With the world at your fingertips, deciding where to go and what to see can be daunting. In the following pages, Mr. Harper and the Andrew Harper Travel Office share their favorite worldwide events—from a daring race through a medieval town to a ritual ceremony high in the Himalayas to a colorful carnival in the desert of India—to guide you in selecting some spectacular ways to spend your days in The Year Ahead.
Venice, Italy February 15–March 4
The canals, plazas and alleys of Venice come alive in opulent splendor during the 10-day Carnival as the city populates with masked revelers worthy of its grand Baroque heritage. The formal, Old-World tone sets this festival apart from those in New Orleans and Rio, luring socialites and disguised dignitaries to its elegant and elaborate Carnival balls—among the world’s most elite parties. Theater, street performances, parades and fireworks round out the festivities of this lavish saturnalia.
Punakha, Bhutan March 11–13
Held in the impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter home of the Bhutanese clergy, the tsechu celebrates the deeds and teachings of Guru Rimpoche, the legendary saint who introduced tantric Buddhism into the Himalayas. Masked performers, dancers and monks re-enact historical events and provide entertainment, culminating with the unfurling of a large thangka scroll that is said to wash away sins just by viewing it. The importance of the tsechu to locals and the stunning setting of Punakha make this a compelling event.
Kyoto, Japan late March–early April
For a few days each spring, Kyoto, Japan erupts in color as the front of flowering cherry blossoms sweeps through the city. For centuries, locals have been using the occasion to mark the arrival of spring, ruminate on the transience of life and indulge in the spectacular scenery of the country’s cultural heartland with picnics in the city’s many evocative parks and gardens.
Antigua April 26–May 2
More than 100 yachts and thousands of spectators converge in Antigua each year to witness top racing vessels chase the trade winds across the deep blue of the Caribbean. Watch the regatta from vantage points on the shore or on spectator boats, afterward joining late-night revelers for barbecues, steel bands and requisite rum punch during the lively island parties, culminating with Lord Nelson’s Ball after the races.
Lewes, England May 17–August 25
The festival boasts outstanding and innovative opera productions, housed on the elaborate grounds of a 600-year-old English country manor. The audience, always in elegant formal wear, is encouraged to picnic during the long intermission and tour the beautifully designed gardens and home. The London Philharmonic serves as the resident symphony orchestra.
St. Petersburg, Russia May 23–June 10
This extended festival takes place during St. Petersburg’s long summer days, where it never gets darker than a milky twilight. A manic energy in the city fuels numerous street parties, music and dance performances and art events, crowned by the impressive Scarlet Sails ceremony, replete with fireworks and orchestra. A simple late-hour stroll among the romantic and stately Baroque buildings of St. Petersburg offers unique charms of its own.
El Rocio, Andalusia, Spain June 6–10
This vibrant 13th-century Andalusian tradition sees around a million pilgrims make their way to the Wild West–like town of El Rocio to venerate a statue of the Virgin Mary, many making the journey on horseback or in traditional covered ox-carts. The mobile festival is marked by impromptu parties, horse races and lively, spontaneous singing and dancing accented by colorful flowers and traditional dress. The focal point of the event is the emergence of the statue from the chapel where it resides and the subsequent procession to the other chapels in town.
London, England June 23–July 6
Tennis’ oldest and premier event still features the same customs and quirks as when it began 137 years ago: a grass court, players dressed in white, royal patronage and the traditional serving of strawberries and cream and tea. Despite the attention and worldwide fervor regarding the event, Wimbledon retains the feel of a 19th-century garden party.
Siena, Italy July 2 and August 16
Steeped in medieval heritage, Il Palio combines fierce village rivalries with an intensely competitive horse race around the city’s central plaza. Preceded by a spectacular pageant of 16th-century heraldry, the 90-second race is the crescendo after months of preparations, forging of secret alliances and the building fervor in the city, giving way to massive celebrations in honor of the winner. “One should experience one viewing of this race in one’s lifetime.” – The Andrew Harper Travel Office’s Joe Colucci
Salzburg, Austria July 18–August 31
Grand Baroque architecture and the dramatic scenery of Salzburg set the stage for this five-week festival of opera, music and classic theater, where the city pays homage to the legacy of its famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performances of his repertoire abound, including his “Great Mass” in a striking Romanesque basilica, in what is arguably their natural setting.
Paris, France October 5
The prestigious Parisian event is the climactic point of horseracing, functioning as the supreme test of top thoroughbreds. The main race charts a 1.5-mile course of hills and straights through the lush greenery of the Longchamp racecourse. With the largest purse in European horseracing, the Arc attracts equally opulent crowds, as high fashion and exclusive Champagne tents complement the city’s charged atmosphere.
Varanasi, India October 23–27
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a special time in India, when bright colors and good cheer permeate the country as families gather to acknowledge the triumph of good over evil and look forward to a prosperous future. The holy city of Varanasi is especially striking during the celebrations—thousands of candles and oil lamps are lit along the banks of the Ganges River, and visitors pour into the city to bathe in the river, observe rituals performed by Brahmin priests and enjoy the surrounding festivities.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India October 26–November 6
Doubling as a religious festival and major camel market, this astounding and photogenic fair overloads the senses with sights and sounds and smells, as musicians, dancers, snake charmers, artisans and holy men converge with desert herders and their 50,000 camels and livestock within a tent city in the dunes outside of Pushkar. A carnival-like atmosphere accompanies the fair, with games, rides and contests, including camel dancing, camel beauty competitions and mustache judging. While the trading is wrapping up, the holiday of Kartik Prunima is observed with a ritual dip in Lake Pushkar at dawn under the full moon.
Buenos Aires, Argentina November 15–December 6
Buenos Aires hosts the final event of polo’s prestigious Triple Crown series, featuring the “sport of kings’” highest-skilled players and horses. Glamorous crowds, glittering parties and high-level socializing complement the festive atmosphere of this major sporting event, which brings more than 80,000 people into the city.
Sydney, Australia Begins December 26
An Australian summer tradition, this compelling race is considered one of the most difficult in the world. The yachts depart Sydney Harbour with considerable pomp on Boxing Day, arriving 630 nautical miles later at a festive reception in Tasmania just in time for New Year’s celebrations. Vantage points from the Sydney headlands provide spectacular views of the iconic Australian experience.
Park City, Utah January 16-26
Every winter, the American film industry descends upon the quaint mountain town of Park City, Utah for this legendary festival, started by Robert Redford in 1981. Sundance offers a unique charm, as the glamorous, celebrity-rich Hollywood set; innovative and cutting-edge filmmakers; and 50,000 festivalgoers all rub shoulders in the small-town setting. Aside from film, the area offers excellent skiing and easy access to Salt Lake City and Ogden.
Nara, Japan January 25
Flames engulf a small mountain outside Nara, Japan, when dry grasses covering the 342-meter volcano are set ablaze during Wakakusa Yamayaki. More than 100,000 spectators converge on this small city near Kyoto to view the unique conflagration and accompanying fireworks.
St. Moritz, Switzerland February 9, 16, 23
St. Moritz’s exclusive White Turf is surely one of the world’s most exciting races, with horses kicking up snow on the frozen surface of the lake, backdropped by Alpine peaks. Jockeys race horses in the traditional manner, but the real highlight is the skijoring, in which horses tow jockeys on skis.
London/Stratford-upon-Avon, England April 20
Celebrate William Shakespeare’s birthday right where he made a name for himself, London’s Globe Theatre, or two hours away in the bard’s birthplace (and gravesite) of Stratford-upon-Avon. Both are sure to offer a plethora of plays, parades and processions, community events, street entertainment and special celebrations to mark the event. Expect spontaneous performances of actors reading Shakespeare’s poetry, elaborate costumes, music, magic and plenty of merriment.
Tokyo, Japan May 11-25
During the Grand Sumo Tournament, the world’s top sumo wrestlers clash at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall. Held each January, May and September, these tournaments are more than just big guys bashing into each other; sumo wrestling runs deep with ancient traditions and ceremonies. This tournament presents a perfect opportunity to experience sumo wrestling at its best.
Normandy, France June 6 (Activities June through August)
Certain to be a memorable and emotional commemoration of one of the most daring military operations in modern history, the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy is likely the last decennial anniversary to welcome participants and witnesses of the earth-shattering event. Look for international ceremonies to take place on the historic beaches on June 6, with commemorative events continuing throughout the summer.
Edinburgh, Scotland August 1-23
Thousands converge in Edinburgh every summer in celebration of the musical traditions of the military regiments of the British Commonwealth. Although the festival also features international bands and cultural dances, the highlight continues to be the traditional mass procession of Scottish pipes and drums, followed by a series of performances showcasing the historic tunes of Scotland. The festival is part of the larger Edinburgh Festival—the largest annual cultural festival in the world—ensuring limitless activities and events to be found within the impressive city.
“I’ve had two clients go on two separate occasions and told me it was the highlight of their trips!”–The Andrew Harper Travel Office’s Julie Gierek
Marostica, Italy September 12-14
Every two years, the stunning Venetian town hosts a dramatic human chess game, anchoring an elaborate story about two noblemen competing for the hand of the local lord’s daughter. Taking place across a weekend in the central plaza beneath the city’s hilltop castle, the game is resplendent with 15th-century regalia, magnificent costumes and skillful performances that display the grand pageantry of Renaissance Italy.
Greenough, Montana September 25-28
“One of my favorite events is the Master Chef weekend at Paws up in Montana. After enjoying activities at the ranch like cattle-herding, fly-fishing, ATV riding and a hayride with lunch down on the Blackfoot River during the day, at night we were treated to the chef’s culinary delights. Each dish was paired with a wine from owners of Napa Valley vineyards. They even had a stage set up and had an actual Master Chef cook off with a panel of judges. The great thing about this event was not only being active, tasting amazing food and enjoying fine wine… It was getting to meet the chefs and vineyard owners.” –The Andrew Harper Travel Office’s Paula Dunlap
Gangtey, Bhutan November 11
The people of Gangtey hold this annual festival to celebrate the arrival of the endangered black-necked crane and reaffirm their ties to nature and their commitment to conservation. The health- and environment-conscious festivities showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area through sacred dances, masked performers and folk songs, all backdropped by Gangtey Monastery and the beautiful Phobjikha valley.
“I was in Gangtey and this festival is magical!”–Andrew Harper Alliance’s Carol Bacon
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