Summer Festivals

Summer Festivals

I love summer festivals! You are most of the time outdoors having lots of interesting activities with friends and family, and mingle with local people, who are laid-back and ready to talk and have fun. If you are looking for some inspiration for this summer, check out the festivals I chose below. Learn about festivals in Iceland, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. Maybe they will inspire to visit one of those amazing destinations.

Braedslan Music Festival, Iceland

Braedslan Music Festival is very far away from Reykjavik and close to Borgarfjordur Eystri. The world-famous bands play excellent music inside an old herring shed. It is one of a kind very unique venue. The atmosphere is very laid-back. People are in Icelandic wollen sweaters and they are very friendly. This festival takes place by the end of July. They are selling only 900 tickets, so you want to buy them much in advance! Many famous artists and bands, such as Of Monsters and Men have played at this small but charming music festival. You are surrounded by picturesque and beautiful fjords. In summer there is much of bright light at night, as the sun goes down often by midnight. It gives this very surreal vibe. Remember to buy and wear your Icelandic sweater, if you want to blend in!

Janadriyah National Festival, Saudi Arabia

The Janadriyah National Festival is a massive celebration of heritage and culture that takes place in Riyadh in November or December, when the days are cooler. It is the largest folk festival in the country. It is hosted by the village of Janadriyah located around 50km (30 miles) outside of Riyadh. The aim of this festival is to show the heritage and promote local arts and crafts. In two or three weeks, there are many events, like for instance ceremonies, display of folkloric arts, camel races, and cultural events. Local artisans sell their crafts. You can also see eagles, and camels and learn many interesting facts about them and their training. Saudi Arabia’s most talented poets recite their latest works.

Burning Man, USA

Burning Man is an interesting festival that is promotes self-expression and rejects the corporatism and capitalism. The aim of Burning Man is to create and see art, and live in the moment. Once a year, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis, where participants create a self-sustaining community which leaves no trash after the festival finishes. Visually, it is very interesting as the attendees create amazing costumes with make-ups. They create the whole futuristic city on the desert with sculptures and vehicles out of this world. If you like experiencing something new, and taking unusual photos, this event is for you.

Vocabulary

mingle – interact in company with others, as at a social event (mieszać się, spotykać, rozmawiać)

laid-back – x (wyluzowana np. atmosfera)

fjords– a long, narrow arm of the sea bordered by steep cliffs: usually formed by glacial erosion (fjordy)

vibe – the character, quality, or atmosphere of a place, situation, etc.; ambiance (atmosfera, pozytywne wibracje)

blend in – to mix or intermingle smoothly and inseparably  (wmieszać się, dopasować się)

race – contest of speed (wyścig)

corporatism – the principles, doctrine, or system of corporative organization of a political unit, as a city or state (korporacjonizm)

temporary – lasting, existing, serving, or effective for a time only; not permanent (tymczasowy)

metropolis – large, busy city (metropolia)

self-sustaining – the supporting or maintaining of oneself or itself without reliance on outside aid (samowystarczalny)