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10 Best Cultural Festivals in May
Cinco de Mayo in San Antonio, TX
Cinco de Mayo (May 5), luckily, falls on a weekend in 2013. So, San Antonio will be full of places celebrating this holiday. One can always count on Market Square for a fun fiesta. Streets are filled with party-goers enjoying margaritas and taking in the live music and traditional dancing. Not to mention, there's plenty of local cuisine to sample.
Sagra del Pesce in Camogli, Italy
On the second Sunday of each May, the marina in the tiny Italian fishing village of Camogli is abuzz. Part of the festival of San Fortunato, Sagra del Pesce is an enormous, free fish fry. A giant frying pan (around 16 feet wide) sits in the port as locals and tourists alike gather round and try to position themselves in a spot to receive a tasty morsel.
Memphis in May International Festival in Memphis, TN
The Memphis in May International Festival is a combination of multiple events that come together to create a month-long celebration. This year brings a "Salute to Sweden" with all things Nordic including exhibits, cuisine, performances, cinema and more. Don't miss the Beale Street Music Festival (May 3rd-5th), the World Championship BBQ Contest (May 16th-18th) and the Sunset Symphony (May 25th).
Cincinnati Fringe Festival in Cincinnati, OH
Held May 29th through June 9th, the Cincinnati Fringe Festival provides artists from all over the world with the opportunity to express themselves through art. Media include music, visual art, poetry, dance, theater, film and more. If you're game to experience the experiment, make your way over and become a part of the fringe.
Highland Games in Victoria, BC
For nine days of kilt-friendly fun, head to the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Beginning on May 11th with a Tartan Parade, this festival is something you lads and lassies won't want to miss. Culminating on May 18th & 19th with demonstrations, competitions and performances, Scotophiles will have plenty to see and do. Also take advantage of the beer garden and whisky school.
Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA
Held annually at Seattle Center, 2013 will make the 42nd year for the Northwest Folklife Festival running May 24th-27th. As a nonprofit organization, Northwest Folklife is committed to providing opportunities to share the traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Festival happenings include several music performances spanning all genres, special exhibits, craft vendors, and food booths offering international cuisine.
Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC
Kicking off on May 24th and running through June 9th, one of the best performing arts festivals in the US will inhabit Charleston, SC. For 17 days, the schedule is jam-packed with a plethora of performances of all kinds. Snag tickets for physical theater (think Cirque), dance, music or opera. Certain shows are repeated allowing patrons to keep a flexible schedule.
Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, TX
Hosted by Quite Valley Ranch outside of Kerrville, a little over an hour from San Antonio, the annual Kerrville Folk Festival begins on May 23. Although many decide to camp out at the 18-day festival, all are welcome - camping or not. Included in the festival are evening performances by singer-songwriters, workshops and the annual songwriting competition. Definitely a gathering for free-spirited folks.
Maui Onion Festival in Maui, HI
Thought to be the sweetest type of onion on the globe, it's no wonder that an entire festival has been dedicated to Maui onions. Being held on May 4th, the 24th Annual Maui Onion Festival has quite a bit to offer. Admission is free for all to this event which boasts live entertainment, food booths, games, beer garden, the Maui Onion challenge (eating contest) and more!
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in Gettysburg, PA
Camping never sounded so good. Well, you don't have to camp but it adds to the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival experience. No matter where you decide to stay, 4 solid days of bluegrass is set to begin on May 16th. Two stages, food vendors, arts & crafts booths, jam sessions and onsite camping create a great way to get your summer started.