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A hadakamatsuri (In Japanese, “Hadaka” means “naked”, while “matsuri” means “festival”) or naked festival is regarded as the biggest Japanese festival held each year particularly during summer or winter time, in dozens of places throughout Japan. It is always held at the Konomiya shrine, which is situated in the centre of Inazawa, Japan. This festival dated back over 1200 years, in which it was held in several locations throughout Japan and it is believed to be originated in a decree issued by Emperor Shotoko in 767, who commanded the nation to offer prayers in order to dispel a plague.

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The participants dress themselves in their Japanese loincloth or buttock-exposing giant nappies (called fundoshi), and sometimes with short happi coats, as they are handing ribbons to onlookers while getting pie-eyed on vats of sake (a type of Japanese liquor). Communal chants “washyoi! washyoi!” (It is translated to “enhance yourself”) and they start throwing buckets of water and sake into the steaming throng, in which, the scene, not only it reaches noise levels, but also it resembles a no-rule, naked, and violence act. Hidden somewhere in the midst of these people is one fully naked man wearing in fundoshi, a person who is randomly selected to be the Shin-otoko, or Naked man (Note: The selected candidate must be in the age of 20s, and he must stay in the temple three days before the festival. This decision is made so that a secret ritual can be performed to purify his body while expunging his sin). This naked man appeared to me as a local mafia (or in Japanese, yakuza), with his identifiable tattoos. The crowd crush together to touch this ordained naked man in the hope to transfer all their bad lucks, evil spirits or misfortunes to him. Most Japanese believe that touching him can bring good luck and happiness.

Up Helly-Aa, Shetland Island, Scotland

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The Helly-Aa festival or the Fire Festival is held annually in the middle of winter in Shetland Island as a way to pay a tribute to the islands' Viking Past, besides marking the end of the Yule season. Therefore, this fire festival carries the meaning of “End of the Holy Days”. On this day, a procession consists of a thousand guizers, and culminates with the burning of a 32-feet replica of a Viking longboat is held. The males dress themselves in flamboyantly decorated costumes as if they are like females in appearances, and thus someone has given it a joke name as “Transvestite Tuesday”.

The Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand

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Each year, during the Monkey Buffet Festival, approximately 600 monkeys will be invited to attend the annual feast in Thailand. They are served with more than 3,000 kg of vegetables and fruits. This festival is held to show the respect towards Rama, a hero of the Ramayana. Legend had it said that, Ramayana had rewarded his friend and ally, Hanuman the Monkey King, with the fiefdom of what is now called Lop Buri.

Tunarama, Australia

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The Tunarama festival, or commonly known as the Tuna Tossing Festival, began in 1962 with the aim to promote the emerging tuna fishing industry in Port Lincoln, Australia. This festival is held in Port Lincoln, on the tip of Eyre Peninsula throughout Australia on every January 26, a day which is an Australia Day long weekend. This event usually involves the tuna tossing competition. It was reported that in 1998, the Ex-Olympic hammer thrower, Sean Carlin, managed to hold a record for the longest toss at 37.23 metres.

Roswell UFO Festival, USA

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In conjunction to the anniversary of the “Roswell Incident”, in which a UFO was reported to have crashed into the military grounds, this festival is held in U.S.A. This festival celebration involves an alien costume parade, an alien hot air balloon ride and an alien parade as well.

Noche de Brujas, Mexico

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The Noche de Brujas is translated as “Night of the witches”, and it is a tradition of witchcraft in Cerro Mono Blanco, Catemaco, Mexico. Its origin dated back over 2,000 years to the pre-Hispanic era, and the first Friday of March every year marking the celebration of the Noche de Brujas. Its origin was initiated during which many healers, shamans, and fortune-tellers were existed where many myths and legends were born.

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Since a witchcraft convention was held in 1970, this festival has been celebrated up to now. During this festival, hundreds of supernatural healers, magicians, seers, prophets, traditional healers, practitioners of alternative medicine, witches and shamans come from all over Mexico to gather at every corner of alleys and streets of a strangely fascinating and picturesque small town called Catemaco located on the shore of Laguna Catemaco with their herbal remedies. They are said to be people who could perform a mass cleansing ceremony to get rid of evil spirits, bad lucks, misfortunes, or the previous year's negative energies. It is said that you could find a cure for any curses or you could hire a witch to perform on something or someone you do not like.

Carnevale Venezia, Italy

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The Carnevale Di Venezia, or Venice Carnival, was initially recorded in 1268. However, when the Australians took control of the city on January 18, 1798, this carnival was halted for nearly 2 centuries. In 1930's, the fascist government outlawed the celebration of carnival, and it was until 1980's one carnival shop was founded, marking the revival of the carnival celebration.

Two weeks before Ash Wednesday each year is the beginning of the Carnevale Venezia in Venice, Italy. This city has long been known for its masked revelers and fantasy dress party as well. This carnival celebrates the approach of spring, and The Piazza San Marco is the focus of the festival. In addition to the carnival, masks are also allowed during Ascension and from October 5 to Christmas, so people could spend a large part of the year in disguise.

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The Venetian masks were made in leather or with the original papier-mâché technique in a rather simple design and decoration. Nowadays, most masks are made with the application of gesso and gold leaf, all hand-painted using natural feathers and gems to decorate them.

Festival au Desert, Africa

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Every year on the second weekend in January, the mysterious and remote dunes, and desert village of Essakane, Mali, comes lively for three days with the gathering of the western musicians and Tuareg nomads in conjunction to a day called the Festival au Desert, the Festival in the Desert or world's most remote music festival. This desolate patch of Saharan sand is located approximately 65 km north of the legendary city called Timbuktu, Africa.

The world-renowned musicians come all over the places to experience the one-of-a-kind music, exotic Tuareg culture festival in the Sahara Desert with Tuareg people, the “Blue Men of the Desert”. This event highlights impromptu performances by traditional Tuareg musicians, dancing, swordplay, singing, camel races and artisans' exhibition as well. Though this is not a luxury vacation, it is truly a unique cultural experience.

Fiesta de Santo Tomas, South America

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This is one of the largest annual celebrations held in South America running for a week, starting from December, 13th to 21st. During this period, the merriment of the festival is ruled by parades, endless firework displays, and traditional dances, with the most notably spectacular and unique dances called “the Palo Volador”. This unique blend of Mayan and Christian traditions is held to honor winter and the mythical Christmas messenger, Olentzero. People come all over Guatemala here to join in this glorious celebration.

The Holi Festival, India

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The Holi Festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, is regarded as the most popular Hindu spring event held primarily in India, Guyana and Nepal. On the second day, which is locally called Dhulhendi, people celebrate this event by throwing colored powder and water at each other. This colored powder is claimed to have a medicinal effect as it is traditionally made of Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, Neem and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors. Despite of this reason, this colored powder is believed to cure viral fever and cold. The disease is said to be widespread due to the weather changes in India, particularly during the spring season.

La Tomatina, Spain

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Each year, in late August, over 30,000 tourists come to Bunyol for the La Tomatina festival, or the tomato-throwing festival. This event has been regarded as the world's largest tomato fight and its rule of this event sometimes keeps the festival from becoming a more dangerous brawl. During this festival, throng of people pelt each other with over 250 lbs. of tomatoes in a time span of 60 minutes.

Festes de La Merce, Spain

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This is the largest festival held annually in Barcelona, Spain to honor La Merce. The event runs for 4 days around September 24, and over 500 activities which include parades, concerts, air shows, firework displays, swimming contest across the harbor and a 10-kilometer running are held in the heart of Barcelona during this festive season. The notable highlight of this festival is the mythical figures and giants of medieval Barcelona consisting of gegants (giant wooden figures operated by human) passing through the streets.

Cheese Rolling Festival, England

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This 200-year-old tradition of cheese-rolling is considered dangerous, though its name may sound benign. It is an annual event held on the last Monday in May at Cooper's Hill, near Cheltenham and Gloucester in the Cotswolds region of England. Paddy McGuiness described this event as “the granddaddy of weird sports”. This event is getting its popularity though it is banned by the police, as more and more people coming from all across the world here either to compete or simply to watch.

The rule to this game is simple: a 7-pound wheel of double Gloucester cheese is first rolling from the top of the hill by the Master of Ceremonies, and racers race, tumble, and roll down the hill after the cheese. As the cheese can attain to its speed up to 70 mph (112 km/h), it is always rarely happens that someone manages to catch the cheese. The first person over the finishing line to the bottom of the hill wins the cheese.

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As the slope has a gradient of 1-in-2 in some areas, and 1-in-1 in others, plus its steepness and uneven surface, there are usually a number of injuries. Due to this reason, the first aid service provided by a volunteer rescue group who are always on hand at the bottom of the hill to carry down any casualties for those who do not make their ways to the bottom through gravity. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling has been summarized as “20 young men chase a cheese off a cliff and tumble 200 yards to the bottom, where they are scraped up by paramedics and packed off to hospital”.

Durbar Festival, Nigeria, Africa

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The Durbar festival is celebrated annually at the end of Ramadan in Katsina and Kano, Nigeria. The event is particularly held in some cities of Nigeria at the culmination of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are two Muslim festivals. Its origin dated back hundred years ago when horses were used in the warfare in the northern part of the Emirate (state). At that time, each district, and even a town was ordered to contribute a regiment once or twice a year for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chief to defense each of the Emirate.

This event is first initiated by a prayer outside the town, and is followed by a parade with the Emir dressed in ceremonial robes on the flamboyantly decorated horses. This is later accompanied by muscle-bound wrestlers, music players, and lute players in headdresses who will be heading to the public square situated in front of the Emir's palace.

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Each group takes their assigned roles before the Emir finally reaches the square with their magnificent and dazzling retinue. The horsemen then galloped about the square with their swords drawn, before passing few feet away from the Emir, during which they stopped abruptly to salute him with raised swords and pay homage. The joyous reigns into the night when the dancing, singing, drumming and small bands of Fulanis performing a spectacular show called shadi are held.

Pride of belonging is never so enhanced than during times of adversity. If it doesn’t kill you it definitely makes you stronger. It seems to me something useless to be proud of when it comes to sexual identity. When faced with challenges one can either give up or retaliate, and it is the fighting that brings such solidarity in minority groups as they in turn feel a need to celebrate victories of increased tolerance in society. But the Gay Pride parade? Really? Come on! To my surprise, it even annoys some gays and they call it the Fagot pride parade. I had one tell me how he thinks it’s trashy as he gave me the analogy of intentionally going to a Black parade and suddenly finding yourself in a Nigger parade. I never thought of heterosexuality as something to necessarily be proud of: I just know I’m a hetero male and it feels good.

Although it’s not always easy, it remains possible to alter physical properties. Certain things in sight are not always what we think them to be, and it’s a good thing that we, as peoples of the world, have come to look beyond the thing exposed accepting that the Earth is not flat and that there isn’t necessarily such a thing as a sky. But this proverb is very meaningful—that a pig will always be a pig no matter how much lipstick is put on it. This is why I think that transgenders who assume the role other than their natural physical state will never equally be as the thing they are trying to impersonate because of biological differences. Then again, it’s not the body alone that determines a form of identity as it and the mind are co-dependent on one another. But if the experienced claim to naturally feel the way they do with the absence of childhood abuse, can it be that this case of misplaced sexual and/or gender identity is as random and genetic as left-handedness?

Racial identity also seems to me like something irrelevant for the sake of pride. “Black and proud” was a movement that was started up as a form of retaliation against oppositions that questioned the value of black folks. I don’t hate being black, but it is frustrating to see that black achievers are not as exalted as their white counterparts. So, pride in this sense comes with the benefits of belonging to a group. This is reminiscent of the joke Chris Rock made about how a white cripple wouldn’t trade places with him even though he’s rich. I’ve heard some people ask stuff like why there is no White history month when in fact we live in a Euro-centric world.

There isn’t one America since America is ethnically divided. The possibility of having a non-white President may not necessarily unify the various ethnic groups, but it will definitely raise the self-esteem of those living in the slums. I’ve heard some people suggest that getting rid of things like ethnic magazines and media would help deprive the country of racism. That’s completely inconsiderate and nonsensical. Every group needs a voice for its culture, whether it be a minority or a dominant one: which is why it is satisfactory for each respective group to have things like the Logo channel, Lifetime, Telemundo, and BET. No need to have a WET, since most national television stations already work in the favor of white folks.

Let us take into account the effects of a people’s identity brought on by various ethnic immigrants. The amalgam of cultures that exists in America is maintained by the steadfastness of older, nostalgic immigrants. It seems, then, out of the question that they would seek assimilation into a new culture, especially when they stay in a concentrated part of their own group. For the young, though, it is a different case, whether they were born in or out of the country. Every person grows up receiving formation from their surroundings, but in this country of immigrants it looks like some choose an ethnic identity they feel most comfortable with, one they feel they can identify with through personal experiences.

Take for example the stereotypical black man and let him strip himself of the Ebonics lingo, change his style of clothing to something preppy, and friends who notice the difference will see that he is branching out to some degree. For every individual there is a wanting to fit in by a means of identifying through race and/or culture so that each group sticks to its own. However, there is enough evidence of people acting out of their own race by taking on a different ethnic identity through the influences of music, language, fashion style, and this different sense of ethnicity shows even in how they respond to certain situations. All of a sudden, the black guy is not black enough, the white guy acts more like a black guy, and in some cases they seem like such phonies to the point that they are ridiculed.

I have an issue with people that limit themselves by saying that some things just do not pertain to their race only because they are done so much by the race that thrives over them. Pitiful! It seems so because there are times when one lacks knowledge of something he displays desperate strength in a form of opposition instead of seeking to gain understanding. I argue that it is a free world we live in with anything conceivable by the mind to happen because I am convinced that anything is possible so long as it is something within the laws of our world’s reality.

As a black immigrant I have been told by black Americans that I’m not black (as if Black was a nationality), but they feel rather that I am what my place of nativity is. They say this because I did not grow up in America to partake in the African-American culture. You can’t help but wonder what the correct name-reference should be for some minority groups. Why are they constantly angry and on the defensive? It’s probably because they are often offended and not looked at as regular people but rather as “those people”. Why should a homosexual take offense to being referred to as a homo? Why should a Black take offense to being referred to as a Negro? As petty as these things seem they are valid enough to those people. They will identify themselves on their own terms and not by outsiders. But when push comes to shove we end up with things like racism and xenophobia.

The old adage that actions speak louder than words seems to hold true for some people who try to be as their ancestors after they have been geographically and even culturally disbanded from them. The way of the folklore is the closest to reaching out to one’s roots. You figure you cannot look anymore Irish after wearing a kilt, or after partaking in the St. Patrick day festival. You figure you cannot look anymore African after wearing a dashiki or kente clothing, after dancing in African form, or after partaking in the Kwanzaa: they are things of tradition. Those people definitely wouldn’t pass for what they’re trying to portray if they were to dress like their counterparts from the motherland who wear jeans and t-shirts. They’ve become more African in appearance than their African counterparts.

That Michelle Obama said that for the first time as an American she is proud of her country cannot be taken out of context. It is clear language without subtle lines to read between. The thing you have to wonder is why?—why does she feel that way? And I do not doubt that she voiced how a lot of other people feel. The thing is that national pride is not the same as individual pride. The way I see it is that for someone to say that he is proud of his country means that he is proud of the works of his government, he is proud of the direction his country is taking. You’re born in a country, but you’re not born proud of it. And while you may be proud of what your country stands for, you definitely cannot take pride in what seem like consistently numerous negative accomplishments. But still, I think it’s a really strong comment she made.

The chant “USA! USA!” was not so popular until the tragic events of September 11, 2001. So, now it means a lot more to be an American: you can’t just say it, you have to show that you’re a patriot. And the pressure’s on with the enactment of the Patriot Act. What I don’t understand is how a politician, of all people, running for President does not come to attention at the sound of the national anthem, but gives in to pressure to wear a pin on his collar to display his loyalty to country.

In light of all the negativity that has been taking place one has to wonder whether Government is just wreckless or so calculated to the point that it chooses to be deliberately inept. If so what do the people matter to them if they do not have their best interests at heart? In a non-dictatorship state government is supposed to work for the good of the land as for the good of the people living in it, but as the late President Ronald Reagan once said in a speech, “ Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem.” The people vote thinking or hoping to get better leadership from the next President, but it is almost guaranteed that it's business as usual in Washington: for lobbyists speak louder than the average tax-paying citizen as they all pay for the favorable candidate to work in their favor. It is really the best government money can buy.

To conclude this it is obvious to say that identity itself has many facets. How you choose to define yourself has to do with how you relate, in one form or another, to your surroundings. To claim to be something is not enough. You have to be able to defend your state of being when need be, or else you will find yourself stuck in a sense of confused identity because you do not know yourself well enough. To take pride in one’s self is to accept one’s self and to love one’s state of being. Those obstacles people initially go through are only a type of baptism for their identity.

It was there that I found out that this affair originated in New York. National Recognition of it, in the United States, began after the Stonewall Riots of June in 1969. The riots brought widespread attention to growing concerns for the equitable treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.

In the Philippines, Gay Pride Month is being upheld by The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines otherwise known as ProGay. This June will mark its twelfth year of recognizing and establishing Gay rights.

In Manchester, a city in England, its City Council has been acclaimed as Britain's top gay-friendly local authority for the fourth consecutive year. The council was voted the highest-ranking local authority in the latest Corporate Equality Index, compiled by lesbian and gay lobbying organization Stonewall. The participating organizations were questioned about their employment practices, such as having a non-discrimination policy and a lesbian and gay employee network group. The council says it has a "genuine commitment" to ensuring that all employees work in an environment where they are secure and confident regardless of sexual orientation.

In Calcutta India, Gay Pride Month is being observed too. This was a scene from the "Rainbow Pride Walk" which was organized by the Integration Society.
Further research on the internet showed me that lots of countries celebrate Gay Pride Month and more and more governments are opening their eyes and recognizing the gay and lesbian population's abilities and rights.
Over all, it was completely amazing. I look at my gay, lesbian and transgender friends and workmates now, and I realized that their gender has come a long way of being recognized, of being thought of as a part of society.

This is the rainbow flag, a symbol being raised high in the month of June for awareness, acceptance of the third gender as they are called in the hopes that one day people like them won't be violated, discriminated against or shunned by people in the society they belong to.
Seemingly, another goal that the month and occasion wish to achieve is to eliminate the fear in every gay, lesbian and transgender heart the fear of admitting to their families and friends, and most of all to themselves their true identities.
I would think that the burden of keeping that kind of secret to oneself and to ones loved ones could be such a burden and certainly an obstacle to realizing ones abilities. For instead of developing his or her abilities he or she would be a lot more occupied in keeping up with the pretense, I think that this is one of the reasons gays and lesbians soon end up hurting themselves or to put it patently, show a lack of respect for themselves.
There was once a school principal in what used to be an all-boys' catholic school in Baguio City, Philippines who said "we (the school) may not be able to prevent some of our students from realizing they are gay, but we can certainly stop them with what they will do to themselves." Oh, he recognized there are students in his school who are gays, considering that the Philippines is a very catholic country and badings or gays in Philippine society are objects of ridicule and shame in a family. Even after recognizing that he had gays in his student body though, the rule of complete uniforms which composes of navy blue pants and white polo's, haircut of two fingers above the ears were firmly implemented. Lipstick and make up were strictly prohibited. The point is, for as long as they were students in that school, they are to be treated equally. The schools aim was to lessen bullying ridiculing of the gay population.
I suppose if there is such a thing as women empowerment, then there could also be gay and lesbian empowerment, that aside from painting themselves beautiful, they should also let out their many talents and abilities.

St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in AD 387. When he was 16 years old, he was captured and taken to Ireland. .During his six years in Ireland as a captive, he became deeply religious When he returned to England he became a priest.

In his Declaration, he claimed that he had a vision in which the people of Ireland appealed to him to come and walk among them. He returned to Ireland and converted many people to Christianity. He cleverly incorporated the pagan beliefs of the day into his Christian teachings. He introduced and explained the concept of the Holy Trinity to his followers by using the Shamrock with its three leaves as symbol. He had to face a lot of opposition from his co-religionists, as he was not Irish.

St. Patrick died in AD 493 and is believed to be buried under Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, County Down like the other two patron saints of Ireland, St. Brigid and St Columba. Though Saint Patrick has not been officially canonized, he is still venerated in Ireland and many parts of the world.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated as feast day by the Roman Catholic Church thanks to efforts of the Franciscan scholar Luke Waddin in the 17th century. In Ireland, the celebrations have a religious tone to it. The celebrations extend over 5 days. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in Ireland was held in Dublin only in 1931.

The first parade was held in Boston, U.S in 1762 and the largest parade in New York City. The credit for the oldest parade in North America goes to Quebec in Canada. Today, non-Irish people too relish the idea of being Irish on St. Patrick's Day. Wearing green color (associated with the green leaved Shamrock), consuming Irish food and drink, and parades mark the festivities.

Impressive parades are held in many cities of the U.S. like the ones in Seattle, Savannah in Georgia, New Orleans, Syracuse, and Las Vegas. Other countries like Canada, Argentina, the U.K, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea too mark the day with parades.

St. Patrick's Day is an official holiday in Ireland. However, in the U. S, Australia, U. K, and New Zealand, though celebrated with much fervor, it is not an official holiday. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated not only as a mark of respect to a great saint but also as a reflection of the cultural tradition of Ireland and the growing sense of its nationalistic pride.

The Irish government has been trying to showcase this tradition to woo tourists to the Island. However, many Christian leaders condemn the fact that it is being increasingly secularized and commercialized.

In 1978 the streets were blocked off for this party expecting 10,000 people, more than 100,000 people showed up from around the world. Each year the festival grows as the Latin community grows as well. One million of various nationality and ethnicities celebrated this unity in 2006 also known as Calle Ocho carnival.

Miami carnival, flags everywhere representing Cuba, México, Domican Republic, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Haitian umbrellas etc. The Carnivals is known for performance, a huge celebration with music, dance, stage performance, bands, masqueraders, DJ's, on large decorated floats. Many enjoy the food and beverages while the parades in motion.

The Caribbean style of the Miami carnival flourished its roots from Trinidad and Tobago. It is true that Spaniards did celebrate with disguised balls before that. It is known that French men were the first to celebrate festivals. However it is evidently clear that Caribbean Islands is known for its diverse culture and different mixes.

In the 1700's the French who owned land had settled in Trinidad and celebrated the Roman Catholic Feast of carnival known as the (farewell to flesh) this was an elaborate event when the wealthy French held masquerade parties in their huge mansions. At the time slaves would mock their parties and enjoy their own festivities in their own back yard. When slavery became abolished after emancipation slaves began to hold their own carnival in Trinidad on August 1, 1834.

The carnival was ridiculed by the upper class Trinidadians for singing and dancing and the government tried to suppress the carnival, however in the 1900's the carnival evolved into a size able sophisticated masquerade as seen performed today. Toady a large amount of Caribbean culture participate in Miami's carnival. This spectacular event last the entire day.

Many people from around the world participate and appear for this fascinating event. For the mere simple fact that this event features a cultural festivity with Caribbean-Latin flavor. It focuses on colorful floats, bands, performers and masquerade customs, (spectators enjoy this)

This carnival attracts people of all ages, ethnicities and gender.