Festivals are one of the most popular ways to experience different cultures around the world. Every destination has it's own unique festival, with visitors traveling from near and far for film festivals, music festivals, food, and more. Each of these festivals has its own history, from brand new music festivals to traditions that have been going on generations.
There's more than one reason to celebrate so let's go on a journey and experience a different side of international cultures through their festivals. See how the world celebrates the arts, seasons, music, food, anniversaries, fashion or what makes their region unique. Each episode explores 4 international festivals and ends with a segment about etiquette and how to get the best out of any festival.
The Art Biennale has been around for a long time now. This event was originally in honor of the King of Italy and his wife Queen Margherita's silver wedding anniversary. It was supposedly an exhibit for Italian Art, but later on, the city council of Venice thought of reserving an exhibition space for foreign artists as well. The first Art Biennale was opened in 1895 by the King and Queen of Italy.
Calle Ocho means "8th street" and true enough, it's celebrated along Southwest 8th Street in Little Havana where about 24 blocks are closed for the street party! Since Calle Ocho coincides with the city's carnival, carnival-level mayhem is expected. In 1977, some Cuban-Americans considered having a bicycle race on Southwest 8th street but the idea was rejected because that'll be too competitive in nature instead of fun and cultural.
Boi Bumba roughly translates to "Beat the Bull" and it all started from a folklore called Bumba Meu Boi which is about a bull that was killed and was brought back to life and the festival is all about retelling the story of the Bull in elaborate and spectacular fashion.
Aboriginal Australians believe that whenever a rainbow appears in the sky, the Rainbow Serpent is moving from one waterhole to another.
|