January’s Wackiest Festivals and Fairs

Carnival rides and fried foods are a staple at most of the festivals and fairs in America. As fun as these festivities are, they can be somewhat predictable. Think about how fun it would be to try something different and to step out of your comfort zone just a little. We’ve put together our list of some of the wackiest festivals and fairs happening throughout the world this January. If you don’t want to venture too far from home, there’s even an interesting festival happening in the United States.

Ati-Atihan, Kalibo, January 10-19
This festival is all about crazy costumes, dancing and honoring of the “Holy Child” known as Santo Niño. People use soot, feathers and animal bones to make costumes. The streets are filled with dancing during the day and a masquerade ball at night. Ati-Atihan is quite a spectacle for unsuspecting tourists who are visiting the area and have no idea what is going on.

Dinagyang, Iloilo, January 11-28
This festival is similar to Ati-Atihan. It’s mixed with the celebration of religion, movement and lots of color. Dinagyang began in 1967 when it was introduced to the residents of Iloilo Island by the Reverend Ambrosio Galindez. The festival started out small but slowly grew when spectators started participating in 1976. Overall, the costumes are what make Dinagyang really unique. They are filled with such vibrant colors and intricate details that they surely rival the ones found at Rio Carnival. The dances can seem somewhat tribal in nature and generally consist of wild choreography accompanied by loud music. The biggest event that occurs during this Dinagyang is the Ati Ati Grand Parade. Basically it is a competition between participants to outdo the other with their dancing, costumes and drumming.

World Buskers Festival, Christchurch, January 16-26
This festival features many different kinds of street performers and entertainers. This year they have been divided into five genres: funny acts, contortionists, daredevils, musical acts and magicians. The acts at World Buskers Festival start at around 11 a.m. each day and go to about midnight. Visitors can wander around and sample food or visit one of the many vendors. Be forewarned though that if you go to this festival, some of the performers might try to engage you, that means you could get humiliated in some way or even soaking wet. This festival isn’t all fun and games as performers are trying to compete to win the Iron Chickens Awards which consists of a chicken sculpture, an invitation to compete the following year and $2,500.

Up Helly Aa Viking Fire Festival, Lerwick, January 27
At the Helly Aa Viking Fire Festival, fire and Vikings unite to celebrate blazing torches and costume-clad participants. Pretty much the festivities consist of theatrical performances, drinking and a lot of fire. The day after the festival is a public holiday so many individuals really let loose and have a good time since they don’t have to work the next day.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Elko, January 26-31
In Elko Nevada you can see a softer side of cowboys. Back in 1985 a small group of cowboys gathered together to share their poetry and it has turned into a yearly event that spans just under a week. In addition to the poetry there will be storytelling, orchestras, cooking classes and dancing lessons. Don’t worry, there will be cowgirls on hand as well to perform.

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