Celebrated in Thailand’s northeast providence of Yasothon, this high-flying and explosive festival falls annually in May at the beginning of the rainy season. For three days thousands of participants gather to witness legions of rockets being catapulted into the sky aimed at the mythical God of Rain, Vassakan, who they believe will reciprocate with seasonal rain and a bountiful harvest. With plenty of colorful dancing and festivities surrounding, this merit-making ceremony is one spectacular sight to see.

http://www.thailand.com/travel/festival/festivals_bunfai.htm

Every year on the eighth day of the fourth moon, Cheung Chau, China celebrates its exciting Bun Festival. For three days leading up to the festival the entire island of Cheung Chau adheres to a strict vegetarian diet resulting in even the local McDonald’s replacing their beef burgers with mushroom patties. Then everyone’s focus turns to the impressive Bun Towers stacked 60-feet-high with traditional sticky buns where legions of people scramble up the towers to claim their ‘lucky’ buns while the crowd excitedly cheers on.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/festivehk2010/eng/traditional/cheung_cha...

Dating way back to the 12th Century, Corsa dei Ceri or Race of the Candles is one of Italy’s most lively traditional festivals. Nearly unchanged since its origin; the local townspeople split into three groups that each carry a giant wooden Ceri (candle) weighing nearly half a ton and towering over 20 ft above them. Surrounded by the thousands of revelers who flock to the festival, they then race the Ceri across town to Basilica of St Ubaldo where the winner is determined by the skill of the candle bearer.

http://www.argoweb.it/gubbio/ceri.uk.html

Celebrated for an entire month, the Bali Arts Festival is one of the rare foreign festivals which narrows its focus to cultural tourism, or “pariwisata budaya” which means it’s more for the varying tribes people than for the legions of tourists it attracts. Along with several handicraft exhibitions, participants methodically practice to perform authentic dance presentations of forgotten or recently revived village dances, classical palace dances and the opportunity to showcase new and exciting contemporary choreography and dance companies from other Indonesian islands as well as abroad.

http://www.baliartsfestival.com/

Known as Dragon Boat Racing, this lively festival originated over 2,000 years ago when local statesman, Qu Yuan lived but decided to drown himself in the grand Mi Lo River in a bid to highlight the issue of corrupt rulers. To this day, the popular Dragon Boat Races attract huge crowds that cheer on the teams of 20 paddlers in colorful ornate boats that measure about 30ft. It remains to be one of the most exciting sports you'll ever see in Hong Kong.

http://www.squidoo.com/dragonboatfestivalunitstudy

Gaining popularity every year, witnessing the awe-inspiring Summer Solstice at Stonehenge attracts a wide-array of people from around the world. The longest day of the year, Summer Solstice, is the one-and-only time that the public can access the megalithic stones, letting people closer to the mystical ancient phenomenon for just twelve hours. Parking and restrooms are available for this special event and it is advised to go earlier than later.

Find out more about this cool event and check out some great travel deals to observe its splendor in person by clicking here.

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/stonehenge/2010/

In the peak of the monsoon season, the art community of Murcia gathers for a spirited celebration honoring the harmony of man and nature suitably called the Mudpack Festival. Aimed at raising environmental awareness, artists and performers gather to share ethnic dances, crafts and music with each other while covered in the unmistakable multi-colored Mambukal clay. An exciting dancing parade makes its way thru the messy streets with a resounding message of bringing all people together as one.

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/events_festivals/mudpack_festival.htm

The sleepy little village of Wolverine, Michigan is nestled on the banks of the stunning Sturgeon River and has long been known as a lumberjack town. Already a quarter of a century in celebrating, The Wolverine Lumberjack Festival is a prominent community event for all ages. A contest is held annually in the schools to decide upon the design/drawing for the official button design of the event which gains participants access to all four days of the celebration. Fun and exciting activities like; a Canoe Race, the Horseshoe Tournament, a Chili Cook-off, a Raft Race and, of course, lumber cutting contests for both men and women are the highlights of this participant-driven festival

http://www.wolverinelumberjackfest.com/

Most known as the place where a supposed UFO landed back in 1947, the city of Roswell in New Mexico has become a hotbed for anything alien so much so that it has a festival for it. The four-day costume-friendly event invites UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike to join in on the galactic gathering that features guest speakers, authors, live entertainment, a costume contest, a hair-raising parade, family-friendly activities and more.

http://www.roswellufofestival.com/

Twice a year in Siena, Italy, the locals and tourists gather for a spectacular 10 horse race around the Piazza del Campo which represents 10 of the 17 Contrade, or city wards. While the jockeys ride bareback, they must complete three laps in no more than 90 seconds. Preceding the race is the spirited Corteo Storico, a traditional procession of flag wavers dressed in medieval costumes that honors the Middle Ages when Siena was a free city.

http://www.ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm

Witnessed around the world is the most popular event of the Fiesta of San Fermin, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona which spans for an entire week in July. Each day a cannon is launched at 8am sharp signifying that the bulls have been let out. Then for the next three minutes thrill-seeking participants attempt to lead the six massive fighting bulls that run the route as well as two herds of bullocks to the bullring where they will later fight.

http://www.sanfermin.com/old/guia/in_encierro1.shtml

France's national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which was a prison during the reign of Louis XVI that started the French Revolution. During the awesome celebration in Paris, crowds line the Champs-Elysées for a majestic military parade led by the President and a spectacular air show by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (Red Arrows) and then explodes with exuberant fireworks as the crowd cheers, “Viva la France!”

http://goparis.about.com/od/events/p/Bastille_Day.htm

Attracting curious tourists from all over, the Boryeong Mud Festival is a must-participate event. In fact, the fun-loving rules state that anyone not covered in the healthy dirt must sit in mud jail until they become amply soiled. As the primary tourist attraction for the city of Boryeong, the splatter-happy festival has a wonderful fireworks show and many activities to participate in like; mud wrestling, mud sliding and even swimming in a mud mega tub. Known for its purifying factors, Boryeong mud is packed with minerals unique to the region; making it some seriously good clean fun.

http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/english/festival/festival1.php

With a history as old as Mozart (literally), the acclaimed Salzburg Festival has established itself as the most important festival for opera, drama and concerts. Every year the month long event kicks off with the showcasing of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's timeless play Jedermann on the steps of the Domplatz Cathedral and crescendos with the many fine performances of European artists which average selling 90% of its seats. With nearly 200 performances every year, the home of Mozart keeps his spirit strong and influential by attracting the crème de la crème performers and artists.

http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/

Held in the midst of summer, the Canadian National BBQ Championships is an exciting annual event where competitors create delectable BBQ entrees in hopes of winning over $25,000 in cash, trips and prizes. In its ninth season, this tasty three day event has a variety of people flocking to the sleepy town to Whistler Blackcomb where winners vie for a chance to qualify for the American Royal World Championships in Kansas City as well as the Jack Daniel's World Championship BBQ event in Lynchburg, Tennessee

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/events/detail/bbqchamps/index.htm

Dating back to the 1800’s, Cowes Week is the world’s oldest and largest sailing regatta hosting more than 1,000 boats over 40 exhilarating races. The spectacular weeklong event has competitors who range from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors and attracts over 100,000 spectators. Jam-packed with loads of live entertainment, non-stop parties and people from all over the world, it is an amazing one-of-a-kind visual experience.

http://www.cowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main.php?section=home

In its 27th year of celebration, Gotland Medieval Week catapults you back to the bygone eras of the olden days. Participants are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing up in medieval clothing and a bustling market offers a cornucopia of goods from local artisans, scribes, merchants, jesters and musicians. With free admission and entertainment for the whole family such as; jousting tournaments, stilt walkers and jugglers, this spirited event is one of Sweden’s most beloved celebrations.

http://www.medeltidsveckan.se/default.asp?LanguageID=2

Seeping in Canada's rich brewing history, Toronto’s Festival of Beers is hosted by experts of the craft from around the country and features more than 200 brands of beer; from lagers and stouts, to wheat beers and pale ales. In 2010 the organizers have decided to drop the admission to just $40! Also on-site is the popular Napoleon Grilling Tent which features more fine beer options, Ted’s World Famous BBQ and plenty of prizes to be won.

http://www.beerfestival.ca/

Dating back to the 1930s, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was far ahead of its time. Still a South Dakota stalwart after more than 70 years, motorcycle racing and the more current sport of motor cross attracts over 6,000 spectators every year to its exhilarating rally. The weeklong celebration has loads of entertainment from a Guitar Hero contest to a Pitchfork Fondue dinner and holds 12 main events, including: hill climbs, road tours, short track racing, motocross racing and an invigorating half mile race.

http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/

Spanning for 11 days in August this family-friendly event attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually, many of whom sport traditional Bavarian costumes to get into the spirit of Gäubodenvolksfest, which is dedicated to specially brewed beers from the Straubing area. With non-stop entertainment for all ages, the celebration kicks off with a massive parade and is considered the country’s second largest beer festival after Munich’s famous Oktoberfest.

http://www.volksfest-straubing.de/

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.gaeuboden...

Founded in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival’s motto is to provide “a platform for the flowering of the human spirit.” For three exhilarating weeks beginning in August, the city of Edinburgh comes alive with some of the world’s finest artists, in all forms. Revelers flock from around the globe to witness live classical music, full theatre and opera productions, unbelievable visual art and dance performances as well as a multimedia gallery.

http://www.eif.co.uk/

Brazil has long been known for its massive production of cachaça, a rum spirit derived from sugar cane (dubbed ‘pinga’ by the locals). And every year since 1984, the intoxicating city of Paraty hosts a three day festival for its most beloved liquor with lots and lots of tastings. The celebration also offers loads of live entertainment, local artisan works, traditional local foods and famous Brazilian bands.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=http://www.paratybra...

Every year, Buñol hosts the world's largest vegetable fight and although tens of thousands of participants come from all over the world to hurl tomatoes at one another, there is no political or religious significance to La Tomatina, it's just good, messy fun. Legions of people gather in the streets for this exuberant event that obliterates over 90,000 pounds of tomatoes in just four hours.

http://www.tomatina.net/

In the 50’s, America wasn’t the only place with racial differences. The Knotting Hill area of West London was experiencing an onslaught of Caribbean immigrants where the spirit of Carnaval is deeply embedded in their culture. After the historical Knotting Hill race riots during the same decade, the government initiated a three day carnival in hopes of mending these bruised resident relationships. By 1976 the Notting Hill Carnival became Europe’s biggest street festival boasting 20 miles of colorful costumes, hundreds of Caribbean food stalls and plenty of loving unity.

http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/

A prominent music and art event held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the Outside Lands Music and Art Festival draws an wide array of talent and guests. The three-day gathering boasts live shows from some of today’s top billers like; Tom Jones, Pearl Jam, The Dave Matthews Band and The Black Eyes Peas – all of whom performed at the ’09 festival. Drawing inspiration from the great city of San Francisco, Outside Lands books not just great musical shows but interactive attractions, performance artists, and art installations as well; creating an unparalleled entertainment experience.

http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/

A gathering unlike any other in the world, the Burning Man Festival is an ode to the independent spirit and the power of choice. Or as some would say; participants are against working for ‘the man’ and unite in the ideals of barter and trade as they create a live, functioning city in the middle of the desert. What started as a small group of people gathering spontaneously, the Burning Man project has ballooned to a dedicated community of over 48,000 people which crescendos with the celebratory burning of a giant man symbolizing the antithesis of an anti-establishment free thinker. http://www.burningman.com/

One of the most important festivals in West Africa is the celebration of Cure Salée, also known as the Festival of Nomads. While the exact festival date is not announced until about a month prior, it’s always at the very end of the rainy season when people of the Wodaabe, Tuareg and other Saharan tribes gather for an energetic festival/reunion/market event. Drawing in a few thousand nomads annually, this gathering is accentuated by eligible women who are seeking husbands. But it’s the men who are on display as they attempt to lure possible mates by elaborately painting their faces and participating in boisterous traditional dancing.

http://www.exploriada.com/festival/africa/niger/salt-cure

In its eighth year of commencement, The National Buffalo Wing Festival has become wildly popular and garnered legions of national television attention. The city known for creating this popular junk food, Buffalo, NY, hosts this jam-packed 2-day event that consumes over 27 tons of wings, has high-spirited cook-offs and eating contests, then tops it all off by crowning a queen in the annual Miss Buffalo Wing Pageant.

http://www.buffalowing.com/

Well respected as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, Toronto welcomes thousands of Canadian and international industry delegates to a packed 10-day festival. Understanding that showcasing the movies, animations and shorts is the most important aspect of a film festival, this one presents two public screenings of virtually every invited film and at least one screening for press and industry, exposing audiences to the work of emerging talent and masters of the cinema craft from around the world.

http://tiff.net/

Originating all the way back to 1910, the Pendleton Round-up is the world’s largest public rodeo where the main attraction is always the exciting shows of professional bull riding, America’s original extreme sport. But this 4-day event has plenty of entertainment for the whole family as well; with a daily Cowboy breakfast, Native American arts and crafts, barrel racing, wild cow milking, The Children’s Rodeo as well as the spirited Westward Ho! Parade which treks through the town of Pendleton.

http://pendletonroundup.com/

Regaled as one of Europe’s top destinations for nightlife enthusiasts, Ibiza (pronounced phonetically in Español, E-b-tha) can charm even the shyest of wallflowers onto its pulsating dance floors. Summertime is truly spectacular in Ibiza and when this season draws to a close, all of the clubs, from down-temp lounges to ware-house sized discos, throw massive celebrations for the last three-four weeks of summer booking top rated DJ’s and entertainers from all over the globe.

http://www.loveibiza.net/ibiza-parties/ibiza-closing-parties

The charming York Festival of Food and Drink is a fulfilling 10-day event dedicated to using quality local produce kept as natural as possible with this year’s theme being Crude Food. Participants can enjoy a satisfying roving feast where each new course is presented by a different restaurant, a Young Chefs’ Competition, daily cooking demonstrations and even some enthralling themed dinners. The gastronomic paradise has expanded this year to include wine and beer fairs, and even an entire day dedicated to chocolate lovers.

http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/

The centuries old Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair which attracts some six million people every year to Munich, Germany rejoicing in this stalwart of the Bavarian culture. The massive 16-day fête transforms the city into a series of tents and local businesses that offer an array of tastes, libations, music and entertainment – with a particular focus on the smooth, yet strong, Bavarian beers from the region. In fact, it’s such a popular festivity that many other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.

http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/

Mainly known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, this special celebration is also referred to as the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival, devoted to the worshipping and the giving of abundant offerings to the moon god. Every year as the harvest swells, people light lanterns and gather fresh foods under the eighth full moon which symbolizes wealth and prosperity; two greatly cherished blessings to the Chinese people.

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/mid-autumn-festival...

Twice a year during the Spring and Fall Equinox’s the ancient Maya archeological site of Chichen Itza casts a slithering shadow known as the Feathered Serpent that seems to move with the setting of the sun. Thousands of revelers flock to witness this mystical vision every equinox that can last for nearly two weeks. As the equinox sun sets, a play of light and shadow creates the appearance of a snake that gradually undulates down the stairway of the pyramid. Selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire continues to mesmerize the world with its significant architecture that was built without the use of tools.

http://www.exploratorium.edu/ancientobs/chichen/HTML/castillo.html

Every year, Galway, Ireland comes alive as thousands of people flock to enjoy a delightful festival dedicated to the mystifying opulence of the oyster. This four-day event showcases gourmet seafood, live music and boasts the best Guinness in town. One of the major draws is The Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship which attracts contestants from all over the globe, followed by the fun-filled Most Elegant Lady competition and the black tie Oyster Festival Gala Ball.

http://www.galwayoysterfest.com/

The much-anticipated Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a thrill-inducing gathering of eye-catching yachts and stunning sailboats, from the eccentric to electric, that battle on the waves in an exciting series of coastal races. With some boats dating back more than a century, revelers can expect some truly magnificent sights as well as plenty of highfalutin fun from the corresponding parties that celebrate the races all around Saint-Tropez. The crowning moment is seeing which boat earns the esteemed Trophée Rolex award.

http://www.regattanews.com/event.asp?id=239

Attracting worldwide attention for its critically acclaimed chefs, sommeliers and fine spirit purveyors, the American Food and Wine Festival showcases a myriad of chic eats, tasty treats and innovative libations in an intimate lounge setting on the picturesque back lot of Universal Studios, Los Angeles. With its main goal of raising funds for the Los Angeles Chapter of Meals On Wheels, which serves thousands of meals each day to Los Angeles’ homebound, senior and disabled citizens; this exciting three day event is always star-studded and packed with live music, dancing and a silent auction.

http://www.awff.org/

Touting the spot-on slogan of Earth, Wind and Flyers, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been soaring into view since the 1970s. Gathering a massive array of balloon enthusiasts, balloon pilots and crew members; revelers flock to see the nine days of exciting events and out-of-this-world visuals. From the spectacular sights of the nightly AfterGlow ™ Fireworks Show to the thrilling daily Flying Competitions with the most popular being the Mass Ascensions where hundreds of hot air balloons glide towards a common goal, it’s one of the most photographed events in the nation.

http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

The quaint medieval Italian village of Alba is considered to have the best white truffles in the world, hence the international fair title. In the height of truffle season the festivities kick off with the much anticipated Alba White Truffle World Market and AlbaQualità, an exciting exhibition of gourmet food and wine from Piedmont, the surrounding region. The celebration continues every weekend for about a month. And while the city of Alba is not easily accessible by car, the journey is well worth it as the enticing aroma of flocks of fresh truffles is unlike anything in the world.

http://www.fieradeltartufo.org/en/

The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest; anime, manga, music, games, anime-influenced comics, classic animation as well as a slew of corresponding shows and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade and sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America all showcasing the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life.

http://www.newyorkanimefestival.com

Dating back to the 16th century, the Takayama Festival is held twice a year, in spring and in fall. One of Japan’s most visually beautiful festivals due to its array of colors, Takayama marks the two times a year that a portable shrine called a mikoshi parades across town carrying the shrine’s kami (Shinto deity). The festivals floats are the most elaborate part of the celebration with many of them sporting karakuri ningyo, fancy mechanical dolls that can move and dance.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5909.html

Originally aimed at raising funds for youth arts projects in the TriCities, The West Coast Chocolate Festival has grown into a fun-filled sensory experience for both kids and adults that offers an array of activities such as; alcohol and chocolate pairing events, a chocolate chip pancake breakfast and even an informative school of chocolate. After taking last year off, the festival aims to raise awareness about proper consumption and the lesser-known positive benefits of the incredibly appealing food that is chocolate.

http://www.chocolatefestival.ca/home.htm

A pantheon display of internationally acclaimed music, theatre, and dance, The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen's is Ireland's biggest international festival drawing over 100,000 people. Spanning for more than two weeks, this mega event showcases some of the world’s most diverse and talented artists; from classical opera and theatre to visual art and a laundry list of who’s who in the music world. This well respected festival has been proven prevalent since the 60s drawing such greats as; Jimi Hendrix, Louis Theroux, Grandmaster Flash and Yoko Ono.

http://www.belfastfestival.com

Developed as a strategy to garner tourism during its moribund season, Key West residents created Fantasy Fest that runs for a whopping 10 days over the Halloween holiday. But don’t let that deter your interest, for Fantasy Fest is every bit exciting as it sounds. Branding its self with the theme: Habitat for Insanity, this years’ festivities include; days long street festivals, a bizarre bra decorating auction, a monsters ball, toga party, multiple masquerade events, fetish, fun and nonstop stimuli.

http://www.fantasyfest.net

The Jack Daniel’s Invitational is a contestant controlled contest that will host more than 60 award-winning barbecue teams from the United States and several from other countries. Considered one of the most esteemed barbecue competitions in the world, participants in this tasty event vie for the awesome Grand Championship title and compete in other fun activities like; The Country Dog Contest, Bung Pitching and the ever popular, Butt Bowling.

http://www.jackdaniels.com/Happenings/default.aspx?id=106

In a city that thrives on its musical culture, New Orleans brings us the Voodoo Music Experience with over 20 live music events at 10 different locations for three sonically driven days over Halloween weekend. Bringing together a collection of talent that has bridged social, economic and generational gaps; the Voodoo Experience model aims to celebrate all genres of music while not forgetting to highlight the unique sounds of the region. While the lineup for 2010 has not yet been announced, last year brought together a diverse group of talent including; KISS, Eminem, Jane’s Addiction, Lenny Kravitz and even George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic.

http://www.voodoomusicfest.com

What started out as a new city’s effort to celebrate its diversity and creativity, the West Hollywood Costume Carnival has ballooned into a massive multi-cultural event that attracts half a million people annually. Closing down a mile stretch of the city for the out-of-this-world Costume Carnival for over twenty years now, all kinds of participants come together to show off their wild and crazy creations of costumes amongst three main stages and multiple music PODS. There is always a Queen of the Carnival crowned and plenty of fun activities leading up to the big day like; a youth carnival, a pet costume contest and pumpkin carving contests.

http://www.westhollywoodhalloween.com/

Melding two serious forms of entertainment, world class snowboarding and good ol’ rock-n-roll, the Rock On Snowboard Tour visits four of the top snowcaps during its bodacious run. Kicking off the festivities in France’s first indoor ski slope, Skihall, where revelers enjoy year round slope action. The next stop is Les Deux Alpes - Holiday Mountain Ski slopes in October and then in December the fun continues at the majestic Piau-Engaly Mountains in Bordeaux and rounds out at the world famous Avoriaz ski and snowboard venue.

http://www.rockonsnowboardtour.com/

Believing life is a dream and only in death does one become truly awake, the ancient Aztecs began the now 3,000+ year old ritual of honoring the deceased with food, drink, flowers and an odd deity, skulls; which symbolize both death and rebirth. Mexican and Latin people across the world don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives or place the deities on altars dedicated to the dead. It’s a family affair as young participants help to make sugar/candy skulls with the names of the dead person inscribed on the forehead and offer toys or other favorite things of deceased family and friends.

http://www.dayofthedead.com

Marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the fishing season, but most of all, the changing of the tide current in the Tonle Sap River, the Cambodia Water Festival is the largest annual festival in Southeast Asia and is held annually in the nation's capital, Phnom Penh. Attracting over a million revelers over three days, the festival offers something for everyone with colorful and exciting parades, boat races, fireworks, and general merriment. But it’s the three traditional ceremonies that most of the people come for; Sampeas Preah Khe, a communal salutation to the moon; Loy Pratip, a spectacular evening boat parade on the water and Auk Ambok, a midnight gathering at select temples to eat ambok (flattened rice).

http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestivals/a/waterfest.htm

Known as ‘the race that stops a nation,’ the annual Melbourne Cup is Australia's most-watched Thoroughbred horse race. Established in 1861 and held on the first Tuesday in November, this exciting event attracts thousands of people who come from all over the world. With riders and horses from several different countries, The Melbourne Cup has ballooned into a worldwide watched event with most people dressing up to attend the high-spirited races. Women don colorful fancy over exaggerated hats in hopes of being selected to be photographed for Myer Magazine’s much-loved Fashion on the Field feature.

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=2058

‘Light my fire’ never had such meaning as on November 5th in Lewes, England. On this auspicious night over 60,000 people gather to celebrate this centuries old tradition of blazing bonfires. Separated into specific societies, or areas, the event attracts multiple torch lit processions, marching bands and legions of excited participants dressed in medieval costumes. And although the locals urge outsiders not to attend the festivities for safety reasons, the celebration still crescendos with an amazing finale fireworks show.

http://www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk

This high-speed event has expanded into four exciting days where rare and vintage cars are displayed like fine gems. Car connoisseurs from across the globe salivate at the sight of 200 of the most elite collector cars as well as modern day marvels that will make your head spin with their advanced electronics and levels of speed. Revelers take a drive down memory lane as the coveted Best of Show award is announced as it is based not on speed, but rather on excellence and historical accuracy. A must experience event for all serious car collectors.

http://www.hhiconcours.com/

A tasty charity affair, the Great Chefs of Los Angeles annual event proudly plugs the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California as the beneficiary of this important evening. 2009’s event selected kidney disease survivor George Lopez and his wife as hosts and are rumored to do so again in 2010. Some of LA’s most acclaimed chefs offer samples of their signature dishes to hungry attendees. Keeping in line with the events message; all the plates, utensils and cups used are eco friendly and all food service items compostable.

http://www.kidneysocal.org

It’s no secret that France more than enjoys wine. But every year on the third Thursday in November a special crop is released that puts the whole country into frenzy. Beaujolais Nouveau Day is most prominent in Paris with many bars, cafes, restaurants and wine shops displaying signs that say “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive” (Beaujolais Noveau has arrived) and several different varieties of the purple/pink wine that is best known for having very little tannins can be found. The quasi-national holiday of France has become so prevalent that it is now celebrated in many other countries, including the U.S. and should be savored as much as the fine wine.

http://www.intowine.com/beaujolais2.html

One of the Thai Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions, the Loi Krathong Festival (or festival of lights) creates a mystical display of mini dancing fires across Thailand’s popular rivers and waterways. During this spell-binding ritual, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong, which are traditional banana leaf floats or coconut shells, are set adrift in long chains of hundreds of glittering lights. Many believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbolically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes. It is also considered an offering for Mae Khongkha, Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement.

http://www.thaihotelsbooking.com/guide/Loy-Krathong-Festivals_USD_P.html

The picturesque region of Napa Valley transforms into a holiday wonderland complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, happy carolers and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus at his West Pole post. A wonderful family affair, the annual Festival of Lights sets the sleepy city of Yountville ablaze with the illumination of thousands of twinkling lights. This country-style celebration features world-class food, wine from more than 20 top local wineries and fun cultural activities for all. The best part is that it is a free event to the public with food and wine tickets priced at just one dollar.

http://www.yountville.com/calendar_events.php?id=864

The culture rich city of New Orleans celebrates the Christmas season all month long with a myriad of exciting events and family friendly festivities. Bring the kids to the fun Breakfast with the Cajun Gingerbread Man where they can make their own cookie replicas or to spirited musical events like authentic gospel choir performances and caroling in Jackson Square. Of course there’s plenty of events for the adults as well, ranging from Reveillon, a Creole dining tradition to the Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure that sets the town ablaze in celebration.

http://www.neworleansonline.com/christmas/

Known as the Superbowl of Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) attracts courageous cowboys from all across the U.S. and Canada who aim to compete in the seven professional rodeo events: saddle bronco riding, bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and the ever exciting barrel racing. Reaching Sold Out status nearly every year, the NFR has over 140,000 attendees and participants with the 10 rounds of Finals being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2 for another 13 million viewers. A sight to be seen each year, when rodeo fans decked out in jeans, boots and hats fill hotels, casinos, restaurants and shopping malls across the City of Sin and lasso themselves a good time.

http://www.nfrexperience.com/