Music Festivals From Around the World

Music possesses a unique power to unit e people across cultures. One great way to feel this connection is by attending some of the world’s most incredible music festivals.

The Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary, is a renowned six-day celebration of music and art on Obuda Island on the Danube River. Started in 1993, the festival is known for its diverse lineup, featuring top artists from genres like electronic, hip-hop, techno, and pop rock. Beyond music, the festival offers cultural experiences like art exhibitions, theater, circus performances, and film screenings.

Glastonbury Music Festival is a global music fest held annually at the Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. Since its inception（开始）in 1970, it has become a touchstone for music enthusiasts worldwide, drawing more than 200,000 visitors during its remarkable five-day run. Additionally, Glastonbury is among the few festivals striving towards being completely carbon-neutral.

The beloved Rock in Rio festival was founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1985．The brand has since expanded to other locations, including Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas. Rock in Rio spans multiple days. While its roots are in rock music, Rock in Rio has evolved to include more genres to appeal to a much broader audience. One of Rock in Rio’s standout features is its commitment to environmental initiatives.

Fuji Rock is Japan’s biggest music festival, typically held in Naeba Ski Resort in Niiga ta Prefecture. Known for its stunning mountainous backdrop, this event has been running since 1997 and is celebrated for its diverse lineup that spans rock, electronic, hip-hop, and most other genres. It attracts international and local acts, creating a unique fusion of musical styles.

A Father's day is a day set aside for honoring fathers in church services and in the home. It's celebrated in the U.S. in the third Sunday of June. This idea was begun by Mrs John Bruces Dodd, who in 1909 persuaded an organization in Washington to salute fathers with special church services. The idea was officially agreed to by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge suggested national celebration of the day to form closer relations between fathers and their children, and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their duties. The red or white rose is recognized as the official Father's Day flower.

Have you ever heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Surely, they are all about finding the best deals on holiday gifts for yourself and family members. And have you heard about GivingTuesday? Here is something about it!

GivingTuesday is observed annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which encourages people to help those in need by making financial donations or doing good in their local community. The “Global Day of Giving” was started in 2012 by New York City nonprofit 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation.

Unlike Black Friday, GivingTuesday serves a more altruistic purpose. In its first year, the movement brought in almost $10 million for charities, and things have only improved since. In 2019, many GivingTuesday social media campaigns worldwide helped raise an amazing $ 1.9 billion from 27 million donors! Over the past five years, many higher education institutions have also been using the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to ask alumni for donations. In 2019, the University of Michigan, which calls it Blueday, received 5887 gifts totaling over $4 million, while Pennsylvania State University raised $710 000 to benefit over 85 University programs.

Though donating money certainly helps, there are many other ways to support the great cause, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can video tutor kids struggling with online learning, or team up with an adult to get groceries or medications for an elderly neighbor. Alternatively, call on your peers to help you with a service project that addresses an issue close to your heart, or pick one from the several ideas suggested on the GivingTuesday website. You can also donate your gently-used clothes and toys to local shelters, or mail a handwritten note to a grandparent or a friend you miss seeing.

What are you going to do to make a positive difference in your community on GivingTuesday? Let us know by adding your comments below!