10 Happiest Countries in the World

The top 10 happiest countries in the world were announced last week and so we’ve decided to take a look at some really great events that these countries have to offer.

1.  Norway

Midnight Sun Marathon

Every year, the world's northernmost marathon attracts runners from over 50 nations, who compete at night, but in broad daylight thanks to the midnight sun (The sun does not set here from mid-May to mid-July). The marathon is the main event, but there is also a half-marathon, a 10-kilometre race, a 4.2-kilometre fun-run, and a children's race, so the whole family can take part. 

Norway Cup

The tournament, which dates back to 1972, takes place every summer. It’s the largest football tournament for children and young people and is hugely popular – in 2010 it attracted some 30,000 participants, with 1,380 teams from 54 nations.  

   

2. Denmark

The Aarhus Festival 

Aarhus Festival which was first held in September 1965 is among the largest events in Scandinavia and showcases local, national and international artists. It is highly esteemed and recognised both in Denmark and abroad. This 10-day event is held in late August and early September and has concerts, theatre, exhibitions and many fun activities for visitors.

 Copenhagen Fashion Week

Copenhagen Fashion Week is Northern Europe's biggest fashion event. Copenhagen Fashion Week takes place twice yearly in Copenhagen, Denmark and consists of a market week with 3 big fairs: CIFF at Bella Center, VISION at Lokomotivværkstedet and Gallery at Forum, and a diverse range of fashion shows at City Hall and a myriad of different locations, as well as showrooms and events all over town.

3. Sweden

The Nobel Prize Awards

Each year in December since 1901, the city of Stockholm celebrates the Nobel Prize awards ceremony in which the Nobel Prizes are awarded to the Nobel Prize Laureates. Awards have been given for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace. Each prize consists of a medal, personal diploma, and a cash award.

Malmo Festival 

The Malmo Festival, which takes place in the second half of August is Malmo's largest annual event. It attracts over 1.5 million visitors with great performances, events, and local food and should not be missed by any Sweden traveller.

4. Australia

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere. For three and a half weeks in March each year, Melbourne becomes the centre of the comedy universe with an extensive program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. With attendances of more than 600,000 people, it has grown to be one of Australia's largest cultural events. There is something for every comedy lover with the best local and international comedy acts performed in venues of all shapes and sizes across the city.

Delectable Brisbane

For 14 days in July Brisbane’s ‘delectable’ festival showcases Queensland’s finest produce, growers, chefs, gardeners, entertainers and musicians. Delectable is made up of the Food Series, the Grow Series and the Sound Series. FOOD showcases local and national chefs in a wide program of events, from cooking demonstrations to talks on the latest food trends, GROW sees the South Bank Cultural Forecourt transformed into an urban garden, with Brisbane's best restaurants serving up unforgettable flavours and SOUND presents nine days of musical and cultural performances. Many events make use of Brisbane’s green outdoor spaces and botanic gardens.

5. New Zealand

Christchurch Arts Festival  

Christchurch Arts Festival is five weekends of theatre, dance and music. The event  focuses on up-and-coming local talent, as well as international artists seldom seen in the South Island and aims to excite, entertain, educate and inspire the people of Christchurch and its visitors.

Waitangi Day

Each Kiwi community has its own unique local way of celebrating New Zealand’s national day 'Waitangi Day' on 6 February. Gatherings planned for 2013 offer heaps of summer happenings inspired by the great outdoors, food, music, sport, and Māori culture - ranging from a giant beachside food festival, to outdoor concerts and kite-flying contests in urban and country settings.

6. Canada

International Museum Day

Every May 18, museums across Canada prepare activities to celebrate the role museums play in preserving diverse heritage.

Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls  

From the beginning of November until the first week of January, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is a spectacular light show that includes an illuminated 5-km route of lighted displays, fireworks over the falls and more, including concerts and children's performances.

7. Finland

 The Finland Ice Marathon

The Finland Ice Marathon has been going since 1984. Every winter the world´s best marathon skaters gather in Kuopio to compete against each other on the natural ice track on Lake Kallavesi.  It also attracts thousands of recreational skaters as well as a large audience, who can enjoy a varied program of entertainment on the lake Kallavesi.

Mobile Phone Throwing

Yes, you read that correctly, mobile phone throwing!! We were surprised too.  This international sport started in Finland in the year 2000. Participants throw mobile phones and are judged on distance or technique.

There are usually four categories in the sport:

• Original (also called "Traditional"): an over-the-shoulder throw with the farthest distance winning (best of three)
•  Freestyle: contestants get points for aesthetics and creative choreography
• Team original: up to three competitors have one throw each with their scores added together
•  Junior: for children aged twelve or younger

8. The Netherlands

Holland Festival

The Holland festival is the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and takes place every June in Amsterdam. This cultural buffet brings together international performers in theatre, dance music and opera.  Each edition is loosely themed, and the program features both contemporary work and classical pieces presented with a modern edge.

Woodstock 69 

Woodstock 69 is held on Bloemendaal beach along the North Sea coast. This festival features live percussion, dance acts and local/international dj’s. 

9. Switzerland

Festival del film Locarno

Every August for the last 66 years, Locarno becomes the world capital of auteur cinema. Thousands of film fans and industry professionals meet here to share their passion for cinema in all its diversity.

White Turf St. Moritz

On three Sundays in February, more than 30,000 spectators gather to witness the excitement of the races at the frozen expanse of the Lake of St. Moritz. Thoroughbreds from all over Europe and international jockeys take part in the races at White Turf St. Moritz.

10. Ireland

Taste of Dublin 

Taste of Dublin is four days of summer eating, drinking and entertainment. Some of the city’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants serve their finest dishes, while 100s of producers provide the best food and beverages, ensuring that guests sample and shop for a range of produce in the laid back atmosphere of a boutique food market.

Electric Picnic 

Electric Picnic is an annual arts-and-music festival which has been staged since 2004 in Stradbally, County Laois. The Picnic has received widespread international acclaim, being described as "Ireland's version of Glastonbury". U.S. magazine Billboard described it as "a magnificent rock n roll circus, a textbook example of everything a festival should be" and Rolling Stone describing it as "one of the best festivals we've ever been to".

Electric Picnic differs from other festivals in Ireland in that the music choice is more eclectic than the other mainstream events and there is more emphasis on quality festival services (such as food and sleeping arrangements) and a generally more positive and relaxed atmosphere. There is also an emphasis on eco-friendly initiatives.

Have you been to any of these events or do you have them on your list of events you want to attend? What about the top 10 list for the countries? Do you agree or do you think another country should have made it in there?

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