January and February may have passed but there are still adventures to embark on and many worldwide events to attend. From the South by Southwest film and music festivals in Texas and King’s Day in Holland, to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand – we bring you the hottest and most extravagant events of 2014!
These are our top event recommendations by month:
March
What: South by Southwest (SXSW) – A 10-day-long festival that has been taking place in Austin, Texas for the last 20 years. Expect to see both new and high profile musicians, the latest films and cutting-edge technology showcased. This event is also the go-to place for start-up devotees who are looking to do some networking.
When: 07 – 16 March
Where: Austin, Texas
April
What: Kings Day – Amsterdam will be organizing one of its grandest events as Holland celebrates its newly appointed royal, King Willem-Alexander. Come along and enjoy some Dutch traditional festivals, with live music, DJs, parties and a city-wide street market!
When: 26 April
Where: Amsterdam, Holland
May
What: Monaco Grand Prix – The undisputed jewel in Formula 1’s crown and the race that every driver wants to win. Join the rich and famous for this spectacular event in stunning Monte Carlo, the fabulous destination between mountains and the Mediterranean.
When: 22-25 May
Where: Monte Carlo, Monaco
June
What: Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup – What better setting for the biggest event in the footballing calendar than Brazil? The country will be hosting the World Cup for the second time in its history and is expecting over 500,000 international fans and over 3 million Brazilian tourists to attend the event. Make sure you don’t miss it!
When: 12 June – 13 July
Where: Rio, Brazil
July
What: San Fermin Festival – A week-long celebration that begins with the pyrotechnic ‘Chupinazo’, followed by the ‘encierro’ (the running of the bulls) and ending with the singing of ‘Pobre de Mi’. Do you have the courage to run with the bulls?
When: 06 – 14 July
Where: Pamplona, Spain
August
What: Edinburgh Fringe Festival – The world’s largest arts festival showcasing comedy, theatre, dance and music performances. Join Edinburgh for one of Scotland’s main celebrations of arts and entertainment!
When: 01 -25 August
Where: Edinburgh, UK
September
What: Oktoberfest – The world’s largest fair held annually, where huge quantities of beer are consumed and visitors can enjoy attractions including amusement rides, side stalls and games. Be sure not to miss out!
When: 20 – 05 September
Where: Munich, Germany
October
What: Diwali Festival of Lights – October is a fantastic time to visit India. The Diwali festival of Lights is an event filled with positivity and joy, and the firecracker display on Chawpatty Beach in Mumbai is one of the best places to experience it.
When: 23 October
Where: Mumbai, India
November
What: Yi Peng Lantern Festival – If you’ve never experienced this festival first hand, it’s definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Make a wish as you watch the release of thousands of pretty floating lanterns transform the sky into a surreal light show.
When: 01-10 November
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
December
What: New Year’s Eve in Sydney – New Year’s Eve obviously takes place all around the world, but Sydney – as one of the first to celebrate with its spectacular Sydney Opera House fireworks show – is without doubt one of the best place to enjoy it!
When: 31 December
Where: Sydney, Australia
Have you already attended some of these events? Which festivals are you dying to go to this year?