Events & Festivals
Crowd at the Dominica Jazz Festival photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”
– Susan Sontag
From villages to big cities, festivals and events bring people together to celebrate culture, heritage, cuisine or just about anything. From religion to music, from agriculture to sports, from food to just plain fun, festivals and events sustain communities and encourage travel all over the world.
A trip or a small drive to an event with friends or with family needs no reason except just fun. And most importantly we can take a break from our daily routines and experience some celebration without going away too far. Festivals reminds us of our cultures, traditions, and above all is a time to celebrate with family.
As the world bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new with the chime of midnight on New Year's Eve, a global tapestry of hope, resolutions, and a collective fondness for age-old culinary traditions unfolds on New Year's Day. These are traditions that both me and Ian have grown up with and ones that continue to this day in the homes of my family members and ours.
Today, while most countries continue to honor New Year's Day on January 1st, each country's traditions couldn't be more different.
'Tis the season with the gift of holiday music. As you enjoy the musical selections from around the world, please accept our gratitude for your support of World Footprints over the years.
Germany's Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages. Then, the markets were practical. People gathered to trade food and goods as they stocked up on essentials necessary to survive the long, cold winters. Eventually, the markets evolved into festive celebrations dating back to the 14th century. Today, those festive celebrations continue across Germany and around the world. But let's face it, no one does Christmas markets like Germany. Having recently returned from exploring the markets in southern Germany, I'm excited to share what makes them special and help you plan your own unforgettable trip.
Unlike in most parts of Europe, the alpine frontier in Bhutan begins at around 4,000 meters above sea level. These windswept plateaus, made up of vast rugged terrain, are not only home to the highlanders but also a treasure trove of biodiversity — stunted firs and dwarf rhododendrons, blue sheep, marmots, takins, snow leopards, and, most notably, yaks and the highly sought-after golden fungus (Cordyceps sinensis), which are the pulse and lifeblood of the highland economy.
Our winter welcome to Bolivia wasn't exactly warm. For Americans, the visa requirements are extensive. In addition to paying $160 each in unblemished, unfolded US currency, we were required to provide passport-style photos, evidence of yellow fever vaccinations, financial documents proving access to $10,000, confirmed reservations for our entire stay, and tickets out of the country.
There’s something about Martha’s Vineyard in August that feels like a reunion — not just of families, but of ideas, artistry, and culture. Tucked inside this summer tradition is one of the most important cultural gatherings happening anywhere: the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF).
If you’ve never been to the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF), here’s your invitation to something truly special. This isn’t just a film festival. It’s a celebration of Black creativity, legacy, and community — all set against the stunning backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard. Every August, Oak Bluffs transforms into a vibrant hub of storytelling and connection. It’s where filmmakers, activists, artists, and audiences gather to experience a week of screenings, panels, parties, celebrity sightings and cultural exchange. If you’re joining for the first time, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
This week, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” returns to Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta. Better known as the Calgary Stampede, this annual 10-day event features an opening parade, a rodeo, a festival filled with rides and indulgent treats, as well as pancake breakfasts throughout the community. But, perhaps one of the Calgary Stampede’s most intriguing events is the Elbow River Camp, formerly known as Indian Village.
In this special commemorative episode of World Footprints, we reflect on the courage, grief, and resilience that define the American spirit—from the families of fallen soldiers to the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and the heroism of World War II veterans. This evergreen tribute episode honors those who served and those who continue to carry their memories forward.
An iconic American riverside outpost, Savannah resembles a charming European city fronting an urban-yet-pastoral landscape of botanical gardens and period homes. Here, 100-year-old gigantic moss-draped live oak trees dominate America’s first planned city. Savannah also overflows with handsome squares, monuments, eclectic locals, and a genteel southern heritage.
Viewing a solar eclipse had been a goal since childhood, but after experiencing one, I knew that one would never be enough. I had joined the ranks of the umbraphiles—eclipse-chasers, literally, “shadow lovers.”
