Pyeongchang Trout Festival

PYEONGCHANG TROUT FESTIVAL

Until January 31, Pyeongchang, South Korea

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival takes place during winter in the town of Jinbu-myeon in Pyeongchang-gun district. Enjoy cutting a hole through the ice and ice fishing or jump into the big pool to catch a fish or two with your own two hands. In addition to ice fishing, the trout festival is also packed with activities like Korean folk games, sledding and kite flying. Any trout caught from ice fishing can be prepared right away at a nearby restaurant.

CHE KUNG’S BIRTHDAY

February 9, Hong Kong

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Hong Kong celebrates the birthday of Che Kung, the god of gambling at the Che Kung temple. Che Kung was a Sung Dynasty general who became an immortal and was elevated to a Taoist deity after saving the inhabitants of the Sha Tin Valley from the plague. Villagers have worshipped him ever since. Many seeking Che Kung’s good fortune visit the temple to consult fortune-tellers, who turn a fan-bladed wheel of fortune three times to ensure good luck in the coming year.

DESERT FESTIVAL

February 20 to 22, Rajasthan, India

Jaisalmer brings life and colour to the heart of the Thar Desert, as the isolated town celebrates the Desert Festival. The event kicks off with incredible camel parades, with the Rajastanis dressing up the beasts in fine clothes. Tribal music, dance and more fuel the festive mood, as colour tilts beyond the rolling sand dunes.

BISKET FESTIVAL

April 13 to 20, Bhaktapur, Nepal

This chaotic but colourful festival welcomes the Nepalese new year in April and is based on a fairy tale. The star of the show is an ancient three-storey-high chariot carved with gods and goddesses, which presides over the ceremonious ground of Bhairab Temple Square. Infused by the love-and-hate Hindu drama of Mahabharata, the crowds have a tug of war over the rickety chariot to predict what the future holds in the coming year. Bhaktapur is east of the Kathmandu Valley.

ATI-ATIHAN

January 17 to 26, Kalibo, Philippines

Ati-Atihan is the Philippines’ wildest and best Mardi Gras, a week-long street party that rages from dawn to dusk. The elements of Ati-Atihan date back to the 13th century, when a group of light-skinned Malay immigrants from Borneo were granted settlement by the dark skinned Ati. Some time later, the Ati people were struggling with famine and descended from the mountain to seek the generosity of the immigrants who gave them food. In return, the Ati danced and sang for them. A genuine friendship was born and ever since the Malay immigrants have painted their bodies and faces black and joined the celebration.

VENICE CARNIVAL

January 23 to February 9, Venice, Italy

An enchanting series of masquerades, traditional ceremonies, music and all round festivities among the canals, squares and palaces of Venice takes place during carnival time, with musical, theatrical, acrobatic and dance performances, masked balls, brunches in period costume and gala dinners. Visitors are invited to put on their masks and enter the stage of the world’s most joyful theatre. Visit www.Carnevale.Venezia.it.