KaZantip Republic at Popovka, Crimean peninsula, Ukraine

kaZantip, also known simply as “Z” is an EDM festival that’s held yearly on the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine. This is an incredibly popular event, with lots of lingo to learn like the popular “viZa”, which is essentially your ticket for entry. The festival spans an impressive five to six weeks, and more than 150,000 partiers attend each year. Though, keep your party language at home and remember that at this unique experience, they’re called “paradiZers”.

This is the type of experience that many prepare months for, and first-timers can be confused by the orange fashion and yellow suitcases everywhere. These are just a few of the special touches that long-time fans have made synonymous with the festival. There’s also a unique celebration referred at as “Mayokva”, which translates to “Happiness Parade”, which is dedicated to spring, happiness, and friendship.

The acts that take the stage are as varied as the festival-goers, and in 2014 will include Luciano, Moonwalk, Shonky, Reboot, M.A.N.D.Y., and David August. In addition to the dozens and dozens of acts, there are also boat rides, carnival games, roller coasters, incredible light shows, and even a raining rainbow parade where every guest will be covered in a rainbow of colors from head to toe.