With the summer heat squeezing the energy juices out of all of us, unique and brash festivals act as the perfect antidote. From lumping squiggly tomatoes at each other to going all out on great music and even participating in a boating race, here is a list of some fun summer festivals from across the world.
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Japan
Held in the Aomori prefecture of Japan, this summer festival is one of the largest festivals in the country, attracting over 3.5 million people each year. The term "Nebuta" translates to "being sleepy" in English, and the locals started the festival to drive away the sluggish feeling that hot summer days bring. The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri festival is held between the 2nd and 7th of August, where giant wood and paper floats are magnificently decorated and lit from the inside. Flutes, cymbals and taiko drums accompany the illuminated floats as they are paraded through the city.
White Nights of Summer, Russia
The big white land of Russia rejoices from May through July when the sun is near perpetually over the horizon. The locals and tourists gather together to celebrate the "White Nights", also known as "Beliye Nochi", to the Russians. With endless concerts, ballets, operas and many unique festivals throughout these summer months, the streets are constantly jostling with a merry crowd, and the bars and restaurants stay open into the wee hours of the morning.
International Bathtub Regatta, Belgium
The International Bathtub Regatta is one of Belgium's bizarre and most popular festivities. On the enchanting Meuse River in Dinant, tourists and locals are invited to participate in the one-kilometre boat race, where all the participating boats must be made from a bathtub. No motor is allowed, leading to some innovative devices from the participants. In addition to the bathtub race, the event has an antique car show and tasting flamiche, a local quiche-type dish made using leeks and cream.
Glastonbury Festival, England
Widely regarded as the biggest music festival in the world, the Glastonbury Festival has been running for over 40 years. Nearly 1,50,000 people attend the largest music festival in the world every year. This year the festival is being held between the 21st and 26th of June. With dance, comedy, and theatre, all coupled with gumboots, the latest and greatest in pop and rock music and lots of mud, this is the best in music you will get.
La Tomatina, Spain
Spain's messiest festival takes place in Buñol's main square and Calle del Cid. Nobody knows the origins of this slush fest, but the crowd's chaotic energy is contagious after the hour is up, the entire square is left in a smattering of red. Around 11 am, a canon is fired, and truckloads of ripe, squishy tomatoes are tipped onto the waiting crowd. The Tomatina festival is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August each year.