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Unique festivals rich in cultural essence from various countries in January can kickstart travelers' adventurous journey for the new year with excitement.
Discover the most captivating global festivals taking place in January.
1. Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival in Hwacheon, South Korea
From January 4th to 26th, the Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival takes place in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. This remote area, covered in ice throughout winter, features a river blanketed with thick ice. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to try ice fishing, catch fish by hand, engage in snow sledding, ice soccer, sculpting snow statues, and more.
In addition to various recreational activities and entertainment programs, the festival showcases intricately crafted snow sculptures that take 20 weeks to complete. Visitors can also savor delicacies such as salmon salad and grilled salmon, both delicious and nutritious.
2. Ice Lantern Festival in Harbin, China
Located in the border area adjacent to Russia and Mongolia, the city of Harbin experiences an average temperature of -18°C in January, making it an ideal setting for the international Ice Lantern Festival. The festival typically takes place in January and February each year, coinciding with Harbin's coldest months. Visitors can admire ice sculptures during the day or witness sparkling ice lanterns illuminated at night.
Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to experience the local folklore and participate in exciting winter activities.
3. Yamayaki Festival, Japan
The Yamayaki Festival occurs on the second Sunday of January in Nara, Japan. This fire festival is held to eradicate pests and dead vegetation, allowing the land to rejuvenate for spring. In the cold of winter, as flames are lit amidst prayers, it creates a unique experience for first-time visitors.
4. Ati-Atihan Festival, Philippines
This festival takes place in the third week of January in Kalibo, Philippines. The Ati-atihan festival on Panay Island lasts for three days with colorful parades of Ati-ati warriors, covered in black soot and adorned in vibrant attire. Amidst cheers, they dance and fill the streets. Everyone, including tourists, is invited to join the festivities.
5. Pongal Festival in Singapore
During your visit to Singapore, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Pongal festival held in January each year, lasting for 4 days with various activities to celebrate the harvest season. Pongal festival originally celebrates the harvest season in South India, where agriculture is the main livelihood. In Singapore, Hindu families begin this day by preparing Pongal (sweet rice dish cooked with a mixture of milk, rice, and sugar) in a new pot, offering it to the deities for blessings.
6. Timkat Festival, Ethiopia
Timkat is the most magnificent festival of the year for Ethiopians, held from January 18th to 20th annually, two weeks after the Christmas celebration. The festival reenacts the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. On the day of the festival, Ethiopians wear traditional all-white attire, while priests don colorful satin and velvet robes, carrying large embroidered velvet umbrellas.
7. Voodoo Festival, Benin
The Voodoo Festival is considered one of the oldest ancient festivals in the world with a history spanning over 10,000 years. Today, this deity worship still exists and is listed among the most unique and bizarre festivals globally. The Voodoo Festival takes place on January 10th every year in Ouidah, Benin. This exorcism festival begins with sorcerers sacrificing a goat to appease the spirits, followed by dancing, singing, and drinking gin.
As per Traveltimes.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourJanuary 2, 2015
