Where To Be: February 2019
Where in the world should you be in February? Our take on the best festivals and events taking place around the globe.
Chinese New Year, China: 5th-19thof February 2019
Year of the Earth Pig. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. 2019 is a great year to make money, and a good year to invest.
What better place to kick off the year of wealth than Singapore. A vibrant mix of modern and time honored and traditions take place throughout Chinatown and Marina Bay. Fireworks, parades, and an endless sea of red. TripSavvyprovides a list of festivities not to miss. For hotels, try Fullerton Bay Hotelor Mandarin Oriental.
Carnevale of Venice, Italy: 16th February 2019
One of the most beautiful festivals in the world, glamourous costumes, venetian masks, and around the clock celebrations make this the biggest week in Venice. Take to the streets to enjoy acrobats, circus, and parades before heading to a masked ball to indulge and dance the night away. The Mascheranda Grand Ball, at Palazzo Pisani Moretta, is an elegant candlelit palace overlooking the Grand Canal. Tickets available here.
For hotel, try Palazzina Grassi(designed by Philip Stark) or Metropole Hotel Venice
Naked Festival (Hadaka Matsuri), Japan
For one night in Okayama Prefecture men run through the streets wearing nothing but a loin cloth, grappling over the pair of sacred sticks- Japan’s kookiest and strangest ritual dated back 500 years. Hadaka Matsuri participants are strictly men, and while it’s called ‘naked festivel’ they aren’t actually naked. Nakedness is believed to ward off misfortune so if 2019 hasn’t started off as hoped, this could be for you. Culture trip has more details here.
Zanzibar, Africa
If the festival circuit isn’t your thing and really you just want some well-deserved R&R, head for the exotic and enchanting island of Zanzibar. In February the days are warm, and the water is at its clearest, making it the perfect time to relax seaside. Zanzibar is abound with pristine coral reefs, an intoxicating aroma of spices, and a mix of culture from Africa, Arabia, India and Europe. For accomodations try Indigo Beachor Mnemba Island Lodge. Lonely Planetis also a great resource for travel throughout the spice island.