20 Best Festivals Worldwide
Introduction
Embarking on a global journey to attend the most extraordinary and vibrant festivals is a dream for many. Our Ultimate List: 20 Best Festivals Worldwide will guide you through the most remarkable celebrations across the globe that will captivate your senses and create unforgettable memories. From the rhythmic beats of music festivals to the vibrant colours of cultural events, this list covers it all. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
1. Rio Carnival, Brazil
- Dates: February or March
- Highlight: Samba Parade
Regarded as the world’s biggest carnival, the Rio Carnival showcases Brazil’s passion for music, dance, and culture. The festival is a week-long celebration of samba, featuring colourful costumes, street parties, and the iconic Samba Parade.
The official Rio carnival website can be found here
Related Article: Brazil Travel Guides
2. Holi Festival, India
- Dates: March
- Highlight: Colourful Powder Showers
Known as the Festival of Colours, Holi marks the beginning of spring and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Participants throw vibrant colored powders at one another, creating a kaleidoscope of hues and fostering a sense of unity and joy.
3. Oktoberfest, Germany
- Dates: Late September to Early October
- Highlight: Beer Tents and Bavarian Traditions
The Oktoberfest in Munich is a festival that lasts for 16 days and celebrates German heritage and beer. Every year, millions of people flock to this event to enjoy the authentic German fare, live music, and beer tents serving up specialty brews.
Related Article: Oktoberfest Guide
4. La Tomatina, Spain
- Dates: Last Wednesday of August
- Highlight: Tomato-throwing Battle
Held in the town of Buñol, La Tomatina is a quirky and entertaining event that culminates in a massive tomato fight. Thousands of participants engage in a good-natured battle, hurling overripe tomatoes at each other in a frenzy of fun and laughter.
Related Article: Spain Travel Guides
5. Burning Man, USA
- Dates: Late August to Early September
- Highlight: Art Installations and The Man Burn
Burning Man is a week-long festival in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada that celebrates individuality through art, self-expression, and community. In the end, a huge effigy is burned as a symbol of rebirth and the free flow of ideas.
6. Glastonbury Festival, UK
- Dates: June
- Highlight: Diverse Music Lineup
Somerset, England is the location of Glastonbury and home to the world-famous music festival of the same name. Glastonbury is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for music fans of all tastes, with a diverse roster that includes both established and emerging performers.
Tickets and the line-up can be found here
Related Articles: England Travel Guides , Top 10 Things To Do In England
8. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China
- Dates: January to February
- Highlight: Ice Sculptures and Snow Art
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is a magical winter wonderland, featuring enormous ice sculptures, snow art, and illuminated ice buildings. This frosty spectacle attracts visitors from around the world who marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and creativity on display.
9. Day of the Dead, Mexico
- Dates: November 1-2
- Highlight: Altars and Sugar Skulls
Da de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican celebration that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. Parades and street parties fill the streets, and magnificent altars are set up with offerings of sugar skulls and marigold flowers.
Related Article: Mexico Travel Guide
10. Songkran Water Festival, Thailand
- Dates: April 13-15
- Highlight: Water Fights
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a nationwide water festival during which locals and tourists engage in friendly water fights. From water guns to buckets, the entire country becomes a giant water battleground, promoting fun and unity.
11. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland
- Dates: August
- Highlight: Theatre and Comedy Performances
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, offering an array of performances, including theater, comedy, dance, and more. This three-week event provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents.
Related Articles: Scotland Travel Guides , Edinburgh Travel Guide
12. Carnevale di Venezia, Italy
- Dates: February
- Highlight: Masquerade Balls and Costumes
The Carnevale di Venezia is a centuries-old custom that turns the city of Venice into a fantastical mask-wearing extravaganza. The city comes alive with mystery and allure because to the extravagant costumes, fancy masquerade parties, and mesmerising performances.
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13. St. Patrick's Day, Ireland
- Dates: March 17
- Highlight: Parades and Green Everywhere
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Ireland with lively parades, green attire, and enthusiastic revelry. The streets of Dublin come alive with music, dance, and an infectious sense of camaraderie.
Checkout Ireland.com for more information about the country and the parade!
14. Coachella, California, USA
- Dates: April
- Highlight: Music and Art Installations
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a major cultural event in the United States. The festival has a wide variety of performers and interesting art displays, thus it draws a large crowd every year.
15. Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
- Dates: March to April
- Highlight: Sakura Trees and Hanami Parties
Sakura Matsuri, also known as the Cherry Blossom Festival, is a nationwide holiday in Japan honouring the cherry trees that signal the start of spring. Picnics under a canopy of pink and white flowers are the highlight of locals’ and visitors’ hanami gatherings in parks.
16. Up Helly Aa, Scotland
- Dates: Last Tuesday of January
- Highlight: Viking Procession and Torchlight Parade
Up Helly Aa is a fascinating Viking-themed fire festival held in Shetland, Scotland. The event includes a Viking procession, a torchlight parade, and the burning of a Viking galley, all followed by a night of revelry and celebration.
For more information on their website click here
Related Articles: Scotland Travel Guides , Edinburgh Travel Guide
17. Notting Hill Carnival, UK
- Dates: August
- Highlight: Caribbean Culture and Street Performances
The Notting Hill neighbourhood of London hosts the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a colourful celebration of London’s Caribbean culture. Anyone interested in experiencing authentic Caribbean culture should not miss this festival, which involves exciting street acts, elaborate costumes, and delicious food.
For more information about the carnival click here
Related Articles: London Travel Guide , England Travel Guides
18. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
- Dates: October
- Highlight: Mass Ascension of Hot Air Balloons
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a magical spectacle that fills the New Mexico sky with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. With various events, including mass ascensions, balloon glows, and competitions, this festival offers a breathtaking experience for all ages.
19. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Australia
- Dates: February to March
- Highlight: Parade and LGBTQIA+ Celebration
Every member of the LGBTQIA+ community is welcome at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The celebration is capped off by a spectacular parade filled with bright floats, dancers, and performers who all share a same goal of spreading the message of love, togetherness, and acceptance to the crowd.
20. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
- Dates: February
- Highlight: Parades and Beads
New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is a frenzy of revelry, with its flashy parades, lively music, and decadent fare. Tourists have a blast participating in the festivities and soaking in the city’s cultural heritage as they chase after beads and trinkets thrown from the parade floats.
FAQ’s:
Q1: How can I plan my trip to attend these festivals? A1: Research the festival dates and locations in advance, and book your accommodations and transportation accordingly. Many of these events attract large crowds, so planning early is essential.
Q2: Are these festivals suitable for children? A2: While many of the festivals on our Ultimate List: 20 Best Festivals Worldwide are family-friendly, some may not be suitable for young children. Be sure to research each event beforehand to determine its suitability for your family.
Q3: Can I attend these festivals on a budget? A3: Yes, many festivals offer free or low-cost admission, and you can save on accommodations and transportation by planning ahead and exploring budget options.
Final Thoughts
And that is Our Guide to the Top 20 Festivals! There is something for everyone at Worldwide’s large variety of events. Festivities of all kinds, from cultural occasions to music festivals, provide attendees the chance to fully immerse themselves in a new culture and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting your festival journey, this list is sure to inspire your next adventure. Happy festival-hopping!
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