What is special about New Year's festivals in different countries?
(Baonghean.vn) - After Tet, people in Asian countries still eagerly await spring festivals every year, imbued with traditions and unique cultural colors, characteristic of each country and ethnic group.
1. Gwangyang International Plum Blossom Festival in Korea
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| Gwangyang International Plum Blossom Festival. |
Spring in Korea is the season of flower festivals. These festivals usually start in early March when the wind is less cold and the air is getting warmer. Koreans often cannot miss the Gwangyang International Apricot Blossom Festival, where visitors can stroll among the beautiful apricot forests. The festival takes place from March 14 to 22 every year in Gwangyang City, Jeollanam Province. First held in 1997, the festival has become one of the most prominent events, attracting millions of visitors each year.
2. Lantern Festival in China
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| Every year, during the Lantern Festival (usually falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month), people hang red lanterns to create a festive atmosphere and symbolize reunion. |
In China, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The event, held on the first full moon of the year (the 15th day of the first lunar month), is considered the most important and longest event for the Chinese people.
Since ancient times, Chinese people have believed that lanterns have the ability to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and luck, so they often hang them at the gates of houses and shops right before the New Year. Gradually, this ritual became a big event, when people would wear red clothes printed with flowers and lanterns to hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
3. River Hongbao Festival in Singapore
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| River Hongbao Festival Panorama |
The River Hongbao Festival is one of the most iconic events in Singapore’s New Year celebrations. A floating stage set up on Marina Bay attracts a large crowd of locals and tourists. Hongbao means red envelopes, which are lucky money given during the Lunar New Year and are also a symbol of good luck.
With a myriad of sideline activities, from roller coasters to costume shows, it offers a colourful experience for locals and visitors alike. Peking opera performances and other street performances round out the diverse experience.
4. Tsagaan Sar Festival in Mongolia
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| Tsagaan Sar Festival in Mongolia |
Tsagaan Sar, which usually takes place in early February, is one of the most important festivals in Mongolia. In modern culture, this festival is a time for Mongolians to meet with family and old friends. If they have had conflicts or debts in the past year, this is the time to apologize and start new relationships or pay off debts.
The head of the family usually hosts a dinner, where all members gather around the meal and exchange gifts. They also wear their best traditional clothes. The elders receive greetings from their children and grandchildren.
5. Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan
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| Tourists see cherry blossoms. |
Cherry blossoms are a flower that only blooms in spring and fades quickly, the time from when the flowers bloom until they fade is only about 10 days to 2 weeks. Therefore, Japanese people look forward to spring and no one wants to miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this precious flower.
The cherry blossom festival takes place in late March or early April. The festival officially begins when the cherry blossom trees at Yasukuni Shrine begin to bloom. During the festival, Japanese people gather under the cherry blossom trees to eat, drink, listen to music, play and sing. These activities sometimes last all day and night.
6. Sinulog Festival in the Philippines
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| Sinulog Festival in the Philippines |
This is a dance festival with a very unique and famous culture in the Philippines. The festival takes place on the 3rd Sunday of January every year. This is a religious festival to celebrate important historical milestones in the religion of the Filipino people.
From the small streets of Cebu City to the island bays surrounding the area, everyone celebrates the festival in a joyful and bustling atmosphere.
7. Tahun Baru Masehi Festival in Indonesia
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| Tahun Baru Masehi Festival in Indonesia |
The Tahun Baru Masehi New Year Festival in Indonesia is quite bustling. On this day, Indonesian people often gather at large centers to have fun or participate in special cultural and festive activities held everywhere. The festive atmosphere fills every street and tourist destination. Visiting Indonesia on this occasion, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes that are only available on Indonesian New Year.
