FESTIVAL FEVER
Sharon Stephenson discovers myriad ways to celebrate just about anything in the world
Anew year is about many things – resolutions, new starts and planning adventures. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next holiday, we’ve rounded up some of the world’s top festivals for 2020.
Whether you’re into music, literature, dance or light shows, your festival needs are covered.
RIO CARNIVAL, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (1)
21–29 February 2020 Begin as you mean to go on. The first major festival of the year also happens to be the world’s biggest party.
More than 300 neighbourhood street parties are the warm-up act for a week of samba parades, conducted under blue skies and in 30°C temperatures. A highlight is the final Saturday, when the champions of the various samba leagues return to lead the crowds.
This incredible display of Brazilian bacchanalia can trace its origins to the 18th century when Portuguese immigrants called it the Entrudo. Back then, it was celebrated by mainly workingclass folk who threw limescented water at each another and mocked the rich. Today, the carnival attracts more than a million visitors from all social spectrums, ages and cultures.
Tip: Save some energy for one of the flamboyant evening balls, the Copacabana Palace Magic Ball, and the Gay Gala for the most creative costumes. And pack lots of Panadol. rio-carnival.net
MARDI GRAS, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US (2)
25 February 2020
“There are only three things you need for Mardi Gras,” said the elderly gentleman next to me on a flight to New Orleans. “One, be ready to dance. Two, stake out a spot on a balcony for a view of the parade, and three, catch as many throws as you can.”
Mardi Gras is a riot of music, dance and OTT fun. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday – the day before Ash Wednesday that marks the start of Lent – the good times roll for up to a month in advance.
This is a city that really knows its way around a festival, with the main event featuring a huge parade of elaborately decorated floats and flashily dressed local krewes who toss throws such as beads, cups, doubloons and stuffed animals to spectators lining the streets.
When you need to fuel up, try the Big Easy’s favourite baked good, a deep-fried, icing-sugar dusted beignet. mardigrasneworleans.com
NEW ZEALAND FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, WELLINGTON (3)
21 February – 15 March 2020 Aotearoa’s 18th biannual arts and culture extravaganza kicked into high gear with the news that three guest curators are each programming a week of international and local artists: US musician and multimedia artist Laurie Anderson (her Concert for Dogs is pictured above), Academy Award-winning Kiwi comedian/ musician Bret McKenzie and Auckland-based director/ choreographer Lemi Ponifasio. Two new features include the inaugural International Artist Residence which brings in an artist or company to create a festival work. The first recipient is Irish choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan. And for the first time, Writers & Readers events will be spread across the festival’s three week span. festival.co.nz