OUT & ABOUT IN JULY 09
July is defined by events like The Running of the Bulls, Independence Day, and the Tour de France,. If your favourite festival isn’t included here or you know of an event that should be on our list, then LET US KNOW.
Montreux International Jazz Festival
Montreux – Switzerland
3-18 July
43 years on and still going strong, one of Europe’s premier jazz festivals offers an impressive line-up for 2009, as eclectic as The Dave Matthews Band, B.B. King, and Seal.
For more info visit www.montreuxjazz.com
Wife Carrying World Championship
Finland
4 July
This event features a 250-metre race, a team competition, and a triathlon. In order to participate, men must carry their wives on their backs. A special award is given to the couple with the best costumes.
For more info visit www.sonkajarvi.fi
Battle of Gettysburg Re-enactment
Pennsylvania – USA
3 – 5 July
This annual re-enactment of the Civil War’s decisive engagement between the Yankees and Confederates commemorates the 146th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The re-enactment features 6 war battles and real mortar fire demonstrations.
For more info visit www.gettysburgreenactment.com
The Tour de France
France
4-26 July
This is the 96th Tour de France where the world’s top cross country cyclists set off on a gruelling 3500 kilometre course through the stunning French countryside.
For more info visit www.letour.fr
Gion Matsuri Festival
Kyoto - Japan
1 – 29 July
One of the largest events in Japan, the Gion Festival celebrates the beginning of summer. Over 1100 years old, the festival takes place at the Yasaka-jinja Shrine, home to street vendors and various entertainers. Lanterns, traditional dance groups, and portable shrines, known as Mikoshis, are features of this event. In addition, a procession parade down the Kamogawa River and performances in front of City Hall are also included. Festivities are held the entire month of July.
For more info visit www.jnto.go.jp
Palio Horse Race
Siena - Italy
2 July & 16 August
This annual nail-biting horse race around Siena’s Palio has its roots in the Middle Ages. Today, the 17 contrade (districts) of the city continue to compete, their riders throwing themselves into a race that’s sometimes anything but safe.
For more info visit www.paliosiena.com
Independence Day
United States of America
4 July
On 4 July 1776, the United States declared its independence from Britain. Today, Americans celebrate with barbeques, family gatherings, and fireworks displays, which are held in every major city and township.
For more info visit www.july4th.org
Ommegang Pageant
Brussels – Belgium
1 & 2 July
Ommegang or “walk about” in Brussels’ Grand Place has been going strong since 1549. It draws a mixed crowd ranging from tourists to Belgian Royals for a huge parade celebrating Brussels’ Renaissance past.
For more info visit www.visitbelgium.com
The Running of the Bulls
Pamplona - Spain
6-14 July
It’s known as one of Europe’s most dangerous festivals. The famous Running of the Bulls through the streets of the Spanish town of Pamplona dates back to medieval times. Today, it draws the reckless and daring to “run” six bulls and two tame herds from the corrals to the Bull Ring, where the bulls are later fought.
For more info visit www.sanfermin.com
Festival d’Avignon
Avignon – France
7 - 29 July
France’s annual celebration of theatre dates back to 1947 and now sells more than 100,000 seats each year to a host of contemporary theatrical performances.
For more info visit www.festival-avignon.com
Festival of Speed
Goodwood – United Kingdom
3-5 July
Rev up engines and drop all speed limits during this festival featuring motor machinery from all over the globe. Star drivers and riders, motorcycles, and soapbox challenges are just a few highlights of this event.
For more info visit www.goodwood.co.uk
Calgary Stampede
Alberta – Canada
3-12 July
Rodeos, chuck wagon races, arts and crafts, and bands all feature at Calgary’s annual “stampede” making it one of Canada’s most popular events.
For more info visit http://cs.calgarystampede.com/
Naadam Festival
Ulaanbaatar-Mongolia
11 – 13 July
This annual festival is celebrated in every Mongolian community and is a sporting event featuring horse racing, wrestling and archery.
For more info visit www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn
49th International Jazz Festival
Antibes, France
11-20 July
The Pinede Gould in Antibes is to jazz musicians what Milan’s La Scala is to opera singers – and it’s annual jazz get together takes place in the south of France from the eleventh to the twentieth.
For more info visit www.antibesjuanlespins.com
Imparja Camel Cup
Alice Springs, Australia
12 July
Started in the 1970’s from a bet between two Aussie mates, the Camel Cup in Alice Springs has become a popular annual event. With a Carnival like atmosphere there are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
For more info visit www.camelcup.com.au
Bastille Day
France
14 July
Bastille Day commemorates the end of Monarchy and the beginning of the First Republic in France. The storming of the Bastille took place 14 July 1789, and started the French Revolution. Today it features a collage of national pride with dancing, champagne, and spectacular fireworks.
For more info visit www.francetourism.com
Mighty Mud Mania
Scottsdale-Arizona
17 July
This is the culminating event for all Scottsdale parks and recreation programs. This muddy affair began in 1976 as a promotional event for a pre-wash fabric cleaner. Today children and teenagers from all over Arizona come to participate.
For more info visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov
Boulia Camel Races
Queensland – Australia
17-19 July
These annual camel races, held in the town of Boulia in Western Queensland attract a family crowd to its market stalls, sideshows and entertainments, and of course, the races themselves.
For more info visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au
The San Martín fiestas
Es Mercadal, Menorca, Spain
18-19 July
This is one of the areas largest celebrations where the tradition "jaleo" has horses dancing to the beat of local music. There is also many local treats for you to enjoy.
For more info visit www.spain.info
Ghent Festivities
Ghent – Belgium
18-28 July
10 days of free feasts, music, puppetry, theatre and comedy take place on several squares in the historic centre of Ghent.
For more info visit www.visitbelgium.com
Reggae Sumfest
Montego Bay – Jamaica
19 – 25 July
Jamaica’s national sound is celebrated this year with featured guests Nas and Jazmine Sullivan and others performing. Jamaica’s Greatest and the World’s Best Reggae festival will certainly have plenty of jerk chicken, rum cocktails, and partying.
For more info visit www.reggaesumfest.com
The Hemingway Days Festival
Key West, Florida – USA
21 – 26 July
Key West in Florida remembers one of its most famous figures, writer Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway Days is a combination of street fairs and literary festivals, the most unusual event being the choosing of this year’s Hemingway look-alike.
For more info visit www.fla-keys.com
Dia de Santiago
Santiago de Compostela,
Spain 25 July
The anniversary of Saint Santiago is celebrated in Compostela the 25th of July. In this ceremony, an Islamic façade is set alight in front of the cathedral, celebrating Spain’s independence from the Moors.
For more info visit www.okspain.org
Gilroy Garlic Festival
California - USA
24 – 26 July
Food laced with over two tons of fresh garlic, three stages with entertainment, arts and crafts, and the Great Garlic Cook-off all feature at this wild celebration of a vampire’s favourite perfume.
For more info visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com
Antigua Carnival
Antigua
26 July – 4 August
Steel Bands, Calypso competitions, and the crowning of the Carnival Queen are just some of the events that characterise this annual festival on the Caribbean island of Antigua.
For more info visit www.antiguacarnival.com
State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
London – United Kingdom
30 July – 29 September
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace in London receive their annual airing to the public.
For more info visit www.royal.gov.uk