Music Festivals 2020-21
A festival is full of light, color, and sound – a true celebration of a community’s culture. Wherever it is held around the world, a festival promises to be a celebration and a memorable time. From enjoying the musical carnival of Coachella in California and Glastonbury in the UK, to immersing yourself in Holi’s playful explosion of color and water, Travel Jaunts takes you to participate in traditions from around the world
10 Best International Festivals
Celebrity Spotting in Coachella
Held every year in the sunlit Coachella Valley in the USA, Coachella is an indie music festival where various popular musical artists from genres like rock, pop, funk, indie and hip-hop come together to perform on a grand platform. The festival has attracted thousands of music fans since its beginnings. Legendary artists such as Paul McCartney, AC/DC, Nirvana and Michael Jackson have graced the stage with electrifying performances, and every year, attendees get the chance to see a new lineup of the most talented of musicians.
Today, a Coachella festival is not just a fancy concert, but has evolved into one of the biggest, grandest parties of the year, where participants’ festival passes include yoga, finding hidden treasures, a silent disco, pilates, a dodgeball tournament, and various other activities. Other than Coachella, become starstruck at the glittering sights of both Los Angeles and San Diego, including Universal Studios, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Come join the party-goers in this musical extravaganza with Travel Jaunts’ Coachella tours from India.
Best time to visit Coachella – The Coachella Festival will be held from December 31, 2019 to January 11, 2020.
Where to stay for the Coachella Festival – As the Coachella Valley is near Indio, California, for the festival, it is best to stay at a hotel or lodge in Indio itself, with there being several options as close as 2 miles away from the Valley. In Los Angeles, you can stay in neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills, Malibu, Hollywood, Venice and Downtown – Downtown is close to the major nightlife spots, Malibu and Venice are known for their lush, sandy beaches, and Beverly Hills and Hollywood give you the best opportunity for celebrity sightings.
How to reach the Coachella Valley – You can fly to Los Angeles International Airport, which has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. When returning, you can depart from the San Diego Airport, which is also well-connected to major cities in India.
Venice Carnival
In Venice, the city of canals, enjoy a trip around the city in the network of boats, drinking in the beautiful plazas and carved balconies of Venetian architecture. The Venice Carnival, held every year on the last day of Lent, is an extravaganza of color and sound, known for its elaborate costumes and masks. Several of the events are free and open to the public, such as ice skating at Piazzo Feretto, grand masquerade balls, concerts, and pub crawls (dressed in costume). The streets of Venice transform into open-air entertainment centres, where street performers and parades give you the time of your life.
Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, is famous for its mixture of modern and contemporary architecture, such as the Pirelli Tower. Take in the delicious pizza and gorgeous architecture of Milan while boating leisurely along the romantic canals. Step up and book your Italy tours from India, and let the experience soak into your bones like a da Vinci painting.
Best time to visit Venice and Milan– The spring and fall seasons (April-June and September-October) are perfect times to visit, due to the pleasant weather, lower prices, and reduced amount of tourists in the area. The Venice Carnival is to be held between 8 and 25 February 2020.
Where to stay in Venice and Milan – It is best to stay close to the city centres of Milan and Venice, for proximity to the tourist attractions. In Venice, hotels book up fast close to the carnival, so it is best to look carefully for accomodation.
How to reach Venice and Milan – Milano Malpensa Airport in Milan is the perfect arrival point for the tour, as it is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. After completing the tour, you can depart from Venice International Airport, which is also very well-connected to major cities in India.
Fes Music Festival in Morocco
King Mohammed VI of Morocco once said: “Music is a most powerful form of spiritual expression; it is also the medium most likely to bring humans together”.
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, a ten-day musical fiesta that showcases the spiritual and sacred traditions of the world through songs. Whether you are a gospel choir, a rock star, or a Tibetan Monk, there is a place for you to exhibit your faith and celebrate with other global artists. One of the most fascinating events at the Festival are the intimate concerts held by the Sufi brotherhoods of Mexico and the rest of the world.
Enjoy the gorgeous, psychedelic architecture, contemporary art, beautiful museums and restaurants of both Marrakech and Casablanca as well in Travel Jaunts’ seven-day Morocco tour from India, and get ready to rock out at Fes.
Best time to visit Morocco– The spring and fall seasons (March-May and September-October) are perfect times to visit, due to the pleasant weather.The Fes Festival is to be held between 12-20 June 2020.
Where to stay in Morocco – During the Fes Festival, it is best to stay in the town of Fes, so you can attend the concerts and other events of the festival, many of which are free. The medina district in the heart of Fes has several of the city’s most beautiful souks, palaces and monuments. In Marrakesh, you can stay in the neighbourhood of Hivernage and Gueliz, which are around 20 minutes from the city centre, but helps you escape the crowds.
How to reach Morocco – Marrakech Airport in Marrakech is the perfect arrival point for the tour, as it is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. After completing the tour with the festival, you can depart from Fes Sais International Airport, which is also very well-connected to major cities in India.
Holi in India
Holi, the festival of colors, signals the arrival of spring, which means the blooming of nature and the second chances and fresh starts to fall in love or fix your broken relationships with others. In Holi, people throng the streets, dabbing and splashing vibrant colors on other people in incredibly playful street fights, filled with laughter. In recent years, Holi has become an increasingly musical affair, with musicians playing groovy beats along with the color fights on the streets. The chance to eat delicious food is of course just another attraction of this colorful extravaganza.
Other than celebrating Holi in Vrindavan, also see Delhi, Agra and Mathura. You will be transported back in time to the scenes of Mughal Emperors and former kingdoms, as you spend time in monuments such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. A notable highlight of the tour is the chance to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the peerless Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this tomb of white marble is a must-see.
Best time to visit Delhi, Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra– November to March is the best time to see Delhi, Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra, as the winter months are pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. Holi will be celebrated from 9 March to 10 March in 2020.
Where to stay in Delhi, Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan – For Agra, staying near the Taj Mahal is a must, with there being several hotels close by. In Delhi, Mathura and Vrindavan, it is best to stay close to the major tourist attractions, like Krishna Temple, and the Red Fort.
How to reach Delhi, Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan – Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi is the perfect starting point for the tour, with there being direct flights from Mumbai and Bangalore. From Delhi, it is an easy drive to Vrindavan and Mathura, to see the legend of Lord Krishna and his evil uncle, Kamsa. You can depart from Agra Airport after seeing the sights, including the Taj Mahal.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival
A recent recipient of the title of UNESCO’s first world capital of architecture, is also one of the most vibrant cities in Brazil. Rio’s architecture is varying and eclectic, incorporating sustainable technologies (such as the RB12, a commercial building), bold and striking designs (in the Cidade des Arts), Mayan pyramid styles and bright glass windows (the Cathedral of Sao Sebastiao). Almost every building in Rio is teeming with history. Walk amongst the buildings to get to know the city of Rio.
Rio bursts into life as it holds the colorful Rio Carnival, which has become famous around the world. You will see people all around the city dancing, including brazilian samba, down the samba runway, at the Sambadrome parade.
Other than its gorgeous buildings, Rio is also famous for its laid back beach culture and love for sports. See the gorgeous peaks of Dois Irmaos, and the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, and soak up the festive atmosphere with your Brazil tour package from India.
Best time to visit Rio – Between December and March, the city is warm and sunny, and you can visit the beaches. Of course, if you want to see the Carnival, you can visit during February 24 and 25, 2020.
Where to stay in Rio – The most tourists-friendly neighbourhood in Rio is the South Zone. You can stay in the neighbourhood of Copacabana, which is close to the tourist destinations, and is famous for its nightlife, including being named in the famous song “Copacabana”.
How to reach Rio – Rio de Janeiro Airport in Rio is well-connected around the world, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. After completing the tour, you can depart from Rio as well.
Barcelona Catalan Modernism
Bunol, a small Mediterranean town in Spain, holds the world’s biggest food fight festival every year – La Tomatina – where people throng the streets to throw tomatoes at each other. Water cannons are then fired to hose down the participants, leading to them becoming clean and their skin rich with the healthy citric acid from the tomatoes. Other than the tomatoes, the week of the festival also includes colorful parades, fireworks and paella cooking contests in the streets.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a grand city full of tapas, sangria and neoclassical architectural gems such as the world-famous Prado Museum. Almudena Cathedral, adorned with gorgeous murals from floor to ceiling, as well as the Royal Palace. Valencia, set on the Mediterranean sea, is a port city with futuristic structures and spaces.
Best time to visit Madrid, Bunol and Valencia – La Tomatina Festival will be held on 26 August 2020.
Where to stay in Madrid, Bunol and Valencia – For the La Tomatina Festival, the city of Bunol will be crowded, and as a result, it is difficult to find accommodation. As a result, it is better to stay in the nearby town of Valencia, 38 kms away by bus. In Madrid, you should stay close to the Plaza Mayor, which is the city centre, and close to the major attractions.
How to reach Madrid, Bunol and Valencia – Madrid- Barajas Airport in Madrid is well-connected with Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in direct flights. You can depart from Valencia Airport after your tour is over.
Harbin Winter Wonderland in China
The harbin international Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is the largest of its kind in the world, and has now become an international competition and tourist attraction in itself, with 18 million participants every year. The Festival is memorable for its exhibition areas – Ice and Snow World, which is a recreation in snow of full-size buildings, and Sun Island, a recreation centre. There are also chances to go alpine skiing, winter-swimming, snowmobiling, and see ice-lanterns everywhere in this winter carnival.
Best time to visit Harbin – The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival will be held between 1 January and 28 February 2020.
Where to stay in Harbin – The Daoli District of Harbin serves as its downtown, and is close to its city centre, as well as its eateries, nightlife and serves as a convenient way to get to the site of the festival.
How to reach Harbin – You can fly into Harbin, which has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore via Shanghai. After the Festival, you can depart from Harbin as well.
Glastonbury
Started the day that music legend Jimi Hendrix died, Glastonbury is a five-day music festival, featuring dance, comedy, theatre, cabaret alongside a variety of well-known artists performing in a vibrant, electric atmosphere. Inspired by English hippie culture, today it is known as a place where you can heal as well as enjoy yourself.
The Festival takes place in the Vale of Avalon, an area of 900 acres, immersed in allegory, mythology and religious traditions dating back hundreds of years ago with rumors as to King Arthur (mythological character) being buried. Wandering the fields, you never know what you might find, like Silver Hayes, the dance village. The laws around here are a little bit freer than usual hence allowing everyone to have a wild time in their own way. Other than Glastonbury, also delight in seeing Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, and Bristol.
Best time to visit Glastonbury- The Glastonbury Festival will be held between 24 and 28 June 2020. For Cardiff and Bristol, it is best to visit in the spring, as the weather is sunny, and the days are long enough for sightseeing.
Where to stay in Glastonbury – Most Glastonbury attendees are provided accommodation in tents included in their ticket bookings, in pre-erected campsites such as Worthy View, located on a hill above the fields. In Cardiff, you can stay in either Roath or Cathays, where you have access to the city centre, or Cardiff Bay, for gorgeous views. In Bristol, stay close to the city centre.
How to reach Glastonbury – You can fly into Cardiff International Airport, which has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore via Qatar. After the Festival, you can depart from Bristol Airport.
Oktoberfest Germany
Oktoberfest is a long tradition of over 200 years, asserted with energy, reflecting the authentic culture of the Germans. Discovered in 12th October, 1810, on the occasion of King Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Theresa of Saxony (the field is named after her), all the citizens of Munich were invited hence that extravagant royal event led to an annual fest thereafter. Highlights include a parade on the main day of Oktoberfest, where the may of the mayor of Munich opens the first beer barrel, with the expression “O’zapft is!” (It is tapped!), kick-starting the festival, as well as the riflemen parade.
Roam the streets of Munich for the beer tents along with amazing halls set up by innovative landowners with extensive breweries. Enjoy the exquisite cuisine and beautiful sightseeing destinations along with the extravagant fest!
Best time to visit Munich – The Oktoberfest will be held between 19 September and 4 October 2020
Where to stay in Munich – For Oktoberfest, it is best to stay close to Theresienwiese, in the center of Munich, where the festival is due to take place. There are several hotels and accomodations close to Theresienwiese.
How to reach Munich– You can fly into Munich International Airport, which has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore via Qatar. After the Festival, you can depart from Munich Airport as well.
Burning Man, Reno
Burning Man is a community of people, united in the quest for more creative and associated survival in the world, enthused by the ethics reflected in the Ten Principles (rules of the festival that have been effectively used to solve past problems and answer questions).
Black Rock City, is established over a year of hard work, transforming it into a home for the largest annual gathering, hence fostering the idiosyncratic culture developing from that experience.
Burning man provides massive experience with ecstatic ways to rejuvenate your soul and human spirit at the same time excavating solutions to social problems, motivate culture, community, and civic rendezvous. The mission of this ethereal Project is to enable and outspread the culture into the world, reminiscing the Burning Man event.
Indulge yourself into the six organized program functions, including Arts, Civic Involvement, Culture, Education, Philosophical Centre, and Social Enterprise, providing infrastructural amenities and agendas to support the native communities by applying the Ten given Principles!
Best time to visit Reno- The Burning Man Festival will be held between 30 August and 7 September 2020.
Where to stay for the Burning Man Festival – For the Festival, it is best to stay in Reno, which is around 100 kms away from Black Rock City, where Burning Man is to be held. You can also pitch your own camp at Black Rock City for the duration of the Festival. There are several registered camps near the fields.
How to reach the Burning Man Festival – You can fly into Reno International Airport, which has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. From Reno, Black Rock City, where the festival is to be held, is 100 kms away, and you can travel by car or bus. After the Festival, you can depart from Reno Airport as well.
