Traveling to unique worldly destinations but experiencing them at the height of a cultural festival brings a whole new dimension to your trip. Be inspired, surprised, and swept away in the magical energy of centuries-old traditions celebrated by thousands.
These celebrated global events are your ticket to an extraordinary adventure, from pulsating music and vivid parades to tantalizing cuisine. Which one will you put on your bucket list first?
When we looked into some of these, we found 16 amazing festivals worth traveling the globe to experience. You won’t get to all of them, but this list will offer you some great choices to help you decide.
1. Songkran Festival, Thailand
The Songkran Festival celebrates the New Year and is held annually in mid-April. The Thai people celebrate by splashing water on each other to wash away the old year’s troubles and keep you moving forward in the new year. Many take this time to visit spiritual temples and remember those they have lost.
2. Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
If rolling around in the mud with strangers sounds fun, book your ticket to South Korea this summer. Held in July every year, this festival draws people from all over to participate in mud wrestling, mud bathing, and anything else mud-related. This slop-fest started to promote the mineral-rich mud found in the Boryeong region but has become more of a social festival.
3. Holi Festival, India and Nepal
Held every March, the Holi festival is where people of all ages unite to promote unity, forgiveness, equality, and personal growth. Also called the “Festival of Colors,” people throw colored powder at each other to celebrate springtime’s arrival. When the festival ends, participants are usually covered in vibrant colors and wide smiles.
4. Naadam Festival, Mongolia
Are you a manly man who wants to test your manliest skills against other men? The Naadam Festival involves all the testosterone fuel you will ever need. The traditional Mongolian festival is centered around the “Three Manly Sports”: horse racing, archery, and wrestling. The festival is held in July and showcases traditional Mongolian art, dances, and classic Mongolian cuisine.
5. La Tomatina, Spain
Get your pitching arm ready if you find yourself in Bunol, Spain, in late August. This is an hour-long tomato fight. Participants chuck tomatoes at each other until they and the streets are covered in tomato juices. The first food fight started in 1940 and quickly became a national event that drew thousands worldwide.
6. Up Helly AA, Scotland
Prepare to feel like a Nordic Viking during the Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick in late January. The celebration starts off the Shetland Islands coast with a torch-lit procession, followed by a ceremonial burning of a Viking longship. The ceremony is a throwback to the ancient Nordic Heritage and is a unique cultural experience.
7. Festa Della Sensa, Venice, Italy
Every May, this festival kicks off with a parade of decorated boats through the channels of Venice, ending with the ceremonial wedding of the sea. City leaders throw gold rings in the sea to celebrate the union of the sea and the city of Venice. Venice has long had a maritime culture, and the residents hold the ocean as a key factor to their blessing in life.
8. Sagra Del Pesce, Camogli, Italy
Come hungry if you plan to attend the Sagra del Pesce festival, held in May off the coast of Camogli. The festival is a giant fish fry, where people come to enjoy the freshest fried fish and local wines. The historic fishing village celebrates by feeding thousands of people as it celebrates another successful year of fishing.
9. Festival AU Désert, Mali
Some of the most prolific musicians and performers come from all over Africa to attend the Festival au Désert in Mali. The Sahara Desert turns into a giant music festival that celebrates the lively dance and music culture of Mali and the Tuareg people’s nomadic culture.
10. Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, Morocco
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music aims to promote unity, understanding, and acceptance among diverse cultures of the world. Every religion, ethnicity, gender, and age group is encouraged to come and enjoy the music and dances of artists from every corner of the world. There’s love, happiness, and equality for all who attend this fantastic festival.
11. Lake of Stars Festival, Malawi
Celebrate and engage in Malawi’s vibrant music and art culture at this festival, which is held once a year off the coast of Lake Malawi. Centered around music and dance, the festival also holds workshops to give attendees a glimpse into the life of Malawi. It draws musicians and artists from all across the continent.
12. Inti Raymi, Peru
This party held in Cusco is the celebration of the New Year on the Inca calendar. The town has dance performances, colorful parades, and various re-enactments of ancient Inca ceremonies. The festival puts you into a time capsule sent to the past to get an insight into the ancient Inca civilization.
13. Dia de Los Muertos, Mexico
Every year on November 1, Mexico throws a Dia de los Muertos party to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones and show respect for the cycle of life and death. Also known as the Day of the Dead, participants paint their faces and build colorful altars, offering food and drinks to those who have passed. It’s a unique look at life and death and is a cultural event I suggest people experience.
14. Dia de Los Reyes Magos, Many Latin American Countries
This Christian-themed festival celebrates the arrival of the Magi, or the Wise Men, who came to visit baby Jesus. It’s held on January 6 and includes many parades, gift-giving, and plenty of food. Dia de los Reyes Magos translates to Three Kings Day and is a joyous time that many religious residents of Latin America look forward to every year.
15. Black-Necked Crane Festival, Bhutan
This festival is celebrated in an old monastery in Gangtey, Goemba. It celebrates the arrival of endangered birds back home. Long considered a sacred symbol in Bhutan, these birds represent longevity and are portrayed in many folklore traditions. As these birds migrate home, Bhutan residents celebrate another year of prosperity and good health. If you find yourself in Bhutan in November, stop by and indulge in some classic folk dances and musical performances while children show off their homemade crane costumes.
16. Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China
Wear many layers to celebrate the summer in the northern city of Harbin. This Arctic city hosts one of the most famous winter festivals in the world. The festival lasts for a full month, and attendees can come to stare in awe at some of the biggest and most creative ice sculptures of all time. Stroll through cities made of ice or hit the slopes for world-class skiing.
Source: Greenglobaltravel
Source: Hiddenlemur
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Source: 16 Amazing Cultural Festivals Worth Traveling the Globe For
