Whether you’re looking for a slice of culture, or simply seeking a new way to experience a favourite destination, these are the go-to events for 2019 that promise to cater to your every wish and fulfill every need.
When: 05th January 2019 – February 2019
Embracing the bitter winter, the city of Harbin in Northwestern China hosts the Snow and Ice Festival each year, featuring an impressive array of ice sculptures depicting scale versions of famous buildings, monuments and palaces – each beautifully lit with pastel hues, and some up to 28 feet tall. Visitors can explore forts, climb stairs, walk through icy tunnels and even whizz down ice slides.
Explore ChinaWhen: 20th – 21st March 2019
Also known as the Festival of Colours, this ancient tradition celebrates the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of spring. Join the locals in a game of throwing a rainbow of coloured powders or splashes of water at one another. The aim of the game; to have as much fun as possible.
Explore IndiaWhen: 05th March 2019
A whole season of Carnival which begins 12 nights after Christmas cumulates in an enormous party on ‘Fat Tuesday’. Celebrate this momentous occasion on the streets of New Orleans which come alive with enormous floats, jazz bands spontaneously playing and carefree crowds dressed in flamboyant costumes. Wild, invigorating and excessively indulgent – expect nothing less at Mardi Gras.
Explore New OrleansWhen: 12th – 21st April 2019
Boasting some of the biggest names in music, as well as appearances by Hollywood’s elite, this festival is the definition of contemporary. Not only is Coachella host to live music, but it’s also renowned for showcasing some of the most innovative visual arts including installation art and sculptures which become even more outrageous and larger in scale with each year.
Explore CaliforniaWhen: 13th – 15th April 2019
The ultimate water fight returns with the new Thai year. Join the locals in spraying water over one another, symbolising the cleansing of any bad luck or grievance from the previous year and blessing you with good fortune and happiness for the year ahead. Children and adults alike can enjoy the jovial festivities and you’ll leave the country counting down the days until the next Songkran.
Explore ThailandWhen: 26th – 30th June 2019
Famous for energetic performances from iconic musicians, this festival has long held a reputation as being a playground for both adults and children alike. Go beyond the Pyramid stage with eclectic theater performances, access a secret entrance to The Rabbit Hole by answering a riddle correctly or reach inner-zen with a massage on the Healing Fields.
Contact ConciergeWhen: 5th August 2019
Live (and party) like a local to celebrate Barbados’ colonial past as the hub for the sugar cane trade. Revellers celebrate from dusk till dawn and three months of festivities ends with a grand carnival known as Kadooment Day, the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. But if the vivid parades and parties aren’t your thing, head over to the arts and crafts markets or culinary fares to experience exceptional street food made with fresh ingredients.
Explore BarbadosWhen: 6th – 14 September 2019
Whilst not strictly a festival, this hotly anticipated event has become a staple in the fashion industry and it’s not hard to see why. Soak up the tangible buzz of the city as trend-setters descend into the capital of fashion, if you’re lucky, rub shoulders with fashion royalty in the FROW and get a sneak peek at the hottest and newest runway collections for Spring/Summer 2020.
Explore New YorkWhen: 02nd November 2019
Tradition states that during Día de los Muertos or ‘The Day of the Dead’, spirits of the deceased temporarily return to Earth. To welcome them home, altars adorned with candles, flowers and fruits are created and the living take to the streets donning, costumes and makeup to spend time with their returned loved ones – it’s truly a feast for the senses.
Explore MexicoComplete our short online enquiry and one of our experts will be in touch.
Get in touchDownload your free copy of Carrier, The Paper. Stories that deserve your attention and that win your heart.
Take me there