JULY JOLLITY
Time for summer loving
Yearlong summertime, humidity and heat are second nature to Sri Lankans but July is one of the hottest months of the year even for us. The seventh month of the year is a celebration of all things summer – seasonally and metaphorically speaking.
While most Sri Lankans will be glued to their
TVs watching the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 until 14 July when the final is played at Lord’s, perhaps some sports fans will also spare screen time to watch the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.
Those looking at summertime celebrations in Europe won’t be disappointed since this is the continent’s festive month. The Poles will be tapping their toes at the Open’er Festival in
Gdynia while the French enjoy the Paris Jazz
Festival.
The biggest festival will undoubtedly be Belgium’s
Tomorrowland. Held over two weekends in Boom, this celebration of electronic dance music (EDM) has a crazy lineup this year with artistes and DJs like Amelie Lens, Carl Cox,
DJ Diesel, The Chainsmokers and more. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, this pulsating festival is known for its hypnotic vibes that will get you hooked.
Over in the US, July is a time of red, white and blue; picnics and fireworks. Even if you’re not there in person to witness the festivities, get into the Fourth of July spirit and host a good old barbeque night – and don’t forget the grilled hot dogs.
Closer to home, Malaysia is a hot destination at this time of year. Although there are ample reasons to visit this tropical food heaven, watching Broadway’s longest running show –
The Phantom of the Opera – till 7 July at the
Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur is a major draw.
Malaysia also celebrates the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival where crews from around the world gather at the Teluk Bahang
Dam to participate.
Boating is in season in India too when the
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race takes place on the Pamba River in Kerala. Exotic floats, decorated boats and performing artistes make for a colourful snake boat race.
There’s no heat that a refreshing durian smoothie can’t extinguish; but if you find the stinky spiky ‘king of fruits’ disgusting, fret not because this is also the season for the ‘queen of fruits’ – sweet and fleshy mangosteen… and of course, a time for everyone’s favourite rambutan!
Beat the heat or embrace it – after all, it’s nothing but summer fun all the way for us island-dwellers.