May Festivities Around The World

There is always something to celebrate. Festivals are even more fun when you get to experience a new culture and learn something new. Robo rounded up May festivities for you to travel to and experience around the world.

Ferrara, Italy

May is a great time to visit Italy because the tourists haven’t stormed the country yet, think no quest to see St. Peter’s Basilica, no tourists to get in your way during pictures. The weather will also be more enjoyable to walk around and enjoy the city. Il Palio di Ferrara is a historic horse race that is held in the city of Ferrara. The race dates back to 1279. The race is run on the last Sunday in May. Along with the race, there are flag throwing contests and festivities. The night before the race on Saturday there is a historical procession to the castle with over 1,000 people in Renaissance costumes. Ferrara known for its Renaissance architecture along with these festivities will take you back in time!

Kalaat M’Gouna, Morocco

Summer is too hot to leisurely walk around Morocco but May is perfect. In May the spring meltwater runs through the High Atlas which means the rivers come alive and the flowers and festivals take over the country. It also happens to be the time when the festival of the Roses at Kelaa-des-Mgouna happens. Kalaat M’Gouna is a desert city that is at the center of the country’s rose water production. More than 700 rose petals are harvested in this valley and it is celebrated by this festival. Expect dancing, singing, and eating all while smelling the roses. 

Prague, Czech Republic

May is the best time to visit Prague because of the epic Prague Music Festival. For three weeks there are symphonies, operas, chamber music and much more. At the same time, there is Czech Beer Festival that offers feasts and beers from 70 local breweries. If that’s not enough it is the time where all the magnolia trees are out to blossom and there aren’t too many tourists. What are you waiting for?

Machu Picchu, Peru

May is one of the best months to hike Peru’s iconic trail. The rainy season is over and it leaves behind beautiful green valleys. The tourist crowd also doesn’t arrive until June. The temperatures at night can drop in the mountains and in the forest so be sure to pack layers. If you want to experience something extraordinary, check out Qoyllur Rit’I. Qoyllur Rit’I is a 3-day festival that is celebrated by indigenous people from all across Peru. It celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the sky. The festival combines Incan, Catholic, and other indigenous beliefs. The festival brings 100,000 visitors to the area every year, expect dancers, pilgrims, and ceremonies. 

Damyang, South Korea

Juknokwon is a massive bamboo forest in Korea. It’s a great way to have a relaxing day outside of the city while enjoying a unique forest like no other. In the spring the forest is cool and the flowers are blooming. The Damyang Bamboo Festival takes place every year in May to celebrate the Bamboo forest. This is a chance for you to taste typical Korean alcohol brewed in bamboo stalks, try bamboo drawings and other crafts. You will be exposed to other interesting ways in which bamboo is used in Korean lives daily.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

White Nights is an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs from the end of May to mid-July. During this period the sun never fully sets and the sky stays bright. The White Nights Festival celebrates this phenomenon and takes place annually from May 23rd to July 29th. The city is awake and alive during this time. From ballet performances to art exhibits Saint Petersburg hosts countless cultural events. Some of the city’s most prestigious museums and art galleries stay open till late night or all night and entry is usually free for guests. The most famous celebration of all during this time is the Scarlet Sails when there are fireworks shows, music, and water performances that go on until 1 am. People from all around the world come to see the performances.