So much in Asia depends on the calendar. In February in Beijing, more than 20 million people all set off fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Nagaland in India, tribes from all over the region meet to compete, dance, and celebrate. In Thailand, spectators look on as celebrants perform bizarre rituals at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
With an intimate and unique knowledge of Asian culture, Remote Lands knows the importance of experiencing culture the right way. Whether you want an up-close view of the Sing-Sing festival in the Asaro Valley of Papua New Guinea or a quiet walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Remote Lands can give travelers the best possible experience on their celebrations throughout Asia.
Since 2007, the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open has been attracting golfers from around the world. The event is staged at the Phokeethra Country Club, just 15 miles from Siem Reap. Many golfers and spectators take advantage of the great location and head to nearby Angkor – when they’re not due on the golf course that is!
Mountain biking events, a carving workshop along with handicraft, textile and culinary exhibitions create an exciting festival in the breathtaking Sulawesi mountain landscape. Part of the series of events coined “The Lovely December Events,” the three-day festival celebrates the rich culture of Toraja.
Occurring annually in December, Qatar National Day originally celebrated the nation’s independence from Britain and now instead honors Sheikh Jassem bin Mohamed bin Thani, considered to be the father of Qatar. Several activities are organized throughout the week including fire works, a classic car show, heritage-themed events held at Katara Cultural Village, and the grand National Day Parade.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims make the lofty journey to the summit of Adam’s Peak, or Samanalakande (Butterfly Mountain). Starting from Poya Day (in December) and running all the through to Vesak Festival in May the following year, worshippers don their walking boots for the grueling 7,000-foot climb to the peak’s Buddhist temple.
22 Days of offerings paint the month of January with a sense of religious stoicism in Bagan. Monks wait in long lines as their alm bowls are filled with crops. Bullock cart-bearing pilgrims travel to the festival to peddle their goods, while market stalls and restaurants offer up delicious cuisine on the fairgrounds.
Christianity has been the state religion in Armenia since 301 and as such maintains their original day for Christmas: January 6. The holidays for this period feature a number of feasts, festivals, and observances that take place in the first week of January, kicking off with Armenian Santa Dzmer Papa (winter grandfather), who brings presents on December 31st. Christmas day on January 6 is a time when people bring the fire from churches to their homes, believing it will bless their families.
This seven-day festival is held to honor the baby Jesus in Kalibo, Alkan. Catholics attend mass and religious processions take place in the streets accompanied by traditional music and dancing. The final day, the third Sunday in January, sees a torchlit parade and a masquerade ball where the most colorful tribe wins prizes.
The Chinese New Year is by far the biggest and most widely-celebrated festival in Hong Kong and is celebrated over a few days. Highlights include a stunning flower market at Victoria Park, followed by a night parade the next day. Proceedings are brought to an end with huge firework display over Victoria Harbour on the final day.
This seven-day holiday is one of the most important in the Chinese calendar and is referred to as Golden Week. There are noisy celebrations with fireworks, family reunions where older relatives give youngsters red envelopes with cash, and lion dance performances. Most businesses reopen on the sixth day with spring dinners for employees.
