Festivals are a great way to experience a destination in a different way. This article will fuel your wanderlust(漫游癖) and guide you to the best festivals.
St Patrick’s Day
Where: Dublin, Ireland & New York, U．S.A.
When: 17 March
St Patrick’s Day has taken place in New York City on March 17th since 1762. On this day, the whole city turns green. Many Irish make traditional bread on this day. It is one of the most fun days of the year in New York City every year, when the whole city turns into a big green party.
SXSW
Where: Austin, U．S.A.
When: 10－19 March
Like free things? Yeah me too! Free food, drink and music sound good? Welcome to Austin, Texas. SXSW is a festival for those who work in the music and film industries. There are “free” shows. You do have to pay but not by handing over cash; you have to give up some time to queue but it is worth it to see some popular stars.
King’s Day
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: 27 April
Every year on April 27 Amsterdam turns a very bright color of orange for King’s Day, which is the birthday of King Willem－Alexander. It’s a crazy fun celebration when the center of the city is car, bus, and bike－free. It is a market day when anyone can sell pretty much anything. Tips: Take a jacket with you, wear orange, and bring cash.
Just for Laughs
Where: Montreal, Canada
When: 14－30 July
For comedy lovers there is no other festival in the world better than Montreal’s Just for Laughs. The festival concentrates most of its shows in the Latin Quarter. During the day street performers delight the crowds and at night the city comes alive with comedy all over the city.
【解题导语】 本文是一篇应用文。文章介绍了四个有趣的节日。
1．What do St Patrick’s Day and King’s Day have in common?
A．They are market days.
B．They feature a specific color.
C．They begin in the same month.
D．They are in honor of a King’s birthday.
B 解析：细节理解题。根据St Patrick’s Day中介绍的On this day, the whole city turns green.和King’s Day中介绍的Every year on April 27 Amsterdam turns a very bright color of orange可知，这两个节日都有各自独特的节日颜色。
2．Which festival is about music and film?
A．St Patrick’s Day. B．SXSW.
C．King’s Day. D．Just for Laughs.
B 解析：细节理解题。根据SXSW中介绍的SXSW is a festival for those who work in the music and film industries.可知，SXSW是关于音乐和电影的。
3．What do we know about Just for Laughs?
A．It offers free food.
B．It lasts for one week.
C．It is the best comedy festival in the world.
D．It is celebrated in many places worldwide.
C 解析：推理判断题。根据Just for Laughs中介绍的For comedy lovers there is no other festival in the world better than Montreal’s Just for Laughs.可知，该节日是全世界最好的喜剧节。
