Mexico

Day of the Dead

The origins of the Day of the Dead Festival can be traced back as far as the indigenous people of Mesoamerica. The Zapotecs, Mayans and Aztecs all had ancient rituals for celebrating the deaths of ancestors. The modern day festivities take place on 1st and 2nd November each year when it is believed to be easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living.

Day of the Dead with Yucatan Extension

Enjoy the Day of the Dead festival and add on a visit to the beautiful Caribbean island of Caye Caulkner off the coast of Belize and the Yucatan Penisula of Mexico for the wonderous Mayan archeaolgical sites.

Bhutan

Paro Festival

Thimpu Festival

Centred around the impressive dzong's (monastic fortress), the annual Paro and Thimpu festivals see hundreds of Bhutanese from the surrounding areas, gather in a carnival-like atmosphere to witness the ritual dances of the monks.

India

The Pushkar Camel Fair


The picturesque Rajasthani village of Pushkar, surrounded by hills and dunes, provides a stunning setting for the world's largest annual camel fair, including races and prizes for the most beautiful camel.


Benin

Voodoo Festival

The traditional west African cult of voodoo is celebrated annually on 10th January in Benin, centred on the coastal town of Ouidah, considered the spiritual home of the cult.


Ethiopia

Timkat Pageant

Every year replicas of the famous Ark of the Covenant, known as tabots, are paraded around towns throughout the country during one of Ethiopia's most colourful festivals, Timkat.


Mali

Festival on the Niger

The Festival on the Niger combines all the traditions of Malian culture with a celebration of dance and music that encompasses its African heritage and its artistic future.

Tibet

Saga Dawa Festival


Saga Dawa is the most important Tibetan Buddhist festival of the year and is celebrated each year across the stark yet beautiful Tibetan Plateau on the 15th full moon day of the 4th lunar month. To the devout it honours the most important events in the life of the Buddha; his birth, death and enlightenment.



Mongolia

Mongolian Altai & Eagle Festival

The annual Eagle Festival near Olgii provides a fantastic opportunity to witness the prowess of both hunters and eagles first hand in a competitive test of skills.


The Naadam Festival

Every summer, Naadam, 'Mongolia's national games', are held over 2 days in the capital Ulaan Baatar, where Mongolia's braves showcase their equine, archery, and wrestling skills.

China

Harbin Ice Festival & Chinese New Year

Held each January for over 20 years, to showcase the magnificent ice sculptures of local artists, the Harbin Ice Festival has grown to attract ice artists from around the world.

New Year is the biggest event on the Chinese festival calendar and in Hong Kong people mark the occasion with a unique fusion of ancient customs and modern fun in the world's largest Chinese New Year celebration.



Miao New Year Festival
18 days 30/10/2008 - 16/11/2008

For the colourful Miao and Dong tribal minorities of China's rural Guizhou province, the New Year Festival is the most important of the year. We spend three full days soaking up the exciting atmosphere.



Plus...

Coming Soon for 2009-10

Ireland
County Clare Cycling Holiday & Clarenbridge Oyster Festival - Now Booking

Spain / Portugal
Active Aracena & La Reina de Los Angeles Fiesta - Now Booking

Brazil
Rio Carnival 2010 - Available Soon (Late October 08)

Peru
Inti Raymi 2009 - Not operational (Sorry!)
Inti Raymi 2010 - Available Soon

...Celebrate festivals with us - for details or to book call

0845 013 1537