{"id":8310,"date":"2019-02-01T06:39:31","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T06:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/2019-festival-calendar\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T20:40:04","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T20:40:04","slug":"2019-festival-calendar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/europe\/2019-festival-calendar\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Festivals to Attend in 2019: Asia and Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can tell a lot about a nation\u2019s identity by the festivals they celebrate. Festivals in Europe tend to complement the seasons, with most celebrations happening in the warmer months. Flowers bloom and pageantries come alive during this time, and during harvesting season, delicious produce is in abundance.\u00a0A good festival in Europe is celebrated with drinks, laughter, and music. Mark your 2019 Festival Calendar, and visit Europe at its best!<\/p>\n

\"DrummersCC by 0.0 \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Top European and Asian Events for Your 2019 Festival Calendar<\/h2>\n

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Up Helly Aa – Scotland<\/a> (29 January)<\/h3>\n

\"UpCC by 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

First stop on Festival Calendar 2019 is Up Helly Aa! At the end of Yule, a fiery festival on the Shetland Isles<\/a> brings on the drama. Dressed up as Vikings, people create quite the stir in town with elaborate parades. At night, citizens gather and form a long procession of torches, as they wind through town and set a longship on fire, a highlight of the festival.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s plenty to imbibe at the event, the charming Manchester<\/a> Beer & Cider Festival is just across the straits. Stay the night at The Queen\u2019s Hotel<\/a> or Lerwick Hotel<\/a>, for it\u2019s been a long day of festivity.<\/p>\n

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Thaipusam – Malaysia<\/a><\/u> (21 January)<\/h2>\n

\"Crowds<\/p>\n

In honour of the Hindu God of War, Lord Murugan, almost a million trek 15km each year from Kuala Lumpur<\/a><\/u> to the Batu Caves. It\u2019s not for the faint-hearted, because this frenetic procession features extreme body piercings, including large metal frames called kavadis that sit upon the devotees, as they make their way up 272 steps to the giant deity statue at the end.<\/p>\n

But look past the physicality, and you\u2019ll see an incredible display of spiritual worship of garlands and swords. While those who favour the cold can visit the Snow and Ice Festival in Harbin<\/a><\/u>, China, it\u2019s hard to win Thaipusam\u2019s vibrancy. Stay near the temple start-off point at either Tian Jing Hotel <\/a><\/u>or Travelodge Central Market<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

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Carnivale of Venice<\/a> – Italy<\/a> (16 February)<\/h3>\n

\"CostumesCC by 0.0 \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In February, Venice comes to life when a city-wide masquerade explodes into a vibrant celebration. We\u2019re talking glamourous masks, 18th century balls, water parades, and galas that go on late into the night.<\/p>\n

The waterfront views at Hilton Molino<\/a> are great, and Carnival Palace<\/a> provides great modern luxury. But if you\u2019re a music junkie, head to Europe\u2019s jazz capital Copenhagen<\/a> for Vinterjazz.<\/p>\n

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Panagbenga Festival – Philippines<\/a><\/u> (1 February)<\/h2>\n

\"Performers<\/p>\n

It\u2019s flower power at Baguio City<\/a><\/u> as they celebrate \u201cthe season of blooming\u201d. Ripe for picking, the floral displays are unimaginably inventive. It\u2019s a month-long cultural festival which culminates during the grand float procession, where plenty of diverse dancing, from modern pop to tribal traditional, will really get this party started.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a great time to sample one of their national dish, lechon – a roasted suckling pig that cracks deliciously under your teeth at every bite. Dress up your hotel room even – there\u2019s the comfy Holiday Inn<\/a><\/u> or cosier Heritage Mansion<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

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Alishan Festival – Taiwan<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 2.0 \/ Jerry Lai<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Or be one of the first few to catch this year\u2019s cherry blossoms, at Taiwan<\/a><\/u>\u2019s Alishan Festival. Taipei<\/a><\/u>\u2019s Wuji Tianyuan temple is a popular spot, or head further out to Beitou for some picturesque oriental scenes of pavilions and blossoms!<\/p>\n

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St Patrick\u2019s Day – Ireland (17 March)<\/h3>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 2.0 \/ Giuseppe Milo<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I hope green\u2019s your colour, because even beer is tinged green during this festive weekend! Being a festival celebrated in honour of their late patron saint, St. Patrick has become about all things Irish.<\/p>\n

Performers are dressed up as leprechauns at every corner, carrying pots of gold, bundles of shamrock, and enough beer to drown out the atmosphere. If you love vibrancy but aren\u2019t so big a fan of green, The Carnaval of Netherlands<\/a> is even more colourful. When in Dublin<\/a>, Haddington House<\/a> and Maldron Hotel<\/a> make for super convenient stays.<\/p>\n

Tattoo Festival – Thailand<\/a><\/u> (2 March)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 2.0 \/ Michelle Hamilton<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Fancy a sak yant? Then make your way down to Nakhon<\/a><\/u> for some scenic river views and customised tattoos. People come from all parts of the world to get a tattoo from Wat Bang Phra (Temple of the Flying Tiger) during this festival weekend from the monks.<\/p>\n

Each a unique design, the monks pray over these for spiritual protection after inking. People have been known to fall into a trance, but you can just add one to yourself and claim fame because Angelina Jolie had hers done here too! Recover by checking in to Sunlove Resort & Spa<\/a><\/u> after your session. It\u2019s not as colourful as the Holi Festival in India<\/a><\/u>, but seeing the various patterns will be just an eyeful too.<\/p>\n

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Pascha – Greece<\/a> (28 April)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

On the Saturday before Easter, the Holy Flame of Jerusalem<\/a> hops on a special flight to a small church in Athens<\/a>. There, it is spread through Greece. During Pascha, people bring their own candles out to bring the blessed flame home.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find once-a-year food specialties like magiritsa<\/em> (lamb innards soup) or tsoureki<\/em> (braided bread), along with raised glasses of ouzo<\/em> (a local spirit) as people celebrate life. Home & Poetry<\/a> is a great place to stay, and if you\u2019re looking at some indoor festivities, Santorini<\/a>\u2019s Alta Vista Suites<\/a> has a stunning infinity pool. If the candle flames aren\u2019t dramatic enough for you, the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh<\/a> should do the trick.<\/p>\n

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Thingyan – Myanmar<\/a><\/u> (13 April)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
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Songkran in Thailand is world-renowned but it can get a little commercial with the super-soakers. If you\u2019re craving for some real wet blessings, head over to Yangon<\/a><\/u> instead where scented water is still splashed from ornate silver bowls or striking pails.<\/p>\n

Come out sinless and squeaky clean, but still enjoy plenty of local interaction, fun and play! Towel off at Pullman Yangon Centrepoint<\/a><\/u>, or if you\u2019re in Bagan<\/a><\/u>, try the luxurious Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

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Keukenhof – Netherlands (1 May)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Amsterdam<\/a> earns their name as the \u201cGarden of Europe\u201d with their incredible display of tulips during Keukenhof. It is held on the lavish grounds of the Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria, making that over 300 hectares of fresh blooms.<\/p>\n

Moving from blooms to ballet, check out the world\u2019s cultural finest at Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg<\/a>, during White Nights Art Festival. Stay at the lively Meininger Hotel<\/a>, or the luxurious Postillion Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Waisak – Indonesia<\/a><\/u> (19 May)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 2.0 \/ Imam Hartoyo<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

There are many places where Buddha\u2019s day of birth, enlightenment and death is celebrated. But why not do it at the world\u2019s largest mahayana buddhist temple in Yogyakarta<\/a><\/u> – Borobudur? This ninth century complex is also a UNESCO site, and transforms into a magical scene at midnight.<\/p>\n

After monks circle and chant their way to the hour, thousands of sky lanterns are lit and set free, lighting up the monument in a spectacular glow. Others may celebrate with food, like the Cheng Chau Buddhist Bun Festival in Hong Kong, but you will be full with one-of-a-kind images to last a lifetime. Retire to Hotel Neo<\/a><\/u> or Grand Aston<\/a><\/u> after your spiritual awakening.<\/p>\n

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Klapa Music Festival – Croatia<\/a> (28 June)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 3.0 \/ Albin Olsson<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

As you approach Omis<\/a>, you may hear haunting voices echo from the medieval town. Groups of singers compete in a pitch perfect contest, harmonizing in expressive a capella to clinch the prizes.<\/p>\n

Explore the Adriatic charm with kayaking, ziplining or scenic hikes. Both Villa Marina<\/a> and Eol Villa<\/a> provide epic views. There\u2019s also singing at the Sankt Hans Festival where pagan rituals pay tribute to a darker period.<\/p>\n

Dano Festival – South Korea<\/a><\/u> (3 June)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Joseon Dynasty is in full-swing at Gangneung<\/a><\/u> – at least for a week in June. From cultural to culinary, the streets spill with traditional festivities. Make some suritteok mugwort ricecakes; rinse your hair in an iris root wash; watch ladies in hanbok swing themselves high for luck; or witness macho demonstrations of ssireum wrestling.<\/p>\n

Just remember to get an amulet – it\u2019s believed this is the luckiest period of the year! Feel right at home staying at Dal Garam Guesthouse<\/a><\/u>, or opt for a seaview at Hotel Rang<\/a><\/u>. If you like something similar, try the Duanwu Festival in China<\/a><\/u>. The kids can also dress up and collect lucky sachets created specially for the festival.<\/p>\n

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Coffin Procession – Spain<\/a> (29 July)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 0.0 \/ pxhere<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The tiny village of Las Neves<\/a> is well known for a peculiar reason – an annual procession that places the living in coffins! While it may seem rather morbid, this parade is for us to fully cherish and celebrate the life that we have.<\/p>\n

Live music and open-air cookouts contribute to their infectious atmosphere, and you are sure to be reminded of how great it is to be alive. Parador de Santiago<\/a>, or Hesperia Santiago Peregrino<\/a> provide comfort after a long day. Over at Split<\/a>, Croatia, an EDM music festival provides another kind of music revelry at Ultra Europe.<\/p>\n

Naadam – Mongolia<\/a><\/u> (11 July)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0<\/span><\/em>CC by 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The nomadic lifestyle can be a rugged one, so it\u2019s no surprise that the mongolians celebrate heartily as well. Naadam (which means games) is a time for their men to show off their brute power. For centuries even pre-Genghis Khan, participants will go through rounds of wrestling, archery and horseback riding.<\/p>\n

The raw power is electrifying and undeniably charismatic. Out of the field back in Ulaanbaatar<\/a><\/u>, pick from spacious rooms at The Corporate Hotel Convention Centre<\/a><\/u>, or snazzier ones at Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel<\/a><\/u>. If music\u2019s more like a festival weekend for you, there\u2019s the earthy Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak<\/a><\/u>, Malaysia.<\/p>\n

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Water jousting – France<\/a> (22 August)<\/h3>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 0.0 \/ pxhere<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It seems like saints love rambunctious events! Over at Sete<\/a>, men balancing on rowboats are pitted against one another at the royal canal, jousting their way to glory.<\/p>\n

Explore the town\u2019s local markets, street shows and dockside bars. The final night\u2019s firework display reflects off the waters, making for an extravagant display. Stay over at Hote Port Marine<\/a> or Hotel L\u00d3rque Bleue<\/a>. If you\u2019re in the mood for delicate flowers and calming scents, hop over to Provence<\/a> for their Lavender Parade.<\/p>\n

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Taungbyone Nat Festival – Myanmar<\/a><\/u> (8 August)<\/h2>\n

\"\"CC by 2.0 \/ Cristina Bejarano<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Things get a little spooky an hour from Mandalay. The Taungbyone Nat plays host to the country\u2019s biggest spirit festival. It is there that a \u201cPagoda of Wishes\u201d stands and it draws hundreds of mediums and thousands of pilgrims to its site, where a lore steeped in spiritual beliefs has pervaded the region.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an intense flow of traders, locals and practitioners who come here to offer or be granted blessings. Mandalay has great accomodation options, such as Hilton Mandalay<\/a><\/u> and Bagan King Hotel<\/a><\/u>. For an equal in atmosphere, the Obon Festival in Japan<\/a><\/u> that honours their ancestors can be just as mysterious.<\/p>\n

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Grape Harvest Parade – Italy<\/a> (14 September)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Sardinia <\/a>makes some of the best wines and Cagliari <\/a>makes it known with a ten-day event, but it\u2019s the festival weekend that really makes for a unique experience. Wine-making families display carts, tools, fresh plump grapes, and pay homage to their roots with period costumes.<\/p>\n

The parade ends at the town centre, where the fruits are blessed at Sant \u00c9lena Basilica and dsitributed to the crowd. Hotel Miramare<\/a> and Hotel Villa Sveva<\/a> are conveniently located in case you need to crash. If you\u2019re still up for more alcohol, Palava Wine Festival awaits in Czech Republic<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Tet Trung Thu – Vietnam<\/a><\/u> (13 September)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 0.0 \/ pxhere<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, there\u2019s no better place to witness this lantern-filled in Vietnam than in Hoi An<\/a><\/u>. The quaint streets lit by lights strung across the passages make for a romantic stroll, and as the locals come out with their hand lanterns, it\u2019s a wonderful time to bond with them.<\/p>\n

Another thing to do is to imbibe in the delicious mooncake pastries, while sipping tea and staring at the glowing full moon. The Betel Garden Villas<\/a><\/u> is perfect for this purpose but if you like to stay near the action while enjoying a more modern space, there\u2019s Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

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Oktoberfest – Germany<\/a> (1 October)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re heading to Munich<\/a> this month. Although the festival is famous for celebrating with beer (up to 7 million litres), there\u2019s plenty of whisky and wine to go around too!<\/p>\n

Strap on your lederhosen at Oktoberfest and you\u2019ll feel right at place under the tents. Dine on classic dishes like schnitzel<\/em> and figure what best beverage washes it down, then head to the closing ceremony during the weekend where there will be plenty of singing. Prost!<\/p>\n

Have a good night\u2019s sleep after all that drinking. The refreshing atmosphere at Ruby Lilly Hotel<\/a>, and Arthotel Ana Diva<\/a> is sure to satisfy. Or if you\u2019ve got more time, there\u2019s plenty of edgy music at Morocco<\/a>\u2019s Moga Festival.<\/p>\n

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Thimphu<\/a><\/u> Tshechu – Bhutan<\/a><\/u> (8 October)<\/h2>\n

A must for your festival calendar 2019, this is one of the biggest buddhist celebration happening in the capital city of Bhutan. Festivals there are a big thing, and almost everyone descends to town to make merit and watch costumed performances that are out of this world. It\u2019s an unrestrained experience of Bhutan lifestyle, with Cham dances, lots of trading, colourful garb and plenty of laughter.<\/p>\n

At the end of the festival, gape at the giant thangka scroll unfurling across the temple that sends blessings to everyone present. Enjoy your stay with mountain views at Terma Linca Resort & Spa<\/a><\/u>, or opt for a cosier Hotel Norbuling<\/a><\/u>. For more merit-making, drop by Cambodia during Pchum Ben to offer sticky rice to those who have passed on.<\/p>\n

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Advent Markets – Austria<\/a> (29 November)<\/h3>\n

\"\"CC by 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

From the last week of November till Christmas, Vienna <\/a>unleashes fairytale Christmas cheers into the streets. Over twenty markets count down to the big day, selling handmade crafts and traditional Viennese treats, making for perfect Christmas gifts.<\/p>\n

Have a look at the best seasonal markets at the City Hall and Belvedere Palace. If the Christmas carols are not your cup of tea, Reykjavik<\/a> hosts the Iceland Airwaves. After a freezing cold evening, cozy hotels like The Ring Vienna\u2019s Casual Hotel<\/a>, or Radisson Blu Park Royal Palace <\/u>are sure to warm you right up.<\/p>\n

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Pushkar<\/a><\/u> Camel Fair – India (4 November)<\/h2>\n

\"\"\u00a0CC by 2.0 \/ Koshy Koshy<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

This Camel Fair is quite a sight. Thousands of camels gather at this tiny desert town in Rajasthan<\/a><\/u>, where in olden times, trading occured. Today, it\u2019s camel races and themed events shaped by the local tourism.<\/p>\n

It even features a beauty contest with camels bedecked in elaborate finery and sporting some interesting fur shaves – certainly worth a chuckle or two. If you really want to take things to the next level, try a soaring view from a hot air balloon! Continue your sandy adventures with a stay at Royal Jaisalmer<\/a><\/u>, or get the pomp at Taj Lake Palace<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

Loy Krathong – Thailand<\/h2>\n

\"\"CC by 2.0 \/ John Shedrick<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re into more floating, Thailand welcomes you during this month with the famous sky and river lanterns of Loy Krathong. The whole family can send off lighted offerings, but the kids will be mesmerised as they see a spectacular sea of lanterns fill both sky and rivers.<\/p>\n

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Hogmanay – Scotland (30 December)<\/h3>\n

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The only right way to close off our Festival Calendar 2019 would be with the crackle of 2020. New Year\u2019s Eve at Edinburgh features the streets coming alive with parties, music, and dance performances and an impressive castle backdrop. There are light installations and acrobat performances everywhere, transforming the whole of Edinburgh into a circus.<\/p>\n

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay ; Thousands join in the Torchlight procession through the streets of Edinburgh culminating in the burning of a viking ship and wicker Stag on Calton Hill.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a glorious moment when the new year comes and the fireworks light up the night sky. There\u2019s nothing more spectacular than Hogmanay for 2020. After a long night of celebrations, rest up at Hotel Indigo<\/a> or Eden Locke<\/a>. A close runner-up for a unique New Year party would be Reykjavik, which has brilliant displays of lights and beautiful landscapes.<\/p>\n

Emperor of Japan\u2019s Birthday – Japan (23 December)<\/h2>\n

\"\"CC by 0.0 \/ pxhere<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Celebrating the monarch\u2019s birthday, it is one of the only two days in the year when the public can enter inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo<\/a><\/u>. There\u2019ll be plenty of national pride as you spot locals waving hand-held flags as they visit, while you get some rare photos.<\/p>\n

You must add this to your festival calendar 2019, as it will be extra special. It is the last year for Emperor Akihito before his retirement, and 2020\u2019s date will be shifted to the Crown Prince\u2019s birthday instead on 23 February, so expect additional pomp. Feel like royalty yourself when you stay at Andaz Tokyo<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

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That wraps up the 2019 Festival Calendar. Have fun celebrating these festivities all around the globe!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You can tell a lot about a nation\u2019s identity by the festivals they celebrate. Festivals in Europe tend to complement the seasons, with most celebrations happening in the warmer months. Flowers bloom and pageantries come alive during this time, and during harvesting season, delicious produce is in abundance.\u00a0A good festival in Europe is celebrated with… Continue reading Best Festivals to Attend in 2019: Asia and Europe<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":8311,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,18,64,84],"tags":[788],"authors":[673],"class_list":["post-8310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities","category-europe","category-festivals-events","category-travel-guide","tag-festival-calendar","authors-morgan-awyong","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBest Festivals to Attend in 2019: Asia and Europe - Expedia SG Stories<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/europe\/2019-festival-calendar\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Festivals to Attend in 2019: Asia and Europe - Expedia SG Stories\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"You can tell a lot about a nation\u2019s identity by the festivals they celebrate. 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