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Top 10 things to do in February
Here at Active we're always on the look out for interesting and unusual events from around the world which can be used for prize promotions or group incentive trips. During the long winter months we've been turning our attentions across the globe to more exciting - and often warmer - shores, to bring you our list of 10 inspiring prizes ideas for February.
Brian Lin | Creative Commons
Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
French for 'Fat Tuesday', Mardi Gras is the last day before Lent, where inhibitions are left behind in favour of the wildest party in the United States' calendar. The streets of New Orleans are filled with parades and jazz music while the nights are full of debauchery. Be sure to head to Canal Street, the best place to witness the famous bead throws which drive the crowds wild.
Daniel Dionne | Creative Commons
New Year Celebrations, Hong Kong
Chinese New Year is one of the most globally celebrated holidays with countries across the world joining in the two week festivities. One of the best places to partake in the traditional celebrations is Hong Kong. Here you can indulge in traditional feasting and watch the colourful parade floats wind through the streets. The highlight of your stay is sure to be the spectacular firework display over Victoria Harbour, a must see either from the waterfront or Victoria Peak.
Lupo | Creative Commons
Battle of the Oranges, Italy
Reminiscent in part of Spain's La Tomatina festival, the Battle of the Oranges is indeed a fruit war, but this one is serious business. Steeped in history, the battle is a highly organised, competitive event; to join the battle zone you must first be accepted by a team. If you'd rather watch from the relative safety of the sidelines, you'll be part the 100,000 spectators who flock to the town of Ivrea in the province of Turin each year for the event.
divertingbailey | Creative Commons
Holy Ship!, Miami, USA
Holy Ship! is the ultimate intimate festival, only instead of a muddy field it's set at sea. Guests join the 4,000-passenger ship in Miami for hours of non-stop fun and tunes on route to the Bahamas. Once there, the party continues on the beach of a private island. Previous years have seen Pharrell, Skrillex and Tiesto take to the decks and this year's line up includes big names such as DJ Snake and Chromeo.
Leandro Neumann Ciuffo | Creative Commons
Rio Carnival, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro's carnival is the most famous in South America. The five days leading up to Ash Wednesday see the streets come to life with vibrant parades, inhibition-less dancers and the sounds of samba. Take a seat in the Sambadrome for the most anticipated carnival event where samba schools compete in the biggest parade of the year. Then join the locals at a bloco party where a band of drummers lead a wild and crazy dance party.
irka Matousek | Creative Commons
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Taiwan
Traditionally devised as a method for signalling safety to scattered villagers, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival originates from the times of the Xing Dynasty when outlaws would rampage lowland villages, forcing locals to flee for the hills. Watchmen would use 'fire balloons' to inform the villagers when it was safe to return. The practice has evolved over the years to become a full scale celebration, where thousands of lanterns are released to the heavens, taking with them written messages of the releasers' dreams and ambitions.
Pinus | Creative Commons
Tet Nguyen Dan,Vietnam
Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese New Year, is celebrated around the country and is a time to welcome the New Year and the arrival of spring. Preparations for Tet include the purchase of kumquat trees, decoration of homes and cooking of traditional foods - such as pork and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. The period leading up to Tet is a fantastic time to see Vietnam at its most colourful; cities are adorned with colourful decorations and lanterns and everyone is in high spirits.
Materialscientist | Creative Commons
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Japan's northernmost island fully embraces the winter season during this spectacular festival. Here incredible sculptures are created from the snow including everything from monuments to animals. Previous festivals have seen scenes from Star Wars displayed and even a snowy replica of the Taj Mahal. You can also try out winter activities such as the ice slides or snow tubing, or head for a warm up in the festival's namesake Sapporo Beer Garden.
MangakaMaiden Photography | Creative Commons
Splore, New Zealand
'Splore' was originally a Scottish term meaning to frolic or revel - the perfect definition for this festival in New Zealand's Tapapakanga Regional Park. The festival combines live music performances and art installations with glamping and beach revelry. This year's line up includes a host of home grown and international acts including the UK's Brand New Heavies.
(WT-en) Yogeshmankar | Creative Commons [Public domain]
Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India
Unlike most Indian celebrations, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival has no religious background but was in fact founded as a way to showcase Rajasthan's cultural heritage and draw tourists to the region. The festival is a three-day extravaganza during which locals dress in vibrant colours to showcase their traditions. There are temples to explore, craft bazaars, camel racing and even a competition for the longest moustache!
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