As the last vestiges of the summer sun begin to rise and set, it is a sad sign that the academic break is just about to end. It’s almost time to begin the daily grind of classes. However, if you’re one of the lucky students who haven’t started classes yet this August, or you’re a working person who maybe has a few vacation leaves to spare, then here are a few upcoming events in August that are definitely worth a last-minute trip before you get back to work.
Take it as an educational trip as well; these five events have some element of history that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. With the little bit of time you have left, why not travel bac
1. Pageant of the Masters
“Lights, Camera, Action!” But there are no recording cameras here, only the sheer appeal of live theater at its finest. Down in a small city in California, USA, participants take part in a tableaux vivant, where real people pose motionless to represent some very famous works, picture-frame style. It’s an odd concept at first glance, but you get to see the attractions in person, and the sheer spectacle of it all will floor you.
The Pageant will reference a various collection of works from history, from burlesque to ballet. It truly tackles a lot. While the show may have all the Broadway technicality one would expect from a live show today, it still retains the organic energy brought about by its volunteer participants, who strive to make each frozen moment magical and astounding to witness.
If you’ve already seen all the sights in Hollywood, then this should definitely be your next stop.
2. Maralal Camel Derby
You may have seen horses, cars, and even maybe dogs race, but have you ever seen camels do so? In a small town in Kenya, they commemorate the actual origin of the animal in East Africa by staging a three-day event that invites all sorts of camel enthusiasts to the area. The main race is naturally a highlight, a great honor if you manage to win the 42 km derby.
For those not too familiar with camels, there’s also a novice and amateur version of the race, where you can rent your own camels to ride. Be warned, though, that camels often have their own minds, so you may find yourself on a journey to a destination that you may not have in mind. Regardless, it will definitely be cause for a good story to say that you have raced with a camel, or at least attempted to.
3. Gotland Medieval Week
If you feel like traveling back in time, then this upcoming event may be the next best thing for you. On the largest island off the coast of Sweden, you’ll find one of the most well-preserved medieval areas in the world, which hosts an annual commemoration of a well-known invasion back in the 1300s.
Since then, this city has been graced by about 150,000 people in historically accurate clothing, experiencing the area like it was the 1300s again. People are dressed for the part and sometimes take part in reenactments. But if you’re not in the mood to act, the Medieval Market will be your place, where all the wares you could ever need can be bought.
You may not have a time machine, but this upcoming event in Sweden will make you feel like you do.
4. Tetsuya Odori at Gujo Hachiman
There’s another beautiful medieval town waiting for you to visit, but in this medieval event, this Japanese celebration welcomes a lot more dancing into the mix. The Edo Period-esque houses and streets set the stage for summer dancing meant to welcome the spirits of their ancestors.
The main point of focus is the Tetsuya Odori, which happens as a four-day event in August that offers a marathon of rhythmic dancing. The all-night dancing, coupled with the booming musicians playing along, will somehow make you feel more energized instead of exhausted. You’ll definitely work up a sweat when you attend this event here, but it is worth it to feel like you’re one with the community as you dance along.
5. Epidaurus Festival of Greek Drama
Though this event only occurs at the end of the week, the experience is quite astounding to travel back and see the beauty of Greek drama at its finest. The site has cultural significance, being a well-renowned healing center of the ancient world, which cascaded into a stadium and theater being created there.
Now, it is the place to experience Greek theater, either in its traditional form or in a more contemporary interpretation. The acoustics remain as good as ever, with stage whispers still heard at the far top of the seats. The expanded 14,000 seating does its best to accommodate as many audiences to witness its beauty, because even without a full translation, the strength of these plays and their setting hit you with the full force of emotions needed.
These five events are definitely worth attending this August because the shows are more than absolutely worth it. Watch as you travel back in time and experience a little bit of the past in more modern ways imaginable.
