Introduction
If you’re not from Asia, or even if you are, you might be unfamiliar with some of the wildest festivals in the world. You might think that Burning Man is a wild party. Well, not by comparison. The following list will take you on a journey across Asia and show you exactly how much fun these people have when they get together to celebrate something or other. And yes, there is alcohol involved in most of them!
Mayon Volcano Harvest Festival
The Mayon Volcano Harvest Festival is held annually in May and celebrates the bountiful harvest of Albay province, Philippines. The celebration includes street dancing, parades and religious processions that are held throughout the town of Daraga.
Bali’s Kecak Fire Dance and Night Parade
If you’re looking to get your party on, Bali’s Kecak Fire Dance and Night Parade is the place to do it. The performance features hundreds of macaques dressed in colorful costumes and dancing to traditional music.
The dance is performed during the Hindu celebration of Niskala Karana, which translates to “the time when there are no shadows”–a reference to how much sunlight shines during this festival. The procession begins at dusk as people gather around an open area with a large bonfire that symbolizes Kuah Naga (Dragon’s Mouth), an important part of Balinese mythology. Afterward, participants move through town following a priest who carries an effigy representing Dewi Sri (goddess of rice). During this procession, the crowd will chant “kecak!” repeatedly until they reach their destination: wherever there’s room for more dancing!
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in protest against government corruption during the Warring States period (475-221 BC).
The tradition is tied to local folklore and has led to many practices such as racing dragon boats (long wooden boats with dragon heads), eating zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves) and drinking realgar wine.
Water Puppet Festival, My Tho
The Water Puppet Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Vietnam. It is held during the third month of the lunar calendar, and it takes place in My Tho, a town in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.
The festival features traditional performances with puppets made from bamboo sticks and plastic sheets that are controlled by strings attached to them. The puppets are used to tell stories about history or folk tales. The shows are accompanied by traditional music played on traditional instruments such as drums and flutes.[1]
Hungry Ghost Festival, Thailand
The Hungry Ghost Festival, held during the seventh lunar month (usually August or September), is a time for people to remember and give offerings to the spirits of their dead loved ones. It’s also believed that during this month, hungry ghosts roam the earth in search of food and water.
The festival consists of three days: The first day is known as “Padjong”, which means ‘to offer food’. On this day you can make merit by giving food to monks or donating money for them to eat at night; this is done so that your ancestors’ souls will receive nourishment from these acts of charity on behalf of you and your family members. On day two–“Sahp Songkran”–you’ll find yourself going door-to-door visiting friends and neighbors with baskets filled with treats like fruit salad, cakes or sweet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves (a traditional Thai dessert). And finally on day three–“Wan Maha Prathipchai”–you take part in parades led by monks carrying lit torches through town while chanting mantras asking forgiveness from those who may have wronged them during their lifetime!
Harbin Ice and Snow World, China
Harbin Ice and Snow World is a must-see attraction in Harbin, China. It’s the largest ice and snow festival in the world and it’s held every year in January. This event features an ice sculpture museum, ice slides and sculptures that are built by humans rather than Mother Nature herself (or Father Time).
Lantern Festival, Yangshuo, China
With its stunning landscapes, beautiful temples and breathtaking waterfalls, Yangshuo is a popular tourist destination in China. The Lantern Festival is held during the second full moon of the Lunar New Year and celebrates the coming of spring. It’s also a traditional Chinese festival that dates back over 2,000 years!
Mid-Autumn Chinese Moon Celebration, Singapore
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a major holiday in China and other East Asian countries, celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the legend of Chang’e (the moon goddess), who flew to heaven with a magic pill given to her by her husband Houyi (the archer). In some regions it also celebrates harvest season and honors past ancestors.
The date varies by region but usually falls between September and October each year. In Singapore, for example, this year’s celebration was held on September 24th; there you’ll be able to enjoy all sorts of activities like lantern parades and fireworks shows throughout your stay!
Sea Nomad Games, Sabah and Sarawak Islands, Malaysia
The Sea Nomad Games, held in June and organized by the Sabah Tourism Board, is one of Asia’s largest sporting events. The event celebrates traditional cultural activities and sports that have been passed down through generations by nomadic tribes living along Malaysia’s eastern coast.
The games take place at Sepilok beach on Borneo Island–a site known for its wildlife sanctuary where you can spot monkeys swinging from trees or macaques bathing in rivers (and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds).
Participants from across Malaysia compete in traditional sports such as tug-of-war, spear throwing and canoeing; however don’t expect to see any professional athletes here–these are real people having fun!
Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Thailand
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most popular festivals in all of Asia, and for good reason. It takes place every year on the first day of the ninth lunar month (usually early October or late September). The festival celebrates Taoist traditions including vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol, gambling and smoking.
The exact origins of this centuries-old tradition are unclear but it’s thought to have been started by Chinese immigrants who traveled to Thailand during their migration from China to Vietnam back in the 17th century. Nowadays there are two main holy days during which visitors can expect to see some spectacular sights: Wan Pii Mai (the day before) when people gather at temples around town; and Wan Asan (the actual date) when they set up stalls along roadsides selling food items such as steamed buns stuffed with vegetables or pork meatballs as well as desserts like sweet taro puffs called “luuk baan”–all made without any animal products!
The 10 Largest Festivals In Asia That Make Your Hangovers Seem Like Child’s Play
With festivals in Asia, you can find one to suit your mood and interests. Whether it’s a celebration of a major religious holiday or just an excuse for people to gather and party, these 10 largest festivals in Asia will bring out your inner party animal.
The 10 Largest Festivals In Asia That Make Your Hangovers Seem Like Child’s Play
- Mayon Volcano Harvest Festival – Philippines
- Bali’s Kecak Fire Dance and Night Parade – Indonesia
- Dragon Boat Festival – China/Hong Kong/Singapore/Taiwan (and more!) 4) Water Puppet Festival, My Tho – Vietnam
Conclusion
We hope that after reading this article, you are now inspired to travel and experience these amazing festivals. If not all of them, then at least one! There is so much beauty and culture to be found in Asia, and we think it’s a shame if you miss out on any of it. So go ahead, book your tickets today–your hangover will thank us later!
