ROMERIA DEL ROCIO, ANDALUCIA, SPAIN Throughout Pentecost weekend, people from all over Spain converge on the shrine of Nuestra Señora del Rocío (the “Virgin of the Dew”) on the edge of the Doñana National Park. It is a pilgrimage of colorful celebration well worth seeing.
RATH YATRA (CHARIOT FESTIVAL), PURI, INDIA Puri, in the Indian state of Orissa, is home to one of the most extraordinary religious processions every June or July, when the huge chariot of Lord Jagannath is dragged around the streets through impassioned crowds. To be crushed to death beneath Jagannath’s chariot is considered particularly auspicious.
CIRIO DE NAZARÉ, BELÉM, BRAZIL Brazil’s second-largest street party after Rio Carnival, Cirio de Nazaré honors the city of Belém’s Virgin – Nossa Senhora de Nazaré. After a very solemn procession, the merriment begins, with much drinking and dancing to be had. Held on the second Sunday in October.