Inti Raymi Festival, Peru
Peru’s most important festival was celebrated by the Incas on the day of the winter solstice, which they believed to be 24 June. The Festival died out when the Spanish suppressed the Inca religion, but the festival was revived in the 1940’s. Today the festivities take place at the spectacular archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, just outside the ancient Incan capital of Cuzco. In Cuzco’s Plaza del Armas ther are various events including live music performances during the evening.
Experience the Inti Raymi on the 13 June departure of Train to Machu Picchu, or call 020 7873 5000 to discuss tailor-made options with one of our Latin America experts.
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Nadaam Festival, Mongolia
Mongolia’s most important annual event is a kind of nomad Olympics consisting of the traditional nomadic pursuits of horse riding, archery and wrestling. The Festival begins with a colourful opening ceremony where athletes, monks and soldiers parade dressed as warriors of Genghis Khan’s army. Participants of all ages practice for months to take part in archery, horse riding and wrestling events. Both men and women take part in the archery and horse riding competitions, with the horse races being conducted on the open grasslands around the capital Ulaan Bataar, with no set track or course. Some of the riders are as young as five years old. There are no weight divisions in the wrestling competitions, making for some interesting contests. Aside from the sporting action there is a great deal of storytelling, singing and drinking of airag, the national drink made from fermented mare’s milk.
Experience the Nadaam Festival on the 29 June and 8 July departures of our Mongolia: Land of Blue Sky tour
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White Nights Festival, Russia
The midnight sun is a phenomenon occurring in latitudes north of the Artic Circle, and those south of the Antarctic Circle, where the sun is visible at midnight, and 24 hours a day in fair weather conditions. In St. Petersburg, this period of perpetual sunlight is celebrated in the ‘White Nights Festival’, a cultural event showcasing Russia’s greatest opera, ballet and classical music. Each year, between mid May and July, the Midnight Sun gives visitors a whole new perspective on St. Petersburg. Theatres, parks and courtyards come alive with music, dance and drama, and the city’s spires and domes are bathed in a magical twilight well past midnight. White Nights Festival is a highlight in St. Petersburg’s cultural calendar and features Russia’s greatest choreographers and composers. Must-see events include the Kirov Opera at the Mariinsky Theatre, which has been hosting the festival since 1993, and the ballet at the Bolshoi.
Call 020 7873 5000 to discuss holiday options including the White Nights Festival with one of our Europe experts.
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Fes Sacred Music Festival, Morocco
Fes’ Sacred Music Festival is recognised as on of the world’s greatest musical events, with visitors travelling from all over the world to experience the week-long event. The Festival combines art and entertainment in the heart of Morocco’s spiritual capital, with music performances in a variety of styles, ranging from local Sufi chants to haunting gypsy songs. There are also free concerts on the Bab Boujloud Square, children's educational activities and the famous Sufi nights at Dar Tazi.
Call 020 7873 5000 to discuss holiday options including Fes Sacred Music Festival with one of our Middle East experts.
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Oslo Midsummer Festival, Norway
The Midsummer Festival held in downtown Oslo each June features three days of entertainment and street markets, funfairs, shows, live concerts and extended shopping hours. The main square, Stortorvet, houses a concert arena with jazz, opera, classical music and dance performances and the Nobel Peace Centre holds special exhibitions and seminars.
Call 020 7873 5000 to discuss holiday options including Oslo Midsummer Festival with one of our Europe experts
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