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Lotus lantern fest

South Korea's annual Lotus Lantern Festival runs from May 18 to 28 in Seoul, in celebration of Buddha's birthday. Exhibitions and booths are designed to introduce Buddhist cultures in various countries. In the lantern parade, participants will dress up in traditional costumes, singing and dancing. Tourists can also learn how to make a lantern and pray for their wishes.

On the night of May 19, the city will be lit up, thanks to more than 100,000 lotus lanterns ranging from small lotus-shapes to dragons and Buddha so large they require groups to carry them. More information at www.llf.or.kr.

Bizarre contests

Robert Dover's Olimpick Games will kick off on June 1 in Chipping Campden in the UK's Cotswolds.

Captain Robert Dover inaugurated the games in 1612 for various bizarre contests, such as shin-kicking, tug-of-war, and obstacle races. For example, in shin-kicking contests, contestants hold each other by one shoulder, trying to kick shins and bringing opponents to the ground. It's a day for competitions and other entertainment: torch-light procession, a folk concert, traditional dancing and a live band in the town.

More information at www.olimpickgames.co.uk.

Naked bike ride

More than 3,000 naked and body-painted riders will join the annual World Naked Bike Ride in Britain that starts on May 26 (and continues until mid-June) to protest against oil dependency and automobile culture.

Eight cities including London and Bristol are on the list, and other cities may join later. Nudity is optional, but cyclists are encouraged to go "as bare as one can". The ride also celebrates cycling and the human body, and riders decorate their bicycles and helmets with slogans and elaborate designs.

More information at www.worldnakedbikeride.org.

Festival for dogs

Woofstock, which claims to be one of the largest outdoor festivals for dogs in North America, will start from June 9 to 10 in Toronto, Canada.

There are interesting canine activities, including dog fashion shows, dog-trick contests and a pageant. Street booths will be set up to sell canine products and on-site dog daycare. The veterinary emergency clinic will offer first aid services at all times during the two days. More information at www.woofstock.ca.

China Daily - Agencies

(China Daily 05/13/2012 page16)