Have you considered vacationing at any of the vibrant festivals around the world? They literally cater to every taste...from spiritual celebrations to offbeat hobbies to the celebration of seasons and holidays.
Here's a short list of some of the festivals, worth checking out this year.
National Cherry Blossom Festival -- Early April
Washington D.C.
Known as the prime Japanese Street festival in the US, this two-week event celebrates the ongoing friendship between the US and Japan. Enjoy lantern ceremonies, Japanese street art, a 10-mile run (if you're up to it), fireworks, and a slew of other activities.
Holy Week -- Easter Week
Antigua, Guatemala
Also known as Semana Santa, is one of many religious celebrations that occur during the Christian observance of Lent; starting on Ash Wednesday and ending on Good Friday. Elaborate floats carrying various Christian symbols such as crucifixes and images of the Virgin Mary as well as observers dressed in white or black robes proceed through the streets of Antigua in a very slow, reverent fashion.
St. Lucia Jazz Festival -- Early May
Caribbean Islands:
Find your way to the scenic Caribbean island of St. Lucia in May to enjoy soothing jazz permeating the entire island. The 10-day event features various local acts and well-known international Jazz musicians playing in various club and hotel venues all over the island. Even if jazz music isn't your style, you can still steal over to the island for a laidback getaway.
Aarhus Viking Festival -- Late July
Denmark:
Scandinavian's largest Viking festival. Held every year in July, travelers can step back in time into traditional markets with craftsmen, traders, artisans, and warriors. Cheer at simulated warrior fights, watch choreographed riding shows, and tear hungrily into a smoked turkey leg like a true Viking.
San Fermin -- Early July
Pamplona, Spain:
The Running of the Bulls festival, is a once-in-a-lifetime event that should not be missed. Every July, rain or shine, the festival revolves around running alongside six bulls weighing an average of one ton each. There are also bullfights in the evenings, and thousands upon thousands of travelers dressed in a sea of white and red garb partying like there's no tomorrow.
Highland Games -- July to September
Scotland:
Looking for something to do in May? Jet off to Scotland to watch burly Scotsmen don various Clan kilts and engage in a variety of games and championships—from dancing and bag piping competitions to games such as hammer toss, shot-puts, cabers, and old fashioned tug-of-war.
Tomatina Festival -- Late August
Buñol, Spain: La Tomatina is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner child and join one of the world's largest food fights. Close to 140 tons of tomatoes are wheeled into town, and for an hour the streets of Buñol turn into streams of pungent-smelling pasta sauce. All you'll need to participate in the activity is an old T-shirt, pair of shorts, and eye goggles to protect your eyes.
Pushkar Camel Fair -- October
Rajasthan, India: If you're in the market for a sturdy camel, head over to Pushkar in Rajasthan India and take part in the world's largest camel fair. Awash in vibrant colors and a frenzy of activities, this small Indian village jolts to life every November as decked out camels, decorated cattle, busy merchants, music, competitions and other activities roll into town for the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Whirling Dervishes Festival -- Late November
Konya, Turkey: Why not head to Konya, Turkey, to witness the Followers of Mevlana (also known as the Whirling Dervishes) hypnotically twirl faster and faster in flowing white robes and conical hats. Religious beliefs aside, non-believers are invited to observe this centuries-old tradition as well. A warning to the vertigo-inclined: you may experience occasional spells of dizziness...