Festivals I Wish I Could Have Attended

Throughout the years, various unique and captivating festivals have taken place across the globe. These events celebrate different cultures, music, and historical traditions. Sadly, scheduling conflicts, medical issues, and other life commitments often prevent us from attending. In this article, I will share some of the festivals I wish I could have attended and offer tips on how to experience them, even if you can't be there in person.

Midgardsblot - A Unique Viking Metal Festival

What is Midgardsblot?

Midgardsblot is a relatively new festival that started a few years ago. It is an event that combines heavy metal music with a strong emphasis on Norse and Viking culture. This festival is held close to a reconstructed longhouse and nearby Iron Age tombs, providing a unique atmosphere rich in historical significance. I have personally never had the chance to attend because of scheduling conflicts, but hearing from many people who have been there, it sounds like a remarkable experience. I am keeping my fingers crossed that next year might be the year I can make it.

The Big E - A Popular Fair in Massachusetts

The Big E in Massachusetts

My home state, Massachusetts, hosts a grand event known as The Big E in September each year. Despite the mysterious "E" (which stands for "Exposition"), this fair is a significant social and cultural event. Those who plan to attend can rent a motel room, bring about $50 for spending, and spend 3 days exploring the fair at their leisure. The Big E offers a variety of rides, games, and food, making it a perfect choice for a fun and memorable weekend trip.

Burning Man - A Celebration of Anarchy and Creativity

Missed Opportunities

Unfortunately, scheduling has also prevented me from attending the Burning Man festival. Last year, it conflicted with my wife's and my trip to Lisbon, Spain, and Israel. This year, I had to miss it again due to a personal medical issue. I keep hoping to make it to the next one, and I always reminisce about Woodstock, another iconic festival that I would have loved to attend.

Roman and Persian Celebrations - Historical Richness

Midwinter Roman Sol Invictus and Persian Celebrations

I have a deep fascination with historical celebrations, and the Roman Sol Invictus ceremonies stand out. These celebrations marked the return of the sun at the winter solstice and held great religious and social significance. Similarly, the grand Zoroastrian celebrations held during the Persian Empire would have been an incredible sight to behold, especially in their former capital, Persepolis.

Another historical event that I would love to experience is Sukkot during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. As a Jerusalemite, Sukkot holds a special place in my heart, but witnessing it in its original form would add a layer of meaning to our modern celebrations.

Jazz Festivals - A Musical Odyssey

Various Jazz Festivals

There are many jazz festivals around the world, including Montreux, Newport, and Monterey. One of the most memorable is the Montreux Summit, which took place in 1977 and featured a diverse lineup of musicians. Unfortunately, I missed this opportunity, but I often wonder what it would have been like to attend.

In retrospect, one of the festivals I would love to have attended in my youth would have been the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, also known as the "Summer of Love." I would have been 17 years old, living in Spokane, and the lineup seemed like a dream come true. Not only were iconic artists like The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin performing, but my future husband was one of the sound mixers, allowing me to know the venue intimately: the Monterey Fairgrounds. This intimate venue had a seating capacity of around 5,000, but the festival's energy and atmosphere must have been enormous. Thankfully, there are documentary films that capture the essence of the event.

Conclusion

While life and scheduling have prevented me from attending many of these festivals, there are steps you can take to still experience them. Renting a motel room, bringing some spending money, and exploring at your own pace can bring you closer to the spirit of the event. Whether it's through documentaries, articles, or even joining a virtual festival, there's always a way to capture the essence of the experience. So why not give it a shot and experience a festival you've always wished you could have attended?