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Keukenhof showcases around seven million spring-flowering bulbs, grown by more than 100 flower bulb companies. Over 500 growers present an enormous variety of cut flowers and pot plants in more than 20 flower shows. Every autumn, a team of around forty gardeners carefully plants millions of bulbs, arranging colours, patterns, and layers to create the park’s displays, making sure that visitors can enjoy a perfect blend of colours and textures throughout the season. 

The gardens cover 32 hectares in the province of South Holland, in the “Dune and Bulb Region” south of Haarlem. Castle Keukenhof, a 17^th-century estate at the heart of the park, provides a historic backdrop to the gardens, connecting visitors to the Netherlands’ long tradition of tulip cultivation.

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Keukenhof’s history stretches back to the 15^th century, when the land was part of the hunting grounds and kitchen garden for nearby Teylingen Castle. Herbs, fruit, and game were gathered for the castle kitchen, which is how the name “Keukenhof” (literally kitchen garden) came about. In 1641, a manor house called Keukenhof Castle was built on the estate, and the gardens were redesigned in the mid-1800s by landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher in an English landscape style, with winding paths and open vistas. Keukenhof opened as a public flower park in 1949, with its first season in 1950 attracting over 236,000 visitors. 

Tulips, the flowers most associated with the park, have their own long journey to the Netherlands. Originally from Central Asia, they travelled through Persia and the Ottoman Empire before arriving in the Netherlands in the late 16^th century, largely because of botanist Carolus Clusius. Tulips became extremely popular during the early 17^th century, leading to the famous “Tulip Mania,” when rare bulbs were traded at very high prices. After this period, cultivation continued to grow, and the Dutch climate proved ideal for bulbs. Today, the Netherlands is the world’s centre for tulip breeding and trade, producing thousands of varieties and exporting them globally, a tradition that Keukenhof continues every spring. 

The park features more than 800 varieties of flowers across the 32-hectare site, including tulips, irises, lilies, daffodils, orchids and hyacinths. Among the highlights was the Tulip and Hyacinth Show at the Oranje Nassau Pavilion, held from 19 to 24 March, where Dutch growers presented their finest blooms, giving visitors a chance to see the rarest and some of the award-winning varieties.

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Keukenhof is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm until May 10, 2026. Tickets are best bought online in advance to avoid long lines, especially on sunny days, as Keukenhof can see up to 26,000 visitors per day. The park is located in South Holland, south of Haarlem and southwest of Amsterdam, in the “Dune and Bulb Region.” Visitors can reach it by car, bus, or a combination of train and shuttle, making it easy to plan a day trip.

The Netherlands’ long tradition of flower cultivation is highlighted in Keukenhof, while also marking the arrival of spring. The opening day brought a lively, colourful start to the season, and over the eight-week period, the gardens offer a constantly changing display of blooms. From early crocuses to towering tulips and carefully arranged floral patterns, the park provides visitors with a variety of sights and experiences throughout their visit. Curious when each flower reaches its peak? See the full schedule of blooming dates here to make the most of your visit.

L’article Spring arrives at Keukenhof with tulips in full bloom est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Spring has officially sprung, and traditionally, the start of the sunny weather in Belgium coincides with Floralia Brussels. Located in the 14-hectare private park of the Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden, the event is the perfect occasion to enjoy some quality time among family or friends.

While flowers might not seem like something particularly special during Spring, at Floralia, visitors can spot over one million bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Depending on when one visits, different varieties can be admired, which may prompt some to pop by more than once during the event.

As per usual, several special events will be organised during Floralia Brussels. This year, visitors can expect a Venetian Parade and the so-called Maya Days.

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Venetian Parade

The Venetian Parade brings the elegance of Venice to Floralia. Dressed in lavish costumes and graceful masks, participants walk through the park of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, adding an extra touch of glamour.

“This unique event allows visitors to enjoy a magical atmosphere where nature and art come together. This flower event offers a fantastic opportunity for photographers to capture the harmony between colourful flowers and elegant costumes. The Venetian Parade enhances the festive ambiance, making every visit to Floralia Brussels even more unforgettable,” Floralia Brussels explains.

The exact date of the Parade has yet to be confirmed at the time of writing. As it is weather-dependent, timings may vary.

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Maya Days

On several days throughout April, Floralia Brussels will become even more family-friendly during the Maya Days. Although colourful statues of Maya and her friends, as well as an audio story, and a Maya-themed Grand Greenhouse are available throughout the floral event, the special Maya Mini-Parade and Maya Meet & Greet on the Maya Days will undoubtedly prove to be a success with the smallest ones in the family.

“Wave to Maya & Willy when you see the Maya parade passing by. To the cheerful tunes of the well-known Maya songs, they dance their way through the park and their colourful parade takes them along the most beautiful flower fields”, Floralia Brussels writes about the Mini-Parade.

Maya Days are organised on 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, and 19 April 2026.

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Practical info

Address: Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden

Entrance fee: regular tickets cost €18.00, discounts are available

Opening times: From 3 April to 3 May 2026, the park will be open from 10:00 am to 6:00 am,  while the ticket office closes at 5:30 pm.

L’article Floralia Brussels returns to Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden for 22nd edition est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located in the Trapani region, near a sea fortress town called Castellammare del Golfo, the Parco Archologico di Segesta will play host to the event, meaning that, over the weekend of 1 and 2 May, 2026 from 1 pm to 1 am, the Aura Festival will bring two days of house and techno to one of the world’s most ancient performance spaces, creating what organisers have described as a dialogue between electronic music and history.

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Would-be festivalgoers who are not lucky enough to live in Sicily can fly into Palermo or Trapani. Ferries operate from mainland Italy and neighbouring Mediterranean islands like Sardinia and Malta. The festival site is accessible by car and by public bus.

Day tickets start at €18.50, while an entire weekend of partying can be had for €34. Tickets that combine somewhere to stay with festival access begin at €189. Accommodation recommended by the organisers includes nearby three-and four-star hotels, and apartments in Castellammare. Boosting footfall in local tourism destinations, they are encouraging people to book for at least three nights through special deals.

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For many, the draw will be the sunshine and stunning setting, but headliners already announced include Italy’s vinyl and rare groove specialist, Francesco Del Garda, Manchester’s founder of You&Me Records, Josh Baker, and, no stranger to ancient sites, a Frenchman hailing from Avignon: Traumer. US-born and Berlin-based Oshana will also be there, evoking futuristic soundscapes among the rolling, historic hills.

A spokesperson for promoter, Unlocked Events, told DJ Mag the festival intends to offer people a space in which to escape the pressure of “an accelerating world” where it is difficult find authentic bonds. “Aura chooses to slow down,” they said, adding: “it does not follow trends, but seeks meaning, depth, and balance.” In this way, attendees will “forge new connections between people, music, art, and places through an experience that focuses on perception.”

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Although the aim might not be to “follow trends,” that description ties in with trending priorities among travellers, who, Travel Tomorrow has already reported, are increasingly driven by event and experiential tourism. What’s more, attending live gigs is now a preferred leisure activity globally, as discovered when Live Nation asked 40,000 participants across 15 countries about their top forms of entertainment. When asked to choose one type of entertainment for the rest of their lives, 39% of them selected live music, which scored more highly than sports events (14%), movies (17%), and having sex (30%). 75% of those planning to travel for live shows told the survey that a trip makes events “more meaningful.”

L’article Ancient Sicilian theatre and techno to collide in brand new Aura Festival est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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A key annual gathering for cigar aficionados, the festival normally attracts more than 1,300 participants from 70 countries, who come to sample cigars and visit plantations and factories across the island. In a statement, the organisers said that the festival aims to offer participants ‘a comprehensive experience reflecting the international relevance and prestige of this event’, and added that the postponement was intended to preserve the event’s high standards.

The decision represents a significant blow to Cuba’s struggling economy. The 2026 edition was set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cohiba, the world’s most famous cigar brand. Last year’s festival attracted worldwide attention when a batch of hand-rolled Cohiba humidor cigars sold for $19 million (roughly €17.8 million) at auction, while the festival organiser and exporter, Habanos S. A., recorded revenues of $827 million (€689 million) in 2025.

Habanos S. A., a joint venture between Cuba’s state tobacco industry and international investors, holds a monopoly over Cuban cigar exports. Cuba’s state tobacco company later described the current crisis as stemming from the long-running US economic, commercial, and financial embargo, which has been exacerbated in recent months by disruptions to oil shipments. The situation worsened following an executive order on 29 January 2026 by US President Donald Trump, which declared a national emergency and authorised steep tariffs on any country that ‘directly or indirectly’ supplies oil to Cuba.

Cuba imports around 60% of its energy and this ‘oil siege’ has deterred long-standing suppliers such as Mexico and Venezuela. Shipments from Venezuela – reportedly amounting to around 35,000 barrels of oil per day – have effectively ceased since the US operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. In early February, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, paused shipments to Cuba to avoid potential US tariffs.

Consequently, tourism, one of Cuba’s few remaining sources of foreign currency, is suffering. Due to fuel rationing, some hotels have temporarily closed to save energy, travel agencies have cancelled trips and other cultural events, including a national book fair, have been postponed.

The country is also experiencing aviation fuel shortages, prompting several airlines to suspend flights. A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) has been issued stating that Jet A-1 fuel is unavailable at all nine Cuban international airports from 10 February. The United Kingdom has updated its travel advice, warning against non-essential travel to Cuba. Several Canadian airlines have suspended routes, while other carriers are refuelling in neighbouring countries, such as the Dominican Republic, to maintain operations.

Hospitals have also been affected, particularly patients requiring daily treatments such as dialysis or respiratory support, as blackouts lasting up to 18 hours a day are disrupting homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. President Trump has urged Cuba’s leadership to reach an agreement with Washington, or face further pressure. For now, it seems that the island is facing that ‘or else’. Nevertheless, festival organisers said they hope conditions will improve, and that they are working to announce new dates once the situation has stabilised. 

L’article Energy crisis forces Cuba to postpone major cigar festival est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Lunar New Year or Spring Festival?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not identical.

“Lunar New Year” is a broader expression referring to the new year celebrated according to the lunar calendar in several Asian cultures, including China, Vietnam and Korea.

In mainland China, however, the holiday is officially called the Spring Festival (Chun Jie). The name reflects the traditional solar calendar and symbolises the arrival of spring, even though winter weather often persists. Overseas Chinese communities and international media more commonly use the term Lunar New Year.

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Year of the Horse or Year of the Fire Horse?

2026 marks the Year of the Horse. More precisely, it is the Year of the Fire Horse.

The Chinese zodiac features 12 animals cycling in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each year is also associated with one of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal or Water. The combination of animal and element creates a 60 year cycle.

While 2026 is a Horse year, it is specifically governed by the element of Fire, last seen in 1966. Fire intensifies the Horse’s already energetic nature, adding dynamism, visibility and boldness.

Children born in 2026 are said to possess horse-like qualities of bravery, independence, strength and loyalty, combined with Fire’s passion and vitality. Observers also point to possible challenges such as impatience or stubbornness.

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Horse zodiac chart

The horse personality profile

Strengths

Horse people are enthusiastic and candid. When they take up a cause, they often appear heroic, fighting passionately on behalf of the underprivileged.

They are widely liked for their natural sociability, courage and openness. Combined with eloquence and moral conviction, these qualities make Horses compelling leaders and persuasive advocates. In relationships, they are charismatic and expressive.

Notable people born in Horse years include South Africa’s first Black president Nelson Mandela, kung fu film star Jackie Chan, filmmakers Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese, actor Zoe Saldana, musician Paul McCartney, and British chef Gordon Ramsay.

Even the first man to walk on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, was born in a Horse year. Upon stepping onto the lunar surface, he famously declared: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Weaknesses

Horses can lose interest when their initial passion fades. It is not fear of failure that slows them down, but boredom. This can apply equally to work and relationships.

They may also display vanity and a desire for recognition, sometimes overlooking the contributions of others, which can create tension within teams or families.

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Feasting

The turning of the Lunar New Year is a time when many people visit temples to make offerings and ask for blessings and good fortune in the coming months. Family feasts are also prepared and consumed. Some believe family rows are more likely to break out on the third day of celebrations, and so reserve this day for a temple trip.

Traditionally festive cakes and puddings called gao or gou are made on the 24^th day of the last lunar month and are said to symbolise the growth to come. Packets in red envelopes called hongbao or lai see are also exchanged from parents to unmarried children, providing spending money and good luck.

On day seven of the Lunar New Year (23 February), the Chinese goddess, Nuwa, is said to have created humanity, so communities celebrate a human birthday, eating traditional birthday dishes for the occasion.

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Cleaning

Preparation for the festival includes a thorough cleaning of homes on the 28th day of the last lunar month, which in 2026 falls on 15 February.

This ritual sweeping is intended to remove bad luck and make space for incoming good fortune. Once the New Year begins, however, cleaning is avoided for several days to prevent symbolically sweeping away newly arrived blessings.

Red decorations

In addition, visitors to China during the New Year period can expect to see red banners strewn along streets and in front of houses. These serve more than a decorative purpose. Carrying phrases wishing good luck and prosperity written in black and gold, the banners (or fai chun or chunlian) keen Nian away. Nian is a lion-like monster with sharp horns, the body of a dog or bull, and terrible teeth, which rises from the deep annually to attack villages at New Year—but he can be warded off with the customary red banners and lanterns.

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Lantern Festival

The celebrations culminate on day 15 of the lunar month with Yuan Xiao Jie, the Lantern Festival, which falls on 3 March 2026.

Marking the first full moon of the new year, the festival symbolises closure and renewal. Lanterns are lit to dispel darkness, and cities host illuminated displays and community gatherings.

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Historically, it was one of the rare occasions when women were permitted to go out at night, providing opportunities to meet potential partners. For that reason, the Lantern Festival is sometimes described as China’s traditional Valentine’s Day.

Ultimately, whether referred to as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the celebration centres on renewal, family and hope. As the Year of the Fire Horse arrives, it symbolically brings energy, movement and ambition. For visitors, it offers a vivid cultural experience. For families across China and beyond, it remains a deeply personal opportunity to begin again, together.

L’article Chinese New Year 2026: what to expect from the Year of the Fire Horse est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. What Is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Although it is now closely associated with Christianity, its origins can be traced to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia, held in mid December, and Lupercalia, held in mid February.

When Christianity spread through Rome, religious leaders chose to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith rather than abolish them. As a result, Mardi Gras became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Along with Christianity, the celebrations spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England. Today, Mardi Gras is observed in many parts of the world, particularly in countries with large Roman Catholic populations, in the days leading up to Lent.

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2. The meaning of Mardi Gras

In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Mardi means Tuesday in French, while gras means fat. Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, households would consume rich, fatty foods such as meat, eggs, milk and cheese, in anticipation of several weeks of fasting or abstaining from certain ingredients.

The term Carnival, another common name for the festivities, also derives from this feasting tradition. It comes from the Medieval Latin carnelevarium, meaning to remove meat, itself from the Latin carnem for meat. Originally, Fat Tuesday marked the beginning of the celebrations. Today, in many destinations, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week long or even month long festival season.

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Публикация от DirtyHistorian (@dirtyhistorian)

3. New Orleans Mardi Gras

One of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations takes place in New Orleans, in the US state of Louisiana. The first American Mardi Gras is believed to have occurred on 3 March 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present day New Orleans and held a small celebration, naming their landing site Point du Mardi Gras.

In the decades that followed, New Orleans and other French settlements marked the occasion with street parties, masked balls and lavish dinners. When Spain took control of Louisiana, the rituals were temporarily abolished, a ban that remained in place until Louisiana became a US state in 1812.

In 1827, a group of students donned colourful costumes and paraded through the streets of New Orleans, inspired by the celebrations they had witnessed in Paris. Ten years later, the first recorded Mardi Gras parade took place in the city. In 1857, the Mistick Krewe of Comus organised a torch lit procession with marching bands and decorated floats, establishing traditions that continue to shape the city’s Carnival culture.

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Since then, krewes have become a defining feature of Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Long standing customs include throwing beads and other trinkets to crowds, wearing elaborate masks and costumes, decorating floats and enjoying seasonal treats such as King Cake.

Beyond Louisiana, other US states such as Alabama and Mississippi also host large scale Mardi Gras festivities, each with its own traditions. However, Louisiana remains the only state where Mardi Gras is an official public holiday.

4. Mardi Gras around the world

Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations take many different forms around the globe. In Brazil, week-long Carnival festivities combine European, African and Indigenous influences in vibrant parades and samba performances. In Quebec City, Canada, the Quebec Winter Carnival embraces ice sculptures, night parades and winter sports. In Venice, Italy, Carnevale dates back to the 13^th century and is renowned for its elegant masquerade balls and ornate masks.

The German Karneval, also known as Fastnacht or Fasching depending on the region, features parades, costume balls and the playful tradition of women cutting off men’s ties on certain days of the festivities. In Denmark, Fastelavn sees children dress up in costumes and collect sweets, reflecting local interpretations of pre Lent traditions.

Ultimately, whether expressed through samba parades in Brazil, masked balls in Venice or bead throwing in New Orleans, Mardi Gras remains a celebration of colour, community and indulgence before the reflective season of Lent begins.

L’article What is Mardi Gras? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Parkes Elvis Festival, Australia – January

Taking place in the second week of January every year, the Parkes Elvis Festival in Melbourne, Australia, coincides with Presley’s birthday and attracts up to 25,000 attendees. Fans, locals, and businesses are invited to volunteer, enter competitions, run stalls, hold parties, and dress up for parades.

New in 2026 is the New South Wales TrainLink Elvis Express, which offers entertainment both at the departure point of Central Sydney’s Grand Concourse and on board, taking festival goers to and from the festival for $299 AUD (€172).

Elvis Vintage Rail 

Those with a bigger budget could consider four days aboard a vintage train travelling all-inclusive from Sydney to Parkes Elvis Festival, with dining, wines, beverages, tea and coffee all laid on, onboard cocktail parties, tribute act tickets, and overnight accommodation in a Heritage Twin Cabin for $3,795 AUD per person (€2,180) or a Heritage Single Cabin from $3,895 AUD (around €2240).

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Публикация от Guardian Australia (@guardianaustralia)

Memphis Mansion, Randers, Denmark

Memphis Mansion, which opened in 2011, pays tribute not only to Elvis Presley but also to Johnny Cash, the legendary Man in Black who was part of Sun Records’ so-called “Million Dollar Quartet” alongside Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.

Built to resemble Presley’s famous Graceland home (which continues to operate as a tourist attraction following recent legal wrangles), the mansion comprises a museum, a merchandise shop, an all-day American-style diner, and meeting facilities. It is the only permanent Elvis and Johnny Cash museum beyond US shores and proposes a year-round calendar of events, such as an exclusive preview of Baz Luhrmann’s Presley film, EPIC, at 6 pm on 25 February 2026.

Experience Elvis like never before. Featuring long-lost footage discovered by Academy Award-nominated Baz Luhrmann, EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT opens in cinemas February 19. Get your tickets now!#EPiCMovie #Elvis #ElvisPresley #BazLuhrmann pic.twitter.com/Fn2IFPmpPd

— Universal Pictures (@UniversalPicsAU) January 14, 2026

European Elvis Festival, Germany – August

The Elvis Festival in Bad Nauheim, north of Frankfurt, has been running for 24 years, marking the anniversary of Presley’s death every August. It offers a market, a vintage car parade, encounters with people who knew and lived alongside the King, live gigs, and a contest where performers interpret Elvis numbers and winners are selected by the audience. It’s set to take place from 14 to 16 August 2026, and tickets go on sale in the spring.

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Публикация от Stadtmarketing & Tourismus Bad Nauheim (@entdecke.dein.badnauheim)

Elvis Cruises – various locations and dates

Elvis-themed cruises worldwide include Royal Caribbean’s 2026 Tribute Cruise which sails from 22 February–1 March on the Independence of the Seas out of Miami and visits Perfect Day at CocoCay-Bahamas, San Juan-Puerto Rico, and Charlott Amalie, St. Thomas.

Carnival proposes a fly-train-sail 14-night Memphis, Jazz, and Caribbean itinerary every Monday from January through December 2026, taking guests to Graceland during three-nights in Memphis, followed by a scenic Amtrak journey to  New Orleans for another three nights, then a Caribbean Cruise on the Liberty.

On Northern Ireland’s Carlingford Lough, on 2 August 2026, there’s a twilight Elvis itinerary promising non-stop Elvis hits and dancing as passengers glide past the sights of medieval Carlingford town, the Cooley Mountains, the Mourne Mountains and Greencastle Royal Castle.

Usually on the third Saturday of the month, the three-hour London Elvis Tribute Cruise welcomes guests with a glass of sparkling, before a three-course dinner, two Elvis-based entertainment sets, and dancing.

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Публикация от City Cruises UK (@citycruisesuk)

Rockabilly Elvis Sundays, Tokyo – every Sunday

Talking of dancing, a three-decade-long tradition gathers Elvis dancers together on fair weather Sundays in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park from around lunchtime. The spectacle of bequiffed, pelvis-weaving rockabillies might leave visitors all shook up but it’s a sight people can’t help falling in love with.

L’article How Elvis lives on at festivals and venues around the world  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In partnership with the Thai Government, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event will be hosted across 237 acres of Wisdom Valley in Chonburi Province near Pattaya, on Thailand’s eastern Gulf Coast. It’s an area known for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, scenic coastal vistas, and the natural beauty that characterises the wider Khao Mai Kaeo Forest Reserve. It’s a region already well-served by hospitality stakeholders and the road network. The Nation Thailand reports that private landowners are expected to contribute to development costs related to the event.

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Tomorrowland is the brainchild of two Belgian brothers, Manu Beers and Michiel Beers, and is still owned by them through their company We Are One World (WAOW). It has seen editions in Belgium, Brazil, and the French Alps, and is set to hold an autumn showcase in Shanghai, China, titled the “Magic of Tomorrowland.” The Thai edition will therefore represent the first full embodiment of the festival in Asia.

“Expanding Tomorrowland to a new continent is a milestone we approach with great respect and excitement,” Bruno Vanwelsenaers, CEO WEAREONE.world, explained. “Thailand feels like the right place, not only because of its beauty and energy, but also because of the shared ambition to create something meaningful and world-class together. This is the beginning of a long-term story.” Part of that long-term vision is a talent-nurturing programme.

While the line-up is yet to be announced in full, organisers have confirmed that legendary Tomorrowland stages such as CORE and Freedom will be there. CORE offers a nature-based, deep techno/house experience for those seeking a spiritual vibe, while Freedom’s indoor setting is known for its kinetic light shows and intense rave atmosphere. As well as that familiar set-up, attendees will discover creations unique to the Thai festival, organisers promise. Another distinctive aspect is that there will be no camping. Ticketholders will be shuttled in on buses from a range of nearby accommodations.

As previously reported by Travel Tomorrow, attending live gigs is now a preferred leisure activity globally, and phenomena such as Taylor Swift’s Eras tour have illustrated the extent to which concert dates and locations are driving travel and tourism more than ever. Tomorrowland is therefore expected to provide a significant boost to the Thai tourism sector and wider economy.

“Hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand marks an important milestone in our ambition to position the country as a leader in global tourism and creative experiences. We look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Thailand,” the Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand said.

L’article Tomorrowland set to hold first Thailand edition in December 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This event united fans of all ages and backgrounds in their shared passion for geek culture. While not as massive as San Diego’s iconic convention, which attracts around 130,000 attendees, Brussels’ Comic Con pulled in crowds from across Belgium and neighbouring countries. In 2019, the convention welcomed about 38,000 visitors over the weekend, filling the halls of Tour & Taxis with cosplayers, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts eager to meet their heroes and explore the latest in comics, gaming, and fantasy worlds.

So, what drives people to travel hundreds of kilometres for this iconic event?

Panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and Meet & Greets

Among the highlights of Comic Cons are the panel discussions and Q&A sessions with beloved actors and actresses, where fans can connect with their idols in real life instead of on the screen.

This year’s edition welcomed Ewan McGregor, known from his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars prequel movies The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Another notable guest of the event was Christopher Lloyd, most famously known for the role of Doctor Emmett Brown in the blockbuster 80s movie Back to the Future. Other notable names of this year’s edition were Jamie Campbell Bower, who starred as Stranger Things’ villain Vecna, and Rebecca Mader, famous for her roles in Lost and Once Upon a Time.

Fans could hear their favourite celebrities speak, sign up for professional photos or autographs. Not surprisingly, Christopher Lloyd’s booth was packed on both days, attracting Back to the Future fandom of all ages. A professional photo with Lloyd cost €120, while a shot with him and the DeLorean, the iconic time machine from the movie, was €199, reflecting the rising demand for these one-of-a-kind experiences.

Cosplayer haven

Dressing up is one of the main activities of Comic Cons and a cornerstone of geek culture, allowing fans to embody their favourite characters. Cosplay is the hobby of dressing as and pretending to be a character from a film, TV, book, or comic book, among others. Visitors could spot Star Wars families, Beauty and the Beast couples, visitors dressed as Teen Titans, and professional Cosplayers such as Ghostbusters Belgique, who had a dedicated booth showcasing items and equipment from the legendary movies.

Cosplayer catwalks divided into four categories – Comic Books, Fantasy/Books, Anime/Manga, and Sci-Fi – allowed dressed-up visitors to fully immerse themselves in the role and showcase their unique attire. During this event, everyone is celebrated for their fandom, whether this is blockbuster films, manga, comics, or literature.

The catwalks are, in fact, competitions for the best costumes, bringing to life beloved characters, imagination, and skill. The winners of the different categories were announced at the end of each day.

Market zone – Geek Market

While cosplay is an immense part of the event and the main creativity driver, the Geek Market offers fans a chance to purchase unique collectibles. It was full of energy, buzzing with vibrant stalls, allowing artists and creators to showcase their work. From comic books and rare Pokémon cards to freshly baked cookies, visitors of the market could roam between the stands for hours, exploring the colourful items on display.

The event featured both local and international artists. Two standouts were Crimson Windrunner and Iva Millian, whose colourful fan art and merchandise were exhibited beautifully. Iva Millian’s crochet plushies and Winx stickers targeted fans of the fantasy fairies as well as cute collectibles. Crimson Windrunner’s prints appealed to fans of games and anime. Moreover, visitors could purchase lightsabers, Harry Potter wands, Zelda swords, a wide variety of plushies, and other merchandise catering to every fan’s obsession.

Activities

Beyond cosplay and celebrity encounters, Comic Con Brussels offered a dynamic lineup of activities. The arcade transported all gamers to retro gaming with Nintendo classics such as Super Mario Bros and allowed those who enjoy a good race to their best, racing on the Mario Kart stages. Dance enthusiasts experienced competitions at the Dance Dance Revolution machines, while the Just Dance corner allowed for group participation and entertaining choreography.

Fans curious about wrestling got to experience live matches just like those on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stage. Each day, professional wrestlers took the ring for three thrilling bouts, putting on a high-energy show. Photo opportunities added another layer of excitement. Fans were posing in front of the immersive backdrop of Stranger Things’ Upside Down or with the Ghostbusters. A photo with the DeLorean time machine cost €5, drawing Back to the Future enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, the queue saw many dressed as Marty McFly – the protagonist from the franchise – posing with the legendary car. Another photo corner featured Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, and Captain America’s shield, perfect for heroic photos and selfies.

Practical information

For people planning to attend the next edition of Comic Con Brussels on 2 and 3 May 2026, buying tickets early is essential, as they sell out quickly. Saturday morning often sees long queues – they can last up to one hour – so choosing Sunday will likely allow those who want to visit a smoother entry.

Tours & Taxis is easily accessible by public transport, with paid parking available for drivers. There are regular buses running from Brussels North Station to the venue, which take approximately 10 minutes.

Cosplayers can enjoy a discounted ticket, and children under 10 enter free of charge with an adult holding a valid ticket. Early-bird tickets start at €25, making this immersive experience accessible to all.

L’article Why fans travel far for Comic Con est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Often described as the spiritual capital of the north, Durham’s cobbled streets, bridges, and riverside will be transformed into an illuminated citywide art gallery. For the first time, the festival will also shine the spotlight on Shildon.

Curated by the London-based art and events company Artichoke, Lumiere 2025 promises to be both spectacular and intimate. Dozens of installations by world-renowned and emerging artists will dazzle the city, from the cathedral’s nave to the banks of the River Wear, over three evenings from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Helen Marriage, Artichoke’s artistic director, describes the programme as “a love letter in light – a glowing tribute to the wonderful City and County of Durham”.

A festival highlight since its inception, Durham Cathedral will host two specially commissioned works. ‘EVERYONE EVER’ will transform the cathedral’s nave into a poetic confrontation of stone and light, while ‘Solace’ will fill its cloister with thousands of handmade lanterns, inviting reflection and suggesting resilience. Visitors to the cathedral will be greeted by a riot of colour in the form of the ‘Elysium Garden’, which is inspired by two-metre-tall blooms that evoke the gardens of paradise.

The elemental nature side of the programme features ‘Glittering Grove’, which transforms trees in Wharton Park into shimmering pillars of colour. In ‘As Water Falls’, visitors can step beneath a digital waterfall of light and sound whose patterns respond to their presence, blending technology and wonder poetically.

Along the Milburngate Riverside, ‘Run Beyond’ will fill the night sky with luminous human figures in motion. This piece is a meditation on courage and freedom, and our urge to transcend boundaries.

New commissions in this year’s programme include ‘LOVE IS’, which reflects Durham Street life through photography, and ‘A Light Still Shines’, which offers a space for reflection on the city’s inequalities. ‘Vault of Echoes’ blends Islamic geometry with the city’s brutalist architecture.

The festival also marks the 200^th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first to use steam locomotives, with three installations honouring Durham’s industrial legacy. Durham University, a key partner since the inception of Lumiere, will again open its historic buildings to the public.

Since its debut in 2009, Lumiere has attracted over 1.3 million visitors, generating around £43 million for the regional economy. Its success has inspired similar festivals across the country, turning a local experiment into a model of cultural regeneration. To date, over 14,000 people, including schoolchildren, have participated in its workshops and community projects.

However, one shadow looms this year: rising energy costs have forced organisers to cut the festival by a day. “Lumiere 2025 will take place over three nights to balance the challenge of rising costs while maintaining its reputation as a vibrant, world-class event for Durham”, a spokesperson explained.

Tickets for the central ‘controlled zone’ went on sale on 1 October. Locals can register for free and pay only a £1.50 booking fee, while visitors are advised to book early as several slots have already sold out by the time of publication. Many installations outside the ticketed area will remain open to all free of charge.

L’article Durham’s iconic Lumiere light festival returns for three nights of dazzling illuminations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.