9 Awesome Festivals Around the World

#3. Boryeong Mud Festival - Boryeong, South Korea

Let the mudslinging begin! For two weeks in July, millions gather in Boryeong to experience the grey pools and slides. What began as way of promoting the region's mineral-rich mud has turned into a festive party, complete with music and fireworks. While the mud is usually only available in cosmetic products, here you can cake yourself in grey all you want.

Photo on Flickr

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#5. International Pillow Fight Day - Worldwide

Thousands of people, in over 130 cities, participated in the 4th annual International Pillow Fight Day on April 2, 2011. From London to Vancouver, bring a soft pillow in early April, and watch feathers fly.

Photo on Flickr

#7. Bay to Breakers - San Francisco, California

The epic race (created after the devastating 1906 earthquake as a way of boosting moral) has become one of the region's most iconic events. Hosted every year on the third Sunday of May, the race runs approximately 12k through the city (quite literally from the bay to the Pacific breakers). The real highlight, however, is the thousands of people dressed up in a showcase of San Francisco culture. Wear whatever you want: Batman suits, purple wigs, tutus...

Photo on Flickr

#9. Koninginnedag - The Netherlands

Although their Queen's birthday is really during the winter, she celebrates it on April 30th, the country's official "Queen's Day" since 1949. Orange is the national color, and the streets become a sea of fluorescent wigs, feather boas, and body paint, as crowds gather in the plazas and on boats in the canals. Amsterdam is the center of this outdoor party, with many live music acts, but nearly every town is alive with orange on this day.

Photo on Flickr

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