Air Partner Magazine A/W 25 - Magazine - Page 60
WORLDS OF WONDER
Extravagant costumes at
the Venice Carnival.
OV E R 1 0 0 I C E C AR V I N G S L I N I N G
T HE B U ST L I N G ST R E E T S O F S AP P O R O
SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL
when softly illuminated at night, these extraordinary
Hokkaido, Japan
creations have cemented the Snow Festival as one of
Every February, Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido,
Japan’s most celebrated winter events.
transforms into a winter wonderland. Streets and
What started from humble beginnings as a student
parks are lined with towering, intricately carved snow
and ice sculptures – some reaching up to 25 metres
wide and 15 metres high – inspired by everything
from beloved 昀椀ctional characters to renowned global
landmarks. Stunning in daylight and even more so
project 75 years ago now spans three venues,
each with its own distinct atmosphere: Odori Park
showcases the grandest sculptures; Susukino
impresses with over 100 ice carvings lining its bustling
streets; and Tsudome o昀昀ers family-friendly fun with
giant snow slides, snow rafting, and interactive displays.
What makes the festival so special isn’t just the
Grand ice sculptures at
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan.
mesmerising sculptures, but how the city embraces
the season. Stalls serving steaming bowls of miso
ramen and grilled seafood tempt visitors to linger,
while live music, cultural performances, and ice bars
keep spirits high. And, when the festivities wind down,
a short charter 昀氀ight can whisk you to Niesko – the
Aspen of Asia – where powder snow and luxury resorts
promise winter sports in style.
VENICE CARNIVAL
Venice, Italy
With origins that can be traced as far back as the 12th
century, the Venice Carnival is an iconic celebration of
opulence and mystery. Each February, for ten days, the
gondola-lined canals, winding cobblestone streets,
and soaring Venetian Gothic palazzi of Italy’s 昀氀oating
city provide a captivating backdrop as thousands of
masked revellers in sumptuous period costumes turn
Venice into a living work of art.
From lively street performances and magni昀椀cent
parades to candlelit soirées and masquerade balls,
few events can compete with the carnival’s allure.
Hundreds of boats line
the Grand Canal for the
Venice Carnival.
