make report

1. The Outline of English Project Work
The Bizarre Festival in the World
By
Mr. Teerasan Sonjai M.6/14 No.35 (Leader)
Mr. Parwarit Aupunno M.6/14 No.1
Ms. Pornkanok Pasamlee M.6/14 No.2
Ms. Pantida Komemalai M.6/14 No.8
Ms. Nuttakarn Patsuwan M.6/14 No.15
Ms. Nutnisha Chanpen M.6/14 No.29
Ms. Sirawan Chanhom M.6/14 No.27 (Secretary)
Present By
Mrs. Thana-on Holasut
This project work is part of English 33204
Semester 2/2015
YupparajWittayalai School

2. The Bizarre Festival in the World
1. Name of Project : The Bizarre Festival in the World
2. Participant : Mr. Teerasan Sonjai M.6/14 No.35 (Leader)
Mr. Parwarit Aupunno M.6/14 No.1
Ms. Pornkanok Pasamlee M.6/14 No.2
Ms. Pantida Komemalai M.6/14 No.8
Ms. Nuttakarn Patsuwan M.6/14 No.15
Ms. Nutnisha Chanpen M.6/14 No.29
Ms. Sirawan Chanhom M.6/14 No.27(Secretary)
3. Teacher’s Name :Mrs. Thana-on Holasut
4. Reasons for Choosing the Project : The reason that we decided to choose this topic
was we’re interested and want to share this to other people who interest in.
5. Utility of Project :We can learn about the cultures which are influenced from belief,
folkways, religion, geographic information, those affect to living of people nowadays.
6. Objectives : We can learn about the cultures which are weird from many exquisite
civilizations in the different countries.
Schedule
Step and Duration : 1. Decide to choose the interesting topic.
2. Gather the information.
3. Create the project.
4. Review the fallibility of the project.
5. Present the project
6. Assess the final project.
Expense and Funds raising :50 – 100 Bath
Expected Outcome : Receive the knowledge and delectation.
Parent’s Comment :It is interesting knowledge, so it make easy to know.
Signature :__________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Comment/Advice : ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

3. Rules of Work
Group’s Name :KidKAt
Mr. Parwarit Aupunno M.6/14 No.1 (Make report/Print out)
Ms. Pornkanok Pasamlee M.6/14 No.2 (Data research)
Ms. Pantida Komemalai M.6/14 No.8 (Data research)
Ms. Nuttakarn Patsuwan M.6/14 No.15 (Make presentation media)
Ms. Nutnisha Chanpen M.6/14 No.29 (Data research)
Mr. Teerasan Sonjai M.6/14 No.35 (Present project)
Ms. Sirawa nChanhom M.6/14 No.27 (Present project)
Rules of work
1. Respect each other's opinion
2. Be punctual
3. Be responsible
4. Team work in the group (Be harmonious)
5. Help each other when members need help
6. Be enthusiastic

4. The Bizarre Festival in the World
1. Songkran Festival in Thailand
Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, which are many, the Songkran Festival
is the most striking, for it is widely observed not only in this country but also in Burma,
Cambodia and the Lao State.
Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into
any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the
sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is MahaSongkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from
the other ones. But the people call it simply the Songkran for it is the only one they know and
in which they take interest. It is their traditional New Year when they can enjoy their holidays to
the full with no economic hindrance. Songkran is a fixable feast on the solar calendar. It begins
on the 13th April and ends on the 15th April, but occasionally in certain years on the 16th April.
The Songkran is in fact the celebration of the vernal equinox similar to those of the Indian Holi
Festival, the Chinese Ching Ming, and the Christian Festival of Easter. The beginning of spring
when the sun crosses the equator is now on the 21st of March which is due to the precession
of the equinox. The Songkran Festival is in a certain sense like April Fool's Day, when the maids
of the village play pranks on any gallant who happens to pass by their way. He will be caught
and bound by the united strength of the maids and they will daub him with blacking.
Data Source : http://www.thailandlife.com/songkran-festival/index.php

5. 2. Cow painting festival Luxembourg
Cow painting festival Of Luxembourg since April until September The town will
be decorated cows throughout the summer, as the imagination. Some cattle were transformed
into a zebra. Some are drawn by the spectacular Alps.
Data Source :https://creamcreamsoda.wordpress.com/

6. 3. YaghGures
Maya's Juan Torres (YaghGures) is a local wrestler of Turkey. Born on approximately the
14th century is a dominant feature before the race. (Turkish wrestler known that the Delhi
yesterday: pehlivan means brave in Turkish) will be taken into olive oil, then apply it to myself.
This will make it harder to combat. The oiled by this. The opponent will be applied to each
other. Similarly, respect and courtesy to each other. And if the younger overcome those aged
older. The winner will kiss the hand loser to demonstrate respect for adults in Turkey in the
fight. Judging will win with that. Who can hit the opponent to the ground by the other party
cannot solve the opponent. In the past, the fight is not time limited. But in the current fighting
have limited time to rest for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the fighting in areas with
competition that is gaining popularity in fighting this type of PiS Kurt Bernard (Kirkpinar
tournament) is. records that started since 1362 as a sequel to the present. Considered one of
the oldest forms of struggle of Turkey.
Data Source :http://www.modernpublishing.co.th/ยาฆ-กูเรส-มวยปล้าน้ามันตุรกี

7. 4. Cheese Rolling Festival
Threats and hostility finally kill off Cheese
Rolling Festival.The organizers of the traditional
cheese rolling on Cooper’s Hill have decided to
call it a day after running the gauntlet of threats
and abuse over the proposed introduction of a
£20 entrance fee. At a meeting on Tuesday March
22, the Cheese Rolling Committee decided that the public backlash to the new two-day paid-
for formula has made the event unworkable. Individual committee members have reported
being subjected to verbal abuse, being spat at in the street and threatened with violence both
to themselves and their homes. It is feared that the event, whose roots go back hundreds of
years, will now die. Ironically, the cheese rolling has been a victim of its own success, as the
last event in 2009 attracted a crowd of about 15,000 to a venue equipped to cope with only
5,000.For that reason the 2010 event was cancelled over worries about health and safety and
traffic management and it was decided to revive the tradition for 2011 as a properly organized
and controlled two-day festival with races and the re-introduction of the wake games. But the
outcry against the introduction of a £20 entry fee was the final nail in the coffin for the
committee, which is composed of residents of the Cooper’s Hill area. Cheese Rolling
Committee spokesman Richard Jefferies said: “We have decided very reluctantly that expanding
the event to create a ticketed two day festival is unworkable.“Since we announced an entry
fee, we have been bombarded with so much hostility and criticism, much of it at a personal
level, including accusations of profiteering and some of the committee have even received
threats.“People have been spat at in the street, received verbal abuse in shops and at school
gates and there has even been talk of bricks through windows and houses being burned
down.“We have also endured a torrent of on-line criticism and abuse from cowards who failed
to identify themselves by hiding behind false identities. It has been horrific.“We find these
insults, accusations and threats hurtful, frightening and totally unjustified. The committee
members have always given freely of their time and effort for years without making a brass
farthing from it.”
Data Source :http://www.cheeserollingfestival.co.uk/

8. 5. Ivrea Orange Festival
The festival's origins are somewhat unclear. A popular account has it that it
commemorates the city's defiance against the city's tyrant, who is either a member of the
Ranierifamilyor a conflation of the 12th-century Ranieri di Biandrate and the 13th-century
Marquis William VII of Montferrat.This tyrant attempted to rape a young commoner (often
specified as a miller's daughter) on the eve of her wedding, supposedly exercising the droit du
seigneur. His plan backfired when the young woman instead decapitated the tyrant, after which
the populace stormed and burned the palace.Each year, a young girl is chosen to play the part
of Violetta, the defiant young woman.
Every year the citizens remember their liberation with the Battle of the Oranges where
teams of "Aranceri" (orange handlers) on foot throw oranges (representing ancient weapons and
stones) against Aranceri riding in carts (representing tyrant's ranks). During the 19th-century
French occupation of Italy the Carnival of Ivrea was modified to add representatives of the
French army. Another adaptation of the story has the oranges used to symbolize the removed
testicles of the tyrant.
The oldest rituals of Ivrea Carnival include a large bonfire and are similar to ancient
celebrations linked to the end of winters and the rise of the new.
Data Source :https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Oranges

9. 6. Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures
The Garma Festival of Traditional Culture is an annual festival that is held in north-east
Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Australia. It is a celebration of the cultural inheritance of
the Yolngu people and cultural inheritance, the aim is at sharing knowledge and culture. The
festival site is at Gulkula that is approximately 40 kilometers from Nhulunbuy. The festival
attracts around 20 different cultural groups from around Arnhem Land and the Northern
Territory.
Data Source :https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garma_Festival_of_Traditional_Cultures

10. 7. Holi Festival
Holi is a spring festival, also
known as the festival of colours or
the festival of love. It is an ancient
Hindu religious festival which has
become popular with non-Hindus in
many parts of South Asia, as well as
people of other communities
outside Asia.
It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, and other regions of the world with significant
populations of Hindus or people of Indian origin. In recent years the festival has spread to parts
of Europe and North America as a spring celebration of love, frolic, and colours.
Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with a Holika bonfire where people
gather, sing and dance. The next morning is a free-for-all carnival of colours, where participants
play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water, with some carrying
water guns and coloured water-filled balloons for their water fight. Anyone and everyone is fair
game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children and elders. The frolic and fight
with colours occurs in the open streets, open parks, outside temples and buildings. Groups carry
drums and musical instruments, go from place to place, sing and dance. People visit family,
friends and foes to throw colours on each other, laugh and chit-chat, then share Holi delicacies,
food and drinks. Some drinks are intoxicating. For example, Bhang, an intoxicating ingredient
made from cannabis leaves, is mixed into drinks and sweets and consumed by many. In the
evening, after sobering up, people dress up and visit friends and family.
Holi is celebrated at the approach of the vernal equinox, on the PhalgunaPurnima (Full
Moon). The festival date varies every year, per the Hindu calendar, and typically comes in
March, sometimes February in the Gregorian Calendar. The festival signifies the victory of good
over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play
and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships, and is also celebrated as a
thanksgiving for a good harvest.
Data Source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi

11. 8. Rio Carnival Festival
The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a world famous festival held before Lent every year and
considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets. The
first festivals of Rio date back to 1723.
The typical Rio carnival parade is filled with revelers, floats and adornments from
numerous samba schools which are located in Rio (more than 200 approximately, divided into 5
leagues/ divisions). A samba school is composed of a collaboration of local neighbours that
want to attend carnival together, with some kind of regional, geographical common background.
There is a special order that every school has to follow with their parade entries. Each
school begins with the "comissão de frente" ("Front Commission" in English), that is the group of
people from the school that appear first. Made of ten to fifteen people, the "comissão de
frente" introduces the school and sets the mood and style of their presentation. These people
have choreographed dances in fancy costumes that usually tell a short story. Following the
"comissão de frente" is the first float of the samba school, called "abre-alas" ( "Opening Wing" in
English ).
Data Source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Carnival

12. 9. The Running of the Bulls
The Running of the Bulls
is a practice that involves
running in front of a small group
of cattle, typically six, of the
toro bravo breed that have been
let loose on a course of a
sectioned-off subset of a town's
streets.The most famous running
of the bulls is that of the eight-
day festival of Sanfermines in
honour of Saint Fermin in
Pamplona, although they are also traditionally held in other places such as towns and villages
across Spain, Portugal, in some cities in Mexico, and southern France during the summer.
According to the Mayor of Pamplona in his foreword to the book Fiesta: How To Survive
The Bulls Of Pamplona the origin of this event comes from the need to transport the bulls from
the fields outside the city, where they were bred, to the bullring, where they would be killed in
the evening. (Although in most cities today the bulls are bred in other parts of the country
before being transported to corrals on the outskirts of the city by truck.) During this 'run',
youngsters would jump among them to show off their bravado. In Pamplona and other places,
the six bulls in the event are still those that will feature in the afternoon bullfight of the same
day.
Spanish tradition says the true origin of the run began in northeastern Spain during the
early 14th century. While transporting cattle in order to sell them at the market, men would try
to speed the process by hurrying their cattle using tactics of fear and excitement. After years of
this practice, the transportation and hurrying began to turn into a competition, as young adults
would attempt to race in front of the bulls and make it safely to their pens without being
overtaken. When the popularity of this practice increased and was noticed more and more by
the expanding population of Spanish cities, a tradition was created and stands to this day.
Data Source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_of_the_Bulls

13. 10. UpHellyAa
Up HellyAa refers to any of a variety of fire festivals held in Shetland, in Scotland,
annually in the middle of winter to mark the end of the yule season. The festival involves a
procession of up to a thousand guizers in Lerwick and considerably lower numbers in the more
rural festivals, formed into squads who march through the town or village in a variety of
themed costumes.
The ingredients in the Up HellyAa recipe go back 12 centuries and more - fire, feasting,
fancy dress and, above all, fun. The torchlit procession and galley burning echo pagan Norse
rituals at the cremation of great chieftains, and religious ceremonies to mark the Sun's return
after the winter solstice.
Elaborate disguise was part of prehistoric fertility rites. Mediaeval Shetland guizers were
called 'skeklers' and wore costumes of straw. The feasting and dancing continue saga traditions
from the winter drinking halls of Viking warriors, while the satirical 'Bill' or proclamation,
lampooning local worthies and fixed to the Lerwick Market Cross on Up HellyAa morning, has
precedents in the sharp wit of the Norse skalds.
And the country Up Hellies A' do NOT ban women from being torch-bearers and guizers.
Don't mention that in Lerwick, though - where the men-only rule is a ticklish topic in these
politically correct days.
Data Source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_Helly_Aa
http://www.shetland.org/things/events/culture-heritage/up-helly-aa

14. 11. JidaiMatsuri
The JidaiMatsuri is a festival that takes place every year on October 22, the anniversary
of the foundation of Kyoto. It consists of a large parade that travels from the Imperial Palace to
Heian Shrine. JidaiMatsuri is Japanese for "Festival of Ages", and the participants of the parade
are dressed in accurate costumes from almost every period of Japanese history, as well as
famous historical figures. There are about 2000 participants and it takes two hours to watch the
entire procession pass by.TheJidaiMatsuri is held by Heian Shrine, and both the festival and the
shrine were established in 1895 to celebrate Kyoto's history and culture. A few years before in
1868, the capital was moved to Tokyo after having been in Kyoto for over a thousand years.
Despite its short history, the JidaiMatsuri is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals, along
with the GionMatsuri in July and the AoiMatsuri in May.
The historical costumes and characters that are displayed in the parade cover the
approximately 1100 years during which Kyoto was the national capital. The procession is
separated into historical eras and then further separated into themes, of which there are about
twenty. The parade begins with characters from the Meiji Restoration in 1868, and then
continues in reverse chronological order until the beginning of the Heian Period in 781.
At the very head of the parade there are the festival's honorary commissioners, riding in
horse drawn carriages in the style of the mid 1800s. The commissioners include figures like the
governor of Kyoto Prefecture, the mayor of Kyoto City and the city council chairman. Following

15. them are figures of the Meiji Restoration. There is a marching band with drums and flutes and
soldiers who would have fought with the imperial forces, as well as some of the era's most
notable figures, such as Sakamoto Ryoma.
The largest group in the parade depicts the extravagant convoys sent by the shogun to
represent him at important imperial ceremonies in Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1867).
The three most important officials ride on horseback, and there is also a palanquin carried by
attendants that the officials would use when traveling. Afterwards there is a much smaller group
that consists of about a half dozen famous women from the period, including a princess sitting
on a wheeled platform.
As the parade continues, spectators are able to see the armor of Oda Nobunaga and his
commanders, the dress of warriors and common people of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573),
more famous historical women and nobles of the Heian Period (794-1185). The costumes and
characters of the military, cultural, aristocratic and common people are all put on display.
The very last group of the parade is the most important in terms of Shinto rituals. A
large number of attendants accompany and carry two mikoshi (portable shrines) that contain
the spirits of Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei, respectively the first and last emperors to
reside in Kyoto. Heian Shrine is dedicated to the two emperors, and their spirits normally reside
in the shrine. However, during the JidaiMatsuri the spirits are able to travel through the city in
the mikoshi.
The entire route of the parade stretches about five kilometers. Crowds become most
dense at the Imperial Palace and on the approach to Heian Shrine, where spectators may want
to get a spot early. In addition to the regular viewing areas lining the parade route, there are
also sections of reserved seats at the shrine, the palace and on the streets. Details on the
reserved seats are written below.
Data Source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3960.html

16. 12. NebutaMatsuri
Nebuta and Neputa are a type of Tanabata related summer festival held in towns
around Aomori Prefecture. The largest of these festivals is the NebutaMatsuri of Aomori City,
held every year from August 2 to 7. The highlight of the festival is the daily parade of enormous
lantern floats, flanked by large taiko drums, musicians and dancers. The NebutaMatsuri together
with Akita's Kanto Matsuri and Sendai's Tanabata make up the Tohoku SandaiMatsuri (Three
Great Festivals of the Tohoku Region).
Local teams build the festival's two dozen floats, which are constructed of painted
washi paper over a wire frame and take an entire year to design and construct. They can be up
to nine meters wide and five meters tall and often depict gods, historical or mythical figures
from both Japanese and Chinese culture, kabuki actors, and characters from the popular NHK
Taiga Drama historical TV series.

17. Every night of the festival the floats are wheeled out onto the streets of downtown Aomori for
a parade, except on the last day (August 7), when the parade is held in the afternoon. The
floats are pushed along the street by human power, weaving back and forth, and spinning
around for the crowd. Each float is accompanied by teams of taiko drummers, flute and hand
cymbals players, as well as hundreds of dancers, called haneto in the local dialect, who follow
the procession chanting "Rassera, Rassera" while performing a dance that looks a little bit like
skipping.
There is lots of free seating on the ground along the nearly three kilometer long parade
route, as well as reserved seats which are available from Ticket Pia and convenience stores.
Participation in the parade is encouraged, and people come from all around to join in the
dancing. The only requirement is that you wear the traditional haneto dancing costume that
can be bought at grocery stores and shops around the prefecture for about 5000 yen or rented
from rental shops around town for about 3000 yen.
On the first two nights of the festival the parades are somewhat smaller with only about
two thirds of the lantern floats participating. However on the nights from August 4th to 6th the
parades are in full swing and every float makes an appearance. All the floats are also displayed
in the afternoon parade on the last day of the festival, before some of the floats are put onto
boats and paraded around the bay in the evening. Finally, a two hour fireworks display along
the waterfront closes off the festivities.
Various events are held during the festival at Rassera Land next to the ASPM building
along the city's waterfront. The festival floats are stabled at Rassera Land during the day, and
visitors are encouraged to check them out up close, take pictures and meet with some of the
designers and builders. There are also singing and dance performances held at ASPM as well as
vendors selling food and festival related goods.
Data Source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3755.html

18. 13. GionMatsuri
GionMatsuri , the festival of Yasaka Shrine, is the most famous festival in Japan. It takes
place over the entire month of July. There are many different events, but the grand procession
of floats (Yamaboko Junko) on July 17 is particularly spectacular. Very enjoyable, are also the
festive evenings preceding the procession (Yoiyama). From 2014, a second procession of floats
was reintroduced on July 24 after a hiatus of 48 years. The second procession features fewer
and smaller floats than the one on July 17.
Floats and History:The word Yamaboko refers to the two types of floats used in the
procession: the 23 yama and 10 hoko. One of the main reasons the GionMatsuri is so impressive
is the enormity of the hoko, which are up to 25 meters tall, weigh up to 12 tons, and are pulled
on wheels as big as people. Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated and represent
unique themes. The procession on July 17 features 23 yama and hoko, including most of the
particularly impressive hoko, while the procession on July 24 features the remaining ten yama
and hoko.
Another reason for the festival's impressiveness is its long and almost uninterrupted
history. It dates back to 869 as a religious ceremony to appease the gods during the outbreak of
an epidemic. Even today, the festival continues the practice of selecting a local boy to be a
divine messenger. The child cannot set foot on the ground from the 13th until after he has
been paraded through town on the 17th.

19. MainEvents :Ironically, the highlight events of GionMatsuri do not actually take place in
the Gion district, but rather on the opposite side of Kamo River. During the three days preceding
the procession, the respective yama and hoko are displayed within about a half kilometer of
the intersection of Karasuma and Shijo streets (see map below). While they are on display,
some of the floats can be entered by tourists.
The area becomes most exciting in the evenings, when from 18:00 until 23:00, the
streets are closed to traffic and the area swells with food stands, drink vendors, and other
festival hallmarks. These festive evenings leading up to the procession are known as Yoiyama
(July 16), Yoiyoiyama (July 15) and Yoiyoiyoiyama (July 14). Note that road closures in 2015
happen on the 15th and 16th only. Similar festivities also take place on the three evenings
leading up to the procession on July 24, albeit on a smaller scale and without road closures
and stands.
The processions of floats (Yamaboko Junko) take place between 9:00 and 11:30 on the
17th and 24th and follow a three kilometer long route along Shijo, Kawaramachi and Oike
streets (starting from Shijo-Karasuma on the 17th and from Karasuma-Oike on the 25th). Some
paid seating is provided in front of the city hall (3180 yen; advance booking required), but
because the procession takes place over quite a long route and duration, good viewpoints can
also be found elsewhere without too much trouble.
OtherEvents :GionMatsuri's other events are not quite as impressive, but also enjoyable.
From July 10 to 14 (and from July 17 to 21 for the second procession), visitors can watch the
assembling of the floats, which is done from scratch and without the use of nails each year. The
ByobuMatsuri, which coincides with the days of Yoiyama, involves local residents opening their
front doors and exhibiting family heirlooms to passersby.
The procession of mikoshi takes place from 18:00 on the 17th, starting at Yasaka Shrine
and ending at the Otabisho. The event involves carrying the shrine's deity out of the shrine
grounds and through the town in a mikoshi, a portable shrine, which is set on wooden beams
and carried on the shoulders of local men. On the 24th, the mikoshi is returned to the shrine.
Data Source:http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3942.html

20. 14. Morioka SansaOdori Festival ( Morioka City )
Morioka SansaOdori Festival, held from
August 1 through 4, is one of the Five Great
Festivals of Tohoku. Over 10,000 taiko
drummers and dancers parade through the
city; Sansa is listed in the Guinness Book of
Records as the largest taiko drum festival in
the world. Legend has it that Sansa dance
began when a wicked demon was punished
by the god of Mitsuishi Shrine. The god made the demon swear that he would never do bad
deeds again, and as a sign of his pledge, the demon placed his hand on a large rock and left a
hand print. The locals rejoiced, dancing around the rock. This story explains the origin of Sansa,
as well as the name “Iwate,” which means “rock hand.” The choreography for the main
SansaOdori parade on Chuodori Street is modern and simplified, but you can also see
traditional and more dynamic Sansa dances at other venues such as EkimaeHiroba in front of
the station and at various halls.
Sansa is a parade that is visually and aurally stimulating. Imagine a big parade of
marching bands in Japanese costumes playing Japanese instruments: that's Sansa. A team
consists of three major sections: the taiko drummers, the flutists, and the dancers. All
participants wear colorful costumes and dance while marching, even those playing instruments.
Each taiko drum is quite large, about 50 cm in diameter and weighing about 6 to 7 kg; you will
surely be impressed to see rows and rows of colorfully-clad dancers bouncing around all while
playing the taiko and calling out “SakkoraChoiwaYasse,” which is a call to bring in good luck.
The festive music and the booming beat of the taikois sure to excite your soul. Because the
choreography is complicated, it takes a lot of practice for participants to perfect their
movements. For this reason, to join the SansaOdori parade, you must be a member of a
participating team, formed by organizations such as schools, businesses, and civic groups. But if
you cannot help dancing to the beat, you can join the Waodori or “dancing in a circle” at the
end of the parade.
Data Source:http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=56

21. 15. Saidai-jiEyo Hadaka Matsuri
A mysterious and exciting night festival. Almost
fully-naked men compete for good luck charms.
One of the three most eccentric festivals of
Japan. Nine thousand men wearing only
loincloths struggle fiercely with one another
over a pair of lucky sacred sticks measuring 4 cm
in diameter and 20 cm in length, thrown into
the crowd by the priest from a window 4 m up.
Anyone who luckily gets hold of the shingi and thrusts them upright in a wooden measuring box
known as a masu which is heaped with rice is called the lucky man, and is blessed with a year
of happiness. The other lucky items are bundles of willow strips, and although 100 of these are
thrown into the crowd, it is not an easy task to catch them.
The origins of this festival date back 500 years when worshippers competed to receive
paper talismans called Go-o thrown by the priest. These paper talismans were tokens of the
completion of New Year ascetic training by the priests. As those people receiving these paper
talismans had good things happen to them, the number of people requesting them increased
year by year. However, as paper was easily torn, the talismans were changed to the wooden
ofuda that we know today.Shouting out 'Wasshoi!Wasshoi!' the almost fully naked men
approach the precincts. Although this festival takes place in the cold season, the fervor of the
men waiting impatiently is so strong that they seem to have difficulty breathing, which is why
water is splashed over them. Precisely at midnight, the lights are turned off all at once, the
sacred sticks are thrown into the crowd, and the vehement rush to grab the sticks starts. Even if
someone is lucky enough to get hold of the sacred sticks, they are quickly snatched away by
others, almost like a rugby game. Spectators usually crowd around the participants within the
precincts of the shrine to experience all the thrills and excitement of the action. But if you wish
to look on safely, there are seats available, though you have topay for them.On the day of the
festival, prior to the main event, there is a Hadaka Matsuri from 18:00 when primary school boys
compete for rice cakes and cylindrical treasures.
Data Source:http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/saidaijieyohadaka.html

22. 16. SagichoMatsuri
Big floats are ignited with fire one after the
other and men wearing make-up dance
wildly.
On Sunday evening in mid-March, people
dance excitedly amid showers of fire
sparks around the blazing Sagicho floats.
This explains why this festival is also
called the Omihachiman no Hi-matsuri
(Omihachiman Shrine fire festival).
A Sagicho is a float with a 2 m tall pine torch woven from new straw, on top of which is
propped a 3 m long bamboo pole decorated with several thousand strips of red paper. A figure
of the animal of the year according to the Oriental Zodiac, made with marine products and
grain, is mounted in the center of this float. Each town spares no expense in coming up with all
kinds of ideas for the floats.
The Sagicho Festival was apparently held for the first time in the 16th Century by
newcomers to this district who had been so astounded by a local festival featuring huge pine
torches taking place in April in this shrine that they decided to organize an even more
impressive festival. This explains why it is held at this time of the year (mid-March) instead of
the New Year, for the SagichoMatsuri originally signified a New Year fire festival.
Around noon, some 10 Sagicho floats gather at HimureHachimangu Shrine and a poll is
taken to determine the best. Then the floats parade through the town to the accompaniment
of shouts of 'Cho yare, yare yare! .' The people carrying mikoshi (portable shrines) are called
odoriko and even the men are beautifully made up. Historically, the warlord of the Warring
States Period, Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582) wore make-up and danced when he organized the
Sagicho festival in a grandiose manner in the New Year.
The next day, the Sagicho floats parade until late afternoon when they assemble once
again at the shrine for the highlight of this festival.
Data Source:http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/sagicho.html

23. 17. Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
A fantastic world appearing on a snow country evening.Chatting with children in rooms
made of snow.
A room made by carving out a mound of snow is called a kamakura. In Yokote City,
more than 100 kamakura and countless miniature kamakura are made. The candle lights of
these snow white kamakura produce a quiet, beautiful spectacle against the darkness. This 400
year old festival is said to have its origins in the traditional event of returning New Year
decorations to the gods by burning them, and also in the custom of children chasing away birds
damaging crops. Inside the kamakura, an altar is set up to honor the water gods and to pray for
plenty of clear water, while sake and rice cakes are offered to the gods. Passers-by are invited
by the children, in Akita dialect, to come inside the kamakura and drink some sweet fermented
rice brew. Everyone has a good time chatting while eating rice cakes and sweets, which is the
conventional way of spending time in kamakura. On the other hand, numerous rows of tiny
kamakura stand in the grounds of the Yokote Minami Primary School in the city, with the lights
shining from within creating a very romantic scene.
Prior to the above festival, the Kamakura Matsuri is held in Akita Furusatomura, where
you can experience stepping inside a kamakura. From the end of January to the end of
February, famous festivals of Akita Prefecture are represented here, where you can learn about
winter in Akita.
At the YokoteFureai-Center Kamakura House, kamakura displays can be seen all year round.
Data Source:http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/kamakurasnow.html

24. 18. The Fireball Festival
The Fireball Festival is an
old tradition celebrated each year,
on August 31st, in the town of
Nejapa, El Salvador.
“Las Bolas de Fuego”, as
the locals refer to this bizarre
event, is actually a reenactment of
the fight between San Jeronimo
and the devil. In 1922, the people
of Nejapa and the surrounding area
were forced to evacuate, by the eruption of a nearby volcano. As they were leaving, locals saw
great balls of fire spewing out of the volcano, and believed their patron saint was actually
fighting the devil with them.
Ever since they witnessed the fight between good and evil, the people of Nejapa have
celebrated it each year, by organizing their very own fireball fight. If you didn’t know this was an
organized celebration, you’d be tempted to think you’ve been dropped in the middle of a war-
zone. Two teams of young men, with their faces covered by war paint, throw flaming fireballs at
each other, surrounded by hundreds of bystanders who watch their every move.
Equipped with gloves and clothes soaked in water, the brave combatants throw and at
the same time, evade the flaming fireballs made from rags and dipped in fuel. Some of their
clothes do catch on fire, and some of the participants are often hit right in the face, at point
blank, but despite all the health hazards, few injuries have been reported during the Fireball
Festival.
It’s definitely a shocking display, but un a country like El Salvador, where gangs and
violence are everywhere, getting hit by a flaming fireball, during “Las Bolas de Fuego” is the
least dangerous thing that can happen.
Data Source:http://www.odditycentral.com/tag/las-bolas-de-fuego-festival

25. 19. Dog Meat Festival
Yulin, Southern Guangxi
province, is a small city famous in
China for its Dog Festival, known as
"Lychee dog meat festival".
According to locals, the section
dedicated to dogs was inaugurated
during the 90s. Locals gather here just
to eat dog meat. Eating dog meat is a
tradition since ancient times. But now
(finally) time are changed, and this festival now attracts every year much more attentions from
Chinese animal protection associations and media. According to Apple Daily during the last
edition of the festival were killed more than 100,000 dogs.
The movement against the consumption of cat and dog meat was given added impetus
by the formation of the Chinese Companion Animal Protection Network (CCAPN), a networking
project of the Chinese Animal Protection Network.
In China, draft legislation was proposed at the start of 2010, which aims to prohibit the
consumption of dog meat. The legislation, however, is not expected to be effective, despite
officially outlawing the eating of dog meat if it is passed.On 26 January 2010, the first draft
proposal of the legislation was introduced, with the main reason for the law reportedly to
protect the country's animals from maltreatment, and includes a measure to jail people who
eat dog for up to 15 days.
Since the ban of the local government, illegal trafficking of dog meat started to spread.
Dog meat costs 15 yuan/jin (half of kilo). Few days before the festival prices start to raise.
Recently, in Yulin any references to dog meat have been removed. However there are many
street vendors and market dedicated to dog meat.
Data Source:http://occupatech.blogspot.com/2014/07/dog-meat-festival.html

26. 20. Baby jumping (El Colacho)
Baby jumping (El Colacho) is a
traditional Spanish holiday dating back to
1620 that takes place annually to
celebrate the Catholic feast of Corpus
Christi in Burgos. During the act, known as
El Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump) or
simply El Colacho, men dressed as the
Devil (known as the Colacho) in red and
yellow jump suits jump over babies born
during the previous twelve months of the year who lie on mattresses in the street. The "devils"
hold whips and oversized castanets as they jump bravely over the unaware infants.
The Brotherhood of Santísimo Sacramento de Minerva organizes the week-long festivities
which culminate on Sunday when the Colacho jumps over the babies on the mattresses placed
on the procession route traversing the town. The origins of the tradition are unknown but it is
said to cleanse the babies of original sin, ensure them safe passage through life and guard
against illness and evil spirits. In recent years, Pope Benedict has asked Spanish priests to
distance themselves from El Colacho, and to downplay the tradition’s connection with
Catholicism. The Church still teaches that it is baptism by water, not a giant leap by an airborne
devil, which cleanses the soul of original sin.
After the children are blessed, they’re sprinkled with flower petals and removed from
their vulnerable positions. The blessings are followed by a parade through the streets of
Castrillo. The parade concludes at the town church perched atop a hill and then with a party
with copious amounts of regional, rustic red wine flowing.
Data Source:https://www.fest300.com/festivals/el-colacho
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_jumping

27. 21. Near death experiences festival
Every year, on July 29, in the
Spanish town of Las Nieves, located in the
north-west of the country, in Galicia, is
celebrated a holiday called the Fiesta de
Santa Marta de Ribarteme or "March of
survivors".
A celebration is for those people
who have had a near death experience in
the previous year. The main attribute for
the participants is the coffin. The
participants of the procession lie in coffins, which are then carried on the shoulders of their
relatives and friends around the Church of Saint Marta de Ribarteme. People who don’t have
any family can also attend the ceremony, but they have to carry their own coffins.
Procession led by priests with a large statue of the Virgin Santa Marta, the patron of the
town, revered as "the holy of death." The lucky survivors thank and praise God for being alive.
Procession ends with the church service. It should be noted that the event is not so sorrowful.
During the procession street vendors tend to sell everything connected with church: from
plastic angels to candlesticks with image of the last supper. They are competing with food
sellers offering local delicacy – octopus cooked in huge copper kettles. Not all of merry men
are lucky to be born twice, but none of the former pilgrims will forget this special day.
There are many people around the world who escape death each year and a small
fraction of them make the pilgrimage to this small Spanish town. Don’t be surprised to see tears
of pain and joy and lots of storytelling about how people escaped “the dark mansion called
Death.” A little Spanish wine makes the stories even more vivid. But, all in all, it’s a joyous day
to celebrate life, not death.
Data Source:https://www.fest300.com/festivals/festival-of-near-death-experiences
http://en.theoutlook.com.ua/news/1188/near-death-experiences-festival-in-spain

28. 22. CALCIO STORICO FIORENTINO
The square in front of 15th century
Basilica of Santa Croce in the heart of Florence
is transformed into a sand-covered playing
field for CalcioStorico.Some have called it the
most unusual sporting event in the world.
Once a year in the middle of the elegance of
Renaissance-era Florence and in front of the
imposing marble facade of the Church of
Santa Croce and its statue of Dante, rival teams duke it out in a violent, body-to-body match
played on a sand-covered playing field as fans wildly cheer on their neighborhood squad.They
hurl themselves and block their opponents by punching, kicking, and wrestling them to the
ground, sometimes so violently that it leads to bloodshed. There's sand-throwing, elbowing, and
choking in the 50 minutes of combat, with no substitutions and no timeouts.
Although the pre-game festivities are elaborate, the game itself is rather simple: players
use hands, heads, and feet to get the ball over four-foot high wooden fences at either end of
the field. They hurl themselves and block their opponents by punching, kicking, and wrestling
them to the ground, sometimes so violently that it leads to bloodshed. There's sand-throwing,
elbowing, and choking in the 50 minutes of combat, with no substitutions and no timeouts.
Local police have had to step in to make the game less thuggish: a few years ago they
barred convicted criminals and players who were considered too violent. Referees in plumed
hats scramble to enforce the few rules inside the field, but their role is limited, and players pay
little heed in the mayhem. One rule seems to be adhered to, however: no kicks to the head.
At the final cannon shot, players are caked in blood, sweat, and sand, their shirts ripped
to shreds. The triumphant winning team takes home the prize: a much-coveted Chianina breed
cow from which the famous local steak specialty, bisteccaallafiorentina, is derived. That night, a
spectacular fireworks show over the Arno River is launched from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Data Source:https://www.fest300.com/festivals/calcio-storico-fiorentino

29. 23. FESTIVAL OF GIANTS
For almost 500 years, enormous
human effigies–the Gayant (giant)
family–have presided over this party in
northern France, one of the nation's
largest festivals.Here Be Giants on the
Sunday after July 5, Douali – and a
sizable chunk of tourists – turns out for
the three-day Festival of Giants. There's
a Mardi Gras atmosphere to the whole
shebang. Community organizations and similar groups get into costumes ranging from the
medieval-inspired to Lady Gaga haute weird. Music is played (including an innovative bell organ
connected to Douali's Belfry, which sits above the iconic city hall). Street food is fried. Much
beer is drank; while this is France, and wine is popular, the Nord department abuts Belgium and
has a taste for brew.
But the main event is the Gayant family, which consists of father Gayant, his wife Marie
Cagenon, and their three children – teenage Jacquot, maiden daughter Fillon and baby Binbin.
Monsieur Gayant is the biggest giant around, towering over the crowds at around 28 feet high
and weighing in at approximately 815 pounds. He comes dressed in armor, with sword in hand
and shield by his side, possibly because his image was inspired by the actions (but not
necessarily looks) of JehonGelon, a 9th-century lord who liberated Douali from the Normans.
The wicker frame of the statue was built by the local Basket Making Guild.
Marie Cagenon , built under the patronage of the "Guild of Fruiterers," is a comparatively
slight lass, but that's all relative when you're dealing with her husband; she's a big old giant too
at the end of the day, measuring 20 feet high and around 550 pounds. The rest of the 'family'
measures in at a relatively petit seven feet.
Data Source:https://www.fest300.com/festivals/festival-of-giants

30. 24. Toe Wrestling (England)
Toe Wrestling is another childhood game that has made it to the big time adult sporting
world. The rules for Toe Wrestling are pretty simple. With shoes off, the competitors face other
toe-to-toe across the 'toedium', where they interlock their big toes and try to force each other
off the toedium (a lot like arm wrestling).
To get an idea of what the sport involves, check out this toe wrestling video.The World
Toe Wrestling Championship is not a new competition, with its history going way back to 1976,
when the World Toe Wrestling Competition started at a pub in Wetton, Derbyshire UK. The
locals of 'Ye Olde Royal Oak Inn' thought it would be a great idea to hold a toe wrestling
competition, where the contestants lock their big toes together, and attempt to force their
opponent's foot to the ground.The championships are now held at the Bentley Brook Inn, near
Ashbourne on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, and is still going strong.The organizers have
big intentions for the sport, and applied in 1997 for its inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Unfortunately for unusual sports fans it was not accepted.Toe Wrestling's poor cousin thumb
wrestling, is still a popular children's game, but has not yet reached the height of a world
championship and classification as a sport.
Data Source:http://www.topendsports.com/sport/unusual/toe-wrestling.htm

31. 25. The Cheung Chau Bun Festival (Hongkong)
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong's major cultural events and takes
place during a three week period, culminating with the PiuSik Parade ("Floating Children Parade")
and finals of the Bun Scrambling Competition on the 8th day of the fourth moon in the lunar
calendar, which is also the Buddha's Birthday and a public holiday in Hong Kong. The festival,
also known as the Jiao Festival has, since June 2011, been one of four cultural events in Hong
Kong which have been placed on the People’s Republic of China Ministry of Culture national
list of intangible cultural heritage.
The festival is held in honour of Pak Tai, the Daoist deity and god of the north and is
intended to purify the community and pacify the spirits of islanders who died in the plague of
1894. The plague was finally wiped out after Pak Tai’s image had been paraded through the
streets of the island. The 2015 Bun Festival was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Cheung
Chau Bun Festival Committee and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department with the
support of the Cheung ChauWai Chiu County Association Limited, the Cheung Chau Rural
Committee, the Islands District Office and the Hong Kong Mountaineering Union, and sponsored
by LukfookJewellery, Watsons Water and the Islands District Council.
Data Source :http://www.hongkongextras.com/_cheung_chau_bun_festival_2012.html

32. 26. The San Diego Comic Fest (San Diego)
The San Diego Comic Fest is the
friendly comic convention with a casual
atmosphere and an intimate scale that
allows fans to mingle directly with
professionals and exhibitors. It’s the
place where you can indulge your love
of comics, science fiction, and films, and
meet an outstanding array of
professional creators without high-priced
tickets, crowding, or long lines. At the San Diego Comic Fest you’ll find an extensive and
eclectic program with things for every fan to enjoy. As you would expect of a comic con, there
will be panel discussions; guest programs; an artist alley; tabletop gaming; cosplay ; steampunk;
an exhibitor hall full of your favorite comics, books, toys, and collectibles; and much, much,
more. All of this takes place in a relaxed setting that enables fans and professionals to hang out
and enjoy good times talking about comics, science fiction, films, animation, and all the other
things that fans love. Comic Fest’s origin story: Back in 1969, when he was a teenage San Diego
comics dealer, Mike Towry was part of the small group of fans who founded what became
known as the San Diego Comic-Con.
After the celebration of the 40th Comic-Con in 2009, he and other Comic-Con veterans
agreed that San Diego needed a second convention, one reminiscent of the early Comic-Cons.
Thus, San Diego Comic Fest was born in 2012.As a convention produced by fans for fans, San
Diego Comic Fest is sure to please. This all-volunteer comic con is a gathering of the tribe where
each fan in attendance plays an important role in creating a memorable experience shared by
all. We hope that you will join us Presidents’ Day weekend, February 12-15, 2016 for a great,
fun time at our fourth San Diego Comic Fest!
Data Source:http://www.sdcomicfest.org/#sthash.so24WYTg.dpuf

33. 27. Burning Man (Black Rock Desert in Nevada , USA .)
Burning Man, the legendary
desert festival, began humbly in
San Francisco in 1986. It was simple
celebration; a fire party on the
city's Baker Beach, an event
created by Larry Harvey and Jerry
James.Nearly30 years later, the
festival has morphed into a major
event that takes place every year in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, drawing in tens of thousands of
free spirits. The festival gets its name from the culminating event every year, the spectacular
burning of an enormous effigy.The event moved away from San Francisco after the 1990
gathering grew too large, and unruly, to take place in the city. It's become known over the years
as a place where nothing is off limits, where people taking to the desert just for the experience.
Law enforcement has struggled to maintain order.
"We don't have the personnel to issue citations to 70,000 naked people on the playa,
but we will be upholding the law to the best of our ability," said Nevada's Pershing County
Sheriff Jerry Allen to the Associated Press. The2015 festival is scheduled to last from Aug. 30 to
Sept. 7. Eye-catching images emerge from the festival every year. Burning Man features art and
is "united in the pursuit of a more creative and connected existence in the world," according to
the festival's website. The overall goal is to make the world more like the art-minded culture at
Burning Man."The mission of the Burning Man organization is to facilitate and extend the culture
that has issued from the Burning Man event into the larger world," reads the festival organizers'
mission statement. Over the years the culture of Burning Man has become one that encourages
and features art, allows for creative expression and pushes people to participate in creative
endeavors. Last year, one of the most popular installations featured an enormous wooden
couple embracing. Check out below for images of past festivals, including art, people and the
vast playa.
Data Source:http://www.ibtimes.com/burning-man-2015-pictures-facts-history-photos-nevada-
desert-arts-festival-through-2067964

34. 28. The Winter Festival (in kuwana city japan)
The Winter Festival is an event that first ran from December 19th, 2013 to January 9th,
2014. The Zenith of the Winter Festival is a period of extra rewards during the event, it occurs
during the last week of the event. A second occurrence ran from December 18th, 2014 to
January 8th, 2015. A third run is scheduled for December 17th, 2015 to December 31st, 2015,
with a Festival Zenith scheduled for December 31st, 2015 to January 7th, 2016. The Winter
Festival features various contests and activities, and the SimrilLight crafting limited-time
profession.
Located in Kuwana City (Mie Prefecture) is Nabana No Sato, a flower-focused park
featuring sprawling gardens and giant greenhouses. Running annually from mid-November to
mid-March is one of Japan’s finest Winter Illuminations, including the famous tunnel of light.
The park also features an onsen (hot spring) and a variety of restaurants including the
Nagashima Beer Garden. Open from 9am – 9pm, the park is a very popular tourist attraction so
be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. With over 7 million LED lights, the Nabana No
Sato botanical garden celebrates winter in elegant style.
Data Source :http://www.theworldfestival.net/winter-light-festival.html
http://neverwinter.gamepedia.com/Winter_Festival

35. 29. FIESA (Portugal)
FIESA is the largest sand
sculpture exhibition ever built, held
annually since 2003 in Pera, Algarve,
attracting thousands of visitors every
year. The sand is hand-carved by a
group of sculptors, of various
nationalities, exploring different
sculpting techniques, producing
original pieces that stand out by their
magnitude, technique and
aesthetics.FIESA is regarded as the largest event of its kind in the world as it uses 40,000 tonnes
of sand, covering 15,000m², with some sculptures reaching 12 metres in height, reproducing in
amazing detail representations of people, objects and different scenarios. In this 13th edition
visitors can see around hundred different sand scenes, inventively depicting, musicians,
instruments and musical cultures from around the world.
Each sculpted piece is accompanied by text to explain the sculpted elements and the
exhibition is organized in thematic areas all interlinked, with areas dedicated exclusively to pop
and rock, dance, circus, religion or children’s music. The festival features as well a series of
activities related to sand sculpture, such as workshops and demonstrations on the art of
sculpting, video projections, games and contests. The festival also includes a sand pit in which
younger visitors can try their hand at this new form of artistic expression, restoration and leisure
zones and periodically features live music, dance shows and circus arts.At night the exhibition
pieces are lit-up to create unexpected angles and playful dimensions.FIESA is organized by the
ProSandArtCompany who not only created the FIESA event but also produced different projects
in Portugal, Turkey and Argentina.FIESA is open daily from 10am till 6pm.
Data Source :http://www.fiesa.org/evento

36. 30. Galungan(bali)
Galungan is about the victory of dharma over a dharma. The series of Hindu religious
ceremonies that are performed during the 10-day Galungan-Kuningan period are generally
considered to be the most important ones of Hindu Bali. During this period the followers of the
Balinese Hindu Dharma religion focus on the importance of living a life based on dharma.
Preparations already start at TumpekUduh – 25 days before Galungan Day, at the Saturday of
the 7th week of the Balinese Pawukon calendar, Wariga.
The total length of the ceremony period therefore extends to 35 days (= 5 weeks, one
Balinese month). Offerings to the AncestorsGalungan occurs once in the 210-day cycle of the
Balinese calendar, and marks the time of the year when the spirits of the ancestors are believed
to visit the earth. Balinese Hindus perform rituals that are meant to welcome and entertain
these returning spirits. The house compounds that make up the nucleus of Balinese society
come alive with devotions offered by the families living within. Families offer bountiful sacrifices
of food and flowers to the ancestral spirits, expressing gratitude and hopes for protection.
Data Source :http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestival1/a/galungan.htm
http://www.wonderfulbali.com/galungan