Bucketlist Worthy Events & Celebrations Around the World!
By Contikivacations | February 12, 2013
Happy Mardi Gras! While the U.S. is known for it's Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, Rio is wrapping up 'Fat Tuesday' with their largest Samba festival in the world, Carnival! Venice also has their own Carnival celebration prior to Ash Wednesday, most famously known for their distinctive Venetian masks made of leather, porcelain or glass.
We should also mention that this past week, we also marked the start of the Year of the Snake for the Lunar New Year!
Didn't catch the Fat Tuesday or Lunar New Year celebrations around the world? We've compiled a list of bucketlist-worthy that you shouldn't miss out on for the rest of 2013 - and what's great is Contiki goes to all of these too! Come join us!
St. Patrick's Day in Dublin
Discover your luck of the Irish as you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Dubliners in Ireland. Visit the Guinness Storehouse and check out the 360-degree city views at the Skybar. Then celebrate in the streets in Ireland's biggest annual party, filled with packed streets, singing, dancing and good times.
Want the luck of the Irish? Check out Contiki's 4-day St. Patrick's Day Festival tour!
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede, which just celebrated their 100th anniversary, is an annual event that celebrates the romance and authentic culture of the west. The 10-day festival takes over the city of Calgary, where men ride bulls in rodeo, wrestle steers, race chuckwagons, while the streets are packed with people ready for fun. Experience competitions, parades, dancing, live music & concerts.
Want to go? Contiki's Canada & The Rockies + Calgary Stampede takes you there!
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
What do you get when you combine the world's hottest bands with a mix of arts of great people? You get the legendary music festival Coachella! Whether you're amped for headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, ready to dance to Modest Mouse, or excited to rock out to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Coachella is a 3-day festival that shouldn't be off your bucket list.
Let Contiki rock your socks off with our 6-day Coachella festival tour!
Thailand Full Moon Parties
Visit the Thai Island of Ko Pha Ngan when the full moon rises for the infamous Full Moon Parties, an evening celebration along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin. The party begins at dusk and as the full moon rises over the white sand beaches, musicians keep the party going as fire-eaters and jugglers entertain the crowds. Enjoy fireworks and good vibes in Thailand!
Sing "Fly me to the Moon" (parties) with Contiki on our Thai Island Hopper East tours!
Running with the Bulls in Pamplona
Need an adrenaline rush? Forget the Tough Mudder; Running with the Bulls is a heart-pounding race through the streets of Pamplona during Spain's legendary San Fermin Festival. This is not a festival for the faint of heart and you'll get to experience the excitement and adventure that comes with this annual tradition.
Take the bull by the horns (not literally!) by joining Contiki's Pamplona Running with the Bulls tour!
Oktoberfest
Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest actually begins in September. It's the largest beer festival in the world and it's all happening in Munich, where "Prost!" is the word of the day and dirndls and lederhosen are the preferred fashion of choice. Try the wurst, delicious half-chickens and pretzels, or take a break from the beer hall and head to the market stalls or the amusement park. There's plenty of fun to be had!
Want to raise a pint with Contiki? You can with Contiki's Oktoberfest tours!
Edinburgh Festival & Military Tattoo
One of Scotland's proudest festivals, witness Edinburgh's Festival and Military Tattoo, where bands from around the world compete and vie for the coveted first place banner during August. Pageantry, pomp, and circumstance mixed with Scottish whiskey and haggis - an event that shouldn't be missed!
Get your kilt on with Contiki's Edinburgh Festival & Military Tattoo tour!
Royal Ascot Day
Want to glam it up with the rich and famous at the Royal Ascot Races. This is one of the most prestigious and glamorous sporting events Enter the Silver Ring and watch as the Royal family makes their appearance by horse and coach. This is a once-a-year event that mustn't be missed if you're in London!
Get your fascinators & fancy hats ready for Contiki's 1-day Royal Ascot Races Tour!
New Year's Eve Abroad
Celebrate the last days of 2013 with a bang by taking the party abroad - you'll most likely celebrate in the future and make all of your friends jealous! Whether you're toasting your champagne glass under the lights of the Eiffel Tower, watching the amazing fireworks light up the Scottish sky in Edinburgh, or navigate the streets of Amsterdam, ringing in 2014 will be the
Take yourself back to the future with Contiki's New Year's Eve trips to Sydney, Paris, Edinburgh (Hogmanay) and Amsterdam!
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