Restrictions to visiting Tutankhamuns Tomb

FESTIVALS OF THE ORIENT

There are so many festivals celebrated in the Orient it can be hard to keep track of them all. Here are a selection of our favourites and many others not to be missed.

Festivals of the Orient

China

Boasting rich cultural meaning and a long history, Chinese festivals play an important part in Chinese life

The Spring Festival is one of the most important; it is when all of the family members get together, like Christmas in the western world. This also coincides with the Chinese New Year which is a colourful and exciting occasion celebrated in the streets. The lively atmosphere is addictive and enjoyed by everyone all over the country, it is an experience not to be missed!

The Dragon Boat Festival has had a history on over 2000 years, which normally takes place in June. The Dragon Boat racing is held all over the country and has now become an aquatic sport. Accompanied by rapid drums, the dragon shaped canoes are pulled harmoniously and hurriedly by the racers oars towards the finishing line. This is a very entertaining and exciting spectacle and a very colourful display which demonstrates this age old tradition.

Japan

The celebration of Tanabata (The Star Festival) in this region originated more than 400 years ago .The Star Festival takes place in early August. When the streets of Sendai are filled with gorgeous decorations made with bamboo and Japanese paper called sasatake. The visuals are brightly coloured and fill the sky, combined with an excitable atmosphere the festival enjoyed by everyone.

On of the biggest float festivals in Japan is the Chichibu Yomatsuri (Chichibu Night Festival) and is held on December 3rd. Ornate floats parade the streets, with two parasol-like objects (kasaboko) decorated with on top with spear like objects. The floats are transformed into stages by pulling out wings on either side where Kabuki plays are performed. The winter night sky is lit up with an array of spectacular fireworks.

Mongolia

The Nadaam festival, or eriyn gurvan nadaam, is the biggest festival of the year for Mongolians. The largest festivities are held in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator during the National Holiday, although other cities and towns across Mongolia have their own, smaller scale Naadam celebrations. Usually occurring in July, it runs for three days in all parts of the country and highlights the greatest athletes in horse racing, archery, and wrestling: Mongolia's most popular sports. (Women participate in all but the wrestling category). The word Nadaam means game or competition in Mongolian. Competitions take place days on the first two and merry-making is reserved for the third. This festival has been held for centuries as a form of memorial celebration, as an annual sacrificial ritual honouring various mountain gods or to celebrate a community endeavour.

The festivities kick off with a colourful parade of athletes, monks, soldiers marching in perfect uniformity, musicians performing powerful military tunes, and Mongolians dressed in Chinggis-style warrior uniforms. It is definatley one not to be missed.

This festival is incorporated in our “Festivals of Mongolia”itineraries. The Naadam Festival tour takes place on the 7th July and lasts for 15 days which covers Ulan Bator, Karakorum, Ongiin, South and Middle Gobi. This tour gives you a real taste of the wild beauty that Mongolia Offers. Prices start from £2945. Please click here for more information.

To include one of the many festivals that takes place in the Orient into your own Tailor Made itinerary, call our Orient experts today for more information.