Other Festivals Around Asia
Other Festivals Around Asia
December 6th, 2007Singapore
Zouk Out
Singapore’s top music event draws local DJs and bands as well as international acts, all on the artificial beach of Silosa. Every year Zouk Out attracts more and more music and party lovers from all over Asia—and Bangkok is no exception! This year will be its 8th anniversary. Check out Singapore’s landmark bar Zouk pre and after the events for more music and booze. Happening in December, keep your eyes on www.zoukout.com.
Womad
Outdoor music and performing artists, from traditional to cutting edge acts. The event also highlights music workshops and gastronomic delights from around the world. www.womadinsingapore.com.
China
Harbin Ice Festival
Starting on January 5 and continuing for a month, this chilly festival happens in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, where ice and snow in January are to be expected. So people gather to see world-class ice and snow sculptures and the famouse ice lanterns. http://old.cnta.gov.cn/lyen/festival/season/winter.htm.
India
Diwali Festival
Throughout India, and Hindi communities throughout the world, the festival of light is celebrated in late October to November for five days. Spring cleaning, oil bathing, house adornment, card playing, celebrations and fireworks are all in order. In 2008, it falls on Oct 28. www.diwalifestival.org.
Japan
Cherry Blossom Festival
You’ve seen the pictures, haven’t you? A sea of white or pink blossoms, swaying gently in the spring breeze. But here’s the bad news: the fragile flowers fall off the trees within a week of their appearance. To coordinate your flights with the whims of nature, log on to www.jnto.go.jp for a guesstimate of when spring will kick off in Japan in 2008 (around March, usually).
Shanghai
Shanghai Biennale
The annual event runs for two months and includes arts and film screenings. This is one of China’s biggest contemporary art festivals with artists from around the world. Take a look at the increase in prices for Chinese art over the past years and you’ll see this trip could pay off handsomely. www.shanghaibiennal.com.
Dragon Boat Festival
Happening on May 5, this traditional event has lasted more than 2,000 years to commemorate the poet Qu Yuan. There are various activities in different regions but the highlight is the dragon boat racing. Oh, and Dragon Boat racers are hot.
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