Need a dose of culture or a life changing experience? A festival can be just the cure for you. Experiences can range from relaxing and unwinding, to dance parties, to singing at the top of your lungs, and more.
Some festivals include parades, others will have you taking in nature, while some can just provide you delicious meals. In other words, you have a variety of traditions, religions, and cultures to choose from when it comes to festivals. Check out one of these festivals as a possible anchor for one your next trips.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil
Attracting more than two million people to the streets of Rio de Janeiro every year is the one and only Rio de Janeiro Carnival. If ten days of never-ending action, dancing, and music sounds like a good deal, you shouldn’t miss this vibrant, lively festival.
Experience art in the shape of samba dancing and expressive costumes by attending Rio’s paid parades or joining free-to-all street parties. You might also enjoy the festival’s high-profile balls such as the Copacabana Palace’s Magic Ball or dance for free on the Carnival block of Banda de Ipanema.
When: February
Carnival of Venice, Italy
The Venetian Carnival encompasses rich history and elegance in the form of intricate costumes and detailed masks. The city’s annual celebration dates back to the year 1162 and now sees up to three million visitors annually.
The festivities include stunning costume parades, music, and indoor as well as outdoor parties. Visitors can also enjoy live theatrical plays and participate in dressing up for a true festive spirit.
When: Between January and February
Oktoberfest, Germany
The #1 beer-drinking festival in the world takes place in Germany’s Munich. Put on your lederhosen, embrace the sounds of oompah, and revel in an unlimited supply of good beer, pork schnitzel, and other local foods.
Experience the true German culture in this 200-year-old festival and enjoy parades featuring traditionally dressed musicians and performers.
When: Between September and October
Holi Festival, India and Nepal
Also known as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring, this Hindi festival is widely celebrated across India and Nepal. Some of the top locations to celebrate this ancient holiday include Mathura, Jaipur, Barsana, Pushkar, and Purulia.
During the festival, expect massive crowds of people covered in powder paint to celebrate the defeat of evil. Since music, dancing, and public celebrations are an integral part of the Holi festival, this experience is a must for all those interested in Hinduism and Indian culture.
When: March
Mardi Gras, New Orleans – Louisiana
In preparation for the fasting season of Lent, people around the world celebrate Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday and indulge in good foods and drinks while enjoying parades and music.
One of the biggest Mardi Gras festivals takes place yearly in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the city becoming crowded with tourists for five days worth of parades. Whether you enjoy a drink at a jazz bar in the French Quarter or join the celebrations on Bourbon Street, you’re bound to have lots of fun and get to see plenty of floats!
When: February
Diwali, India
Dipawali or Diwali is one of India’s biggest and most important holidays. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the festivities honor the victory of good over evil and the prevalence of light over darkness. Some of the best places to celebrate the holiday include Varanasi, Amritsar, Udaipur, Kolkata, Goa, and Delhi.
Rather than party until there’s no energy left, people prioritize mass prayers and special ceremonies during Diwali. Homes are typically decorated with lights and traditional earthen lamps and gifts exchanged commonly take place. There is also no shortage of bonfire gatherings and fireworks.
When: November
La Tomatina, Spain
Feel like throwing rotten tomatoes in strangers’ faces? You’re not alone. Join this Spanish annual festival that takes place in the town of Buñol and take on an epic tomato-throwing battle that is as crazy as it sounds.
Often dubbed the world’s craziest festival, this holiday has been taking place annually since 1945. While the celebrations began by accident, they now attract brave individuals from around the globe. Fortunately, the rules are simple. Stock up on tomatoes dropped off at the main square by dump trucks and keep on throwing the fruits around the town until it is painted red.
When: Last Wednesday of August
Chinese New Year, China
Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world but nowhere better than in its country of origin.
What better way to get an authentic experience than to delve into the heart of Beijing and enjoy the capital’s festivities, fireworks, traditional foods, and good luck charms? If you’re looking for a retreat from colorful dragon dances, you might want to visit a night market or unwind at the Temple of Heaven Park.
When: Between late January and late February
Songkran, Thailand
Thai New Year is a three-day celebration that comes with lots of fun activities that will leave you wet and smelling like scented water. From parades at the local markets and colorful traditional dance rituals to water fights and blessing ceremonies, you will not get bored celebrating Songkran. Luckily, plentiful food fairs ensure you won’t get hungry while watching beauty pageants show off traditional Thai outfits.
Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are some of the top destinations for those looking to make the most out of this festival.
When: April
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
Throughout Japan, people celebrate the time of the year when cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, bloom and grace the streets, providing a perfect opportunity for picnics, outdoor events, and traditional events incorporating age-old costumes, dances, and music.
This light-hearted festival is ideal for those seeking to admire nature, delicious food, and the Japanese tradition without sacrificing comfort.
When: Between March and May
Glastonbury Festival, UK
Taking place in Somerset, UK, is the multicultural event known as the Glastonbury Festival. Connecting different cultures and traditions, this festival is for the open-minded who wish to expand their horizons and meet interesting people of all kinds.
Besides a mix of music, art, and theater, the Glastonbury Festival also offers various activities like workshops, comedy acts, and shopping at countless craft and food stalls.
When: June
Day of the Dead, Mexico
The Day of the Dead is most widely and wildly observed in Mexico where people dress as skeletons to roam the streets before partying the night away with tequila. The main events take place on October 31 and November 1 when most carnivals and parades take place.
When: October 31 to November 2
Saint Patrick’s Day, Ireland
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in style by taking to the streets of Dublin, Ireland, to experience the Irish culture over several days of festivities. During the celebrations, expect marching bands, pageants, and performers to keep you entertained. While dressed in green with a Guinness in your hand, you can also keep yourself busy by listening to storytellers or enjoying traditional music and dances.
Nowadays, Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated around the world. Some other great spots to experience this holiday include New York City and Northern Ireland’s Belfast.
When: March
International Wild Flower Festival, Slovenia
The beautiful Central European country of Slovenia is home to pristine rivers, medieval castles, the wonder of Postojna Cave, and the famous Lake Bled. But for this festival, you will venture into the heart of Triglav National Park surrounded by the Julian Alps.
Bohinj’s International Wild Flower Festival celebrates botany and invites wildflower lovers to engage in relaxing activities like birdwatching, workshops, and exploration. Visitors will also be able to enjoy stunning wildflower displays while hiking nearby trails.
When: Between late May and early June
Up Helly Aa, Scotland
The Viking-inspired festival of fire takes place across the Shetland Islands of Scotland but is most strongly celebrated in Lerwick where impressive reenactments of a Viking ship burial are done. As part of the festivities, locals dressed as Vikings parade the streets with torchlights and burn a replica of a longship. The event is organized by the local communities and volunteers who make it all possible.
When: Last Tuesday in January