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.
Observed both by Armenians and the Armenian diaspora, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day commemorates the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915, killed both by violence and starvation. In the capital of Yerevan, thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame.
Each year in early spring, the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek – comes alive with the sound of jazz music. Musicians from across Central Asia, the United States and Europe flock to the northern Kyrgyz city for three days of jazz concerts, events and celebrations in the cosmopolitan city.
Known as "the beautiful run," the Borneo marathon takes place along the palm-fringed, coastal roads of the island of Kinabalu in Sabah. Participants can take part in the full marathon (26.2 miles) or half marathon (13.1 miles) or the 10 km run (just over 6 miles). Spectators line the route, creating a festive atmosphere.
This two- or three-day festival takes place throughout the sixth lunar month. People make bamboo rockets and compete to fire them high into the sky; there are parties with drinking and dancing and the men dress as women. The ritual is supposed to invoke the wrath of the gods so they will send rain to water the crops.
This celebration, on the most sacred day of the Buddhist calendar, is the most important festival for Buddhists. It holds special significance because it is the birthday of Buddha, and there is a fair held to commemorate the event at Lumbini, attended by Buddhist from all over the world, where Buddha is said to have been born.
The quirky Cheung Chau Bun Festival welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year. Originally held to commemorate the end of a devastating plague 100 years ago, traditional celebrations include a floating colors parade, ´lucky´ bun baking and bun-gathering competitions.
The most important festival in the North Korean calendar celebrates the birthday of the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung. People gather together in public spaces to show respect, there are competitions including the Pyongyang Marathon, huge ensemble performances of dance and music, a flower show and a grand firework display at night time.
A highly religious country with deep Christian roots, Easter is an important time on the Georgian calendar and features a number of different observances throughout the country. Growing Easter Grass (wheat), using red onions and roots to dye eggs, and feasting are all facets of this important day. It is also a day for attending special church services. On the Monday following Easter, some Georgians visit graveyards to pay their respects to the dead.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and is one of the most anticipated Islamic holidays. The day starts with a special prayer service at the mosque, to which followers wear new clothes. This is a time to visit friends and relatives, often celebrating together with larges meals and elders giving money to children.
Eid in Dubai really brings together the region’s diverse and multicultural community to celebrate this important religious festival in harmony. The government organizes some excellent events and activities for all ages and all tastes, including food stalls, shows and fireworks for up to four days.
