Photography: Everfest
Planning a trip this month with your bridesmaids to celebrate your last days as a singleton? Check out this list of 8 worldwide events in April for a cultural experience you'll remember forever!
Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Throughout Japan
When: March to May
A symbol of springtime and romance, Japan's national flowers cover the streets in a blanket of pink every cherry blossom season, drawing crowds from all over the world to admire their short-lived beauty. Natives enjoy having a picnic with loved ones under the cherry blossom trees, and watching the festivities which include performances and booths. The timeline varies from each region so do check when the flowers will be in bloom before booking your tickets!
Songkran
Where: Throughout Thailand, best experienced in Chiang Mai
When: 13-15 April 2016
Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Thailand, Songkran is a traditional festival where respects are paid by 'bathing' in the images of Buddha. On this occasion, respects are also paid to elders in a ceremony known as rod nahm dum hua, where young Thais pour scented water over their elders' hands, and the latter give their blessings in return. What comes after is a free-for-all water fight in the city that lasts for 3-5 days. No one is spared so do prepare extra dry clothing!
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Where: Indio, California, U.S.A
When: 15-24 April 2016
A renowned and anticipated festival in the world, Coachella celebrates arts and culture, featuring a wide genre of music from alternative rock to hip hop. The festival has even played host to big names like Beyonce, Eminem and Paul McCartney. If you haven't gotten the memo from festival-goers loading their outfits on Instagram, the unofficial dress code is boho-chic, so show up in your flowiest getups and have fun!
Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival
Where: Thrissur, India
When: 17 April 2016
One of the most popular temple festivals in India, the more than 2-century-old Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival is also one of the country's most spectacular, involving a parade of more than 30 costumed elephants. Participated by many temples, the celebration begins with a ceremonial flag hoisting, 7 days before the main Pooram. The religious occasion is a visual and auditory feast, with folk dancing, percussion, an impressive fireworks display, and of course, the elephants, dressed in gold headdresses and ornaments.
The Queen's Birthday
Where: London, England
When: 21st April, 12-15 May, 10 June 2016
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates two birthdays in a year, with her actual birthday on 21st April and official birthday on 10 June. On 21st April, there will be a royal walkabout at the Windsor Castle, where members of the public can see the Queen up close. 12-15 May will see the Windsor Castle opening its doors to public for a commemoration of the Queen's life and achievements, and expect longer pub hours and street parties on 10-11 June this year in celebration of Her Majesty's 90th birthday!
King's Day
Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
When: 27 April 2016
A city that knows how to have fun, Amsterdam transforms every 27 April into a big birthday party to celebrate the King's Day. Formerly known as Queen's Day in honour of Queen Beatrix, the day now honours her son, Willem-Alexander. Citizens dress up in anything orange (the King's ancestry goes back to William of Orange) and embark on a wild celebration in the streets, where there are parties, booze and live entertainment!
Witches' Night (Walpurgisnacht)
Where: Brocken, Harz Mountains, Germany
When: 30 April 2016
Walpurgisnacht is an ancient festival welcoming spring and driving out evil spirits. According to mythology, witches and warlocks would gather on this day at Brocken on the Harz Mountains and terrorised peasants deterred them by hanging crosses and amulets. Today, witchcraft is embraced, with people dressing up as witches to celebrate the occasion. Old brooms are also burnt in bonfires, as everyone dances and parties through the night in a colourful celebration!
Beltane Fire Festival
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: 30 April 2016
Inspired by the ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane which marked the start of summer and symbolised fertility, the modern Beltane Fire Festival celebrates the end of spring and the return of summer with impressive fire displays, dancing, and a dramatic play starring the May Queen and Green Man. A bonfire is lit after the cultural acts, and the crowd indulges in a celebration of summer through dance and music.
