After the flurry of good intentions around New Year’s Eve, January is usually witness to people failing on those very same resolutions. However, this year we are resolving to travel more, to see more of the world (which we’re pretty positive we can stick to) and here we bring you the finest events in January from around the globe.
Sundance Film Festival – Utah
From the 21st – 31st January the great and the good of Hollywood flock to Utah to celebrate the season’s hottest films and upcoming hits. The first week tends to be dominated by celebs. However, the second week gives you the chance to mingle a bit more, and to catch the films creating a buzz whilst trying to coolly hunt for any lingering actors and actresses. There are over 100 films shown, so make sure to check out as many as possible.
The nearest international airport is Salt Lake City.
[Photo by qbac07 – Flickr]
Wakakusa Yamayaki – Nara, Japan
Wakakusa Yamayaki is an interfaith celebration in the pretty town of Nara, which sees Mount Wakakusa set on fire – this year on the 22nd January. This incredible spectacle is preceded by a fireworks display, and a rice cracker throwing competition. This is the sort of religious festival that we can really buy in to.
NB: The closest international airport is Osaka but day trips from here are easily manageable by train.
[Photo by nwhitely – Flickr]
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering – Nevada
From the 25th – 30th January the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering takes place in Elko, Nevada and yes, that is exactly what it sounds like – a place where cowboys and gals come to share their love for nature and their lives through the form of poetry and song. 2016’s affair focuses around the Northern Plains, and the unique trials and tribulations that come with ranching in this part of the world.
NB: The nearest airports to Elka are Reno and Salt Lake City so do your research to find the cheapest flights.
National Tulip Day – Amsterdam
16th January is the official start of the Tulip season in Amsterdam in 2016 – to celebrate, Dam Square is planted with over 200,000 tulips which everyone is invited to pick. Don’t be greedy though, you are only allowed to pick one! The sea of colours that this creates provides much needed cheer in the depths of winter.