Travel Tips

Top events around the world in August

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There are some truly spectacular events taking place this August. If you're more than ready to start making holiday plans, these fabulous festivals could be all the excuse you need!

La Tomatina Festival

Spain, August 27

This Spanish festival in Bunol is the most famous food fight in the world! It primarily consists of attendees throwing tomatoes at each other, to the point where the city is doused in tomato juice. 

Preparations are already being made, with more than 100 tonnes of ripe tomatoes to be delivered to the town centre. For convenient accommodation options, Valencia is your best bet as Bunol only has limited places available.

Ticketing was introduced in 2013 because the small town couldn't accommodate the number of attendees. Before last year it's estimated a massive 30,000 people showed up for the festival. Get your tickets and bring your old clothes, closed shoes, goggles and get ready to have some fun!

There are some rules to keep in mind, that ensure everyone has a safe and fun time. Don't rip shirts, before you throw the tomato squish it in your hand to soften the blow, you're not allowed to throw anything else and have to stop when the second cannon is fired.

The festival started in the 1940s, when young men weren't allowed to partake in the gigantes y cabezudos parade. In protest, these young men picked up the tomatoes from a nearby stall and threw them into the crowd. The fight was broken up and those involved had to pay damages, but the next year the same thing happened. It became an unofficial event and now is an approved festival where the council provides the tomatoes.

Burning Man

Nevada, August 25-September 1

Burning Man is a moving experience in the heart of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Artists exhibit a variety of inspired art pieces for the extent of the festival and burn their creations on the final day. The grand finale is the burning of a massive wooden statue in the figure of a man, then, all traces of the festival are removed to return the land to its original state.

Since humble beginnings in 1986, the festival now attracts many people – last year alone there were more than 60,000 visitors. This year the event's theme is Caravansary to celebrate the traders, pilgrims, monks, nomads and adventurers who travelled and came together on the silk road. 

International Beer Festival

Berlin, August 1-3

Savour countless delicious beers from all over the world at the 18th International Beer Festival in Berlin.

The festival began in 1997, with the aim to offer visitors the ultimate beer experience. In 2011, the festival gained a Guinness World Record for the longest beer garden. On top of that, there were 2,000 specialty beers presented by 320 breweries from 86 countries all over the world. 

Every year one country or region takes centre stage. In 2008 the focus was the Czech Republic, in 2010 it was Vietnam and last year Poland had a turn in the limelight. In 2014, 700,000 visitors are expected to enjoy Strausberger Platz and Frankfurter Tor beers, as well as many others, and be entertained by music across 20 stages.

WaterFire Providence

Rhode Island, August 9-23

WaterFire is an art installation, performance work and city festival held in Providence, Rhode Island, and you only have to offer a donation to see the spectacle. There are one hundred bonfires, all burning beautifully bright just above the surface of the river at Waterplace Park. Volunteer fire tenders ensure the flames grow higher and higher and music swells in the background. Take your time to walk along the banks in the evening to see it all up close.

The show is well known around the world as being symbolistic, breathtaking and powerful. A key theme that runs through the event is the recognition that people need to work together to strengthen the community.

If you're looking for something to make your holiday extra special, these events might be just the thing. Each one offers something memorable, whether a giant burning statue or hundreds thrown tomatoes.

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