The World's Best Festivals
10. All-Star
Fiesta, Cancun,
Mexico
This interesting event is admittedly more flash than substance if booty
and booze is what you're after, especially when you consider that the most
popular events at this playa's paradise are fashion shows, record-releases and
celebrity basketball. Over 10,000 sun-seeking people attend the 5-day hip-hop
haven to see the stars from North of the Border.
9. Fantasy Fest, Key
West, USA
(October 20-29)
This ten-day free-for-all makes the rest seem pretty innocent in terms of
nudity, frivolous titillation, costume parades, and drunken debauchery. The
rhythm is definitely going to get to you, as rum pours onto the streets 24 hours
a day. The climax hits on the last day of celebrations with a costumed parade
along historic Duval Street. Southern Silliness meets Eyes Wide Shut as
impersonators donning masks and dressing up in outrageous garb let all
inhibitions go. Body-painting, freak shows and toga parties have led to this
year's theme: "Circus & Sideshows" which will not disappoint even
the most outrageous.
8. Las Fallas, Valencia,
Spain (March
12-19)
You like fire? Well, the locals of Valencia sure do, as 500,000 people cram the
city to watch huge puppets get torched and burn in flames. Prices range from $14
to $200, but book at least 3 months in advance as pyromaniacs from around the
world visit the city for this "hot" event.
7. The Fetish & Fantasy Ball, Las
Vegas (October 28)
Over 5,000 people will attend this year's costume party that will sprawl over 12
bars, showcasing a massive beer garden and an even larger 24-hour casino. Even
without the F&F event, Las Vegas is always the place to visit for a good ol'
time.
6. Munich Beerfest, Germany
(September 16 - October 2)
By far the most celebrated and duplicated drink-fest we know of, the annual
beer-fest starts midday as Munich's mayor pulls the first pint after a huge
parade through the city's streets. The local breweries fight for bragging rights
by showcasing their massive arsenal. The Hofbrauhaus attracts the rowdiest
masses and the hottest party. Make sure you get there by 10:30am, since waiters
only serve those seated (oh, the place is usually packed by 11am). Before you
know it, you are reminiscing with your long-lost (or unknown) friend Hans and
extolling the virtues of boozing, German-style.
5. Henley-on-Todd Regatta, Alice
Springs, Australia (October 7-8)
To overcome the challenge of holding a boat race in a dry riverbed, the
residents of Alice Springs made a hole in the bottom of the boat, stood inside,
lifted the vehicle to thigh-level (similar to women raising their skirts...
hmm...) and ran to the finish line. Aided by industrious quantities of cold beer
to fuel the crew and crowd alike, the event has grown to attract international
teams. If you or your seven friends need any more convincing, keep in mind that
American winter is Australian summer.
4. Mardi Gras, New
Orleans, Louisiana
Spicy food, great blues, nonexistent drinking laws, and $2 drinks served
24 hours a day sounds pretty good to any partier. The climax, you guessed it:
Mardi Gras, also known as the "International Show Your Boobies" event
where you trade in beads for breasts.
3. Carnival, Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio boasts some of the world's nicest beaches and finest ladies. Carnival
week is second-to-none when it comes to partying. Some would even argue that
their laws encourage boozing. Any way you look at it, like Mecca, every
able-bodied male must make a trip to Rio at one point or another in his life.
2. Love Parade, Germany (July)
We may be biased since we have a liking for techno beats, but ever since the
Berlin Wall came down, the streets of Berlin host the largest outdoor rave where
1.4 million horny and sweaty teens visit the city, and the police do not
interfere. A valuable piece of advice; reserve if you are coming from abroad as
you'll find a full house... or neighborhood!
1. Nudes-A-Poppin' Pageant, Ponderosa
Sun Club, Indiana (July 16 & August 20)
Whether you are a nudist or an eager beaver, the Ponderosa Sun Club is the place
to be. A "clothing optional" resort, the website even reminds
travelers that "no clothes are tolerated at the pool." The only other
thing that is not tolerated is a camera. Besides that, however, anything goes at
the Annual Nudes-A-Poppin' Pageant where the likes of Jenna Jameson and Ron
Jeremy spice it up.
