Tag Archive | "festival"
Mortal Combat: El Salvador’s Fireball Street Fight
It looks like a warzone or at least a riot in full swing. Fireballs tear through the streets painting the night air orange as young men, their faces emblazoned with fearsome patterns, prowl the streets waging in pitched battles against one another. The incendiary missiles explode on impact – sometimes in the faces of their targets. Pyromaniacs take note. If you love fire, you’ll be blown away by the Bolas de Fuego festival in El Salvador.
Continue reading...Nepal’s Annual Goat Beheadings [Graphic Images]
Monday, October 5, 2009
![Nepal’s Annual Goat Beheadings [Graphic Images]](http://i36.tinypic.com/xlmmmh.jpg)
Walking through the crowds and past crippled beggars, midst the heady smell of incense, those who have come to participate in the puja find themselves caught up a throng of people waiting to get to the sacrificial temple. Once there, to the tune of exultant music played by other onlookers, they witness the animal slaughter. The slaughterer’s arm is raised and then the blade is swiftly brought down with a sickening thud, severing the creature’s head.
Continue reading...Pakistan’s Deadly Kite Flying Craze
Sunday, January 11, 2009
It might look like blossom floating in the wind, but it’s arguably the most dangerous – not to say most contentious – sport in the world. And not just for those taking part. As if Pakistan didn’t have enough troubles to contend with on the ground, kite flying in its Punjab province was deemed so treacherous it was banned there a few years ago – spoiling the fun for those who enjoyed the excitement, though probably saving a few lives.
Continue reading...Ouch! Extreme Body Piercing
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Thaipusam is an old Hindu festival that has gained popularity in the western world because of the lengths its followers go through to prove their religious devotion. It is celebrated annually on the full moon of the month of Thai according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is observed mostly by the Tamils in South India, but there are big celebrations among the Tamil communities worldwide.
Continue reading...Yadnya Kasada: The Javanese Volcano Festival
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Soaring nearly 8,000 feet high above the East Javanese horizon, Mount Bromo coughs up deadly pillars of toxic volcanic steam, sand and sulphur. But the locals don't run from this giant tourist draw. They climb towards it. This time of year, you see, is when they feed the volcano during the annual festival of Yadnya Kasada, which is observed by the Tenggerese people of Indonesia.
Continue reading...The Insane Tribal Bungee Jumpers of Vanuatu
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Imagine taking a nose-dive from the top of a 75 foot bamboo tower, plummeting to the ground, with nothing but vines attached to your feet. Hundreds of your fellow tribesmen stand patientienly in awe and expectation, jeering at your demise. Well, that's exactly what happens during the Naghol festival on Pentecost Island, Vanuatu.
Continue reading...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
2 Comments