May–June
The Day of Unity
Kazakhstan
This holiday marks the
unity and nationalism of the
people of Kazakhstan. This
colourful event is celebrated
with parades, sports
competitions, and a range
of patriotic processions
which are in full swing all
day. Representatives of
different regions set up
mini-museums for visitors
who can see their national
clothes and accessories,
and also sample cuisines
from the different culinary
traditions of the country.Cheung Chau Bun
Festival
Hong Kong
During the Qing Dynasty,
a plague devastated
Cheung Chau to such an
extent that the villagers
built an altar in front of
a temple to petition the
god Pak Tai to drive away
the culpable spirits,
while parading statutes
of deities. Presently,
visitors can witness Taoist
ceremonies, parades, lion
dances, and – the particular
highlight – a bun tower
climbing competition!Lotus Lantern
Festival
South Korea
The Lotus Lantern Festival
is held annually to
celebrate the Buddha’s
birth, which officially kicks
off with the lighting of
the jangeumdang, a large
lantern that symbolises
the Buddha’s birthday.
Spectators can browse
the selection of traditional
paper lanterns, and
watch dance and singing
performances. Sampling
the temple’s food is also
more than welcome.MAY MAY MAY
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Cheung Chau Bun FestivalLotus Lantern Festival94 FESTIVALS© Getty Images