Parties around the globe

Some folks sure do know how to party, and how to plan a party. Here are some celebrations that happen every year around the globe to inspire your own end of year bash.

• Burning Man

This 8-day long themed party is set out in Blackrock Desert in Nevada. And boy does it have a reputation. Every year it sees around 50 000 people trek out to let their hair down and rock out in the desert. The party is based on a gifting economy meaning that no money is exchanged at the actual event. Whatever you do, you need to do something. Whether it's bringing loads of ice and handing that out, or making food for strangers or creating a tented chill area... you just have to do something. It also takes an artistic slant and huge sculptures are created with the intention of burning them on the last night of the festival. Everybody I know who has attended this party glows with passion at the mere mention of it's name.

Monique Scheiss has also created our own local version: AfrikaBurn It's well worth checking out and happens out in the Tankwa Karoo.

• Bay to Breakers

This "race" takes place in downtown San Francisco. It's supposed to be a 12km foot race but has transformed into a costume party and a little bit of a keg race. The story of this race started in 1912 after an earthquake in the area in 1906 had locals feeling blue. This race was designed to keep people cheery and continues to this today. Around 70 000 people make their way downtown pushing their trollies filled with kegs and dressed up to the nines. The good times are definitely rolling here.

There is also the Bare to Breakers for those who wish to do it in the nick)

• La Tomatina

I've wanted to check this one out for a while: the tomato festival in Spain. It takes place in the little town of Bunol in Valencia, Spain. About 30 000 people arrive to play a part in this annual food fight where tomatoes are thrown at one another. If you can believe it, this tradition has been going on since 1645 and happens on the last Wednesday in August.

• Full Moon Party

Thailand is famous for it's Full Moon Parties, especially those on Ko Pha Ngan. People travel from far a wide to come and dance in the sand of a night. Rumour has it that it started as a birthday party about 30 years ago. It was such a success that the partiers decided to come back again and again. And the story flew far and wide about an epic party out on a Thai island. It now sees around 20 000 people at the party (and even the low season ones can gather around 10 000 a party). Some say it may have lost it's charm over the years as more and more people arrive, but isn't this the story of every originally small party that made it to the big time?

• La Merce

  

  Photo: Dr Jaus

Now this is something you want to make sure you attend at some point. It's a street party set in Barcelona. It lasts for around 5 days in September and is in honour of the Patron Saint of Barcelona. Every central square has an almost 24 hour line-up of performances, and the streets are packed with processions and admirers. It's a sight to behold. Come night time, the real fun begins with heaps fire spitting dragons that are locally produces in teams. The parade through the streets with their own set of drummers. This leads down to the fire run. Weat protective clothing and get involved in this devil dance. Literally, people dress up as devils and spin hand held fir crackers. The trick is to get in with the devil and hide under the sparks. It's mayhem. And magic. A festival certainly to attend.

Now get on with planning your epic party vacation. If you've attended any of the above why not send us your review to info@gotravel24.com for publication.

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