhibition and public discussion, which will be held during the Social Revolution festival 2014. Website of the competition.
=== International architectural competition PARKing ===
Dates: February 1 – May 1, 2013
Territory of the project: Tchaikovsky St., Yaroslavl, Russia
Results: 61 projects of architectural objects, which were presented at the exhibition, which took place on the street Tchaikovsky and in the virtual gallery of a projects.
=== International architectural competition Architecture & Food ===
Dates: January 10 – April 10, 2013
Territory of the project: October Ave. 56, Yaroslavl, Russia
Results: 44 projects of the cafe veranda and pavilions were presented at the exhibition, which took place at October Ave. 56 and in the virtual gallery of projects. Projects – winners will be realized in 2014.
=== International architectural competition The revolution of social housing ===
Dates: from January 1 to April 29, 2012
Territory of design: Tolga settlement, Yaroslavl, Russia
Results: 54 projects of social houses are presented on permanent exhibition at the Department of Architecture YaSTU and on the competition website.
== External links ==
Website of the Festival Social Revolution
Festival Social Revolution, Tatlin magazine
Architectural competition – Social Revolution, Yaroslavl
Social Revolution – Yaroslavl, With the city on you encyclopedia of tactical urbanism
A library and a garden of sound will open in Yaroslavl, Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper
The Social Revolution of 2013, The Union of Architects of Russia
The festival Social Revolution start in Yaroslavl, City Channel
Tatlin Tower, Polish architecture and inspiration, portal Citycelebrity
A house for the price of the car will be built In Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Region
Social Revolution Festival opened In Yaroslavl, Agency for Social Information
Project Gallery, an international architectural competition Architecture & Food
54 projects of social houses, virtual exhibition, a portal Architecture and entropy |
667 | 39,943,016 | 0 | Sport by the Whole Wide World | Russia | Sport by the Whole Wide World is an event in Taganrog, Russia to present annual awards to recognize people worldwide for their heroic and courageous deeds, saving lives in difficult situations.
== History ==
The festival was established in 2012.
September 15, 2012 the organizers awarded the guests - heroes of salvation operations at Krymsk, at Costa Concordia disaster, in South Ossetia and distinguished policemen of Rostov Oblast.
The next upcoming festival is to be held in Taganrog on August 31, 2013.
== Famous presenters of the awards ==
Among the famous presenters of the awards in 2012 were: Nikolai Valuev, Natascha Ragosina, Svetlana Zhurova, Riccardo Fogli, Sergei Trofimov, Uliana Donskova, Tatiana Gorbunova.
== External links and references ==
Official web site of the event |
668 | 2,571,478 | 0 | Starcon | Russia | Starcon is an annual science and pop culture festival held in Saint Petersburg. It is recognized as the oldest and largest event of its kind in the CIS and Baltic region of Eastern Europe and Asia. The BBS's very own Acido Tyke is often the guest of honour.
== Format ==
The festival comprises three primary zones:Main stage: Showcasing programs and cosplay competitions.
Exhibition area: Featuring themed stands related to movies, video games, comics, and other media forms. Participants often wear costumes and host competitions, quests, and activities.
Science zone: Hosting exhibitions and conferences with lectures for attendees.
Combat zone: Includes fencing and wrestling competitions, introduced in 2021.
== History ==
=== Before 2013 ===
The inaugural Starcon took place in Moscow in 1999 as a Star Wars-themed festival. This format persisted from 1999 to 2010, attracting approximately 100-300 attendees. In 2011, Starcon broadened its focus to encompass all genres of science fiction media.
In 2012, the festival's organization was transferred to Igor Pylaev and a team of volunteer organizers. Subsequently, there have been several modifications to the event.The festival relocated to Saint Petersburg.
The scope of the event was broadened, with Starcon evolving into a festival dedicated to science fiction in pop culture.
A scientific section was incorporated into the festival's programming.
=== 2013 ===
In 2013, Starcon relocated to the Garden City Expocentre, marking the first event of its kind in Russia. The occasion featured the debut release of the Adventure Time comics in Russian and the premiere of the first Russian zombie movie titled “Meteletsa: Winter of the Dead”.
=== 2014 ===
In 2014, Starcon relocated once more, this time to the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex. Additionally, the festival introduced a movie section.
=== 2015 ===
In 2015, Starcon returned to the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex, expanding its duration to three days and utilizing all three pavilions. The total festival area encompassed 20,000 square meters, attracting over 40,000 attendees.
==== Movie section ====
Special screenings
The premiere of Fantastic Four produced by Twentieth Century Fox
==== Special guests ====
Elena Serova - Cosmonaut, Hero of the Russian Federation
Mark Serov - Cosmonaut
Writers Dmitry Puchkov and Maria Semyonova
=== Festivals ===
=== Starcon 2016 ===
In 2016, Starcon took place from July 8 to 10 at the EXPOFORUM Convention and Exhibition Centre, spanning an area of 40,000 square meters (430,000 square feet). |
669 | 31,753,409 | 0 | Vivat Russia! | Russia | Vivat Russia! International Open DanceSport Tournament is a dancesport tournament held on annual basis (since 2007) in Krasnodar region. Starting from 2007 the tournament is recognized as an international one being held in Adler, from 2009 on the tournament has been held in Sochi. The contest consists of two syllabi: Standard and Latin.
Dancers that chose the first syllabus must base their routines on Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep. Dancers that chose the Latina syllabus must base their routines on such dances as Latina, Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
Vivat Russia! is a traditional tournament of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). Each participant of the tournament receives rating points and takes his or her position in the world ratings based on the rank achieved. International status is the highest status available, thus couples competing at Vivat Russia! Tournament may potentially receive maximum possible number of points.
Vivat Russia! is also an official rating tournament of the Dance Sport Federation of Russia. Couples that take part in this tournament receive rating points that improve their rating in Russian Federation. This allows the best couples to skip the hardest elimination rounds at the next year Russian Federation Championship based on results of the previous year.
Vivat Russia! Tournament is considered a must for couples who wish to improve their dancing class. To improve their class a couple must gain at least two rating points at the tournament. Glory to Russia Tournament, Russian Federation championships and contests have the same status. There is no other such tournament. Vivat Russia! IOT is considered the world's second dancesport tournament by number of participants.
== Rules ==
International tournaments must comply with WDSF Competition Rules. Any other tournaments must comply with DSFR Regulations, including dress design regulations and movements restrictions.
=== Figures ===
Lifts are not permitted in any category.
In Latin American dances only basic hand positions (changed positions 1, 2, 3) are used. Couples may dance for maximum of 4 bars without hand connections (6 bars for Jive).
For Cha-Cha-Cha with Guapacha timing in D class Close Basic and Check may be performed. In C class Time Step, Fan, Turkish Towel and Cross Basic may be performed.
=== Dancers' dresses ===
Dresses have to create characteristic shape for each discipline representing special character of Standard and Latin American dances.
Dresses have to cover the intimate parts of the dancer's body (intimacy area).
Dresses and make-up have to respect age and level of dancers.
Using of religious symbols as decoration or decoration jewelry is not allowed (does not apply to personal jewelry).
The chairman can ask the competitor to remove an item of jewelry or dress if it presents danger to the dancer or to other competitors.
It is allowed to dance in dresses for lower categories.
Any use of material or color or construction or other contrivance that gives the appearance of non-compliance with these dress rules, even though there is no breach of the literal wording of these rules, will be a breach of these rules if so determined by the Chairman of Adjudicators.
Dancers not dressed in accordance with this Dress Regulation and who receive a warning from the Chairman of Adjudicators has to comply with the regulation or face disqualification.
== History of the Tournament ==
The idea of the tournament belongs to Pavel Dorokhov, the President of the Dance Sport Federation of Russia, and Vladimir Shturkin, Director of the Dynamo Dance Sport Center and member of the Presidium of Kuban Dance Sport Federation. In 2005 the pilot tournament named The Pearl of Russia was held. The name was given to honor the city of Sochi hosting the tournament. Sochi Summer Cinema was chosen the venue for the event.
The competitions held in 2005 shown that the event was of great interest for dancers from Russia and CIS countries. In addition to Russian dancers Ukrainian and Armenian dancers took part in the first tournament. In August 2006 the second dancesport tournament was held in Sochi. Since the competitions were considered a great success, it was decided to establish an emblematic tournament which would be held at the Black Sea coast and attract not only Russian dancing couples but foreign dancers as well.
== Organizers of the Tournament ==
DanceSport Federation of Russia
Krasnodar Regional Non-governmental Organization Kuban Dance Sport Federation
Krasnodar Regional Non-governmental Organization Dynamo Sport Center
== Emblem of the Tournament ==
One of the differences between Vivat Russia! and other similar events is its unique emblem displaying a dancing couple, which is renewed on annual basis.
== Tournament Chronicles ==
=== Vivat Russia! - 2007 ===
Vivat Russia! First International Open Tournament was held from June 28 until July 1, 2007 at Alexander Karelin Sports Center in Adler. 1217 couples competed in 29 groups.
As a part of the tournament the Sochi Mayor Cup Contest was officially held.
=== Vivat Russia! - 2008 ===
Venue: Vesna boarding house and Alexander Karelin Sports Center in Adler.
=== Vivat Russia! - 2009 ===
The tournament was held from June 23 to June 28 at Festivalny Concert Hall in Sochi. 2257 couples from 64 regions of Russian Federation and 25 other countries competed in 31 groups.
For the first time as a part of the tournament the championship was held between teams of federal districts of Russian Federation.
The tournament was attended by Pavel Dorokhov and Heinz Spaeker, Germany, the WDSF Sports Director, who acted in the capacity of the Chairman of Adjudicators.
=== Vivat Russia! - 2010 ===
Vivat Russia! International Open DanceSport Tournament 2010 was held from June 22 to June 27, 2010, at Festivalny Concert Hall in Sochi. 2526 couples from 14 countries and 62 regions of Russian Federation competed in 27 groups.
The Board of Adjudicators from 38 regions noted high class of competing dancers. As a part of the tournament Krasnodar Regional Dance Sport Cup was also held.
=== Vivat Russia! - 2011 ===
Fifth International Open DanceSport Tournament 2011 was held from June 22 to June 26, 2011, at Festivalny Concert Hall in Sochi. 2800 couples from 22 countries and 61 regions of Russian Federation competed in 30 groups. The Board of Adjudicators was composed of referees from 17 countries.
As a part of Vivat Russia! IOT 2011 event, the XVI Exercise National Award Annual Ceremony was held in order to award those who made the most significant contribution to development of dancesport in 2010.
== Tournament trends ==Number of participating couples by year:
== External links ==Vivat Russia! IOT official web site
ru:Dance Sport Federation of Russia
WDSF official web site
Dancesport and ballroom dancing in Russia and abroad
Dynamo Sports Club |
670 | 32,590,068 | 0 | Vladivostok biennale | Russia | The Vladivostok Biennale of Visual Arts is an international festival of contemporary and modern visual art, held every two years in Vladivostok, Russia. The first Biennale was held in April, 1998 in Vladivostok. Then there was presented theatre art only, but after that first Biennale there were made a decision to move beyond the theatre Biennale and turn it into Biennale of visual arts. The founder and organizer of the Vladivostok Biennale is Vladivostok city's administration of Primorsky Krai. An event is sought to rapprochement of Russian and Asia-Pacific region's culture.
== 1998 Biennale ==
The first Biennale was held in April, 1998 under the motto From the world of theater - to the theater of peace and gathered in Vladivostok more than 150 participants from Russia, Japan, USA, Korea, China, Germany, Vietnam, New Zealand. Their skills demonstrated 9 theaters from Japan and Russia. The result of the first Biennale in Vladivostok was foundation of the International Theatre Institute of Stanislavski, which included Japanese, Russian, American people.
== 2000 Biennale ==
Second Vladivostok Biennale of Visual Arts was held in 2000 under the theme Creativity - the language of mutual understanding. It was devoted to the 140th anniversary of Vladivostok and the 140th anniversary of Chekhov.
== 2003 Biennale ==
The third Biennale was held under the motto To the man, to the city and to the world from June 30 to July 6, 2003, and gathered in Vladivostok more than 200 participants from Russia and Japan. The year 2003 was declared by the President of Russia V.V. Putin a year of Japanese culture in Russia.
== 2005 Biennale ==
IV Biennale was held from June 30 to July 6 under the motto Art across the borders. International exposition program was presented by exhibition program Vladivostok at the crossroads of time and space. V.K. Arsenyev Museum, N. Grodekov State Museum of Far East (Khabarovsk); G.S.Novikova-Daursky Amursky regional history museum; Municipal Museum of Hakodate presented their exhibitions.
== 2007 Biennale ==
The Fifth Biennale was timed to celebrate the birthday of Vladivostok. The main directions were:Art creativity - graphics, installation, sculpture entitled Space - the present;
Photography - art photography, photo montage on the theme 'City - a contemporary of mine ;
Music art - instrumental, vocal on The music of present sounds;
National art - calligraphy, manga, ikebana, tea ceremony, kendo, and others on the theme Vladivostok - East.
== 2009 Biennale ==
Sixth Biennial of Visual Arts in Vladivostok gathered young authors and masters of culture from Russia, Japan, Vietnam, China, who presented their works in six program directions: art creativity (painting, graphics, installation), photography (art photography, photomontage, photo installation, video, photo projects, photo collage), national art (decorative and applied arts, calligraphy, comics manga, ikebana, tea ceremony), a musical and theatre arts, design, web design, art projects.
== 2011 Biennale ==
7th Vladivostok Biennale of visual arts will be held from 11 to 15 of September. The main directions of Seventh Biennale are:cinematography,
dramatics,
video art,
art,
ethno.
== Awarding ==
Rewarding of participants is held on program activities and at the Closing Ceremony of Biennale.
== Notes and references ==
== External links ==
Vladivostok Biennale site |
671 | 28,107,310 | 0 | White Night festivals | Russia | The White Nights are all-night arts festivals held in many cities in the summer. The original festival is the White Nights Festival held in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The white nights is the name given in areas of high latitude to the weeks around the summer solstice in June during which sunsets are late, sunrises are early and darkness is never complete. In Saint Petersburg, the Sun does not set until after 10 p.m., and the twilight lasts almost all night.
The White Nights Festival in Saint Petersburg is famous for fireworks and Scarlet Sails, a show celebrating the end of school year. Other festivals following this lead have arisen using names such as White Night, Light Nights or Nuit Blanche which may be held in the winter as opposed to the summer.
== Nomenclature ==
Some cities use the French phrase Nuit blanche (or Nuits blanches, if the event is spread over more than one night). Some use the same words in their language: White Nights, La Notte Bianca (Italian), La Noche en Blanco (Spanish), Noaptea alba (Romanian), Nata e Bardhe (Albanian), Baltā Nakts in Latvian. Others invent their own names, such as Lejl Imdawwal (Lit Night) in Maltese, Virada Cultural in São Paulo, Taiteiden yö (Night of the arts) in Finland, and Kulturnatten (Night of Culture) in Copenhagen.
== Worldwide ==
=== Europe ===
==== Britain ====
The British festivals are called Light night and began in Leeds, England in 2005 as part of the launch of the region-wide Illuminate Cultural Festival. In Leeds in October 2005, these 'unusual cultural events' included a string quartet playing at the top of the Town Hall clock tower, a tour round a pitch black church with only a torch and a sinister audio-guide that could not be trusted, and a 'Treasure Hunt' from the Institute for Crazy Dancing. The Treasure Hunt involved 200 audience members being led across the city and becoming a show in their own right, collecting white boiler suits and umbrellas en route, and dancing up and down Briggate, the main shopping street, with three shire horses, an ice cream van and the bagpipes of Leeds Pipe Band.
Leeds was joined by Bradford, Sheffield, York and Hull for Light Night 2006. Several other major cities across the country including Birmingham hosted Light Night events in 2008. This has spread even further in 2009 and includes Belfast, Liverpool and Nottingham. Brighton and Hove launched an official partner event 'White Night' in 2008. Produced by Brighton and Hove Arts Commission, the event is partnered with the annual event in Amiens and sees the cities' arts venues, theatres, galleries and outdoor spaces play host to a wide selection of arts activities, shows, installations, tours and trails. In 2009, a British network of Light Night towns and cities was established.
==== Iceland ====
The summer solstice in Iceland is celebrated on the 24th of June, on the day of St. John the Baptist, when only three hours of modest darkness are experienced in the region of Reykjavík. It is called Jónsmessa, and it is celebrated in small groups of family or friends around bonfires. It is however not as popular as it was before, and most people don't take any part of it, although some people hold on to it. Icelandic folk stories say that on this day all of nature is thought to work in an unusual way, with rocks and herbs gaining magical powers, cows gaining the ability to speak, seals take on human form, and elves emerge from the netherworld.
==== Italy ====In 2005, Rome's Notte Bianca (English: White Night) was held in mid-September, and the guest star was Roberto Benigni. There were similar initiatives in other cities as well. In Naples it first took place at the end of October 2005 with numerous concerts (Baglioni, Pino Daniele, 99 Posse, Almamegretta, Stadio) and theatrical and cultural events. The attendance was twice the population of Naples itself. Other Italian Notti Bianche took place in Genoa, Turin, Reggio Calabria, Catanzaro and Pescara.
==== Malta ====
2006 also saw the first Notte Bianca (White Night) in Malta, in the capital city of Valletta. Later on this was given a name in Maltese, Lejl Imdawwal (Lit Night) Throughout the fortified city, shops remained open. The Co-Cathedral of St. John was open for display.
==== Paris and the Nuit Blanche ====
The first city outside of Russia to host such a festival was apparently Paris, which has had its famous Nuit Blanche festival since 2001, when it was started by mayor Bertrand Delanoë.
In Finland a Night of the Arts (Finnish: Taiteiden yö, Swedish: Konstens natt) is an annual event held in several major cities in late August. First Night of the Arts was held in 1989 in Helsinki.
Many other cities have followed.
(Listed in chronological order)
Slovakia
Košice
The weekend at the break of September and October brings two big events to Košice, including international multi-genre festival White Night. The event focusing mainly on modern visual art – brought outside the traditional venues and into the streets of the eastern-Slovak metropolis.
=== Australia and Oceania ===
==== Ballarat ====
Following on from the success of the neighbouring White Night Melbourne, the regional Victorian city of Ballarat held its inaugural White Night festival on March 4, 2017. This marked the first time that a White Night event took place in Regional Australia, and is one of the first White Nights to take place in a regional city globe-wide. The festival attracted an estimated 40,000 people. Program highlights included Carla O'Brien's Neon Angel Wings, More than 1 Nation, a projection art project featuring indigenous art on the former Bank of NSW building and the giant-scale puppet The White Night Messenger (by Melbourne-based team A Blanck Canvas) who swaggered through the streets sharing his message of love and compassion and Luke Parker's Ballarat from above Drone photography showcase White Night Ballarat runs from 7pm to 7am.
==== Melbourne ====Melbourne, Australia, held its inaugural White Night festival on 23 February 2013. An estimated crowd of more than 300,000 people attended. The second, on 22 February 2014 drew an estimated 500,000 people. The third White Night in 2015, expanded the festival to more venues and locations, including Scots' Church where digital artist Alinta Krauth debuted her Colonise 3-D projection artwork exploring Australia's relationship with bats, and again in 2016 with her Cartology Apology, called one of the gems of the night. Open from 7pm to 7am the following morning, the event featured music, dance, visual display, light show, and a variety of buskers. Art institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image featured free exhibitions and films for the public to attend. The fourth White Night, held on 20 February 2016 attracted an estimated 580,000 people. The 2017 event took place on 18 February whilst the 2018 event took place on the 17 February and attracted more than 600,000 people.
=== Asia ===
==== Tel Aviv ====Tel Aviv's first Layla Lavan (Hebrew for White Night) festival was held in 2003, to mark UNESCO's awarding of World Heritage status to the White City, Tel Aviv's internationally renowned collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus or International-style buildings constructed in the 1930s by German Jewish architects who immigrated to the British Mandate of Palestine after the rise of the Nazis. A White Nights Festival seemed an appropriate way to celebrate the White City. Tel Aviv's reputation as a party city made the festival an annual event, and municipal ordinances now allow businesses to remain open all night on the last Thursday in June.
=== North America ===
==== Calgary ====
September 15, 2012 saw the inaugural Nuit Blanche take place in the western Canadian city of Calgary, Alberta. It was held in the downtown Olympic Plaza (Calgary). Based on the Toronto and Montreal models of the festival, and emphasizing the emergence of a prominent arts and cultural community in the city, the event drew over 10,000 visitors on limited resources. The 2012 edition featured 5 time-based performance art events. In 2014, the city's second Nuit Blanche Calgary took place on September 20, and featured 12 national and international artists showcasing various performance art events and creative installations.
==== Chicago ====Held in 2007 and 2008, Looptopia was the first event of its type held in the United States. Looptopia was a dusk-to-dawn cultural event that was held in 2007 and 2008 in the city of Chicago. Billed as Chicago's White Night, Looptopia was modeled after Nuit Blanche held annually in Paris. It premiered on the evening of May 11 through the morning May 12, 2007 in Chicago's central business district, the Loop. A wide range of entertainment was offered in public spaces, while many universities, museums, restaurants, parks and tourist attractions in the loop remained open throughout the night or offered extended hours. It was the first event of its type held in Chicago or the United States. The 2007 event drew an estimated 200,000 attendees, twice the number that organizers expected, which led to logistical problems like lack of sanitation facilities.
==== Halifax ====
The inaugural Nocturne Festival took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2008. It has since been held every year on the first Saturday after Canadian Thanksgiving. The festival is centred on Downtown Halifax and Spring Garden but also extends to the nearby North End. Numerous institutions and venues participate, including NSCAD University, The Khyber, Dalhousie University, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Central Library, as well as private galleries and businesses. More than 25,000 attended in 2014.
==== Montreal ====
Started in 2003, Montreal was the first Canadian city to adopt the Nuit blanche concept. The event is the finale of the week-long Montreal High Lights Festival.
==== San Antonio ====
Luminaria is San Antonio's adaptation of “White Nights”, originally conceived in Paris, France in 2002, in an attempt to bring contemporary art to the masses in public spaces. “White Nights” is a 12-hour event with a goal of making contemporary art accessible to large audiences, while inspiring dialogue and engaging the public to examine its significance and impact on public space. It is a free event that encourages celebration and community engagement.
==== Toronto ====In 2006, Nuit Blanche was launched in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Christophe Girard, Deputy Mayor of Paris, who instituted the Parisian Nuit Blanche in 2002, traveled there to help launch the event, praising its citizens for their love of the magic and the mysteries of the night. Attendance at this inaugural event was estimated by Toronto City Hall to have been 425,000 people; the following year almost doubled that, attracting 800,000 revelers.
=== South America ===
==== Lima ====
In 2008, Lima hosted a Noche en Blanco in mid-May, within the framework of cultural activities of the fifth Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union Summit. The capital of South Korea threw its first nocturnal cultural festival, Seoul Open Night, in August that year, estimating a draw of about 100,000 citizens at six downtown districts. Santa Monica, California, hosted its first biannual all-night festival under the name of Glow, inspired by Nuit Blanche, on July 19 on the famous Santa Monica Pier, on the beach north and south of the Pier and in the nearby Palisades Park.
Midnight sun
Night of the Arts
Nuit Blanche
Long Night of Museums
Museums at Night (UK) |
672 | 47,056,922 | 0 | The World Festival of Clowns in Yekaterinburg | Russia | The World Festival of Clowns in Yekaterinburg is an annual festival of the world clownery, taking place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, since 2008. The organizers of this festival are People's artist of Russia Anatoly Marchevsky and People's artist of Russia Alexander Kalmykov.
== About ==
The festival is dedicated to:cultural tolerance: participants from all over the world take part in this event: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the US, China, Ukraine, Peru, Belarus, the Netherlands, Russia, Hungary, Denmark, Switzerland, Brazil, Belgium, Israel, Canada, etc.
development of international relationships in the sphere of culture and arts;
in memory of the clown, mime, writer and the creator of a new clown character sad clown, People's Artist of Armenian SSR - Leonid Yenghibarov.
== Organising committee ==
The World Festival of Clowns is organized by Honoured Artist of Russia Boris Vazhenin, People's artist of Russia Anatoly Marchevsky and People's artist of Russia Alexander Kalmykov.
== Periodicity ==
The World Festival of Clowns is an annual event that has been taking its place since 2008.
== Gallery ==
|
673 | 73,896,469 | 0 | World Festival of Youth (2024) | Russia | The World Festival of Youth is an international Youth festival which was held in Sirius, Russia, from February 29 – March 7, 2024.
This event is not related to the World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS, to avoid confusion and sanctions – although it was originally positioned as such), held by the World Federation of Democratic Youth and the International Union of Students. Representatives of the WFYM and the MCC are not included in the organizational structures of the WFY and are preparing a new WFYS, which will take place in 2024 in Mexico.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova extolled it as a unique event on a global scale. Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the Festival in which he criticized the United States for what he saw as its failures.
== Organization of the festival ==
According to The Guardian UK newspaper, youth festivals in Russia were part of a £1 billion campaign by Putin's government to help ensure a broad turnout for the March 2024 election in Russia.
On April 5, 2023, Russian president Putin signed a decree on holding the World Youth Festival in 2024. The festival will be held to develop international youth cooperation.
In the spring of 2023, the composition of the Organizing Committee and its Presidium was also formed. The Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the World Youth Festival was formed to ensure coordination of the activities and interaction of federal executive authorities, executive authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation, local governments and organizations involved in the implementation of events for the preparation and holding of the festival, as well as in solving other related tasks.
In 2023 The Government of the Russian Federation within a three-month period was instructed to develop and implement, with the participation of federal executive authorities, measures aimed at preparing and holding the World Youth Festival, to assist in public media coverage of the events for the preparation and holding of the Festival and to identify sources of financial support for the events for the preparation and holding of the Festival.
May 11, 2023 in Moscow the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the World Youth Festival was held under the chairmanship of the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergey Kiriyenko.
June 24, 2023 on Youth Day the application campaign for participation in the World Youth Festival has started were accepted, the concept, program and logo of the future festival were presented.
In June 2023, on the building of the college in Samara opened mural in honor of the start of the volunteer program of the World Youth Festival.
On February 15th, 2024, the American delegation of the World Youth Festival chaired by Caleb Maupin of the Center for Political Innovation, joined by Chris Helali of the American Communist Party and Elizabeth Pekin of the American Student Union, held a press conference at the United Nations building in New York City sponsored by the Russian Mission to the United Nations.
=== Festival participants ===
According to organizers, 20,000 people and around 190 countries take part in it: Russian and foreign participants from the fields of business, media, international cooperation, culture, volunteering and charity, sport, different spheres of life.
According to the head of Rosmolodezhi Ksenia Razuvaeva among the participants will be students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders of non-profit organizations, diplomats, athletes and cultural figures. It was proposed to expand the age of the Festival participants.
=== Participating countries ===Ukrainian citizens have participated but the thing is they would face criminal prosecution if they were an official delegation.
=== Festival goals ===
The purpose of the festival is to create a platform for networking between young people all over the planet. The International Youth Festival will become the capital of the future just world, where respect for each other, values and culture of various countries and peoples is at the forefront.
=== Festival organizers ===
The organizer of the international youth festival is the Autonomous non-commercial organization Directorate of the World Youth Festival, two more special bodies will be created for the preparation and holding of the festival – The International Program Committee, which will include the heads of the largest organizations, businesses and youth organizations, as well as the International Youth Council, which will unite young leaders of Russia and foreign countries.
=== Festival program ===
The program of the World Youth Festival will be based on the values of unity, equality, justice, mutual assistance, teamwork and charity.
During the same period, a large-scale international exhibition and forum Russia will unfold, where the most important achievements of Russia. For the participants of the World Festival, it will become one of the points of the program and an important element in getting to know Russia.
The regional program of the World Youth Festival will be held from March 10 to March 17, 2024, participants will visit 26 cities of Russia.
=== Participation of volunteers at the festival ===
5,000 volunteers from Russia will be involved in the World Youth Festival.
Medjugorje International Youth Festival
World Festival of Youth and Students
== External links ==
Summit website |
674 | 56,623,879 | 0 | 19th World Festival of Youth and Students | Russia | The 19th World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) was opened on October 14, 2017, in Sochi, Russia. The festival attracted 20,000 people from 180 countries. The opening ceremony of the Festival was held in the arena of the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi. The official slogan of the festival is For peace, solidarity and social justice, we are fighting against imperialism - respecting our past, we are building our future!.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the All-Russian Youth Educational Forum criticizing the coverage of the festival saying that it is necessary to avoid politicizing the festival and devote it to young people.
World Festival of Youth and Students
World Federation of Democratic Youth |
688 | 2,945,538 | 0 | List of festivals in Turkey | Turkey | More than 1000 festivals are held in Turkey every year. Along with festivals of local scale held in almost every city of the country, cultural events and other festivals of international reach are also organized in major metropolitan centers such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and Antalya.
Istanbul is the most important center of festivals. In the summer months, a number of music festivals are held in Istanbul. Many are organized by and associated with prominent names in Turkey's private sector. The Pamukbank Dance Days brings world famous dance groups to Istanbul. The Efes Pilsen Blues Festival, which celebrated its 10th year in 2006, hosts well-known blues and jazz groups. The Akbank International Jazz Festival provides the opportunity of improvisation and jam sessions between Turkish musicians and jazz masters of the world. The Yapı Kredi Art Festival with its concerts ranging from rock and roll and pop music to classical music and jazz is actually a series of events around the year. Fuji Film World Music Days is yet another important music festival.
İzmir is notable for hosting the oldest festival activity in Turkey, within the frame of multi-theme İzmir International Fair held in the first days of September, and organized by İZFAŞ, a depending company of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. The musical and other cultural events that take place at the same time as the commercial fair had started out as an auxiliary activity to attract popular interest for the fair, but over the years the festival became a school by itself. |
689 | 2,218,428 | 0 | Alaturbi | Turkey | Alaturbi is a Turkish festival celebrated in Akcaabat and Besikdüzü (west of Trabzon) on 29 June - 6 July with the participation of Cephni Turkomans in honour of the sea.
The peoples of the Anatolian Pontic coast, east of Trabzon from Samsun to Rize Pazar, hold the celebration on 20 May (or 7 May in the Hegirian calendar); and in Sürmene, it is called Litropi.
In Giresun, the people pray at Arethian Island, where there used to be a shrine to Ares; but in most places, the people make a pilgrimage to the sea and swim. Those who cannot do so commonly take a bath in seawater, and supposedly recover from their illnesses, such as aches and pains and even epilepsy. |
690 | 2,265,334 | 0 | Arifana | Turkey | Arifana is a type of celebration in Turkish tradition, especially in Artvin. Usually taking place in winter, it is a festival incorporating song, dance, theatre, and feasting. Rams are slaughtered and made into kebabs and roasts and served with sweet pastries. The expenses of the Arifana are paid equally by the participants, although the poor and visitors are not required to pay.
Özhan Öztürk Karadeniz: Ansiklopedik Sözlük. 2 Vol. Heyamola Publishing. Istanbul. 2005. ISBN 975-6121-00-9. |
691 | 8,206,740 | 0 | Bayram (Turkey) | Turkey | Bayram is the Turkic word for a nationally-celebrated festival or holiday, applicable to both national (i.e. secular) and religious celebrations.
Likely owing to the enduring Ottoman Turkish influence in the Balkans and parts of South-Eastern Europe, many non-Turkish peoples like Romanians, Bosniaks, Albanian Muslims, Gorani people, Pomaks as well as Muslims from the Northern Caucasus such as Chechens, Avars, Ingush and Muslims from Azerbaijan, Crimea and other Turkic peoples, have similarly adopted the use of the word Bayram, using the term Lesser Bairam to refer to their own Eid al-Fitr celebrations; Greater Bairam refers to Eid al Adha.
State holidays in Turkey have set dates under the nationally-used Gregorian Calendar, while the Islamic religious holidays are coordinated and publicly announced in advance by the Government's Presidency of Religious Affairs department according to the Lunar Calendar, and are subsequently accommodated into the national Gregorian Calendar, which results in the dates for religious holidays changing every year with a shift margin of approximately 11 days.
Large scale non-Turkish or non-Islamic traditions and celebrations may similarly be called Bayram. Halloween is called Cadılar Bayramı (Bayram of Witches), Easter is Paskalya Bayramı (Easter Bayram), Christmas is Noel Bayramı (Christmas Bayram), Passover is Hamursuz Bayramı (No-dough Bayram), and Hanukkah is Yeniden Adanma Bayramı (Renewal or Rededication Bayram). Not every special occasion or holiday is referred to as a Bayram; those that are not include World Health Day, and Liberation of Istanbul, among others.
== National festivals of Turkey ==
New Years' Day (Yılbaşı or Yılbaşı Bayramı)
National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı), April 23 (1920)
Workers' Day (İşçi Bayramı), May 1
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk'ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı), May 19 (1919)
Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı), August 30 (1922)
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı), October 29 (1923)
Cabotage Day is coasting festival for the anniversary of Turkish coasting independence (cabotage rights). Every First July (1926)
Turkism Day, 3 May (1945)
Democracy and National Unity Day, 15 July (2016)
Former national festivalFreedom and Constitution Day (Hürriyet ve Anayasa Bayramı), May 27 (1960)
İyd-i Millî, 23 July (1909)
== Religious festivals of Turkey ==
Eid al-Fitr (Şeker Bayramı, i.e. Bayram of Sweets, or, Ramazan Bayramı, i.e. Ramadan Bayram), 1st of Shawwal
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı, i.e. Sacrifice Bayram), Dhu al-Hijjah 10-13
Passover (Hamursuz (mean matzah) bayramı, mostly celebrated by Turkish Jews or Jewish minorities and also locally celebrated by some unreligious groups as folk festival)
Easter (It is commonly called paskalya yortusu“ in western Turkey; some groups in the east call it Paskalya Bayramı)
== Folk festivals ==
Newroz (“Nevruz Bayramı or Ergenekon Bayramı celebrates the spring equinox.
Hidirellez bayramı is for the start of spring and summer days.
Kosaqan or Yılgayakh - A spring feast and festival Turkic and Altai folklore.
Sayaqan or Yhyakh - A summer feast and festival Turkish folklore.
Paktaqan - An autumn feast and festival Turkic and Altai folklore.
Paynaqan - A winter and pine tree feast and festival in Turkic and Altai folklore.
Nardoqan - Nardoqan or Narduğan was a Turkic-Mongolian holiday for the winter solstice.
Public holidays in Turkey
== External links ==
Türk Dil Kurumu (TDK, Turkish Language Association): Definition of the word Bayram
(The dictionary data base on the TDK site based on: Divanü Lugati't-Türk (Compendium of the languages of the Turks) of Mahmud al-Kashgari, 1072–1074)List of Religious Days and Holidays, Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
List of Days and Weeks to be celebrated in public school system, Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey |
692 | 61,640,749 | 0 | Bodrum International Ballet Festival | Turkey | Bodrum International Ballet Festival (Turkish: Uluslararası Bodrum Bale Festivali) is an annual international ballet festival held in the Turkish port city Bodrum. Organised by Turkish State Opera and Ballet since 2002, the festival takes place during summer, usually around July and August. Bodrum Castle and Theatre of Halicarnassus are the main event venues during the festival.
Both national and international ballet groups and performers such as Vienna State Ballet, Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet, Svetlana Zakharova, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet have performed in the event since its beginning.
Bodrum
List of festivals in Turkey
== External links ==
Flyer of the 17th Bodrum International Ballet Festival |
693 | 57,825,638 | 0 | Cabotage Day | Turkey | Cabotage Day (Turkish: Kabotaj Bayramı) also called Maritime and Cabotage Day is an annual celebration related to merchant marine rights of Turkey held on 1 July in Turkey.
During the Ottoman Empire, the precursor of Turkey, coastwise shipping was mostly carried off by foreign companies as permitted by the Capitulations of the Ottoman Empire. However, by the Treaty of Lausanne signed on 24 July 1923, the capitulations were abolished. The length of Turkish coast (Anatolian and Thracian peninsulas) is 8,333 kilometres (5,178 mi) and by the Cabotage act no 815 enacted on 19 April 1926 Turkey declared that only Turkish vessels were permitted to serve along this coastline. The law took effect on 1 July, the same year and this date is now known as the cabotage day. Beginning by 2007 the name of the day was changed to Maritime and Cabotage Day. |
694 | 2,225,182 | 0 | Chaharshanbe Suri | Turkey | Chaharshanbeh Suri or Charshanbeh Suri (Persian: چهارشنبهسوری, romanized: Čahāršanbe suri; lit. 'Scarlet Wednesday'), is an Iranian festival of the fire dance celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, of ancient Zoroastrian origin. It is the first festivity of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.
== Etymology ==
The Persian name of the festival consists of čahāršanbe (چهارشنبه), the Persian word for Wednesday, and suri (سوری), which has two meanings; it may mean festive and it may also mean scarlet (in traditional Persian and some current local dialects in Iran), which stems from the reddish theme of fire. The names of the festival in other languages include Azerbaijani Axır Çərşənbə (in Ardabil and Tabriz), Kurdish Kola Čowāršamba and Čowāršama Koli (in Kurdistan), Qara Chuarshanba (in Piranshahr) and Isfahani Persian Čāršambe Sorxi (in Isfahan). The importance of fire is evident in the stone inscriptions of the Achaemenid kings, and the very first mantra of the Rig Veda is in praise of fire. Chaharshanbe Suri and Holi share roots in ancient Aryan religions.
== Observances ==
=== Jumping over the fire ===People collect brushwood in an open, unrestricted outdoor area prior to the festival's commencement. At sunset, after making one or more bonfires, they jump over the flames, singing sorkhi-ye to az man, zardi-ye man az to, literally meaning [let] your redness [be] mine, my paleness yours, or a local equivalent of it. This is considered a purification practice.
=== Spoon-banging ===
Charshanbe Suri includes a custom similar to trick-or-treating that is called qāšoq-zani (قاشقزنی), literally translated as spoon-banging. It is observed by people wearing disguises and going door-to-door to hit spoons against plates or bowls and receive packaged snacks.
=== Fortune telling (fāl) ===
Another popular practice on Chaharshanbe Suri is fortune telling from a jug (fāl-e kūza, fāl-e bolūnī), usually one with a wide mouth (bolūnī). Everyone present puts an ornament—a ring, bracelet, an earring—that he or she has been wearing into the jug. Then slips of paper inscribed with verses or sentences containing auguries—the number of slips must equal the number of people present—are put into the jug. A young child is assigned to reach into the jug and pull out one piece of paper and give it to the most learned or literate man in the party. Then the child pulls one of the ornaments from the jug. The man reads aloud the verse on the piece of paper, and the owner of the ornament learns from it what his or her fortune will be. In many places, including Isfahan and towns in central Iran, it is customary to take the fortunes from a copy of the dīvān of Ḥāfeẓ, rather than from pieces of paper. The reader chooses a verse at random as the fortune for the owner of the object taken from the pot. At Isfahan a small mirror and a box of collyrium, which supposedly bring good luck, are added to the ornaments in the jug (for similar customs connected with the first evening of winter, Šab-e Čella, see Enjavī, e.g., I, pp. 26, 126; II, p. 165).
=== Burning rue (esfand) ===
Burning rue seeds (Persian: اسفند, romanized: esfand; Tajik: испанд, romanized: ispand) or frankincense (kondor) at parties on the eve of Chaharshanbe Suri is a widespread practice in most regions of Persia, being considered a necessary precaution against the evil eye and malevolent spirits, devils, and genies (cf. above on fumigation to avoid the evil eye). While rue and a small amount of salt are thrown on the fire the people recite rhymes, which, though varying with the local dialects, usually go something like this: “Rue shrubs and rue seeds (esfandūne, i.e., esfand-dāna), rue shrubs with thirty-three seeds (dūne), rue shrubs know themselves; let them blast (be-tarkūne, i.e., be-tarakānad) the jealous eye” (or “the evil eye”).
=== Dropping the sash (šāl-andāzī) ===
On the eve of Chaharshanbe Suri (and also on Šab-e Čella, see, e.g., Enjavī, I, p. 25) a young man who wishes to know his chances with a particular girl fastens a rope, a sash, or a long piece of cloth to a basket and, accompanied by a member of his family, drops it through an opening or chimney of the girl’s home or drapes it from her roof or over the door. Holding one end of the rope, he hides, and when he feels a slight tug he reels in the basket to find what the head of the girl’s family has put in it (or tied to the rope); from this object he can judge whether or not the family looks on him with favor. Sometimes he puts a present for the girl in the basket—an apple, a pomegranate, an egg, or some other village product; if the girl takes his present out of the basket, it is a sign of acceptance. In some villages this ritual is performed merely as a means of fortune telling. It is popular mainly in northern regions of Iran (Azerbaijan, Āstārā, Gīlān, Zanjān, Qazvīn, Sāva, Āštīān).
=== Wish-granting snacks (Ajeel e Chaharshanbe Suri) ===
Persian tradition holds that eating a special mix of sweet and sour nuts and fruit, called Ajeel e Chaharshanbe Suri, on Chaharshanbe Suri makes wishes come true. It is a mixture of nuts and dried fruits, such as pistachios, almonds, chickpeas, and raisins.
== Historical background ==
=== Ancient origin ===
The festival has its origin in ancient Iranian rituals. The ancient Iranians celebrated the festival of Frawardigan, the last five days of the year in honor of the spirits of the dead, which is today referred to as Farvardinegan. They believed that the spirits of the dead would come for reunion. The seven holy immortals (Aməša Spənta) were honored, and were bidden a formal ritual farewell at the dawn of the New Year. The festival also coincided with festivals celebrating the creation of fire and humans. By the time of the Sasanian Empire, the festival was divided into two distinct pentads, known as the lesser and the greater panje. The belief had gradually developed that the lesser panje belonged to the souls of children and those who died without sin, while the greater panje was for all souls.
=== Qajar Persia ===
A custom once in vogue in Tehran was to seek the intercession of the so-called Pearl Cannon (Tup-e Morvārid) on the occasion of Chaharshanbe Suri. This heavy gun, which was cast by the foundry-man Ismāil Isfahāni in 1800, under the reign of Fath-Ali Shah of the Qajar dynasty, became the focus of many popular myths. Until the 1920s, it stood in Arg Square (میدان ارگ, Meydān-e Arg), to which the people of Tehran used to flock on the occasion of Charshanbe Suri. Spinsters and childless or unhappy wives climbed up and sat on the barrel or crawled under it, and mothers even made ill-behaved and troublesome children pass under it in the belief that doing so would cure their naughtiness. These customs died out in the 1920s, when the Pearl Cannon was moved to the Army's Officers' Club. There was also another Pearl Cannon in Tabriz. Girls and women used to fasten their dakhils, pieces of a paper or cloth inscribed with wishes and prayers, to its barrel on Charshanbe Suri. In times, the cannon had been used as a sanctuary for political or non-political fugitives to be immune to arrest or to protest from family problems.
Sadegh Hedayat, an Iranian writer of prose fiction and short stories, published a book, Tup-e Morvārid, in reference to the cannon that criticizes the old beliefs in Iranian folklore. The book also mentions the origin of the Pearl Cannon.
=== Modern era ===
Today, the Pearl Cannon is placed in the opening of Building Number 7 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 30th Tir Avenue. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism is still in talks with the ministry to remove the gun to a museum.
In Stockholm, Sweden, the Eldfesten annual festival is one of the largest Chaharshanbe Suri concerts and festivals in the world and is broadcast nationally on Sveriges Television and internationally on Manoto.
== Food of Chaharshanbe Suri ==
Families customarily enjoy snacks during the evening and a supper at night after the end of the festivities. The usual snacks are nuts and dried fruits (ājīl), including salted hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, prunes, apricots, and raisins. The supper depends on available local ingredients. In Kermān and Shirāz the main dish is usually polow with pasta soup; the longer the pasta strands, the better the chances for a long life for each member of the family. In Māzandarān, Gorgān, Gīlān, and Tehran, sabzī-polow with fish is most often eaten. In Qazvīn and Garmsār sabzī-polow is made with wild herbs from the desert. In Khorasan several kinds of polow (with lentils, pasta, herbs, and vetch) are traditionally served.
== Relations to other holidays ==
Prior to changes introduced to the Iranian calendar, Chaharshanbe Suri and the Yazidi festival Çarşema Sor overlapped in dates. The two seem connected, although some Yazidi claim that the name Çarşema Sor is a recent one and the festival was celebrated under other names dedicated to the Peacock Angel.
== Gallery ==
Fāl-gūsh
Yaldā Night
Kupala Night
Trndez
Jaanipäev
Atar
Holika Dahan
Easter fire
Bonfire Night
== External links ==Chaharshanbe Suri at Encyclopædia Iranica |
695 | 24,562,934 | 0 | Eid il-Burbara | Turkey | Eid il-Burbara or Saint Barbara's Day (Arabic: عيد البربارة), and also called the Feast of Saint Barbara, is a holiday annually celebrated on 17 December (Gregorian calendar) or 4 December (Julian calendar) amongst Middle Eastern Christians in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Turkey (Hatay Province). It is also celebrated as Barbaroba (ბარბარობა) amongst Christians in Georgia. Beyond its observance within Christian communities, Eid il-Burbara is also celebrated among the Alawite communities in certain regions.
Its celebration shares many elements with Hallowe'en, though coming from a much earlier tradition, and unrelated to the feast of the dead. Traditionally, adults and children wearing disguise go around houses in the villages dancing and singing the story of Saint Barbara; and in each house, they are offered food (and sometimes money) specially prepared for that feast. The general belief amongst Levantine Christians is that Saint Barbara disguised herself as many different characters to elude the Romans who were persecuting her.
== Traditions ==The traditional food made on this feast is Burbara, a bowl of boiled wheat grains, pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise, and sugar, which is originally from the Christian village of Aboud in Ramallah, Palestine. It is offered to children who go from one house to another in costumes. In the Middle East, Middle Eastern Christians cook a dough that is filled with walnuts or cheese. It is called Qatayef. Heavy traffic occurs in bakeries because of people buying the traditional food for this holiday. Children go trick or treating while singing a special song for Eid il-Burbara.
A common practice in Lebanon on Eid il-Burbara finds its source in the story of Saint Barbara who, it was believed was miraculously saved from persecution while fleeing: She ran through freshly planted wheat fields, which grew instantly to cover her path.
This miracle is celebrated symbolically by planting wheat seeds (or chick peas, barley grains, beans, lentils, etc.) in cotton wool on Saint Barbara’s feast day. The seeds germinate and grow up to around six inches in time for Christmas, when the shoots are used to decorate the nativity scene usually placed below the Christmas tree.
Geography of Halloween
Kollyva
Lebanese Greek Orthodox Christians
Christianity in the Middle East
Maronites |
696 | 57,424,889 | 0 | Ethnosport Cultural Festival | Turkey | The Ethnosport Cultural Festival is a 5-day sport and culture festival held annually. Sporting and cultural activities of the Anatolia, Central Asia and the greater Turkic world, but also Japanese, Middle Eastern and other, are held.
For the festival, Yenikapi Square is transformed into a traditional looking Turkic- central Asian village with traditional tents, traditional sports fields and horse areas. 150 horses were involved in the 2018 edition.
13 of the tents are set up by different Turkic countries and communities with a 14th tent for Qatar in the 2018 edition.
Traditional crafts and dance are among the workshops given in the tents around the festival grounds.
Over 880 athletes participated in the 13 ethnosports in the latest (3rd) edition.
== Sports ==As of the third edition there are 13 different ethnosports in which athletes compete in. These include aba wrestling, shalwar wrestling, brace wrestling, oil wrestling and mounted archery.
In the third edition, Yabusame (traditional Japanese horseback archery) and falcon racing were also featured.
=== Oil wrestling ===Oil wrestling is a sport in which two opponents covered in olive oil wrestle each other. Due to the olive oil, gripping the opponent is made much more difficult and thus ads a level of complexity to the sport as compared to the non oiled Greco-Roman wrestling. It is said that it was practiced by the ancients 4500 years ago but it has at least been practiced since the Ottoman conquest of Rumelia.
Originally the wrestling would continue until one of the wrestlers is overpowered however later on a point system was added. At the first oil wrestling tournament which lasted for 3 days it is said that in the final round two brothers wrestled each other and neither one was able to outplay the other and they ended up dying of exhaustion. The Kırkpınar tournament continues today in their spirit.
The wrestling takes place on a grassy patch of earth which is designated as the (Turkish:Er Meydanı).
It is considered an inseparable part of Turkish culture.
=== Shalwar wrestling ===
The opponents in this sport wrestle each other barefoot and wearing shalwars.
=== Brace wrestling ===
(Turkish:KUŞAK GÜREŞİ) or (Crimean:küreş)
=== Mounted jarid ===A sport where Jarids are used on horseback.
=== Mounted archery ===Archery on horseback.
=== Archery ===
=== Talus bone games ===
The game consist of players placing their goat or cow anklebones in the center of a circle and then knocking them out. There are 3 different variants that can be played to the game.
=== Kökbörü ===(Kazakh:kokpar)
kökbörü
=== Aba wrestling ===
In this type of wrestling the wrestlers wear abes on their backs.
=== Mas wrestling ===Mas wrestling a.k.a. Ağaç Güreşi, literally 'tree wrestling' or Çubuk Çekme, literally 'rod pulling' is a Yakut national sport that is done on a flat, non-slippery, platform. In the middle of the platform there is a plank which is strongly fixed platform on its side. The two opponent sit on either sides of the plank with their feet on the plank and they put their arms forward and hold a rod together. Then using virtually all the muscles in the body and pull on the rod.
=== Mangala ===
=== Yabusame ===
=== Falconry ===
== Organisation ==
The event is organised by the World Ethnosports Federation and sponsored by Anadolu Agency.
== Venue ==The 2018 event has taken place at Yenikapi, Istanbul.
== Slogan ==
Every year the festival has a new slogan. In 2018 it was: The horse belongs to those who ride it and the sword to those who gird it on.
World Nomad Games
Ethnosport
== External links ==
World Ethnosports Federation |
697 | 57,832,705 | 0 | Formulaz | Turkey | Formulaz (Turkish: Formulaz; Laz: ჶორმულაზი Formulazi) is an annual Laz festival and traditional wooden car race held each year on 21 August, in the northern Turkish province of Rize's Ardeşen district. The name comes from the contraction of the word Formula with Laz, which is the name used for the local people living on the edge of the Black Sea in Northern Turkey. Wooden cars is popular in that region since early 1900's.
Kolkhoba |
698 | 70,981,570 | 0 | International Tekirdağ Cherry Festival | Turkey | null |
699 | 3,281,704 | 0 | Kadirga Festival | Turkey | The Kadirga Festival is the most famous of all Turkish festivities. The festival takes place in one of the yayla (plateaus) about 25 kilometers from Tonya (a town in Trabzon Province).
The magnificent treeless mountaintop where the festival takes place is located at the juncture of the territories of Beşikdüzü, Tonya, Maçka, Torul, Eynesil and Görele. People from the four districts gather on the mountaintop during the third week of July for three days of wild revelry. Some of the celebrations suggest a ritualistic origin from ancient and forgotten hostilities related to the delicate issue of yayla demarcation amongst the various communities of the mountains.
== External links ==
Trabzon tour and festivals |
700 | 4,845,340 | 0 | Kakava | Turkey | Kakava is a celebration event of Romani people in Turkey. Its place of origin is East Thrace in Turkey.
== Events ==
The belief that a Savior Baba Fingo would come and rescue them is immortal in the Romani folklore of the Romanlar in Turkey. It is believed he was a Commander of the Pharaoh-Troops from Military of ancient Egypt. Turkish Roma go down to the edge of the river Tundzha, at the night of 5–6 May that they decided as the day Rescue Event had happened. They put candles in the River and wash their hands, face and feet in the water, for the memory of the miraculous day. The main source of joy is the immortality of the Savior Baba Fingo. In Turkish a saying: Baba Fingo Gelecek, Bütün Dertler Bitecek (Father Fingo Will Come, All Troubles Will Be Over). For that reason, they entertain madly.
== Kakava in Turkey ==In Turkey's western cities of Edirne and Kırklareli, Kakava is celebrated joyfully. Kakava celebration in Edirne nowadays takes the form of an international festival, which is also supported by the governor and the mayor of Edirne. The official part of the Kakava festival takes place in Sarayiçi, the place where traditional Kırkpınar oil-wrestling tournament is held each year. After light the Bonfire and jump over it. Music playing and Belly dancing is performed. The official part ends after the distribution of rice dish pilaf to the around 5,000 attendees. The celebration continues in the dawn of the next day at the bank of Tunca River.
Hıdırellez
Đurđevdan |
702 | 41,130,504 | 0 | Mersin Citrus Festival | Turkey | Mersin Citrus Festival (Turkish: Mersin Narenciye Festivali) is an annual festival held in Mersin, Turkey.
== Citrus in Mersin economy ==
Citrus is the main crop of Mersin. According to official figures between 2006 and 2009, the total production in Turkey has risen from 3,220,435 tonnes to 3,513,772 tonnes. In the same period the production in Mersin Province has risen from 861,327 tonnes to 1,118,858 tonnes. In 2009, the citrus production in Mersin area consisted of 54% lemon, 29% orange, 14% tangerina and 3% grapefruit.
== Festival ==
The annual Citrus Festival was established in 2010. Each year, the festival is held in a weekend in November. The main purpose of the festival is to promote Mersin citrus and the touristic potential of the city and the surroundings. The festival begins by the short speeches of the trade union speakers, the mayor and the governors. Then, a parade of various life size objects made of citrus and folkloric groups from many foreign countries takes place. Fashion shows and dance shows of the folkloric groups both in the city and in Kızkalesi continue two days long.
According to festival page, the foreign participants to the festival in 2013 were Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Ghana, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Moldavia, Montenegro, PROC, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Thailand, and Ukraine, as well as the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Bashkurdistan, Chechenia and Chuvashia The inauguration of this fourth edition of the festival was presided by Zafer Çağlayan, Minister of Economy of Turkey. The public relations and media activities of this edition were taken care of by the local Turkish company Penguen.
== Gallery ==
The following images are from the parade of the 2013 festival
== External links ==
Official website
Mersin Narenciye Festivali'ne hazırlanıyor. Dunya.com. 2013-11-13. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
Mersin Narenciye Festivali. sabah.com.tr. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
Pictures of inauguration from a Turkish newspaper |
714 | 167,010 | 0 | List of festivals in Australia | Australia | List of festivals in Australia, including any established festival or carnival in Australia.
== Australian Capital Territory ==
== New South Wales ==
== Northern Territory ==
== Queensland ==
== South Australia ==
== Tasmania ==
== Victoria ==
== Western Australia ==List of festivals
List of festivals in Brisbane
List of Australian music festivals
== External links ==
Australian Festivals Calendar – A calendar of current Australian Festivals with dates and details.
myFestivals App – Calendar of Australian Festivals
Our Festivals Australia – Australian Festival Listing |
715 | 1,363,517 | 0 | ConFest | Australia | ConFest is an alternative bush campout festival held in the south-eastern states of Australia annually during and around Easter. The name 'ConFest' is a concatenation of the words Conference and Festival. ConFest was initiated in 1976, and organised by the former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Dr. Jim Cairns, his private secretary Junie Morosi and David Ditchburn. It was and is intended to bring together the various subcultures of the alternative movement, and was billed as An Exploration of Alternatives.
The event has been run almost continuously by the same cooperative society; The Down To Earth Co-op (DTE), based in Victoria. ConFest now hosts some 7000 participants annually for a 5-day festival over the Australia's Easter long weekend. The current ConFest Site is located to the West of Deniliquin and about 12 km from Moulamein in New South Wales. The area is open forest with the Edward River running along the southern side of the property.
== Features ==
Confest is typically divided up in to a number of discrete villages situated along a tree-lined river. These villages host a number of themed spaces where participants host workshops that are listed on an open agenda board displayed centrally in the festival. Workshops typically include yoga, meditation, permaculture, arts, music, and sexuality. However, many of the spaces are open to a range of eclectic and diverse topics. Villages also host shared kitchen spaces where communal cooking and food sharing is encouraged. The extensive Arts Village hosts many of the festivals major gathering points.
Villages surround a central open paddock which hosts a food and arts marketplace. This marketplace is the only location within the festival where money is used. It also hosts a number of activities such as a spontaneous choir and informal fashion parade. Surrounding the marketplace is a dedicated area for Fire Twirling, an information tent where participants can find out about the various villages and workshops, and a silent disco space.
== Villages and notable spaces (Easter Confest 2019) ==
== History ==
The first ConFest was held in 1976 on a property at Cotter River near Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. It was initiated and organised by the former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Dr. Jim Cairns, his private secretary Junie Morosi and David Ditchburn.
In the early days, the organising committee rented space from various property owners, normally on or near the Murray River. However, due to dramatically increased insurance costs, it became increasingly difficult to locate suitable locations, until in the early years of the 21st century a property became available for purchase. After an extraordinary general meeting of DTE the decision was made to purchase the property, located near Gulpa Creek, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Deniliquin, New South Wales. The site has outdoor camping facilities and has about 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) of river frontage and about 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of space.
== Event Timeline ==
== Climate ==
The property used for the March 2019 Confest gathering was one of two owned by the Down to Earth Cooperatives for the purpose of holding Confest gatherings. It is located approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south-east of the New South Wales town of Moulamein and 100 kilometres (62 mi) north-west of Deniliquin. This region generally has a warmer climate over Summer and Autumn, and a cooler climate over Winter relative to Melbourne where the highest proportion of event participants reside. The Summer Confest was cancelled and was not held for several years while fire mitigation work was carried out on the property. The Autumn Confest held over the Easter long weekend has continued while this has taken place. It is often referred to as Easter Confest due to its timing but is a non-denominational event with participants able to observe their own spiritual practices including candle lighting at designated events and spaces as long as there is no fire ban. In 2016 an additional Confest was organised for Spring. It was unable to go ahead due to flooding.
== Legal issues ==
In 2015 police reported that 38 of 54 people searched on the approach road to the event were found in possession of illicit substances.
There have been a number of assaults throughout the festival's history by a few individuals, including sexual assaults during massages and an attempted child abduction. In some cases, this has resulted in lifetime bans from the festival and police involvement.
== External links ==Official website
Down to Earth Co-op website |
716 | 1,944,058 | 0 | Ute muster | Australia | A ute muster is an Australian festival which brings together large numbers of utes and their owners. These events typically include competitions and other side events, occur annually, and normally last several days and are held in rural and regional areas of Australia and New Zealand.
These events can be seen as a more rural version of the Summernats, a festival which promotes a wider range of car culture.
The Caboolture Urban Country Music Festival, which features a Beaut Ute competition, is a country music festival established in 2004.
== Background ==
Often ute musters are combined with a larger festival such as a rodeo, agricultural show or music festival, and are usually sponsored by companies which are local to where the muster is being held.
Ute musters are often viewed as being attended by yobbos who like to drink, but they're also an outlet for enthusiastic ute owners to show off their vehicles which are personalized with lights, stickers, bull bars, and various after-market add-ons. They are generally held to raise money for towns, charities and local causes, and have run in conjunction with agricultural shows or Bachelor and Spinster Balls which raise money for local charities.
The Deniliquin Ute Muster is the largest event of its kind in the world. It is a stand-alone event which began as a celebration of all things Australian and the Australian icon of the ute, and has developed into a two-day festival, with live music concerts, ute driving competitions, the Australian National Circle Work Championships TM, show and shine arena, and bull ride.
Ute enthusiasts tend to have an obsession with bumper stickers, often covering the entire rear window of the ute with them. Accumulating the most different stickers is a sort of status symbol which is often the deciding factor in many of the Beaut Ute competitions (see below). Some of the popular stickers are Bundaberg Rum, Holden, Jim Beam, Ute Muster and the Conargo Pub.
== Beaut ute ==The event itself involves a congregation of ute enthusiasts who enter their utes in a number of competitions, sometimes referred to as a Beaut Ute Competition. Some of the typical categories are:Best Feral Ute – the dirtiest, worst maintained, lived-in Ute
Best B&S Ute – generally decorated with bullbars, headlights, stickers of alcohol brands or rodeo/ute musters and various pubs
Best 4WD
Best Classic Ute – pre-1980 in most original condition.
Best Chick's Ute – Ute owned and maintained by a woman.
Best Street Ute – immaculate, gleaming condition.
Best Trade Ute – Ute decorated with equipment from a particular trade.
Best Rural Ute – decorated for the rural life.
Best VB Ute – competition to see how many stubbies fit in the back.
Best Holden Ute,
Best Ford Ute,
Best Work/Trade Ute
Other categories are also included and run on the day these are called novelty categories and normally take a side step from the general categories to make a bit of fun to fill in the day.
some novelty categories include:Best Dog in ute
Ute With a Boot
Furthest travelled
Most Kilometers
== Records ==
Most of the ute muster events around Australia try to compete with each other by continually breaking new records of gathering the most vehicles in the one place.
However, that mantle has been claimed by Deniliquin which previously held a small ute show as part of its annual Pastoral and Agricultural Show, but developed the idea into a tourist-attracting event. In 1999 a group of community-minded people got together with the idea of celebrating all things Australian, including the Australian icon of the ute, to attract people to the agricultural town of Deniliquin, located in the southern Riverina region of New South Wales. In its first year, the event held a Guinness Book of Records count of the largest parade of legally registered utes in the world, and each year new records are broken.
In 1999, 2839 drivers took part, establishing Deniliquin as the ute capital of the world. Since that time, the event has grown in popularity and each year breaks its existing world record. As of 2010, Deniliquin's current record stands at 10,152 utes, with over 25,000 attendees in a town that normally has a population of about 8000.
The Deniliquin Ute Muster also holds a record count for the most people wearing blue singlets - in 2010 that Guinness Book of Records count stands at 3500 people.
In 2013, a new ute record of 9,736 was set and a new blue singlet record of 3,924 was counted.
== Distinction from other festivals ==Ute musters are often held to help raise funds for local charities, such as raising funds for local schools or hospitals. Often the ute musters are associated with local groups such as Apex or Rotary. They are seen as a good drawcard to bring in money from participants who are not members of the local community - so all money spent is extra money for the local community, whether it goes to the local charity, or just to the local economy.
Musters are often held in conjunction with local agricultural shows. This will assists organisers in arranging advertising, insurance and other sponsorship. It can also assist in obtaining the cooperation of local emergency services such as police and ambulance, if the muster is one aspect of a larger, previously established local event.
Most ute musters charge a relatively small fee for participants, allowing them to enter any category they are qualified for. Most participants would enter between five and ten categories, as this keeps the event proceeding. Many participants travel long distances to enter and prefer activities to be held in a short timeframe to allow them to join in other parts of the festival.
Well organised events cater for camping. As this is a usual festival environment drawing participants from large distances in country areas there are limited opportunities for public transport. Both competitors and other participants often make extensive use of any bar facilities; in many events the bar provides a large portion of the funds raised. Well organised events provide for camping as often the most practical accommodation for all concerned.
Whilst larger musters can annoy some locals, this is seen as the exception rather than the rule. Most musters attract between 20 and 100 utes, depending upon event advertising. Commonly, musters also have maximum numbers permitted to attend - this is often a requirement in obtaining event permits.
Event committees need to liaise carefully with local law enforcement. The muster held at Deniliquin is a good example of close relationships with NSW Police. Whilst the organisers recognise that some attendees can flout the law, this is seen as a minority and the event is able to proceed in a realistic environment. This achieves the event's goals of fundraising and ensures participants are able to enjoy the event.
Bachelor and Spinster Ball
== External links ==
Deniliquin Ute Muster home page
Deniliquin Ute Muster photographs
The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival Ute Muster
Canberra Ute Truck Muster Website
CountryBNS Website
Sutton Country Fair and Ute Muster |
717 | 13,043,386 | 0 | Wattle Day | Australia | Wattle Day is a day of celebration in Australia on the first day of September each year, which is the start of the Australian spring. This is the time when many Acacia species (commonly called wattles in Australia), are in flower. So, people wear a sprig of the flowers and leaves to celebrate the day.
Although the national floral emblem of Australia is a particular species, named the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha), any acacia can be worn to celebrate the day.The day was originally intended to promote patriotism for the new nation of Australia:Wattle Days emerged to prominence in Australia in the early years of the federated nation. They took on some of the national and civic responsibilities for children that [the more formal] Australia Day could not. - Libby Robin
== Tasmanian origin, 1838 ==On 1 December 1838, the first Hobart Town Anniversary Regatta was held in Hobart, Tasmania to celebrate the anniversary of the 17th-century European discovery of the island by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who made the first reported European sighting of the island on 24 November 1642. It was estimated between 5000 and 6000 people attended. On 10 August 1853 in Launceston, during Cessation of Transportation Celebrations the procession marched under a triumphal arch decorated with wattle blossom.
It was suggested that for future regattas, the event should be celebrated by the wearing of a sprig of silver wattle blossom (Acacia dealbata) tied with British Navy blue ribbon. The proposal attracted some ridicule as the silver wattle blooms in August and September and would be unobtainable in November. As a result, the November-flowering black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) was substituted for the regatta. The custom of wearing a sprig of wattle at the regatta persisted until at least 1883.
The theme of wattle in literature, poetry and song took off from the 1860s to the early 1900s. When Adam Lindsay Gordon died in 1870 he was buried where the wattle blossoms wave - a quotation from his poem The sick Stockrider. There were wattle waltzes and you could drink Foster's Wattle beer.
A Wattle Blossom League was inaugurated by W. J. Sowden and the South Australian chapter of the Australian Natives' Association in 1890 as a women's branch of the Association. The aim of the Wattle Blossom League was to encourage Australian literature and music. Members should at all suitable public assemblies wear a spray of wattle blossom either real or artificial, as a distinctive badge. Another aim of the league was to promote a national patriotic sentiment among the women of Australia. The last monthly meeting of the Wattle Blossom League was held at Beach's Rooms on 1 June 1893.
== The Wattle Club, 1899 ==
The push for the recognition of the nation-wide use of wattle as a symbol of the first day of spring was given momentum by the formation in 1899 of the Wattle Club in Victoria. It was initiated by Archibald James Campbell, a leading ornithologist and field naturalist with a particular passion for Australian wattles, of which there are more than 1,000 species. For several years the club organised bush outings on the first day in September specifically for the appreciation of wattles in their natural setting. Campbell was an active member of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. Their 1904 outing went to the You Yangs and in 1906 they went to the Werribee Gorge.
== Wattle Day League, 1909 ==The first suggestion of a dedicated Wattle Day was made by Campbell during a speech in September 1908.
The Wattle Day League was formed on 13 September 1909 at the Elizabeth Street, Sydney headquarters of the Royal Society, with J. H. Maiden, director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens as president.
Its purpose was to present to the various state governments a unified proposal for a national day on which to celebrate the wattle blossom.
In 1910 the League settled on Wattle Day as 1 September, and approached Sowden to form a branch of the League in South Australia.
Campbell and A. K. Warner founded a branch in Melbourne.
It was taken up, and there were celebrations in 1910 in three state capital cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, although the Melbourne event was a muted affair due to heavy rain.
The day was significant in being the first organised demonstration on a definite day across a number of states ever witnessed in Australia. On 1 September 1911 Adelaide was described as a city decked with gold. In 1913, the national Wattle Day League (or Federation) was established to formalise the organisation of events for the celebration of Wattle Day.
Queensland followed in 1913. Sydney celebrated that year by planting 200 wattle trees in Centennial Park.The Golden Wattle was incorporated as an accessory in the design of the coat of arms of Australia in 1912.
Following the outbreak of World War 1 all attempts to gazette the emblem or Wattle Day were put aside.
There was some confusion in New South Wales over the date. In 1916, NSW changed its date for Wattle Day to 1 August, so that the indigenous, early-flowering Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana) could be used. The Cootamundra wattle was planted all over Sydney and when the Red Cross called for sprigs of wattle to sell in Martin Place for the war effort, this species had mostly finished flowering. The League was granted a temporary change. Schools in NSW continued to use 1 August as the date for Wattle Day and there was some resistance to 1 September despite the association with spring. That resistance now appears to have almost disappeared.
Among other poetry, Scottish-Australian poet and bush balladeer William Henry Ogilvie wrote Sunny country, which was often recited on past Wattle Days:
== Australian bicentennial celebration, 1988 ==
On 19 August 1988, as part of events to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of First Fleet in Sydney in 1788, the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) was officially proclaimed as Australia's national floral emblem by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian Stephen. A formal ceremony was held in the National Botanic Gardens on 1 September, at which Maria Hitchcock was a guest of the government. Specimens of Acacia pycnantha were planted near the entry.
== National Wattle Day, 1992 ==
In 1986 Maria Hitchcock of Armidale NSW began a campaign to have both gazetted. With the aid of ABC's Ian McNamara, whose Sunday morning national program Australia All Over focuses on all things Australian, the message went out resulting in hundreds of letters of support being sent to the prime minister. The campaign was not progressing until Hitchcock met with Senator Graham Richardson at a Labor Party event in Armidale. Soon after the decision was made to gazette the emblem at a special ceremony in Canberra at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on 1 September. At that ceremony Hitchcock was told by Senator Ray that she would have to personally gain letters of approval for the gazettal of National Wattle Day from each premier and chief minister. Once again enlisting the aid of McNamara and his listeners, a new campaign of letter writing began. It took three years but the goal was finally achieved. Hitchcock bundled all the letters together and sent them to Canberra requesting gazettal of National Wattle Day for 1 September each year.
On 23 June 1992, Governor-General Bill Hayden declared that 1 September in each year shall be observed as 'National Wattle Day' throughout Australia and in the external Territories of Australia. In 1998, the Wattle Day Association was established to promote National Wattle Day.
2010 marked the centenary of the celebration of Wattle Day on 1 September 1910 in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, and Australian Geographic magazine was amongst those who urged the public not to miss the chance to celebrate it again.
== Recent developments ==
With the controversy over 26 January as Australia Day, in light of the historic treatment of Indigenous people, some Australians have been proposing Wattle Day as an alternative for national celebrations.
== Some popular wattles ==
== Australian state floral emblems ==
The golden wattle is Australia's national floral emblem, but in addition each Australian state has its own floral emblem.
== Other countries ==
While different to the national significance of Australia's Wattle Day, other countries have separate events related to wattle trees where they have been introduced from Australia.
Since 1931, the French town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule has celebrated the local flowering of wattles known as mimosa (Acacia dealbata) with the eight-day Fête du Mimosa during their winter in February.
Starting in 1946 in Italy, yellow mimosa flowers hold significance as a symbol during International Women's Day.
== External links ==
Wattle Day Association |
730 | 48,622,297 | 0 | List of festivals in Malaysia | Malaysia | null |
731 | 49,587,836 | 0 | Borneo Cultural Festival | Malaysia | Borneo Cultural Festival, abbreviated as BCF, is an annual festival of food, music, and dance that places a focus on cultural diversity of Borneo. The festival is held in Sibu, one of the major towns in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, and was first organised in 2002. The festival regularly takes place in July, and is organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).
== History ==
BCF was originally known as Pesta Sibu before going through several name changes, such as Millennium Celebration and Borneo Tribal Extravaganza. Since 2005, BCF is held by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) in July every year at Sibu Town Square, for a period of 10 days. It is a celebration of traditional music, dances, contests, beauty pageant, food stalls, fun fairs, and product exhibitions. There are 3 separate stages for Iban, Chinese, and Malay performances. It draws around 20,000 people every year. Besides cultural performances, Kumang Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival- a traditional beauty pageant- are held at the Dayak stage of BCF. Beginning 2023 edition, an International Night will be added on top of three traditional signature nights, namely Chinese Night, Malay/Melanau Night and Dayak Night.
=== Hiatus ===
BCF was stopped briefly in 2011 before it was resumed in 2012. The festival also went on a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
== Event ==Historically, the venue of the main event will be held in Sibu town square so as the trade fair and the exhibition will be held on the second phase of the town square. Usually the main town square which is located next to Wisma Sanyan will be utilised by the stages and food stalls.
=== Dates of the Festival ===
== Gallery ==
== External links ==
Official website
Blogger Sixth Seal Coverage on Borneo Cultural Festival |
732 | 50,178,229 | 0 | Borneo Jazz Festival | Malaysia | Borneo Jazz Festival is a 2-night festival of 4 performances in each night by local and international jazz musicians at Parkcity Everly hotel in Miri, Sarawak. The festival is one of the longest running Jazz festival in the region. The 2019 edition of the festival will be held on 19 to 21 July.
== History ==
Borneo Jazz Festival was started in 2006. The event is organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism, Sarawak. The festival was formerly known as Miri International Jazz Festival before it was renamed to Borneo Jazz Festival in 2011.
The Borneo Jazz is wholly owned by Sarawak Tourism Board and organised by No Black Tie.
== Programme ==
In 2018 the festival introduced Borneo Jazz Talent Search as part of their musical outreach programme. For 2019 edition, the festival’s music outreach will expand to include the Borneo Jazz DJ Search.
== Performers ==
Lineups of the festival since 2014 are:
== Attendance ==
The festival attendance has grown steadily from 3,000 spectators in 2006 to 8,000 spectators in 2014. |
733 | 55,781,783 | 0 | Burung Petala Processions | Malaysia | The Burung Petala Processions (literary Celestial Bird Processions) (Malay: Perarakan Burung Petala; Jawi: ڤراراكن بوروڠ ڤتالا) referred to a series of imperial parades to commemorate the circumcision ceremony of the Kelantanese nobility. During the grand cavalcade, the prince and his royal entourage were celebrated around Kota Bharu via a large bird-like processional cart, notably the grand chariot of 1933 known as Burung Petala Indra and tandu Burung Petalawati of 1923. The processions were held three times between 1919 and 1933.
== Origin ==The celebration is rooted in the historical grand parades observed during the pre-Islamic era of the northern coast of Malay Peninsula. As noted from the old records from Chi Tu, the Chinese ambassador of the kingdom would be paraded under a similar fashion upon their arrival to the city state. This largely originated from the custom that holds every state delegations should be celebrated akin to the return of the gods from their heavenly abode. The kingdom managed to obtained strong diplomatic relationship with ancient China derived from the epic celebrations for its delegations.
The birds were mobilised for official use, including during the enthronement of the prince, arrival of state delegations and during royal circumcision celebrations. While not in use, the bird would be nestled in a special chamber, with a courtier delegated with a task of conducting rituals to guard her spirit.
There are several variants of the bird in Pattani, including Gagak Suro (raven), Karawek (kalaviṅka), Merak Mas (golden peacock), Garuda and Burung Singa (lion bird). The procession was later recorded in great detail upon the arrival of the British colonial administrator in Kelantan from 1909.
=== Malay customary practise ===
In the traditional Malay custom, a child would usually be carried on the shoulder of his dad from his abode to the place where his circumcision will be held. But for the more affluent Malay families, the ceremony would be more lavish, the child would be transported on a processional carrier, in a form of boat or a small mosque-like structure by a group of men, a philosophical correspondence of a rite of passage from boys to men. More elaborate practise of the celebration would include a march of men with weapons, musical performance and even ceremonial foods being included in the parade.
=== Early 20th century Kelantan ===
Based on the record by Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof, it was narrated that the sultan had a dream about the Burung Petala Wati, the traditional guardian of Kelantan. Following the account, he ordered the construction of the mystical Thunderbird for his prince. Another version of the origin of Petala Wati denotes a far more secular account, as it was believed that the construction of the ark was mainly to illustrate the grandeur of the Kelantanese monarch and to please the British colonial resident at that time, who were intrigued by the local Malay culture, heritage and folklore.
== Construction ==
=== Ornaments ===The design of the chariot emulated many ornamental figures derived from ancient Malay mythology, kingship and the tales from Malay hikayats. Based on the narration by Paul J. Coatalen in his interview with a local Malay Bomoh (shaman) about a parallel Kelantanese imperial vessel, he asserts that the ceremonial vehicle is a symbol of Malay mysticism adopted based upon the legendary promise made between the ancestors of the Kelantan king with a loyal warrior known as Isma Dewa Pekerma Raja.
While based on the record between Coatalen and Haji Mubin Sheppard in “Processional Birds Of Kelantan” and “The Giant bird”, he asserted that there was a strong correlation between the Royal barge of Pertala Sri Kelantan with the Hindu epics, deriving Helang, Burung Camar Laut, Garuda and Jentayu as a source of identity and inspiration. This was heavily owed from the fact that the Malayalised Hindu literature was highly celebrated during the period and the tales of Hikayat Maharaja Wana, Ramayana, Isma Dewa Perkerma Raja were often transmitted into the form of Malay theater and Wayang kulit, thus become a norm by the Kelantanese Malay society. Based on Coatalen, despite the design and the name of Hindu mythologies were adopted in the bird art, it doesn't necessary bear any Hindu religious syncretism, instead the adoption was solely for cosmetic factors, he added.
=== Assembly ===It would take three months to build each of the Petala Birds. The last of the birds was built long after the end of the World War II, solely constructed as a display upon the request of the National Museum of Malaysia. The tandu was named Pertala Indra Maha Sakti and completed in 1963, constructed by the son of one of the assistant craftsman that built the earlier royal birds, Mohamed Noor bin Daud (Weh Burong); he was assisted by Awang bin Sulong and under the supervision Ismail Bakti. The resurrected bird was by far dwarfed in comparison of all her predecessors, nonetheless fine details in the woodcraft remains. Being the sole surviving Kelantanese artist with such expertise, it was largely emulated based on the artisan's childhood memory of helping his father constructing the bird. As of 2017, the sculpture is stored in the Kelantan Heritage Trust in Kota Bharu.
=== Design ===
==== Petala Indra ====
The Burung Petala Indra of 1933 stands 20 feet tall. It was constructed for Tengku Yunus, a 12-year-old, the third son of the crown prince, Raja Zainal Abidin. Reid, a photographer for The Straits Times Annual in Kelantan noted that several large trees in Kota Bharu have to be removed earlier, in order to maneuver the colossal monument during the celebration. A painted 10 foot square wooded pavilion was erected above colossal bird replica, holding with its Singgora-styled roof. A pair of ornamental crest carved with naga motives are attached onto each bargeboard and the roof tiers. The pavilion can carry up to 6 passengers inside. There were many prominent woodcarver involved in the project, including Encik Ismail, the head artisan for Petala Indra and Encik Long, a royal sculptor from the neighbouring Kingdom of Besut.
==== Petalawati ====
While the smaller pair of 1923 tandu Petala having a similar pavilion-styled platform with 3 tier hipped roof with a crest. The beak of the replica was painted in gold and her fangs were made from elephant tusk. The bird was seen biting a venomous snake known as Ular Naga Bora that coiled around the bird's neck while her eyes were made from precious stones.
The bird's main body was decorated by golden Tinsel wraps. The fur on her head and neck were tailored from various velvet and silks, while the feathers on her wings and tail were cast from various glossy papers based on the hue of the rainbows. The bird shiny stood underneath the ray of sun.
=== Inspiration ===
There are two conflicting accounts for the identity of the bird, based on the characters in the assemble.
==== Hikayat Isma Dewa ====
Many believed that the processional cart was a personification of Sarung Dewa Purba Raksasa, a gigantic bird from the epic Raja Isma Dewa, a local Kelantanese Malay lore. This is supported by the incorporation of a crowned white monkey that stood beneath the Burung Petala Wati of 1923, the white monkey itself was a character from Hikayat Isma Dewa, a companion of the heroic character. The function of the monkey was to persuade the young prince to be as brave as his favourite hero in the saga.
==== Hikayat Mahabharata ====
Another view traces it to the mythical garuda, particularly an account from the Mahabharata. The act of the bird eating the serpent is a philosophical symbolism of destroying the evil. Based on this understanding, instead of Isma Dewa, the main idol in this version was Vishnu. This notion was largely observed by Haji Mubin Sheppard.
== Procession ==
=== The Grand Parade ===The day of the parade was the highlight of the month long festival. The carnival lavishly commenced from the palatial gate of Kelantan and continued throughout the main avenues of Kota Bharu to an area known as Batu Peringatan in Padang Bank, passing through various government complex and the residence of other prominent members from the Kelantanese nobility. The grand parade was divided into 38 parts, with some of the performances were held on a moving stage.
There are 300 members of the Malay regiment accompanying the chariot, it begins with a unit of speared men from the imperial court who wore black, followed by candlestick bearers wearing a red uniform and a unit of riflemen that would fire celebratory gunshots during the procession.
Behind the military contingent was a group of female palatial maids wearing a yellow shoulder cloth, holding a pedestrial tray with ritualistic yellow glutinous rice known as nasi semangat to strengthen the prince's spirit before the circumcision. The maidens were followed by a royal guards armed with weaponry of Keris and swords, while at their back was a group of maiden carrying a plethora of royal insignias: ceremonial box, handheld fan, silver container, Royal betel box, incense burner, silver water container and a multitude of other items from the imperial regalia.Following the royal entourage was an open platform of 5 Malay orchestras, staged by a Menora and Mak Yong performance. While the closed platform behind was occupied by the court dancers, elegantly posed in their classical Asyik and Joget costumes. However, in contrast to the preceding Menora and Makyong performers, they do not openly dance during the gala. Behind the court dancers was a Wayang Kulit performance and a Silat troop.
The towering bird came after the performance. The climax of the imperial cavalcade, it ferried the prince together his two younger brothers with a senior religious clerics and the British resident at that time. The princes were seen to be donned under a richly woven ceremonial attire made from silk, they wore fine gold and jewelry with a keris nicely tucked around their waist. The chariot was mobilised by hundreds of men, all reciting the Islamic prayers and selawat. The men were all individually selected by their village headman from their respected kampung throughout the kingdom.
The entourage ends with a platform for the percussion and the Great Kelantan drum, Known as Rebana Besar.
Trailing behind the men was dozens of sons from the noble families of Kelantan and the older relatives of the prince, all were attending to usher the circumcision carnival.
=== Developments after 1933 ===
The Burung Petala Indra of 1933 was the last of its kind staged in Kelantan. Following the consultation from the local Kelantanese ulema, it was firmly advised that the element of deviation from the Islamic teaching was present in the parade. Hence, following the verdict, all of the birds were destroyed by the authorities.
The tradition however, is still survived although is under the verge of extinction across the border in Pattani, Thailand. It is celebrated by the Thai Malay community in the form of Burong Gagak Suro (Thai: บุหรงฆาเฆาะซูรอ; Burong Kakosuro), albeit it is usually celebrated in a smaller scale compared to its historical predecessors.
== Bibliography == |
734 | 52,123,724 | 0 | George Town Festival | Malaysia | The George Town Festival is an annual cultural festival held within the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia.
Inaugurated in 2010, the festival was initially mooted to celebrate the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has since grown into a major Asian arts event, attracting about 250,000 visitors in 2015.
== History ==In 2009, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, a state agency tasked with monitoring and promoting the city's heritage, had held a day-long festival to mark the inscription of the historical core of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the previous year. Encouraged by the success of that event, a longer, month-long festival was mooted in 2010. Joe Sidek, a well known Malaysian artist, was roped in to manage the festival.
In spite of budgetary constraints, the inaugural event was successfully held throughout the month of July in 2010. The art festival has been organised yearly since then, with events being held by utilising the city's heritage architecture as performance venues. The 2014 edition drew in 218,355 visitors, a figure which rose to 250,000 in the following year.
== Festival program description ==
The George Town Festival is held to celebrate and preserve the local arts, culture and heritage. Artistic performance, including dance, music and theater, as well as photography and heritage exhibitions, have been included in the festival.
Although the month-long art festival is typically headlined by international acts, the majority of the acts are of local origin. In addition, the art festival has become a conduit where regional cultural arts are promoted. For instance, the 2014 edition featured several acts by Singaporean artists highlighting the shared culture between the two fellow Straits Settlements cities, whilst in 2017, the festival was kicked off with an ensemble of musical performances from throughout Southeast Asia.
== 2019 co-production with OzAsia Festival ==
In October 2019, co-commissioned by OzAsia festival and the George Town Festival, a play was created and staged by Malaysian duo TerryandTheCuz, named Light. It explores the personal circumstances first Francis Light and his pivotal role in Penang's modern history and then of William Light in Adelaide. It shows how their lives were influenced by global politics, in particular the rise of the British Empire.
== External links ==
George Town Festival Official Website |
735 | 50,509,531 | 0 | George Town Literary Festival | Malaysia | The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) is an annual literary festival which takes place in the city of George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It is currently the largest world literature festival organised in Malaysia and the first literary event in Southeast Asia to receive the Literary Festival Award at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards.
GTLF celebrates world literature, translations, and the literary arts, with various writers, artists and thinkers from diverse locations and disciplines coming together annually to engage in intellectual discourse. It is the only literary festival funded by the state government in Malaysia.
The festival generally takes place every last weekend of November. Admission to the festival is free to all members of the public.
== History ==
GTLF was initiated in 2011 by former Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng. Debuting with a line-up of 5 writers, the festival's last edition featured over 80 writers and speakers while its upcoming edition will take place from 21–24 November 2019. Since 2016, the festival has been organised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Previously, Penang Global Tourism led production from 2011-2014 while Penang Institute took charge in 2015.
The festival's first eight editions (with the exception of 2014) were curated by Bernice Chauly under the direction of the State Government of Penang. She was appointed festival director in 2015 and continued leading the curatorial team until 2018.
=== 2011: History & Heritage: Where are our Stories? ===
GTLF's inaugural edition was themed “History & Heritage: Where are our Stories?” and comprised 7 events held across 26 & 27 November 2011. Taking place in the then-newly established China House and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the festival's five headliners were Malaysian authors Muhammed Haji Salleh, Farish A. Noor, Iskandar Al-Bakri, Shih-Li Kow and Tan Twan Eng.
=== 2012: Voyages. Hopes. Dreams. ===
Themed Voyages. Hopes. Dreams. the second edition of the festival was the first to feature an international lineup comprising writers from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Held at Sekeping Victoria, China House and Studio @ Straits, the festival spanned 20 events while its duration was extended to 3 days. Its line-up of 26 writers and moderators included A. Samad Said, Alfian Sa'at, David van Reybrouck, Linda Christanty and Nii Ayikwei Parkes.
=== 2013: The Ties That Bind ===
Due to increased support from foreign embassies and government agencies, the 2013 festival programme grew to feature 37 events in Sekeping Victoria, China House and 179 Victoria Street. Themed The Ties That Bind, 20 speakers headlined the festival including Ali Cobby Eckermann, Eric Hansen, Tash Aw, Christine Otten and Lat.
=== 2014: Capital ===
The 2014 edition was notable for being curated by the Cooler Lumpur Festival. It took place in Whiteaways Arcade and was themed Capital. The festival shifted its focus to writers, with programmes aimed at developing local writing and the publishing industry. There was also a fringe programme comprising a stand-up comedy performance and a pub quiz. It spanned 38 events and featured 27 speakers including Eddin Khoo, Miguel Syjuco, John Krich, Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh and Susan Barker.
=== 2015: We Are Who We Are/Are We Who We Are? ===
In 2015, the festival was themed We Are Who We Are/Are We Who We Are? in conjunction with its focus on dissecting the human and Malaysian identity. and featured 36 speakers including Wajahat Ali, Evan Fallenberg, Robin Hemley, Pablo Jofré and Hanne Ørstavik. The keynote was delivered by Marina Mahathir.
=== 2016: Hiraeth ===
In recognition of the displacement of communities across the globe, the 2016 festival was themed Hiraeth. The festival, which took place in Wisma Yeap Choy Ee, Black Kettle and China House, brought 40 writers together across 44 sessions. The festival keynote was delivered by Zainah Anwar, preceding a lecture on the theme by A. C. Grayling. Other headliners included Adriaan van Dis, Nathalie Handal, Mahesh Dattani, Olga Martynova and Stephen James Smith.
The festival's growing presence and increasing public attention led to pro-government supporters defacing an exhibition by Zunar, whose works commented politically on former Prime Minister Najib Razak's corruption allegations. Zunar's eventual arrest drew international attention from human rights watchdogs as well as support for the festival's position as a platform for free speech. The launch of his book, Wasabi, was cancelled as a result. The 2016 edition of the festival is also notable for scoring a nomination in the Literary Festival Award category at the LBF International Excellence Awards.
=== 2017: Monsters & (Im)Mortals ===
In 2017, the festival featured a theme of Monsters & (Im)Mortals. Featuring a larger curatorial team due to the addition of Gareth Richards and Pauline Fan as co-curators, the festival line-up comprised 46 writers and 55 activities. Among the year's headliners were Gerður Kristný, Mei Fong, Latiff Mohidin, Laksmi Pamuntjak and Gündüz Vassaf. The 2017 edition became the first literary festival in Southeast Asia to receive the Literary Festival Award at the LBF International Excellence Awards in the following year.
=== 2018: The State of Freedom ===
The 2018 edition was themed The State of Freedom to commemorate the anniversaries of human rights milestones around the globe, the state of Penang's commitment to freedom of expression, and Malaysia's first change in government since achieving independence 59 years prior.
Extended to run across 4 days, the 2018 edition featured the largest line-up of writers and number of events in the festival's history. 82 writers were present at the festival's 65 events, including Sjón, Lemn Sissay, Ivan Coyote, Arshia Sattar and Jean-Christophe Rufin. Notable events at the 2018 edition included a conversation with Anwar Ibrahim, a section on LGBTQIA+ discourses, as well as the inaugural Malaysia National Poetry Slam.
=== 2019: forewords/afterwords ===
The 2019 edition is themed forewords/afterwords in reference to W. H. Auden's final collection of essays. Taking place from 21–24 November 2019, the festival will be directed by Pauline Fan and Sharaad Kuttan, marking the first time two co-directors will helm the festival in its 9-year history. The line-up of the festival will include 2019 Man Booker International Prize winner Jokha al-Harthi, as well as 2019 EBRD Literature Prize winner Hamid Ismailov.
=== 2020: Through The Looking Glass ===
The tenth edition was themed Through The Looking Glass, which looks at the role of literature and art in a time of crisis. Due to the pandemic, this is the first edition of the festival to have been shifted entirely online. The festival programme presented mostly online, with a series of podcasts and videos both in English and Bahasa Malaysia; featuring conversations, discussions, readings and radio drama. All conversations were available on Spotify. The online edition also featured young Malaysians who have had their works recognised internationally. They include Joshua Kam (winner Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2020), graphic novelist Erica Eng (Eisner award - Best Webcomic), and Kulleh Grasi (shortlisted for the National Translation Award in Poetry 2020 in the US).
=== 2021: Mikro-cosmos ===
GTLF’s theme for 2021, Mikro-cosmos, explored the spirit of cosmopolitanism and interconnectedness that endures through literature, language and ideas, even as the troubles of today atomize our existence and deepen social fragmentation. This was the second edition to be held digitally with a small amount events taking place physically during the weekend of the festival. Regional and international headliners include Indonesian novelist Eka Kurniawan, Japanese writer Minae Mizumura, German poet Jan Wagner, Canadian writer Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Zealand novelist Tina Makereti, and Kenyan-US writer Mukoma Wa Ngugi. The festival was directed by Pauline Fan.
== Publication ==
=== Muara ===
To celebrate the decade of GTLF that has passed, GTLF collaborated with Svara journal to produce a special publication called Muara. Taking its name from the Malay word for estuary, Muara is a passage of fluidity and connection, where the river meets the open sea. In the pages of Muara, writers engage in ideas and imaginings, interpreting the shifting shoreline of our realities. Featuring essays, lectures, short stories, poetry, book reviews, and translations, Muara gathers established and emerging writers from Malaysia, the region, and the world. The book was launched in conjunction with GTLF2021. |
736 | 9,892,691 | 0 | Kaamatan | Malaysia | Kaamatan or Pesta Kaamatan is a form of harvest festival celebrated on 30 and 31 of May annually in the state of Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan in Malaysia.
== Symbolic significance of Kaamatan ==
According to a belief shared by all Dusun peoples, with some variations, the human race, created by the Supreme Being Kinoingan, experienced a severe famine at the beginning of time. Kinoingan's maiden daughter, Huminodun, sacrificed herself to provide food for humanity, resulting in the production of rice as the main staple, along with other essential crops such as coconut, tapioca, ginger, maize, and yams from different parts of her body. The myth further narrates that Huminodun was transformed into Unduk Ngadau, a spirit emerging from a large jar containing the rice harvested by humans on the first day. An essential aspect of the myth includes Huminodun's instruction that, before starting the harvest, the father should take seven stalks of padi (called toguruon), tie them to one end of a spliced bamboo stick, plant them at the center of the field, and then store them in the rice container after the harvest. These seven stalks of padi symbolize the spirit of rice, Bambaazon (or Bambarayon in interior dialects), which is believed to be responsible for abundant harvests
This creation story played a central role in the traditional belief system of the Dusun peoples and formed the basis of numerous rituals performed annually during the rice harvest. The most significant of these rituals was the magavau ceremony, led by the ritual specialists known as bobohizan, to recover grains of rice that might have been lost or left in the field, carrying the Bambaazon with them and thereby preventing future crop shortages. Harvest-related rituals were the most important of the year, involving extensive celebration and feasting within villages. Another traditional ritual was the moginakan, which was costly and held during particularly good harvests, as well as for events like house reconstruction, childbirth, or recovery from illness.
== Celebration activities ==
Kaamatan is normally celebrated by the ethnic Kadazan-Dusuns, as well as by other related ethnic groups in the state, and lasts for the whole of the month of May, ending with a public holiday on a date selected by a priestess known as the bobohizan.: 417
A beauty pageant known as Unduk Ngadau will be held and it ends the harvest festival with a newly crowned Unduk Ngadau in the annual host district, Penampang. The Harvest Festival comes under the ambit of what is known as Momolianism, the belief system and life philosophy of the Kadazan-Dusun. There is also a dance performance called the Sumazau, a singing contest called Sugandoi, a bodybuilding competition, and other arts and crafts performances. Competitions such as hitting the gong and folk sports have also become one of the main events in this festival.
Popular drinks during the festival are tapai and Kinomol, which is a traditional alak drink. Tapai is drunk from a small bamboo vessel known as a sumbiling or from special glasses called singgarung, likewise made from bamboo.
List of harvest festivals
Kadazandusun Cultural Association
Kadazan-Dusun
== External links ==
The Rituals of Tadau Kaamatan
Introduction to the Kaamatan Festival |
737 | 56,124,982 | 0 | Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta | Malaysia | The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an annual hot air balloon festival held within the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. The festival, organised by AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian private limited firm, takes place every February at the city's Polo Ground.
Inaugurated in 2015, the two-day Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta typically features 15 hot air balloons, with the participating crew coming from various nations such as Malaysia, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States. The previous edition of the festival in 2017 attracted as many as 170,000 visitors.
== History ==
The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the first hot air balloon festival in the State of Penang, was mooted to boost tourist arrivals into the city-state. The inaugural event, held at the Polo Ground on 21 and 22 February 2015, was timed to coincide with the Chinese New Year festivities.
Since then, the event has grown considerably. Several on-site family-friendly activities have been added into the two-day event, including workshops, photography contests and kite flying. Smaller-scale preludes to the yearly event have been organised as well, such as a mini balloon fiesta at the Esplanade and a balloon display in Butterworth on the mainland.
Hot air balloon festival
== External links ==
Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta |
738 | 55,537,670 | 0 | Rocktoberfest Borneo | Malaysia | Rocktoberfest Borneo is a music festival focusing on rock, heavy metal and hardcore music. It was held for the first time on 6 and 7 October 2017, at the beachfront of Park city Everly Hotel in Miri, Malaysia. Primarily focused on rock and metal on the two main stages, the 2017 Rocktoberfest Borneo edition featured some of Malaysia and Southeast Asia's influential rock music acts.
== History ==
The 2017 Rocktoberfest Borneo edition was made up of two-day festivals in Miri, Sarawak. Supported by the Miri City Council and Sarawak Tourism Board, Northeastern Group was responsible for the inception and organization of the festival, inviting over 30 bands, including acts from the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei.
== 2017 ==
=== Line up ===
Rock festivals
== External links ==
Official website |
739 | 23,859,376 | 0 | Seksualiti Merdeka | Malaysia | Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual sexuality rights festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Seksualiti Merdeka features a programme of talks, forums, workshops, art, theatre and music performances, interactive installations, and film screenings, organised by a coalition of Malaysian NGOs, artists and individuals. Merdeka is the name for Malaysia's Independence Day (Aug 31), hence Seksualiti Merdeka can be loosely translated as Sexuality Independence.
== Overview ==
The first Seksualiti Merdeka was held in August 2008, coinciding with Merdeka celebrations. It drew a crowd of about 400–500 people.
The theme of Seksualiti Merdeka 2009 is “Our Bodies, Our Rights,” which reflects the organisers' wish to tie LGBT rights into the larger framework of human rights, based in part of the Yogyakarta Principles. It drew a crowd of 800–1000 people.
In November 2011, the festival was banned on the grounds that it could cause public disorder.
== Background ==
Seksualiti Merdeka was founded by arts programmer Pang Khee Teik and singer-songwriter Jerome Kugan in 2008. Pang and Jerome have previously been involved in LGBT advocacy, for example, in 2003, together with Shanon Shah, Tan Beng Hui, Toni Kasim, Jac SM Kee, and others, they were involved in the handing of a Memorandum to the Human Rights Commission on the negative portrayal of effeminate men and masculine women in the Malaysian media. As writers, they have also regularly written and read their gay stories in public.
In 2008, Clarence Singham, co-founder of Singapore's pride festival IndigNation, invited Pang to organise a Malaysian programme within it. Pang then organised a segment called Heartbreak Heroes: Four Malaysians on surviving love, loss & a hostel in Singapore, in which Pang, Kugan, activist Jac SM Kee and historian Farish A. Noor read their original writings.
The experience inspired Pang and Kugan, who both work for The Annexe Gallery, to organise a similar kind of event within their arts space.
== Seksualiti Merdeka 2008 ==
The first Seksualiti Merdeka took place on 29–31 August 2008, with the tagline If one of us ain't free, none of us are!. It was held in conjunction with Merdeka celebrations to address the fact that 51 years after independence, not all Malaysians are free to be who they are.
== External links ==
Seksualiti Merdeka: Independence and rights. The Nut Graph. 13 August 2009. Retrieved 2017-10-06.
Seksualiti Merdeka: Coming to Terms With the Love that Dares not Speak its Name ‹ Muslimah Media Watch. Muslimahmediawatch.org. 2017-09-22. Retrieved 2017-10-06.
Seksualiti Merdeka: Our body, our rights?. The Malaysian Bar. 2009-09-10. Retrieved 2017-10-06. |
747 | 31,600,293 | 0 | List of festivals in Nigeria | Nigeria | Festivals in Nigeria, some of which dates back to the period before the arrival of the major religions in her ethnically and culturally diverse society. The Christian festivals and Islam festivals are often celebrated in ways that are unique to Nigeria or unique to the people of a locality.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has been working with the states to bring more awareness and significance to the traditional festivals, which may become important sources of tourism revenue. There are more than 365 festivals in Nigeria according to the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed and government is working hard to harness these festivals as a way of showcasing and boosting the country's diverse cultures.
== List of festivals in Nigeria ==
=== Book festivals ===
Port Harcourt Book Festival
Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF)
Kaduna Book And Art Festival (KABAFEST)
Aké Arts and Book Festival
Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF)
Chinua Achebe Literary Festival
=== Film festivals in Nigeria ===Abuja International Film Festival
Africa International Film Festival (film)
Eko International Film Festival (film)
Kaduna International Film Festival (film)
African Smartphone International Film Festival (film)
Lights, Camera, Africa!
Village Arts & Film Festival (VILLAFFEST)
=== Music festivals in Nigeria ===Baràà Ma Jalàm Festival
Calabar Carnival
Carniriv
Felabration
Gidi Culture Festival
Kamti Festival
Star Mega Jam
Nupe Day Festival
Rhythm Unplugged
Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF)
Livespot X Festival
NATIONS RHYTHM FESTIVAL, Nigeria
=== Cultural festivals in Nigeria ===Omabe Festival
Afan National Festival
The Afro Street Festival
Njuwa Fishing Festival
Nwonyo Fishing Festival
Ikeji Arondizuogu Festival
Agila Social and Economic Carnival
Akata Benue Fishing Festival
Annang Festival of Art and Culture
Argungu Fishing Festival
Ovia-Osese Festival
Ayet Atyap annual cultural festival
Ariginya Festival
Badagry Festival
Bala Baràà ma Jalàm cultural festival
Bauchi State Festival of Arts and Culture
Carniriv
Durbar festival
Osun-Osogbo
Eyo festival
FESTAC 77
Golibe Festival
Kaiama Gani Festival
Gidi Culture Festival
Igogo Festival
Igue Festival
Imo Carnival
Sharo Festival
Imo Awka festival
Ikeji Arondizuogu
ijakadi Festival common to the people of offa town
Iromo Festival in Igede Ekiti
Lagos Black Heritage Festival
Leboku
Machina Annual Cultural Festival (MACUF)
Nibo Carnival
Nupe Day Festival
Kayo-Kayo Festival
Ofala Festival
Ogwashi Ukwu Carnival
Ojude Oba festival
Olojo Festival
Oro Festival
Lagos Carnival
Unyeada fishing festival
Osori Osos
Oronna Festival
Sango Festival
Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES)
Yam Festival
New Yam Festivals in Nigeria
Ocho Festival
Ogani Festival Common to the Igala people of Kogi state specifically those from Ankpa axis
Ito Ogbo festival
Mmanwu Festival
Ijele Festival
Mbà Boli Festival Mambilla, Taraba State, Nigeria. Celebrated annually in November and serially across the Mambilla Plateau. It marks the completion of maize harvest (kuum-ngwuoni) and Thanksgiving to God.
Mbà Katii Festival, Mambilla, Taraba State, Nigeria. This is celebrated in December and goes round Mambilla Plateau. All Mambilla Cultural festivals are serial festival that moves from one village to another upon the next minor Sabbath of the next village in the series.
=== Other ===
Lagos Games Festival (LGF)
Lagos Photo Festival
Mr Hobby Appreciation Festival
Potiskum Writers Association Schools Festival (POWASFEST)
Tiger Street Food Festival
== Book festivals ==
=== Port Harcourt Book Festival ===The Port Harcourt Book Festival is an annual literary event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, organized by the Rainbow Book Club and endorsed by the Rivers State Government since 2008. The Garden City Literary Festival, which is currently known as the Port Harcourt Book Festival was founded by Governor Amaechi of Rivers State, Hundreds of literary fans flock to the Garden City every year for this six-day event, which includes a book fair, writers' workshops, and a variety of other activities. In the past the Festival has been attended by recognized authors and has hosted a number of celebrities.
The festival began as the brainchild of Koko Kalango, who thought it up as a means to propel tourism numbers and heighten literacy awareness in the city of Port Harcourt and its neighboring areas. Originally scheduled for 8 September each year, to coincide with United Nations' International Literacy Day, the festival has continued to expand and has been highly rated since its debut.
=== Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) ===The Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) is an annual arts festival founded in 1999 by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), a Nigerian-based cultural organisation. LABAF features a number of different activities including pre-festival activities like book treks and other major festival activities including musical performances, book readings, film screenings, a publishers’ forum], book and art exhibitions, panel discussions, colloquiums, symposiums, book presentations, cultural exhibitions, book reviews, a green festival and more events. The festival also enables the participation of students of primary and secondary schools and universities in Nigeria by introducing competition and mentoring opportunities for them. The festival also selects different books yearly that are featured as Books of the Festival and form part of the festival's discourse for that year.
=== Kaduna Book And Art Festival (KABAFEST) ===Kaduna Book and Arts Festival, also known as KABAFEST, is an annual literary, cultural, and art event in Kaduna State, Nigeria that took place for the first time in July, 2017. It was organized by Book Buzz Foundation, who also organizes the annual Aké Arts and Book Festival, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government and the Gusau Institute. It was also the first book festival that occurs annually in northern Nigeria. There is a perception about Northern Nigeria as a place that is too conservative for books and literature. KABAFEST was conceived - an initiative of the Kaduna State Government, as a way to address that misconception. Of that founding, Lola Shoneyin of Book Buzz says through the festival, she aim to create new and exciting opportunities for social and cultural interaction, the celebration and promotion of creatives in the Northern region of Nigeria and foster tolerance and understanding through dialogues about books, culture, the arts and society.
=== Aké Arts and Book Festival ===The Aké Arts and Book Festival is an annual literary, cultural and arts event that was founded in 2013 by the Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, taking place in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Although it has featured new and established writers from across the world, its focus has been to promote, develop and celebrate creativity on the African continent in diverse genres. In 2018 the festival was held for the first time in Lagos, from 24 October to 27 October, with the theme being Fantastical Futures. The Aké Arts and Book Festival has been described as the African continent's biggest annual gathering of literary writers, editors, critics and readers. Shoneyin started the festival because, according to her, she wanted a place where intellectuals and thinkers can come together and talk about African issues on African soil. The festival is named after Aké, a town in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka, was born in 1934.
=== Nigeria International Book Fair ===The Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) is an annual cultural event in the republic of Nigeria. It is known to be the most attended book fair in the whole of Africa, being the only international book fair in Nigeria and the second largest international book fair in Africa. NIBF brings together book enthusiasts such as writers and poet that are generally involved in the creation of print, audio and digital books all over the country at her annual fair.
The main aim of the festival is to promote and improve the reading culture among Nigerians and Africans as a whole. Every second week of May annually, the NIBF hosts publishers, booksellers, illustrators, authors, exhibitors and readers who displays and sell their books at discounted prices.
The Nigeria International Book Fair was inaugurated in 2001. The chairman of the event is also known to be the chairman of Nigerian Book Fair Trust, who currently is Gbadega Adedapo.
== Film festivals ==
=== Africa International Film Festival ===The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an annual film festival that takes place in Nigeria. It was founded in 2010 with its Inaugural edition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. AFRIFF was founded by Chioma Ude a passionate film buff and entrepreneur, The event normally spans through a week and it includes award shows and film training classes. Keith Shiri, the founder/director of Africa at the Pictures is the artistic director of the festival. AFRIFF gives out honors in categories such Feature, Documentary, Short, Animation, and Students Short, as well as awards and prizes for Directing, Acting, and Screenplay. There are additional special awards for Audience Choice and an Outstanding Film Jury Award.
=== Eko International Film Festival ===The annual Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) is an international film festival held in Lagos, Nigeria. The Eko International Film Festival was founded and established in 2009 by Hope Obioma Opara, the CEO of Supple Communications Limited, under which the festival is held. He is also the publisher of Supple magazine, an African cinema and culture journal that features film previews, reviews, and interviews. The purpose of the Eko International Film Festival is to develop tourism in Nigeria by promoting appreciation of the arts and culture through the motion picture arts and sciences.
=== Lights, Camera, Africa! ===Lights, Camera, Africa! is a film festival which has been held annually in Lagos since 2011. The festival was established by Ugoma Adegoke. Hosted by The Life House, the inaugural Lights, Camera, Africa! was supported by New York's African Film Festival, Inc. and ran for three days, from 30 September – 2 October 2011.
== Music festivals ==
=== Felabration ===Felabration is an annual music festival conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in memory and celebration of her father Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights activist known for pioneering the afrobeat genre of music. The one-week-long event which is held annually at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, attracts visitors from different countries and has thus been considered as an official tourist destination by the Lagos State Government.
Felabration is held on the week of Fela Kuti birthday. The event features musical performances from top music acts from Nigeria and guest appearances from internationally acclaimed musicians and personalities. It also consists of street parades, symposia on social and topical issues, debates and photo exhibitions. The festival had legendary performances from Star acts like Third World: an international reggae group, 2face, Femi Kuti, Ice Prince and a surprise performance by Majek Fashek.
=== Lagos International Jazz Festival ===The Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), also known as Lagos Jazz Fest, is an annual celebration of jazz music and culture that was founded by Ayoola Shadare of Inspiro Productions and takes place in Lagos.
This music festival is three days event. The 2016 edition was divided into a two-day standard edition which was held at the Freedom Park, Lagos and then a 0ne day luxury edition which took place at The Bay Lounge Waterfront.
=== Rhythm Unplugged ===Rhythm Unplugged is a music concert in West Africa. CEO of the Flytime Group, Cecil Hammond, organised the first concert in 2004. The annual concert is organised by Flytime Promotions, a subsidiary of the Flytime Group. The 2011 Lagos edition of Rhythm Unplugged unveiled artists including Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay.
Rhythm Unplugged concerts featured dialoguing co-hosts, notably, co-hosts Julius Agwu and Okey Bakassi, who hosted several Flytime Promotions events in the early years. Rhythm Unplugged also pioneered the extensive artist line-up for single concert events in Nigeria. Rhythm Unplugged was first organised by Cecil Hammond in 2004 via his company Flytime Promotions. The entertainment event was designed to promote Nigerian musicians and comedians at a time when the Nigerian music industry was just gaining recognition on the international music scene.
=== Nupe Cultural Day ===The Nupe Day Celebration is a traditional and cultural event or celebration observed in Nigeria on 26 June. The event is ordinarily celebrated by the Nupe community yearly in the country. The Nupe day event is a traditional and festival celebration, which marks the day when the British Army was defeated by a native African Army on the 26 June 1896, when the British Protectorate in Lokoja approached the Bida Military camp at Ogidi of present Kogi State which bring the resulting of the defeated of British Constabulary and the Union Jack was seized by the Nupe Cavalry. The annual celebration was the founding idea of the Nupe elders through the tribes, Unlike the Durbar festival and the Pategi Ragatta boating festival which is also among Nupe event and Northern Nigeria traditional event.
=== Star Mega Jam ===The Star Mega Jam was a series of music concerts in Nigeria held annually from 2000 to 2010. Each year it was held in Lagos and Abuja. Acts that played included Awilo Logomba, Shaggy, Usher, Koffi Olumide, 50 Cent, Ja Rule and Kevin Lyttle, LL Cool J and Akon, Kanye West, T-Pain, Nelly, Nas, Busta Rhymes and Ludacris. Thus festival however was stopped in 2011, with the organisers stating that it was due to logistical challenges.
=== Gidi Culture Festival ===The Gidi Culture Festival (often dubbed Coachella in Lagos) is an annual one-day music and arts festival that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. Co-founded by Chinedu Okeke and Oriteme Banigo, it was created in response to a demand from the local youth culture for live, affordable, and accessible entertainment in Africa. The festival provides a venue for live bands, DJs, and musical acts to perform. It also features outdoor activities, local vendors, and artisans. The main show features a line-up of African acts from numerous countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. The goal of the festival is to encourage the development of African talent and promote artists both within the continent and into overseas markets.
=== Livespot X Festival ===Livespot X Festival is an annual music concert that launched in 2019 with its maiden edition in Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana. The concert is organized by Livespot 360 ownwed by Deola Art Alade. The 2019 edition of Livespot X Festival unveiled artists including Cardi B, Teni, Burna boy, Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, Joeboy, Ice Prince, DJ Cuppy, Reekado Banks, and Patoranking which was held in Lagos and Ghana.
Livespot X Festival featured a fusion of incredible live performances; music, impressive lighting, special acts, and immersive experiences, all rolled into one high-octane event.
== Christian festivals ==
Christians account for about 50% of the Nigerian population, living throughout the country but predominantly in the south.
The main Christian festivals are Christmas and Easter. The way in which these holidays are celebrated often incorporates traditions from earlier religions.
Christmas is held on 25 December each year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is a public holiday in Nigeria.
In Igboland, in addition to a church service and distribution of gifts the festivities may include Mmo (masquerade) dancing, where men in their twenties or thirties dress in colorful costumes and wear masks. These masquerades, which pre-date the introduction of Christianity, honor the ancestral spirits.
In some areas, palm branches are hung inside and outside the houses, signs of peace and symbols of Christmas.
Easter is held to commemorate the crucification of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and to celebrate his resurrection three days later on Easter Sunday.
It is a public holiday in Nigeria.
Easter usually occurs in April.
Easter Sunday is a joyful occasion, celebrated with feasting, dancing, drumming, and sometimes with public masquerades and dancers. Majorly, a fasting exercise comes ahead of the Easter celebration which is known as the Lent. Although, it is not been practice by all denomination(s) i.e. only some denomination gives full regard to it.
Christmas and Easter may be times of heightened tension between Christians and Muslims in some areas.
On Christmas Eve in 2010 at least 38 people were killed, including shoppers and church attendees.
Members of the extreme Islamist sect Boko Haram were blamed for several incidents.
Some reports placed the death toll as high as 80.
In 2011, Easter occurred just after elections in which Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner and Christian, had been elected president. Churches were burned in some parts of northern Nigeria, and some Christians were killed in post-election violence.
== Muslim festivals ==
About half of the population of Nigeria adhere to the Muslim religion, with Muslims living throughout the country but particularly in the north. 39% are Muslims 50% are Christians and 11% percent are other practiced religions
There are two main Muslim festivals, Eid Al Fitri and Eid Al Kabir, all national public holidays.
The different ethnic groups in different locations have the same way for celebrating these festivals.
The three-day festival of Eid Al Fitri celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting from dawn to dusk each day.
The festival is a time to give charity to the poor, and to celebrate the completion of Ramadan with family and friends.Eid al Kabir (known as Eid al-Adha elsewhere), or Festival of Sacrifice, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (ʾIbrāhīm) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismā'īl) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. A ram, goat, sheep, cow or camel is sacrificed, with the family eating part of the animal and donating the rest to the poor. The festival is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar.
Durbar festivals are celebrated at the culmination of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Durbars have been held for hundreds of years in the northern states, notably the Daura Emirate, and gave an opportunity for conscripts to the army to display their skills as horsemen. In modern times, durbars are held in honor of visiting heads of state. They include a parade, shows and competitions. The horsemen are dressed in vividly colored costumes, with period weapons, and are accompanied by a drum corps and musicians.
Modern Durbar festivals include prayers at the start of the day, followed by parades in town squares or in front of the local emir's palace. Horsemanship is still the main focus. Each group must gallop at full tilt past the Emir, then halt and salute him with raised swords.
Durbar festivals are being developed as important tourist attractions. Due to the presence of COVID-19 in most parts of the country, some northern states decided to put off the durbar celebrations to curtail the spread of the virus since the celebrations always attract a number of guests and spectators with little or no adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
=== Kayo-Kayo Festival ===The Kayo-Kayo festival is a yearly religious and cultural state event held by the descendants of Oba Kosoko to commemorate King Kosoko's historic landing in Epe in 1851. The Epe community of Lagos State is known for Kayo-Kayo, which literally means eating to satisfaction. The festival is commemorated on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, which is about a month after the Muslim celebration of Eid-El-Kabir, and is normally held in the first month of the Islamic calendar.
== Other Important festivals ==
=== Afan National Festival ===The Afan National Festival is annually held in the town of Kagoro in the southern part of Kaduna State, Nigeria on 1 January at the Chief of Kagoro's palace field with many cultural displays by troops from within the township, its vicinity and across the Middle Belt of the country. It is said to have been active for over 400 years. The festival is always held as a celebration of the bravery and gallantry of a hunter named Katagwan who was said to be known for his great hunting skills and exploits.
=== Argungu Fishing Festival === The Argungu Fishing Festival is an annual four-day festival in the town of Argungu in the north-western Nigerian state of Kebbi. It began in the year 1934, as a mark of the end of the centuries-old hostility between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. The festival is held on the Sokoto river in February or March. Thousand of fishermen equipped only with nets compete to catch the largest fish. Other attractions include dance and music, sporting competitions and exhibits of arts and crafts. People from various parts of the world come to see or look at this festival. The festival is believed to have started after the historic peace visit by the then 16th Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Dan Mu'azu. It is believed that the prayers of the Sultan during his visit after he was treated to a reception of a big fish made the argungu waters fertile and special which then lead to yearly commemoration of the Sultans visit.
=== Ikeji Arondizuogu ===Ikeji cultural festival of Arondizuogu in Imo State is a popular festival that brings the Igbo speaking community around the world together. Its origin dates back to over five centuries and it is acclaimed as the biggest pan-Igbo cultural community festival with strong heritage, international recognition and is witnessed by thousands of people on a yearly basis. It is arguably the biggest cultural festival in Igboland. In contemporary times, each passing year has witnessed an increase in grandeur, display, dance, sophistication and an all-inclusive participation of all Arondizuogu people and friends. The festival is marked with colourful display of different masquerades such as Ogionu, Mgbadike, Nwaaburuja and Ozoebune; prestigiously parading across the market square to the admiration of the public. The essence of the festival, which ranks among the best surviving traditional ceremonies of the Arondizuogu people, is to celebrate the harvest of the first yams. It serves to unify and foster ties among Aro people who are spread across the entire Igbo speaking states and part of Cross River state. It appeals to the entire Igbo speaking peoples both at home and in the Diaspora.
Ikeji is a four-day festival of propitiation, thanksgiving and feasting which is held annually in March or April. Reckoned with the Igbo calendar, these four days correspond to one Igbo week of four market days (Eke, Oye/Orie, Afo and Nkwo). Each of these days has a special significance and represents one of the several dimensions of Ikeji – a festival renowned for sumptuous feasting, fascinating masquerades, pulsating rhythms, and colourful performances. Traditional musical instruments used to accompany the masquerades are ekwe (wooden slit drum) of various sizes, ogene (metal gong), bells, maracas and oja (wooden flutes). The flutist is a very important element in the ikeji festival. He deftly communicates with the masquerades - weaving soulful melodies and blending esoteric messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the drums. Another interesting aspect of ikeji is the raconteur known as ima mbem - an imaginative tale delivered with a musical cadence that only the initiated can sometimes understand or comprehend. The importance of the flutist during Ikeji festival is very vital, for he communicates things hidden from the ordinary eyes to the masquerades, combined with soulful melodies, steps and gestures, “blending esoteric messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the drums” to the admiration of the crowd.
During Ikeji festival, on the last day, a ram is usually tied to a pole at a popular market square with a single threads. Somebody with the strongest protection from any juju of whatever type is expected to leisurely walk to the ram amids heavy attempt with juju from other people to knock him down, maim him or kill him. Only the brave can participate in, while the not so brave will either abstain from or remain with the crowd as spectators. Only the brave can stand forward from the crowd, one after another and approach the tree with a view to untying the ram. However, each contender will be attacked by forces which are beyond the scope of this article to explain, with a view to stopping him reaching the ram. If overwhelmed, he will beat a retreat back to his starting point. Until eventually, the bravest among the masquerades participating in the competition for that year's festival, after overcoming all odds, will reach the ram and untie it and take it, to a thunderous applause by the spectators. This will be followed by visits to his house by fellow kinsmen with food and wine for elevating the status of his village. Each year this is used to commemorate the person in Arondizuogu and neighbouring towns with the strongest juju or voodoo power.
=== Calabar Carnival ===The Calabar Carnival has been held in Calabar since 2006, including band competitions, a parade, food and dancing. It has been called Nigeria's biggest street party.
The carnival may have as many as 50,000 costumed participants and 2 million spectators, and is broadcast on television Stations across the country. It is the culmination of the month-long Calabar festival.
The Calabar Carnival holds at the end of the year in Nigeria, and in keeping with tradition, carnival teams march across the streets where they engage in colorful displays and competitions from which winners are selected and awarded. Participating teams usually rehearse for months in advance before the carnival date itself.
=== Carniriv ===The Carniriv (English: Car-nee-rev) is an annual festival, held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The Carnival starts few weeks before Christmas, and lasts for seven days. During this time several ceremonial events are held, most of which hold some cultural and or sacred significance. The Port Harcourt Carnival bears a certain uniqueness as it combines two carnivals - a purely cultural carnival and a contemporary Caribbean style carnival- in one. This gives it an edge over all other regional and continental carnivals, and presents with the principal advantage which must be consummately exploited. The Government of Rivers State recognizes Carniriv as its biggest tourism export. With economic interests increasingly identifying tourism as a viable alternative to the fossil fuel economy–especially in these parts–the state government has exhibited its commitment to developing this carnival into a regionally unrivalled and globally reckoned tourist attraction. Thus, it has always made available the necessary monetary backing needed for the event to hold every year, and has also worked hard through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to see that it is held.
=== Nibo Carnival ===The Nibo Carnival commenced on March 27, 2016, and continued for four years, always coinciding with the Easter season during those years. However, a significant change took place in July 2019 during the annual Nibo Union Conventions held in Chicago, United States, when it was rescheduled to occur from December 23 to December 25. The adjustment was made with the aim of facilitating greater participation in the annual event by citizens of Nibo, especially those living abroad in the diaspora.
The carnival kicks off with a vibrant street parade featuring youths dressed in colorful costumes, along with a tantalizing array of street food and an evening music festival on December 23. Then, on the evening of December 24th, carnival-goers gather for a Tales by Moonlight symposium that delves into the rich history of the Igbo people, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage. This gathering also includes an indulgent all-you-can-eat buffet. The grand finale of the carnival is marked by the Ada Nibo beauty pageant competition which aims to select the next female child ambassador. This ambassador is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out various empowerment projects throughout the year until her tenure concludes.
=== Eyo festival ===The Eyo Festival is held in Lagos, Nigeria.
It is usually performed in Lagos Island.
Eyo also refers to the masquerades that come out during the festival. It is widely believed that Eyo is the forerunner of the modern day carnival in Brazil. No one is to wear hats during the festival
=== Olojo Festival ===The Olojo Festival is an ancient festival celebrated in Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. It is celebrated yearly. This festival is a well known festival in the Yoruba land, it was once described by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as a festival that celebrate the Black race all over the world. The Yoruba word 'Olojo' means 'The Day Of The First Dawn' that describes the grateful heart of man towards God's creation and the existence of Human. The Olojo Festival is a culture festival in the calendar of the Ile-Ife, Osun State which is located in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. It is the celebration of the remembrance of “Ogun”, god of Iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people. The festival is held annually in October.
=== Igbo New Yam festival ===The New Yam Festival of the Igbo people (Orureshi in the idoma area, Iwa ji, Iri ji or Ike ji, depending on dialect) is an annual cultural festival by the Igbo people held at the end of the rainy season in early August.
=== Igogo Festival ===The Igogo Festival is an annual festival held in Ondo State, Nigeria. It is a festival that usually lasts for seventeen days in which the Olowo of Owo and high chiefs of Owo Kingdom are dressed like women to celebrate and pay homage to Queen Oronsen a mythical wife of Olowo Rerengejen in appreciation for her protection.
=== Nnewi Afiaolu Festival ===Afiaolu (New yam festival) is a traditional festivals held annually in Nnewi, Anambra State around August. The Afiaolu festival commences on “Eke” day with what is traditionally described as “IWAJI” (scaling of yam) and Ikpa Nku (the wood gathering), this heralds the availability of new yam as well as thanksgiving to God. The festival includes a variety of entertainments including performance of ceremonial rites by the Igwe (king), cultural dance by girls and masquerade dance.
=== Omabe Festival ===Omabe Festival is a special kind of festival that differs from most festivals that are celebrated annually, this Omabe festival is celebrated every five years interval. The festival is a treasure to the people of Imufu community, NSUKKA region, Ezike in Enugu state. The festival has been in existence for several centuries and meant a lot to the Imufu people as it also stand as an omen of purification and purging the community from evil. It is believed that the Masquerade bearer stands as the spiritual intermediate, and the masquerade when it comes out purges the community from evil both in human and spiritual because it is seen to appear with fire, the community has more than one masquerade, which some of them are: eshiwe, obele monwu, Oshagenyi, Eji, eshiwe, Mgbedike, mukwu monwu, Ajulaka, Agbe-Eji, Ajija, Agelle. The community is said to have about 600 masquerades. Females are not allow to come close to the masquerades as they are considered to possess mystical powers.
=== Ofala Festival ===The Ofala Festival, also called Ofala Nnewi, is an annual ceremony practiced by the indegenes of Onitsha in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. The term ofala (English: authority of the land) is derived from two Igbo words – ofo (English: authority) and ala (English: land). The festival which is described as the most important surviving traditional ceremony of Onitsha indigenes is celebrated within two days mostly in December and January in honour of the Obi (English: king). Ofala festival can be traced back to 16th century, which mean 'Authority of the land' and is one of the most popular festival in igbos land. The king (Obi) during the festival come out three times to address the people and to perform so ritual which is led by the chief priest. Some historians also believe the festival is associated to the New Yam Festival in Onitsha and devotion of the king to the safety of his people.
=== Osun festival ===
Main Article: Osun festival
The Osun Festival is held at the end of the rainy season, usually in August, at the Oshogbo Sacred Forest.
The week-long festival is held in honour of the river goddess Osun, an important Yoruba deity, and is attended by thousands of people. It includes ceremonies where priests seek protection for their local communities through gifts and sacrifices to the goddess. The festival is believed to signify a traditional cleansing of the city of Oshogbo which is regarded as one of UNESCOs heritage sites by the Priest and the festival always witness a huge turn of spectators and individuals from all works of life who come together to perform the cleansing which is known as Iwopopo by the locals.
=== Sango festival ===Sango Festival, also known as World Sango Festival is usually held in August at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo. The festival which is observed in over forty countries in the world is held in honor of Sango, the thunder and fire deity.
The celebration of the Sango festival could be dated as far back as 1,000 years ago following the departure of Sango, a popular Yoruba Òrìşà who is widely regarded as the founding father of present-day Oyo State.
The one week festival was renamed in 2013, and is usually held in August and it attracts over 20,000 attendees around the globe including Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.
=== Sharo / Shadi Festival ===The Sharo or Shadi flogging competition is a traditional rite of passage for Jafun Fulani men.
The youths, escorted by girls, are led into the ring of spectators bare chested and armed with whips.
As the noise of singing, drumming and cheering rises to a crescendo, each young man must stoically endure a flogging to demonstrate his manhood.
The young man only qualifies to marry if he passes the test, which is administered by another youth of about the same age and size. Most do pass, but carry scars from the ordeal for the rest of their life.
The sharo is generally staged at the time of the dry-season guinea corn harvest, and again during the festival of Id-el-kabir. Usually it lasts for a week and is held in a marketplace.
There are other tyes of entertainment including dances, musical performances and tricksters, but the flogging ceremony is the main event.
=== Yam Festivals ===Yam Festivals are popular holiday in Nigeria, usually held in the beginning of August at the end of the rainy season. It is named after yams, the most common food in many African countries. In Nigeria, dancers wear masks that reflect the seasons or other aspects of nature.
People offer yams to gods and ancestors before distributing them to the villagers to give thanks to the spirits above them.
Leboku is the name for the annual New Yam Festival celebrated in Ugep, Nigeria, one of the five settlements of Yakurr,
to honor of the earth goddess and the ancestral spirits of the land.
The Iriji-Mmanwu festival is held in Enugu state in August.
At the festival, over two thousand masqueraders from across Igboland and from other states in Nigeria dance and give acrobatic displays, wearing unique and colorful costumes. In the Igbo tradition, masquerades are thought to be reincarnated dead ancestors, with supernatural powers.
=== Ogun Festival ===Ogun Festival is an annual festival observed by the Yoruba people of Ondo State, Nigeria in honour of Ogun, a warrior and powerful spirit of metal work believed by the Yoruba to be the first god to arrive the earth.
The preparation of this festival usually begins seventeen days before the day. The sighting of the new moon is announced by the chief priest through the use of the upe (local trumpet) for seven days. This sighting must take place before the beginning the festival.
The festival reaches a frenzy during the last three days. The dog which is the main centre of the festival is slaughtered on the first of these days. Two people moving in opposite directions pull the dog towards themselves hence forcing it to a slow and painful death.
=== Ito Ogbo Festival ===The Ito-Ogbo Obosi festival is an agelong festival that dates back to over four hundred years. It is particular to the people of Obosi Kingdom in Anambra state, Nigeria. It is particularly aimed at celebrating and thanking God for the octogenarians in the kingdom.
During the ceremony which holds every three years, both male and female octogenarians are honored with special titles and inducted into the octogenarians age grade. The festival has helped to harness and develop the tourism potentials of the Obosi Kingdom as it has attracted people from all walks of life.
=== Ariginya Festival ===Ariginya Festival is a festival celebrated in one of the Ondo state town called Ikare Akoko. Depending on the dialect and mode of pronunciation, some call it Aringinya. This festival is said to be one of the foremost traditional festival celebrated in this town from inception. Ikare-Akoko is one of the town located in the southwest region of Nigeria, and in the Yoruba area. The festival is one out of many festivals that is set to celebrate the virginity and chastity among female genders as the Yoruba land is known for her worth and high value pertaining to decency and purity. The festival is such that helps to improve the mindset of dignity and purity as well as the value of a woman staying pure and reserved until the wedding and only to her husband. This has helped to improve the rate of decency in the town as young girls understands the price and the worth and that one of the greatest virtue of a woman is her virginity and a media to stand against sexual abuse.
=== Tiger Street Food Festival ===The Tiger Street Food Festival was developed out of the need to support the love of food, music, art and entrepreneurs in the street food business whilst celebrating the various flavours of the Tiger style through specially curated street food experiences over cold bottles of Tiger beer.
During the festival there is abundance of food provided by different food vendors. Also Top Nigerian artistes are invited to the festival to add entertainment to the atmosphere that is already filled with lots of street food and refreshments. And the art displays during the festivals are usually street art such as graffiti art.
=== Annang Festival of Arts and Culture ===The Annage Festival of Art and Culture began in 2016, usually celebrated by the Ikot Ekpene people of Akwa Ibom, a region located in South Southern Nigeria. They first edition was sponsored by Annang Heritage Preservation Inc. (AHPI). It is usually celebrated in the entire 8 local government area that make up Annang clan.
The festival was initiated in 2016, in order to preserve the Anaañ history, language and culture. The festival aims at preventing the Annang tradition and its cultural heritage from undergoing extinction. It showcase and promote the rich natural endowments of Annang land in Akwa Ibom State. The 2019 edition of the Annang Festival of Arts and Culture was tagged: Harnessing Annang Cultural Assets for Economic Gain.
=== Imo Awka Festival ===The Imo Awka Festival is a festival celebrated annually by the people of Awka kingdom in the month of May in order to venerate their gods. They celebrate the festival in appreciation of the Imoka god, for her favours and to request for much better years ahead. Imo-Oka shrine is symbolic and it is denoted by the special white-bellied monkey, widely respected and revered as the messengers of the shrine.
The Imo Awka festival is an ancient cultural event that came from the worship of the greatest male god revered in Awka, known to be Imoka deity. The Imo Awka festival is a two weeks events that commence with the females paying homage to Imoka, dancing the Opu Eke dance.
=== Ovia-Osese Festival ===The Ovia-Osese Festival is a yearly celebrated festival by the Ogori's. This town is located in the Ogori-Magongo local government area of Kogi state, Nigeria. They share boundaries with Edo state and the Yoruba's. The town holds the Ovia-Osese festival annually to initiate young girls within 15 and above into adulthood or so called womanhood. This initiation is done for young girls who have maintained and kept themselves over the years who preserved their virginity. The rite is done so as to promote the quality of purity, sanctity, abstinence, and the untouched physical and emotional state of young girls and to promote self-restrain and sexual discipline among young adolescents. This celebration intends to encourage the young girls to keep themselves from pre-marital affairs. The Ogori's festival is internationally recognized as a rich cultural event.
=== New Yam Festivals in Nigeria ===Yam is a staple food in the West Africa and other regions classified as a Tuber crop and it is an annual or perennial crop. It is known to have many species and with a general botanical name of the family of Dioscorea Species. Yam is considered as one of the major or the most important crops in Nigeria from the olden days till date as it is grown in mostly all the states, and whoever in a community has a barn of Yam is listed among the wealthy sets of people in the community. Yam is counted to be more than food and very well respected in Nigeria and one of the major food accepted as bride price when a man is seeking for a woman hand in marriage. The festival is mostly celebrated among the Igbo people due to different spiritual ideology surrounding Yam from ancestors story passed on till today to them. New Yam Festival is celebrated annually since some or most of the common Yams are annual crops, though sometimes treated as perennial crops due to its life-cycle, the festival which hold yearly to celebrate the end and beginning of a new season. Also, it is said to be a taboo to eat the new Yam before the celebration as it is a means of pleasing and appeal to the gods and spirit of harvest and god of the Earth and thanking them for bountiful harvest, this way the god is happy and will bring more good harvest in the new season.
== Cities/Towns that celebrate New Yam Festival ==
Igbo Community
Okpe Kingdom
Abuja City
Ekinrin-Adde Community
Ekinrin-Adde Community
Egiland
Ado Ekiti
Ikere Ekiti
=== Ojude Oba Festival ===The Ojude Oba Festival is an ancient festival celebrated by the Muslim people of Ijebu Ode, a town in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. The festival which takes place annually is usually witnessed on the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), to pay homage and show respect to the Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland. It is one of the most spiritual and glamorous festivals celebrated in Ijebuland and generally in Ogun State as a whole.
It is a one-day festival where different cultural age groups known as regberegbe, indigenes, their friends, and associates far and near parades at the front of the king's palace on the third day of Eid al Kabir festival popularly referred to as Ileya in Yoruba language. Oba Adetona was the one that brought back the age groups in the 18th century. |
748 | 58,436,127 | 0 | Agemo festival | Nigeria | Agemo Festival is a masked or masquerade festival traditionally held in many Yoruba cities but more popularly linked with the Ijebu people of Ogun State. The festival and accompanying rituals are celebrated to honor the spirit deity Agemo, who is believed to be a protector of children and who safeguards Ijebus future through its blessing. The festival is linked with the traditional African religion, in particular, the practices of the Agemo cult and as such, issues like restriction of movement during certain periods of the festival do occur.
== Festival ==
The festival is mostly celebrated during between the months of June and August, and historically coincided with the harvesting of maize by Ijebu farmers. The period of the festival takes seven days and the beginning period is fixed after a consultative meeting between the Awujale of Ijebu and the heads of the sixteen recognized or titled agemos also called Olofas. The festival was historically preceded by seven days of chants by the Oro cult and the beating of drums to 'gbedu' music. Thereafter, sixteen agemo masquerades from different villages proceed to their shrine at Imosan, via Ijebu-Ode on an annual pilgrimage. Each agemo carries items such as feathers and ram's horns on the head and are followed by some agemo followers. It is considered a taboo for a woman to see the agemo masquerade during their procession to Imosan. On their pilgrimage, the agemo masquerade stops to receive gifts and offer prayers to residents.
At Imosan, the masquerades receive additional gifts sent by the Awujale, they spend three days at the Agemo shrine performing traditional religious rites and appeasement of the agemo deity. On their last day at Imosan, a traditional agemo ritual dance is performed this time, it can be witnessed by both men and women. The masquerades will then move to Ijebu-Ode to perform the final rites of the festival. The festival ends with the dance by the leader of the agemo, 'Tami Onire' before the Awujale and further public dances by the other agemos.
The agemo festival is an old ritual performance among the Ijebus, historically, the agemo priests were part of the intellectual life of Ijebu and over the years, conflicting ideas about how many titled agemos are recognized or how the rituals should be performed emerged. Though, many recognize 16 agemo titles, there exist more, while the Awujale's in modern times are either Muslims or Christians and doesn’t stop them from fulfilling many historical roles. |
749 | 68,511,821 | 0 | Akata Benue Fishing Festival | Nigeria | The Akata Festival is a fishing festival common among the Akata people. Akata is located at Katsina-Ala local government Area in Benue State, Nigeria. It is an annual festival celebration, and a fishing competition festival practiced among the Tiv, Etulo and Jukun fishermen where the fisherman with the highest catch is rewarded handsomely. This competition also reveals different fishing skills, as the competition is on-going, dances and drums with different practices by the community are performed.
The Festival is said to open the mind of individuals and organisations and widen their scopes and see streams of business opportunities to annex in Benue State. The festival stands as a medium to open families, Investors, companies, decision makers, and tourists to what the community can offer.
== Festivity ==
Yearly, the new festival tends to add more activities or details during the planning period by the committees, so as to improve the quality of the festival and the impart in the community life, yet some things are fixed such as the fishing and dancing activities. The Fishing event which is the main and primary focus of the festival helps to plant the love of fishing into young and growing ones, and also activate the burning desire of kids who have always wanted to go fishing but have no advantage or opportunity to do so, at this festival, they are provided with the advantage to join the fishing competition. This festival has always been an ignite to the passion of young men to Fishing.
Likewise, outside the Fishing events are more other educative events that takes place during this festival, some of this events are: Business Conference, Learning how to cook your catch professional cooking demonstration, Made in Benue Expo, Showcasing Fishing Tackle and Equipment Display, Hands-on-Fish focus.
The Entertainment events are: Wrestling, Power Bike Racing, Dancing, Boat Racing, Beauty Pageant, Arrow Shooting, Gala/Award Night, Cultural and Entertainment Night. |
750 | 50,389,685 | 0 | Aké Arts and Book Festival | Nigeria | The Aké Arts and Book Festival is a literary and artistic event held annually in Nigeria. It was founded in 2013 by Lola Shoneyin, a Nigerian writer and poet, in Abeokuta. It features new and established writers from across the world, and its primary focus has been to promote, develop, and celebrate the creativity of African writers, poets, and artists. The Aké Arts and Book Festival has been described as the African continent's biggest annual gathering of literary writers, editors, critics, and readers. The festival has an official website and a dedicated magazine, known as the Aké Review.
== Founding of the festival ==
Lola Shoneyin founded the festival because, according to her, she wanted a place where intellectuals and thinkers can come together and talk about African issues on African soil.
The festival is named after Aké, a town in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka, was born in 1934.
== First edition (2013) ==
The first edition of the festival was held at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, 19–24 November 2013. The theme of the festival was The Shadow of Memory. One of its major highlights was an event where four Nigerians under the age of 21 had the opportunity to quiz the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka on his life.
== Second edition (2014) ==
The second edition of the festival was held from 18 November to 22 November 2014. The theme was Bridges and Pathways.
== Third edition (2015) ==
The 2015 festival, themed Engaging the Fringe, was held between 17 November and 21 November of that year, and had more than 80 writers, visual and performing artistes, researchers, and scholars from around the world in attendance. The official opening ceremony was held on 18 November 2016, and featured speeches from the Executive Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Michel Arrion, as well as Baji Nyam of Marine Platforms.
The festival was headlined by the poet Niyi Osundare, who was also on the cover of that year's edition of the Aké Review. Other notable writers at the festival included Helon Habila, Binyavanga Wainaina, Mona Elthahawy, Chris Abani, Véronique Tadjo, Pierre Cherruau, E. C. Osondu, Taiye Selasi, Novuyo Rosa Tshuma, and Nnedi Okorafor.
The edition featured exhibitions of photographs titled Margins and Marginalisation by Andrew Esiebo and Shadows and Dreams by Tyna Adebowale. Hear Word, a play directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, was also performed at the event.
== Fourth edition (2016) ==
The theme of the 2016 edition, held 15–19 November, was Beneath this Skin. The festival was headlined by the Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o.
It featured several art exhibitions, including Cultural Dysmorphia by Ayobola Kekere-Ekun and Bits of Borno by Fatima Abubakar. It also featured a play, Iyalode of Eti, adapted for the stage by Debo Oluwatuminu and directed by Moji Kareem and Femi Elufowoju Jr. The play was inspired by John Webster's masterpiece The Duchess of Malfi. There was also a musical concert with Brymo, Adunni Nefretiti, and Falana performing on stage at the event.
The Festival Film was Hissène Habré, A Chadian Tragedy by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun. The screening was followed by an interview with Clément Abaifouta, president of the Chadian Victim's Association, which fought to bring Hissène Habré to justice. Abaifouta was arrested in 1985 by Habre's notorious political police force, which suspected him of having links to the opposition of the president.
== Fifth edition (2017) ==
The theme of the 2017 edition, held 14–18 November 2017, was This F-Word. The headliner was the Ghanaian novelist and poet Ama Ata Aidoo. This edition featured several events, including the launch of Saraba magazine's inaugural print issue and the presentation of prizes for the Nommo Awards.
== Sixth edition (2018) ==
The theme of the 2018 edition was Fantastical Futures, which focused on events and conversations on the ideal future of Africa. For the first time since 2013, Ake Festival was held in Lagos, 25–28 October 2018, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja. The 2018 Festival celebrated Africa's art in photography and art exhibitions of young African artists like Abdulkareem Baba, Eloghosa Osunde, Isma'il Shomala, and Roye Okupe.
== Seventh edition (2019) ==
The seventh edition was themed Black Bodies and Grey Matter. It featured about 120 guests, over 500 attendees, seventeen panel discussions, twelve book chats, one art exhibition, Eat The Book, and the launch of Waterbirds on the Lakeshore, an African young adult anthology by the Goethe-Institut (published by Ouida Books).
== Eighth edition (2020) ==
The eighth edition of the festival, themed African Time, took place in Lagos, 22–25 October 2020, and was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival featured Wana Udobong, a Nigerian poet, and included performances from talented poets from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Uganda, Senegal, Sudan, Kenya, and Algeria. The poets in attendance at the 2020 edition include Jubir Malick, Vanessa Kissule, Titilope Sonuga, D'bi Young Anitafrika, Samira Negrouche, Ndukwe Onuoha, Sitawa Nawahe, Yomi Sode, Poetra Asantawa, Vangile Gantsho, Afura Kan, and Ola Elhassan.
During the festival, a documentary was shown in honor of Maryse Condé, titled The Wondrous Life of Maryse Condé. Condé is the author of numerous novels and a distinguished academic; she retired from Columbia University as a professor of French language. She also taught at the University of California, Berkeley, and UCLA. There was also panel discussion centered around the responsibility of the media to tackle disinformation. The panel was chaired by Yinka Adegoke, and its members were Yemisi Akinbobola, Wale Lawal, and Chude Jideonwo, who spoke on The Media and Their Duty to Africa's Youth.
== Ninth edition (2021) ==
The theme of the ninth festival was Generational Discordance and took place 20–30 October 2021.
== The Aké Review ==
The Aké Review is the official publication of the festival. It is published in three official languages: English, Yorùbá, and French.
The 2014 Review was co-edited by Oyebade Dosunmu and Lola Shoneyin.
The 2015 Review was co-edited by Kola Tubosun and Kolade Arogundade. Each edition features a series of 10 questions answered by Aké Festival guests. In addition, the publication has interviews, short fiction, poetry, photography, and art. In the 2015 edition of the Aké Review, there was an in-depth interview with the poet and teacher Niyi Osundare, who also appeared on the cover, as well as an interview with the 2015 Caine Prize-winner Namwali Serpell.
The 2016 Review was edited by Molara Wood. Its cover featured the famous Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ was Thiong'o, who was also a headliner at the festival. It included interviews with Ngugi (conducted by Mọlara Wood), Mahamat Saleh Haroun, and Odafe Atogun (both conducted by Lola Shoneyin).
The 2017 Review was edited by Molara Wood, with the headliner of that year's event Ama Ata Aidoo on the cover. It included three interviews: Diane Awerbuck interviewed by Geoff Ryman, Ama Ata Aidoo interviewed by Molara Wood, and Ayobami Adebayo interviewed by Kola Tubosun. There was also an uncredited interview with Jude Kelly, artistic director of London's Southbank Centre and a founder of the Women of the World Festival (WOW).
The 2018 Review was edited by Molara Wood, and featured that year's festival headliner Nuruddin Farah on the cover.
The 2019 Review, edited by Molara Wood, had Tsitsi Dangarembga on the cover. It also included an interview with Tsitsi Dangarembga who was the headliner that year.
== External links ==
Aké Festival website
Aké Review web page |
751 | 68,441,545 | 0 | Annang Festival of Arts and Culture | Nigeria | The Annang Festival of Arts and Culture is celebrated in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, a region located in South Southern Nigeria. The festival was initiated in 2016, in order to preserve the Anaañ history, language and culture. The festival aims at preventing the Annang tradition and its cultural heritage from undergoing extinction. It showcase and promote the rich natural endowments of Annang land in Akwa Ibom State.
The festival also has a registered foundation referred to as the Annang Festival of Arts and Culture Foundation.
== History ==
The festival was organised in 2016 by Annang Heritage Preservation and has since then grown, attracting tourists and fun seekers from beyond Nigeria. It is usually celebrated in the entire 8 local government areas that make up Annang clan. The first edition was held at Ikot-Ekpene local government area, the raffia city, which is the capital of the Annang people. It took place from the 12th of December 2016 to the 19th of December, 2016. They hosted over 10,000 people daily in the 2016 edition of the festival.
The 2017 edition of the festival was held for four days, starting from 14 December 2017 to 17 December 2017. It was held at Ikot-Ekpene township Stadium, Ikot Ekpene, Awka-Ibom State.
In November 2018, they incorporated the Annang Festival of Arts and Culture Foundation. This foundation is located at Ikot, Epene, Akwa-Ibom.
The Annang Festival of Arts and Culture held in 2019, the third festival of its sort to be held, was hosted in both the Township stadium of Ikot Ekpene and the Unit Ekpene Plaza in Akwa State. The 2019 festival abided by the tagline Harnessing Annang Cultural Assets for Economic Gain and was held from December 20 to 22, 2019. Annang Organizations, such as the Nto Annang Foundation (NAF), joined together in hosting the festival in 2019.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism all supported the 2019 festival.
Some of the activities held at the event included an Ujai beauty pageant, a masquerade dance showcase, an arts and crafts exhibition, an Annang warrior parade, and a drum-based orchestra.
== Festivity ==
The Annang Festival of Arts and Culture is a three day festival that features many cultural activities. These include: 800 spectacular masquerades display; Annang warriors trek, drum ensemble of over 5, 000 extinct African drums; art exhibition and colloquium/cocktail party for VIP and foreign envoys. The Annang people have great tradition in music and are renowned in arts and sculpture. Other Side attraction of the festival includes;
The popular tradition Ekpo Masquerade, Annang Language competition, the unveiling of the Annang hall of fame, the display of Annang food in their varieties, the Unek Annang dance and cultural procession. Also some other activities engaged in are Ujai Annang beauty pageant; Annang language essay competition; Annang hall of fame induction ceremonies; inauguration of children royal troupe; and festival theme song/Annang ballad. |
752 | 68,498,889 | 0 | Ariginya Festival | Nigeria | Ariginya Festival is a commonly celebrated festival celebrated in one of the Ondo State town called Ikare Akoko. Depending on the dialect and mode of pronunciation, some call it Aringinya. This festival is said to be one of the foremost traditional festivals celebrated in this town since its inception. Ikare-Akoko is one of the towns located in the southwest region of Nigeria, and in the Yoruba area. The festival is one of many festivals that is set to celebrate virginity and chastity among female genders as the Yoruba land is known for her worth and high value pertaining to decency and purity. The festival is such that helps to improve the mindset of dignity and purity as well as the value of a woman staying pure and reserved until the wedding and only to her husband. This has helped to improve the rate of decency in the town as young girls understands the price and the worth and that one of the greatest virtue of a woman is her virginity and a media to stand against sexual abuse and harassment.
== History ==
Knowing from history through books, stories and other records of how princes migrated from ile-ife to settle in various locations and found different towns and cities that we have existing today, Ikare-Akoko wasn't left out. Ikare-Akokowas also, been said to have been founded by a Prince who migrated from Ile-Ife with the name Owa Ale Agbaode. He was one of the Odudwa grandchildren. His settlement in Ikare was a result of the instructions given by Ifa (one of the Yoruba gods). On getting, to Ikare he settled at a place now called ''Oke iba'' that is sited behind a hill and a brook called the ''omi Atan'' that does not run dry even in dry seasons.
This water is said to be the supernatural abode of a goddess. The goddess named Ariginya appears to the people of the land and blesses them every year in the month of May. Therefore, the community reserved this period when the goddess visited as a festive period, and since the appearance of the goddess as described by the people showcases purity, the festive season became a period to celebrate the purity of womanhood and any young woman who has lost her virginity is not allowed to move close to the brook. Though Aringinya is a festival celebrated by the whole community, it is said that only true maidens of the land participate in the festival.
The goddess is known as the goddess of chastity, fruitfulness, and harvest. The festival is celebrated prior to the planting season and it is said that it is taboo for rain to fall during this festive period. If such happens, it is an indication that one or more of the maidens that have gone to the brook have lost their virginity and this will lead to the consultation of the Ifa priest to bring out the offender.
== Festivity ==
It is said that the Ariginya festival is a week-long festival celebrated prior to the planting season as a way of procuring the blessing of the goddess for fruitfulness, harvest, and chastity. During the festive period, only the young maiden (virgin) can participate in the festival pertaining to the omi Atan. Most girls that visit the brook are naked, as only the waist beads are left with tattoos drawn on there faces and bodies drawn with chalk and white lime. They march to the brooks as they do the traditional dances while the sounds of drums, gongs and other traditional musical instruments are heard. The males help to clear the path to the brook as well as clean it. After a while, the goddess will come out of the river and bless the maidens and the community and married women who are seeking the fruit of the womb will now step out to receive the blessing of fruitfulness from the goddess. Post this activity, the masquerade called igede-oka appears and displays different styles.
At the end of the activities, the community will march and dance to the palace and receive blessings from the crown king. |
753 | 48,413,899 | 0 | Badagry Festival | Nigeria | Badagry Festival is an annual event held in Badagry, a town in Lagos State, Nigeria. It is organised by the African Renaissance Foundation (AREFO). The event reflects the significance of the ancient town during the slave trade era. It is a convergence of culture and display of African heritage. The organizer brings the indegine and culture-loving fans from around the world to celebrate the festival. One of the major highlights is the artistic display by masquerades, dancers, and fire eaters. It features football competition, the beating of Sato drum, and Liberation Day Celebration.
== History ==
The festival was initiated in 1999 to commemorate the end of the slave trade era and the significance of the ancient city during the period.
The SATO Drum
The SATO Drum is a traditional drum usually beaten during celebrations, it is 3m tall and is played with 7 sticks.
It is believed that the drum is played by orphans. The Sato drum became popular when it was played in Kaduna in 1972.
== Badagry Festival 2015 ==
The 2015 Badagry festival started with a symposium tagged Toussaint L'Ouverture: The Catalyst for the struggle for liberation of the black. The symposium was dedicated to the memory of the late Haitian revolutionary Toussaint LOuverture who created the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere on August 23, 1971.
The event started on 20 August and ended on 30 August 2015. The festival creates a platform in Nigeria for those from the African diaspora to reunite with their motherland. It was held at Badagry Grammar School, Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria. The festival coincidentally fell on August 22 which was declared by UNESCO in 1988 as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
=== Badagry Festival 2016 ===
The festival started on the 23rd till 27th of August, 2016 with an international symposium on Olaudah Equiano. The symposium was dedicated to Olaudah Equiano who was a former slave boy that was kidnapped at the age of 11 and taken to europe who later bought his own freedom in 1766. His autobiography The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano; or, Gustavus Vassa, the African in 1789 became very famous for its exposure into the description of life in Nigeria and abolition stand against slave trade.
The festival has as theme ‘African Diaspora and the Future of Africa’. The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Topo, Badagry was used for the event at first. But, the festival grand finale took place on Saturday, August 27th at Badagry Grammar School and features a milieu of cultural extravaganza and music.
=== City slave history ===
The name Badagry derives from the means of livelihood of the indigenous people of the city, which include fishing, farming, salt making. However, others believe the city was named after Agbada, a popular farmer, whose farm was named Agbadagrimeh, which was later pronounced Badagry by the Europeans.
In the early 18th century Badagry served as a route for the Europeans when slaves were transported to the new destination of their buyers. It houses the cenotaph Point of No Return,now called Gberefu village, a place where the well was enchanted to ensure that slaves who drank from it forgot their destinations. At the end of the 18th century, Badagry was one of the routes that benefited from the recurrent battle between Port novo and Dahomey for the movement of slaves. Badagry was noted as the auction point for slaves captured during inter-village warfare. In 1983, Chief Mobee was among the African chiefs who participated in the slave trade.
The first two-storey building was built in Marina, Badagry, in 1845. Presently, the site is facing massive environmental degradation due to lack of maintenance by the government, as well as the activities of commercial tree fellers. The government of Babatunde Fashola in an effort to reignite the glory of the city has started the construction of Badagry Expressway project, commissioning of Badagry Marina project.
Ojude Oba festival
Igogo festival
Badagry
Lagos-Badagry Expressway |
754 | 10,401,403 | 0 | Durbar festival | Nigeria | The Durbar festival is an ancient traditional annual Hausa; cultural, religious and equestrian festival, celebrated as a core part of the Arewa (Northern Nigerian) Hausa culture. Durbar has existed for centuries and is as an essential part of Hausa kingdom and Hausa tradition. Durbar is a paramount part of Hausa cultural rites, tradition and history and the Hausa's are renowned in history as ancient horsemen and warriors of the Sahara and the Sahel.
Durbar is performed in several northern cities of Nigeria, which include the original ancient Hausa Emirates are such as Kano, Katsina, Lafia , Gombe, Akko Emirate, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi, Bida The festival is also used to mark the end of Ramadan and also coincides with the Muslim festivities of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitri. Kano Durbar Festival is Northern Nigeria's (Arewa) Most Spectacular Tribal Horseparade which marks the celebration of Hausa Kingdom's cultural treasure.
It begins with prayers at dawn, followed by a colourful mounted parade of the Emir and his retinue of horsemen, musicians, and artillerymen. At the Durbar festivals noblemen travel to pay homage to the Emir and reaffirm their loyalty to their various emirates.
The festival dates back to the 14th century in Kano, the Emirate of Hausa Kingdom and the largest city in Northern Nigeria. The Kano durbar festival is a four-day extravaganza of opulence, horsemanship, and street parades.
== Etymology ==
The word Durbar is of Persian origin and it was first linked to ceremonial assemblies marking the proclamation of Queen Victoria as the Empress of colonial India in 1877. But the native Hausa use the term Hawan Sallah to describe the festival - with Hawan meaning the Mount of Eid, referencing the physical mounting of the horse.
== History ==
=== Pre-colonial era ===
Historians say the Hawan Daushe (Mount of Daushe) was introduced to Kano during the reign of Muhammadu Rumfa in the 1400s. During and after the Fulani Jihad horses were used in warfare to protect the Emirate. Each noble household was expected to defend the Emirate by forming a regiment. Once a year, the regiments would gather for a military parade to demonstrate allegiance to their ruler, by showcasing their horsemanship, readiness for war, and loyalty.
The Jahi race is the Durbar's centrepiece and the Hawan Daushe's final item on the programme. Several horse riders in the emirate charge full speed towards the emir, then abruptly stop when they approach him and wave their sword or flag before exiting. The Emir and his entourage ride through a number of quarters housing historically significant families before returning to the palace via the Kofar Kudu gate for the Jahi - the horsemen's salute. The Palace guards march into position after the Jahi and fire several gunshots into the air, signaling the end of the Hawan Daushe Durbar.
Hawan Sallah – the Festival Riding, followed by Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nassarawa, and Hawan Doriya. The most fascinating and impressive aspect of the Durbar celebration is the Hawan Daushe, which also includes the Jahi, which attracts viewers from all over the world.
The Hawan Daushe began as the Emir and his entourage ride out of Gidan Rumfa – the Emir's Palace, past Kofar Kwaru to Babban Daki – the palace of the Queen Mother, where he pays tribute to his mother.
=== Colonial era ===
Other say that the Durbar festival was introduced to Nigeria by colonial administrators with political objectives in mind. The word Durbar is of Persian origin and it was first linked to ceremonial assemblies marking the proclamation of Queen Victoria as the Empress of colonial India in 1877. In Nigeria, the events then were ceremonial in nature. The first Durbar was held in 1911, subsequent ceremonies were held in 1924, 1925, 1948, 1960 and 1972. The ceremonies linked together pre-colonial aspects of martial display, colonist-created assemblies and celebrations of important events in Northern Nigeria.
=== Independence ===
The Durbar festival featured prominently in the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, sometimes known as Festac 77. Since Festac, the colonial origin was gradually phased out and the events were linked with pre-colonial traditions such as the importance of horses for military purposes and ceremonies in the Bornu Empire and the ceremonies of Hawan Sallah and Hawan Idi.
Festivals in Nigeria |
755 | 72,506,143 | 0 | Gani Festival | Nigeria | Gani Festival or Sallar Gani in Hausa Language, is an annual traditional festival celebrated by mainly four emirates in Northern Nigeria which include Borno emirate, Hadejia emirate, Daura Emirate, and Gumel emirate. This festival holds in the same way as Durbar festival of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The festival is held from the 12th of Rabi'al-Awwal every year in commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Emir in company of his councils ride horses decorated with ornaments around the city. Members of the community also dress up in a special way on this day and make special food to share with family and friends. Hausa traditional music, encomium songs praising the Prophet, and dances are performed during the celebration. After the Durba, the king returns to the palace where he would be discussing with his cabinet on issues related to public affairs. The festival attracts the attention of tourists because it exhibits the culture of Hausas, Northern Nigeria and Africa. |
756 | 68,465,187 | 0 | Golibe Festival | Nigeria | Golibe Festival, which simply means 'To Rejoice’, is a festival in the City of Onitsha, that aims to demonstrate to the world the city's rich cultural history. It is an art, music, culture, family, and community event From Christmas Eve to New Year, Golibe brings together residents of Anambra and the whole of southeastern countries and visiting indigenous people from the Diaspora.
== History ==
The Festival was one of the outcomes of His Majesty, Nnaemeki Achebe, CFR, mni, Agbogidi and Onitsha's Onitsha in the 21st Century project in 2016 to attract Onitsha, Onitsha indigenous, Eastern Nigerian and other Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to take advantage of the rich culture of Onitscha and its position as a center for commerce and the diaspora.
The first edition of the Golibe festival began on Monday 25 December 2018 with an opening ceremony at the Ime Obi Ezechima Palace, Onitsha, in Kings Courtyard. The event gave a forum for friends and relatives to gather together in arts, music, and other channels to celebrate their ancestry, identity, and roots. It provides a secure venue for the expression of the South-Eastern cultural heritage through 'culture, cooking and colors.' The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, called the Festival a cultural initiative aimed at revitalizing and repositioning Onitsha's culture and economy.
The festival also aimed at creating an opportunity to grow the local economy in the South East, since individuals, groups, small market companies, and corporations could use it for the purpose of growing their businesses and brands and also provide local people with the opportunity to take part in a way that would benefit them economically.
== Festivity ==
The festival features video documentaries, history, culture and traditions, cultural dances, the display of arts and crafts, master seminars on local cuisine and drinks, and many more.
=== Activities ===
The festival is packed with the events that follow;24 December, Opening Ceremony
Presentation of Drama on 25 December
Night of Comedy, December 25
Finals for Food Competition, 26 December
26 December, Football Finals
Presentation of drama on 26 December
26 December, Highlife/Senior Night
27 December, Pageantry (Face of Golibe)
28 December, Carnival Parade
29 December, Carnival Masquerade
29 December, DJ Party/Hip Hop Night
30 December, Musical Concert
31 December, DJ Party/Crossover Night and Fireworks |
757 | 47,100,430 | 0 | Igogo festival | Nigeria | The Igogo festival is a Yoruba festival held in Owo, Nigeria. It is held annually in September to honor Queen Oronsen, a mythical wife of Rerengejen.
During the festival, the incumbent Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and high chiefs of Owo Kingdom dress like women with coral beads, beaded gowns and plaited hair. The wearing of headgears and caps as well as the beating of drums and firing of guns are forbidden during the festival.
== Background ==
The origins of the Igogo festival began over 600 years ago during the reign of Olowo Rerengejen. The monarch married Oronsen, a queen who was, unknown to the king, an orisha. She enriched the monarch and she was loved by him as a result. Queen Oronsen declared that certain activities were taboo.
No one was allowed to grind okra (for stew) in her presence or pour water into the yard. She forbade people, arriving from the farm, to dump, or throw down, a load of firewood in her presence. King Rerengejen cautioned his other wives not to carry out any of these activities.
One day, Queen Oronsen had a disagreement with the other wives of the king. They conspired against her with the intention of violating her taboos while Rerengejen was not in the palace. Because her taboos were intentionally violated, she fled from the palace.
As she was making her escape, some palace guards and chiefs pursued, intending to return her to the palace, an effort that was ultimately futile. Becoming weary, she stopped at a place called Ugbo Laja where she was discovered and attempts were made to persuade her to return to the palace. Her refusal frustrated the guards, who forcefully captured her. But she escaped them and disappeared into Igbo Oluwa, now a sacred forest, leaving her head ties (oja) at Ugbo Laja. The guards later returned them to King Rerengejen. Ugbo Laja is now a sacred grove.
A terra cotta sculptured image of Queen Oronsen was excavated from Igbo Oluwa by Ekpo Eyo (1931–2011), a Nigerian scholar and anthropologist. Her image stood at a distance to inform the Owo people that she will never return to the palace but that annually they should always sacrifice two hundred items of different articles, such as dried fish, colanut, alligator pepper, bitter cola and many more for the ritual (Igogo). In return she promised to protect the kingdom forever.
== Events ==
Igogo festival lasts for 17 days and begins with Upeli proceedings by the Iloro chiefs. The chiefs are led by a chief known as Akowa of Iloro, who is the traditional head of the Iloro chiefs. This Upeli procession lasts for 12 days and features several activities including Utegi, Ugbabo, Uyanna and Ugbate. It is also a period for the celebration of new yams.
During this procession, beating of drums by individuals or associations is forbidden and the use of caps by men and head ties by women at close range to the Owo monarch, the Olowo of Owo, is also prohibited. The festival features the dance of bare-chested men, the Iloro Quarter men called Ighares. They often wear white caps with two horns of buffalo in their hands. They strike these horns together while dancing around the town and visiting sacred places located in the town.
During this rite, any animal that crosses their paths will be viewed as food. The chiefs braid their hair and dance round the town, and visit their loved ones who give them gifts in return. The monarch often dresses like a woman and dances around the town. Dancing in the market by the monarch is also one of the rites performed during the festival.
== Gallery ==
Festivals in Nigeria
Ojude Oba festival
Badagry Festival |
758 | 37,712,026 | 0 | Igue festival | Nigeria | Igue festival (also known as King's Festival) is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, southern Nigeria. One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere. Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.
== History ==
The Igue Festival was initiated in the 14th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare I, who reigned in Benin between 1440 and 1473. Following Oba Ewuare I's experience whilst fighting as a prince for the Benin throne, he was known as Prince Ogun, the son of Oba Ohen at that time.
The Igue festival, however, now consists of several other festivals put together by Oba Akenzua II. This is because he wanted the festival to last for a couple of days due to the current movement of people and the Igue festival has become a terminal for many other festivals celebrated by the Benin people.
== External links ==
The Igue Festival - Edo’s colourful festival |
759 | 66,355,592 | 0 | Ikeji festival | Nigeria | The Ikeji festival is an annual four-day festival held by the Igbo people of Arondizuogu, in Imo state, Nigeria, between the months of March and April to celebrate the harvest of new yams and the Igbo culture. It is arguably the largest masquerade parade in West Africa. The inception of the Ikeji festival dates back five centuries and is an Igbo festival which unites all Igbo race across the globe as they return to the south-eastern regions of Nigeria to witness and partake in the festival. The festival is marked with the display of numerous masquerades dancing around the villages, music, and practice of the Igbo traditional religion.
== History ==
There are two theories as to the history of the Ikeji festival, but the generally accepted theory propounded by the people of Arondizuogu claimed the first Ikeji festival took place in the 16th century and its purpose then was to solely appreciate the gods of the land for providing them with a bountiful harvest of new yams.
== Economic significance ==
The Ikeji festival serves as a source of revenue for Nigeria through tourism as foreigners as well all the Igbos in diaspora travel back to Arondizuogu to witness the festival.
== Ito-Ebule ==
The Ikeji festival is marked by various activities; the most popular is a competition named Ito-Ebule, which translates to “Untying of the ram”. It is the most anticipated activity and is held on the last day of the Ikeji festival. The Ito-Ebule is characterized by the display of occult powers by various self-proclaimed sorcerers who have come from all regions to willingly partake in the Ito-Ebule competition. During the Ito-Ebule competition, a ram is tied to a tree and sorcerers who have entered the competition are asked to go and untie the ram. According to the tradition of Arondizuogu, only the most powerful sorcerer amongst them all could successfully untie the ram.
Coincidentally, the most successful sorcerer, who had won the Ito-Ebule contests numerous times by successfully untying the ram annually, was the traditional prime minister of Arondizuogu named Pericoma Okoye.
== In media ==
The Ikeji festival is shown in a Nigerian Nollywood movie titled Lion of Africa. |
760 | 68,477,871 | 0 | Imo Awka festival | Nigeria | Imo Awka festival (Imo Oka or Imoka festival) is an ancient cultural event that is celebrated annually by the people of Awka kingdom in the month of May in order to venerate their gods. Imo-Oka shrine is symbolic and it is denoted by the special white-bellied monkey, widely respected and revered as the messengers of the shrine.
The festival is basically celebrated to appreciate the Imoka god, for her favours and to request for much better years ahead. The festival allows for the people of Awka to look inward and thank the Imoka god for shielding them from external invasion and to pray for peace and prosperity of the town.
== History ==
The Imo Awka festival emanated from the worship of the greatest female god revered in Awka, known to be Imoka deity. The Imo Awka festival could be traced back to ancient times during the times Awka people were always attacked and threatened by their neighbours. One of their terrifying oppressor was King Okoli Ijeoma of Ndikelionwu, who planned to attack their land. On getting to know about the planned invasion by King Okoli, the elders of the land sent out delegates to Akoto, a land known to be full of potent herbal doctors, to invite one of them who would develop a charm that would fortify the Awka warriors.
They returned with a renowned herbal doctor by name Okoyeke. He prepared the charm to fortify their warriors but warned them that the charm must be venerated by the community to become effective. The Imoka is described as a protective medicine that aid them to fight their enemies. Monkeys were dedicated to the Imoka deity because when Nwafia people laid siege to attack the people of Awka, the Imoka gods sent his emissaries the monkeys in the forest to inform them of attack. They sense the danger and repelled the attack and defeated their enemies. Hence it became a taboo to kill or eat the meat of monkeys until date with severe consequences.
All these events resulted to the worship of the CHARM-god Imoka( the Avenger god of Awka people). Therefore, the Imo Awka festival was initiated to commensurate the worship.
== Festivity ==
The Imo Awka festival is a two weeks events that commence with the females paying homage to Imoka, dancing the Opu Eke dance. The first day of the festival is always on Avbo (Afor) market day and on the evening of the Oye market day preceding the feast, the trumpet was blown, the Abia drum beaten and Ikolo Imoka sounded to marshal in Egwu Imoka.
The festival features four major events, the Ede-Mmuo, Ogwu Oghugha, Eqwu Opu-Eke and Egwu Imo-Oka. The Imo Awka festival showcases several kinds of masquerades that displays at the Imoka shrine. In 2019, it was observed that masquerades that has never been featured before were there which added more liveliness to the festival.
There is an interesting part of the festival that features beating of canes called Nro-Nta between two male groups. They simply flog themselves until one refuses to beat back and surrenders. This mock battle is usually beating male folks but the female folk could watch. The essence of the battle is to test one's strength and endurance of pain. The festival concludes with visiting the Imo-Oka stream on the final day which is heralded by a heavy downpour of rain that falls in the late afternoon. In 2022, the festival was suspended due to the state at which the Awka town was at Cont. |
761 | 68,377,162 | 0 | Ito Ogbo festival | Nigeria | Ito Ogbo Festival is a festival predominantly common amongst the Obosi people at the Idemili North Local Government area at Anambra State. The festival aims at celebrating elders who are between 80 – 89 years old while they are alive. The festival holds every three years in the community, and it has been celebrating elderly who were born at the time that the community was established.
== History ==
The Ito-Ogbo Obosi festival is an agelong festival that dates back to over five hundred years. It is particularly aimed at celebrating and thanking God for the octogenarians (members of age group eighty years and above) in the kingdom. The festival is marked by various activities such as prayers, songs, dances, speeches, gifts, and feasts.
During the ceremony which holds every three years, both male and female octogenarians are honored with special titles and inducted into the octogenarian age grade. The festival has helped to harness and develop the tourism potentials of the Obosi Kingdom as it has attracted people from all walks of life.
== Festivity ==
The festival is usually celebrated with pomp and grand style as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the elderly. The 2021 Ito Ogbo Obosi festival saw 131 octogenarians celebrated and honored specially. It was attended by citizens of the community, tourists and delegates from important offices including from the Federal Ministry of Information and also from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The 2021 festival also featured the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed who was well represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Mrs. Ifeoma Anyanwutaku said that the ministry will upgrade the longevity celebration to a national level and would also initiate the process of getting the festival recognized by UNESCO.
The program has been upheld and sustained by the custodians of the Obosi Culture who are well versed with the kingdom's agelong tradition. |
762 | 77,700,231 | 0 | Iwa Akwa | Nigeria | Iwa Akwa or Aju Festival which can also be translated as Cloth Wearing is a traditional ceremony that is practised by the Igbo people to indicate that a boy has become a man. Iwa Akwa ceremony is a triennial festival that occurs in Obowo, Ihitte/Uboma, the Ehime Mbano, Ahiazu Mbaise local government areas of Imo state in Nigeria.
== Background ==
Iwa Akwa Festival is part of the ancient history of Igbo. Whoever dies without performing the rites would be regarded as a child and would be buried the same day just like a child.
== Initiation process ==
=== Investigation Stage ===
The members of the community would investigate the boys who are going to participate in the initiation. The age of the boys, the mother of the boys and the father of the boys would be investigated. The boys are supposed to be between the age of 21 to 26 years, the mother must have been married and known by the community and the father must have passed through the process.
=== The Preparation Stage ===
After the investigation has been completed, the family of the participants go to the market to buy high quality clothes that would be used for the initiation and also make sure that the reception venue is ready for the guests.
=== The Initiation Stage ===
The participants are to follow strictly what the elderly men who have passed through the process dictate for them. The families of the participants are expected to spread wrapper in front of their compounds to receive the blessings of a spiritual leader who walks barefooted along the streets.
== Life after initiation ==
The boys who participated are regarded as men and they can take up governance or any other traditional title in the community. |
763 | 55,674,259 | 0 | Kaduna Book and Arts Festival | Nigeria | Kaduna Book and Arts Festival, also known as KABAFEST, is an annual literary, cultural, and art event in Kaduna State, Nigeria that took place for the first time in July, 2017. It was organized by Book Buzz Foundation, who also organizes the annual Aké Arts and Book Festival, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government and the Gusau Institute. It was also the first book festival that occurs annually in northern Nigeria.
== Founding ==
There is a perception about Northern Nigeria as a place that is too conservative for books and literature. KABAFEST was conceived - an initiative of the Kaduna State Government, as a way to address that misconception. Of that founding, Lola Shoneyin of Book Buzz says through the festival, she aim to create new and exciting opportunities for social and cultural interaction, the celebration and promotion of creatives in the Northern region of Nigeria and foster tolerance and understanding through dialogues about books, culture, the arts and society.
== The first edition ==
The first edition of KABAFEST was held at the Gusau Institute in Kaduna State and had five booklogues or conversations, presence of authors, panel discussions, two film screenings, an art exhibition with four Northern Nigerian artists, food- tasting, and a magical poetry performance. It featured over 50 writers, artists, actors, poets and performers from around the world. It was headlined by Sudanese author and first winner of the Caine Prize, Leila Aboulela.
Other writers and artists present included Abdullah Musa Dona, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Aisha Umar, Aminu Alan Waka, Andrew Walker, Auwalu Anwar, Audee T. Giwa, Balaraba Ramat Yakubu, Carmen McCain, Chika Jones, Chitra Nagarajan, Dami Ajayi, E. E Sule, Edify Yakusak, Efe Paul Azino, Fatima A. Umar, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, Hafsah A. Matazu, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Hafsat Ahmad Abdulwaheed, Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, Ibrahim Bello-Kano, Ishaya Bako, Jamila Umar Tanko, Jerry Buhari, Joseph Hayab, Kadaria Ahmed, Kaltume B. Gana, Kenneth Gyang, Kinna Likimani, Kola Tubosun, Leila Aboulela, Mariam S. Oyawoye, Maryam Bobi, Maryam Awaisu, Maryam Bukar Hassan, Methuselah Jeremiah, Nur'din Busari, Nura Garba, Odafe Atogun, Pearl Osibu, Rahama Sadau, Rahma Abdulmajid Sharif, Richard Ali, Saddiq Dzukogi, Samira Haruna Sanusi, Segun Adeniyi, Saudatu S. Mahdi, Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Titilope Sonuga, Toni Kan, Usman Bugaje, Wana Udobang, Williams Chechet, Zaynab Alkali, Razinat Talatu Mohammed, Abubakar Othman, Jeremiah Gyang.
The festival also featured the screening of two films: Ishaya Bako's Henna and Kenneth Gyang's Blood and Henna. It also had booklogues, panel discussions, poetry, art exhibition, and a fiction workshop.
== Right to Write ==
A highlight of the festival was the unveiling of the memorandum of understanding, of 'Right to Write Project', a literacy project between the European Union, and a French cultural organisation, Africultures. The aim of the project is to propagate massive literary and digital projects in five states in the North – Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Adamawa and Bauchi. The project is worth EUR 3 million.
== Hausa Language Prize/Residency ==
Another highlight of the festival was the announcement of a five hundred thousand naira Prize for Hausa Literature, and a residency for writers writing in the language.
== Annual event ==
The festival was declared an annual event by the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.
== External links ==
KABAFEST Website |
764 | 68,496,339 | 0 | Kayo-Kayo Festival | Nigeria | Kayo-Kayo festival is an annual religious and cultural state festival celebrated by the descendants of Oba Kosoko for the historical arrival of King Kosoko to Epe in the year 1851. Kayo-Kayo which literary means “eating to satisfaction” is known with the Epe community of Lagos State.
The festival is usually observed during the first month of the Islamic calendar in commemoration of ‘Yaom-al Ashura’ the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, which is about a month after the Muslim festival of Eid-El-Kabir.
The Kayo-Kayo festival has grown to become a veritable platform to advance, develop and promote the local economy, to discuss the socio-economic challenges of the community and most significantly, to propagate their rich cultural heritage.
== History ==
In 1851, King Kosoko arrived with 1500 people to lay the foundation of Eko-Epe. This brought about the yearly traditional kayo-kayo festival that is observed to commemorate his arrival. And the festival has been celebrated ever since then, to mimic how King Kosoko came to Epe.
=== Kayo-Kayo 2016 and 2017 ===
The 2016 edition of the festival featured the former governor of Lagos State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who declared open the festival with other various top dignitaries. Also, the 2017 kayo-kayo festival was attended by the former Governor of Lagos State as well as the commissioner for physical planning in Lagos State, Biola Anifowoshe.
=== Kayo-Kayo 2018 ===
In 2018, over 50,000 indigenes and non-indigenes were expected to participate in the festival, it was recorded that over 20 hostels situated in Epe town was fully booked during the festival. The 2018 kayo-kayo festival hosted former governor of Lagos State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Otunba Gani Adams, the Aare Oona Kakanfo of Yoruba; Dr. Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu of Lagos, traditional rulers in the state as well as music stars including Malaika, Queen Salawa Abeni and Sugar Boy.
=== Kayo-Kayo 2019 ===
The 2019 edition of the festival was more centered and focused on the economic well-being of the community through meaningful investment in the youth segment, aside the cultural and social values that makes up the annual feast. They launched a scholarship scheme to support the educational pursuit of 35 tertiary students.
Adeyemi Ikuforiji, a former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly was present in the 2019 edition where he urged Epe indigenes to pray for Mr Ambode's successful clinching of the All Progressives Congress’ ticket at the governorship direct primary election. Also, popular Fuji singer, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma drove the entertainment content of the 2019 kayo-kayo festival.
=== Kayo-Kayo 2020 ===
Despite the virulent COVID-19 pandemic, the ancient town of Epe still held its cultural festival of kayo kayo with strict compliance to covid-19 safety protocols.
=== Kayo-Kayo 2023 ===
Activities lined up for the 7-day event include a religious competition, the annual Kayokayo festival prayer at the Palace of Olu of Epe, and a medical mission for people in the community. The paramount ruler of Epe, King Shefiu Olatunji Adewale highlighted the festival as an avenue to promote the rich culture of the Epe community.
== Festivity ==
The Kayo-Kayo festival is a week-long festival, which comprises three dimensions. The religious dimension which aims at heralding the New Islamic Year with 1st Hijra calendar Muharram, the cultural dimension which commemorates King Kosoko's landing in Epe and lastly, the social dimension which is about celebrating communal bonding by making and sharing abundant food to all.
The festival features several activities which includes a fashion parade show, heath awareness and screening, cultural displays, display of the best of Epe foods and youth parade. In order to display their culture at its best, they go to marina in boats to mimic how King Kosoko came to Epe in 1851.
In 2018, Several sites were visited during the festival, among sites visited is the house occupied by Divisional Officers (colonial masters), another site is King Kosoko's disembarking point and boat in 1851, where a giant Etufu (traditional torch) was lit and left for a period of seven days. The last day of 2019 festival was rounded off on Saturday with a boat ride that symbolizes Prophet Noah's ark.
The Day one of the festival begins with Juma’at prayers, followed by a press conference. Day two features a Royal visit to the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom in the morning and later in the evening, the Tahjud night is observed at the first Epe central mosque. A special Jummat service takes place on day three also at the first Epe central mosque.
The fourth and final day which is on a Saturday comprises three activities. The first is the annual Kayo-Kayo Prayer at the Palace of Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, the second activity is the Epe Kayo-Kayo festival drama display and performance at the Epe theatre, and the last activity is the lightening of Etufu by the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom.
Some various side activities include the Kayo-Kayo empowerment raffle draw, where a car and other consolatory prizes will be won, as well as a football competition, a quaranic competition, a youth rally, children's party, royal visit by the Oba to the districts of Epe founding fathers, Royal procession on the Lagoon beach and the Kayokayo Musical Night. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.