Summertime attraction in Düsseldorf, positioned on the left bank of the Rhine River, draws an estimated five million visitors annually, as captured in this photograph by orst Ossinger/dpa/Corbis.
July 2021 was a month filled with excitement and cultural richness, as numerous festivals and events took place around the world. While the Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic dominated headlines, there were many other noteworthy happenings that deserve attention.
One such event was the Oregon Brewers Festival, which took place in Portland, Oregon from July 22-26. This annual celebration served close to 100 different varieties of craft beer, including some Kiwi blends, and featured live music, home-brewing demonstrations, and tasty eats.
Across the globe, in the Western Cape province of South Africa, the Knysna Oyster Festival took place along the Garden Route from July 3-12. This ten-day extravaganza featured a shucking competition and a marathon, attracting food enthusiasts and athletes alike.
Meanwhile, in Quebec City, Canada, the Festival d'été de Quebec took place from July 9-19. This music festival hosted hundreds of acts, including the Rolling Stones, the Tragically Hip, and Patrick Watson, drawing music lovers from around the world.
In Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, the Warwagira and Mask Festival took place from July 15-19. This cultural event showcased traditional masks, the Kinaval, which represent ancestral spirits of the Tolai people, and the Baining Fire Dance, a mesmerizing performance that involves dancers balancing on glowing embers.
Moving to Europe, the Biggest Funfair on the Rhine took place in Düsseldorf, Germany from July 17-26. This fair featured thrilling rides, fireworks, and one of the largest parades in Germany, as well as the Schützenkönig ("King of the Marksmen") title being awarded by shooting at a fake bird.
As the world continued to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, these festivals provided a much-needed burst of joy and cultural exchange. For those interested in learning more about such events, the website Expeditions offers valuable information about festivals and events happening around the globe.
In addition to these festivals, July 2021 was marked by other significant events. The 2021 Summer Olympics took place in Tokyo, Japan from July 23 to August 8, bringing together thousands of athletes from over 200 nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events occurred worldwide, including severe flooding in Europe and China, and wildfires in the western United States, impacting millions. Political events such as the Taliban making rapid advances in Afghanistan also dominated headlines.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of celebration and unity was evident in the many festivals that took place around the world in July 2021. Whether it was the taste of craft beer in Portland, the rhythm of music in Quebec City, or the ancient traditions of Papua New Guinea, these events provided a much-needed moment of joy and connection in a challenging year.
The Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland, Oregon and the Knysna Oyster Festival along the Garden Route in South Africa were among the noteworthy events that occurred in July 2021, offering travelers a blend of history, lifestyle, and cultural freshness amidst the Summer Olympics and the ongoing pandemic. For those seeking experiences beyond headlines, Expeditions provides valuable insights into global festivals and events.
