The most exciting summer festivals on the planet.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, Vietnam

The 2019 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, themed "Rivers Telling Stories," featured eight competing teams from Russia, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam. Taking place over a month in the Han River port area of ​​Da Nang, the festival included five nights of competition with different themes. Each participating team performed for approximately 20-22 minutes, promising to convey unique cultural and historical messages from each nation to the audience.

Besides being captivated by spectacular fireworks displays, visitors to Da Nang during this period also have the opportunity to participate in accompanying festivals such as the Street Carnival, the B' Estival Beer Festival, the Flashmob competition, and world-class art performances by leading names in the Vietnamese entertainment industry…

Additional information:

- Time: June 1st – July 6th, 2019

- Several travel companies offer Da Nang tours: VietSense Travel, Saigontourist, Vietrantour, VINsmart Travel

Dragon Boat Carnival, Hong Kong

Considered one of the world's biggest "parties," the vibrant Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival is a 300-year-old traditional Chinese festival. Each year, the boats, beer, and lively races attract thousands of spectators and festival-loving enthusiasts to the beautiful Victoria Harbour. The boats participating in the race are 50-100 meters long, painted in bright colors, and decorated with magnificent flags at the bow and stern. Each boat has dozens of strong oarsmen simultaneously paddling amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators, creating a truly spirited performance.

Throughout the event, thousands of spectators came not only to watch the race but also to enjoy beer, explore traditional Hong Kong street food, visit craft markets, and join in the cheering, celebrating, and rejoicing with strangers.

Additional information:

- Dates: June 14-16, 2019

- Several travel companies offer Hong Kong tours: Saigontourist, Lu Hanh Viet, Ben Thanh Tourist, Transviet Travel

"The Bizarre Festival" in Scotland

"The Fancy Festival" is the affectionate name given by visitors to Edinburgh Fringe, the world's largest arts festival held in Scotland. More than just a gathering place for outstanding artistic talent, Edinburgh Fringe is also a place where those with bold and quirky ideas can express their creativity and eccentricity. Featuring a diverse range of performances including comedy, dance, music, exhibitions, and experimental art forms, this unique festival's reputation is growing, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world. Edinburgh Fringe takes place in a vibrant atmosphere filled with joyful sounds and colors, not only in theaters but also throughout the streets, churches, hotels, bars, and even private yards. Visitors can download the Edinburgh Fringe app to pre-purchase tickets for their favorite shows at the festival.

Additional information:

- Time: August 2-26, 2019

- Several travel companies offer Scotland tours: TF Travel, Hoan My Travel, Saigontourist, Vietravel, Vietrantour

Inti Raymi Festival, Peru

Dating back to the 16th century and the largest traditional event in Peru, the Inti Raymi festival honors the sun god and ancient Inca culture. Held annually in Cusco – the ancient capital of the Incas – at the end of June, during the hottest part of the year, Inti Raymi is an occasion for people to pray to the god of light for a bountiful harvest, prosperity, and good health.

Lasting a week, this festival focuses on exhibitions and displays showcasing historical information and artifacts. Local dances, songs, and free live music performances take place at night in Plaza de Armas. Reenactments of rituals such as sacrificing the heart of a white llamas, burning straw and dancing around the bonfire, prayers, processions of the throne, and other ceremonial practices will be held at the ancient Sacsayhuamán fortress.

Additional information:

- Date: June 24, 2019

- Several travel companies offer Peru tours: Hoan My Travel, Vietravel

Austrian Bodypainting Festival

Considered the "most vibrant festival in the world," Austria's 2019 World Bodypainting Festival will take place in Klagenfurt, a city in southern Austria. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors, this festival is not just pure entertainment but also a high-level art event – ​​a gathering of leading artists from around the world offering unforgettable experiences.

At the festival, visitors can immerse themselves in colorful body art performances in various forms. These include intricate painted designs or costumes depicting characters from legends. Most of the works are abstract in meaning, with many combining painting and beautiful forms, leaving viewers amazed. The centerpiece of this year's festival is the World Bodypainting Championship, featuring artists from over 50 countries worldwide, promising spectacular performances. The city of Klagenfurt – the festival's location – is also a captivating destination for visitors.

Additional information:

- Time: July 11-13, 2019

- Several travel companies offer tours to Austria: Fiditour, Vietnam Tourist, Hanoitourist

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Japan

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, held in Aomori Prefecture, is one of the largest festivals in Japan, attracting over 3.5 million attendees each year. The word "Nebuta" means "sleepy," and locals hold this event as a way to ward off drowsiness during the hot summer days.

During the festival, giant floats made of wood and paper, brightly decorated and illuminated from within, are paraded through the city to the lively sounds of taiko drums, flutes, and cymbals. Attendees are expected to participate in the dances with the performers, dressed in traditional hanato costumes.

Additional information:

- Time: August 2-7, 2019

- Several travel companies offer tours to Japan: Lu Hanh Viet, Vietrantour, Transviet Travel, Saigontourist

Naadam Festival, Mongolia

Naadam is a traditional festival celebrating the nomadic culture of Mongolia. Here, men and women compete in three main disciplines: wrestling, archery, and horseback riding, showcasing their strength and survival skills – deeply rooted in Mongolian culture and history.

During the festival days, visitors will flock to the desert to admire the competitions, traditional dance and music performances, participate in fun traditional games, and enjoy typical Mongolian dishes such as goat yogurt and traditional tea.

Additional information:

- Time: July 11-15, 2019

- Several travel companies offer tours to Mongolia: VYC Travel, ANZ Travel, TMS Travel

Feria las Flores flower festival, Colombia

The Feria las Flores flower festival is held annually in Medellín, Colombia. Millions of flowers are displayed throughout the streets, depicting landmarks, portraits, and messages that clearly reflect the unique culture of the local people. Feria las Flores is also recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, symbolizing the end of slavery and the distinctive culture of Colombia.

Besides enjoying the Silleteros parade – where farmers carry trays of flowers weighing up to 70 kg on their backs, made from 25-70 different flower varieties – visitors can also enjoy vibrant performances by dancers in eye-catching costumes and participate in over 100 exciting events such as concerts, dog parades, horse fairs, music festivals, classic and modern car shows, etc., making the trip even more lively and memorable.

Additional information:

- Time: August 2-11, 2019

- Several travel companies offer tours to Colombia: Viet Global Travel, Viet Power Travel.

Quynh Anh