OT Staff
Theyyam, India
Theyyam is a unique dance ritual originating in northern Kerala. This art form, with as many as 400 different variations, is a way to honour ancestral spirits and has a history dating back to the Dravidian age.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival, Egypt
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival has been celebrated for over 3,200 years, dating back to ancient Egypt. It takes place at the temple of Ramses II in southern Egypt.
Up Helly Aa, Scotland
The Up Helly Aa festival is held in Lerwick, the main town of Scotland's Shetland Islands. The festival lasts one day and includes marches, visitations, a torch-lit procession, and galley burning.
ÁgitAgueda Art Festival, Portugal
The ÁgitAgueda Art Festival in Águeda is a lively celebration of talent, creativity, and culture. It initially stemmed from the FIFA World Cup celebration in Germany but has since evolved into its unique event.
Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa
The Hermanus Whale Festival in South Africa celebrates the return of Southern Right whales to the coast. The festival honours the story of Wendy the Whale, who got stranded on Hermanus shores in the 1930s.
Mai Dulce Festival, Moldova
The Mai Dulce Festival features a wide range of homemade Moldovan treats like croissants, rose petal jam and pastries. People of all ages flock to the festival to indulge in these delicious treats.
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is a yearly tomato-throwing festival in Spain dating back to the mid-20th century. People throw ripe tomatoes at each other in a massive fight.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Thailand
The festival is marked with thousands of lanterns released into the night sky in Chiang Mai during the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, typically in November. This festival celebrates the end of the monsoon season.