#ShortList : Festivals of Light
Yi Peng, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The lantern festival is celebrated on the eve of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar – in 2016, this falls on November 16. Paper lanterns are released into the sky all at once. Buddhist monks will launch three: one for Buddha, one for Dharma, and one for Sangha.
Diwali, India
The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness or good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It is celebrated throughout the country over a five day period, culminating on Diwali night which falls on the new moon, usually between mid-October to mid-November. Everyone is involved and the parties spill out on to the streets with lights, oil lamps and fireworks.
Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Day), Great Britain
Remember, remember the fifth of November. This day commemorates the failed attempt to explode the House of Lords (upper house of Parliament in the UK) by Guy Fawkes (whose figure is now well-recognised as the face of the “Anonymous” hactivist group). Effigies of Guy Fawkes are lit, as well as bonfires, torches and burning crosses.
Vivid Sydney, Australia
Vivid Sydney is a three week celebration of light, illumination, creativity and enlightenment. Art installations of light are exhibited all over the city, with the most-notable being the Sydney Opera House having it sails illuminated in immersive light.
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Northern Nagano, Japan
Each year on January 15, the town of Nozawa Onsen hosts the greatest fire-setting-battle you will have ever seen. Men aged 25 and 42 are said to have unlucky ages, so they are the ones to participate in the battle. A large tower is built, at the top of which the 42-year old men sit. The villagers charge in to try and set the tower alight – the 42-year old men protect the top of the tower and the 25-year old men protect the base. The event can last up to four hours, but mix a little saké into the equation and it seems like one helluva ride.
Hey Sean! I’m Ana’s friend (in Thailand) and I have a question regarding global health insurance. I’m having difficulty find coverage for Latin America over the course of 2 years, even if I do renew after just one year. Any suggestions?
Hi Kalyn, sorry for the late reply! I have had travel insurance purchased from Australia, they allow a year-on-year extension but you can only purchase 1-year policies at a time. Seems like you need to shop around a bit.
You’ll get insurance from your country of origin, sorry I can’t be any more specific.