33 Exciting Celebrations and Festivals Around the World (Updated 2023)

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Why do you travel? Travel is fun, of course. Yes, I understand, it makes you happy. But, don’t we also travel to meet new people, learn new languages, and understand different cultures, customs, rituals, and traditions? And the best way to know more about the customs and cultural traditions around the world is by attending their ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations.

Whether it’s a cultural festival or a religious festival or a seasonal festival or a celebration of age-old customs and traditions or a music festival or art festival or a literature festival or just a fun holiday festival – attending them can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids as well as grown-ups.

We’ve rounded up some of the best festivals in the world that you can add to your world travel bucket list. So what are you waiting for, travel the world and attend these festivals of countries?

Also Read: Coolest Ice Festivals of the World

Festivals of the World

Some of the best festivals of the world will definitely inspire you to travel around the world to see the rich cultural celebrations around the world, religion, traditions, and the uniqueness of the world festivals. Some names of festivals have been unheard for us as well and have opened a window to this cultural exuberance.

Take a sneak peek into these festivals worldwide – some biggest festivals in the world, some unique festivals in the world, and some religious festivals in the world.

Holi, India

Editor’s Pick

When: Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Where: All across India, but Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura is very famous.

Age Group: A fun festival for all age groups. Kids especially enjoy playing with colors and water balloons.

About: Holi or the Festival of colors is the most sought-after festival all across India for the fun and frolic associated with it. Holi marks the beginning of Spring and is a celebration of good over evil. As per Hindu mythology, a boy Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahalad’s father King Hiranyakashipu did not like his son praying to Lord Vishnu instead of him. He ordered his sister Holika who had a boon to be safe in the fire to take Prahalad in his lap and sit in the fire. Inspire by the boon, Holika was burnt and Prahlad was saved. Thereafter, the night before Holi, Holika Dahan is celebrated where people pray around the bonfire to burn all their evils.

The next day is the day of colors, fun, and food. People of all ages smear each other with colorful gulal (powdered colors) and wish “Happy Holi”. Some people especially kids even play with water guns and water balloons and drench everyone around. And you hear everyone also saying “Bura na mano Holi hai” (which means “Don’t feel bad, it’s just Holi”.

Why visit: There are so many traditions and different food items across the various parts of India that are synonymous with this festival. It is so much fun to be a part of a celebration where unknown become your friends and there is no discrimination. Visiting Mathura or Vrindavan is a special experience to be a part of Holi the way Lord Krishna celebrated.

Diwali, India

When: Monday, 24 October 2022

Where: All across India

Age Group: All age groups

About: Diwali or the “Festival of Lights” is the biggest and major Hindu festival that is celebrated all across India with enthusiasm and fervor. It is celebrated on the No moon day of Kartik month of the Hindu Calendar. The houses and buildings are dazzling with light, candles, and diyas (small clay oil lamps) and signify the victory of light over darkness.

The festival is celebrated for different reasons across regions. In Northern India, it is believed that on this day Lord Ram came back to his city Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years after defeating Ravan of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king with lightning-up rows of diyas. In Southern India, people celebrate as the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narkasura.

In fact, it is one of the famous religious festivals around the world.

The festival is celebrated over a period of 5 days with different rituals and celebrations. People dress up in new clothes, feast on food and sweets, and visit family and friends.

Why visit: To see the true spirit and be a part of Indian traditions. It is a celebration that brings families, and friends together. It is even believed that foes also become friends on this day forgetting the past. It is the best way to enjoy delicious sweets and delicacies and see the spectacular fireworks all across.

Related Read: Festivals of India

Kumbh Mela, India

Attended by Amrita & Agniswar from Tale of 2 Backpackers

When: 2025

Where: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain

Age group: All. However, as it is a mass gathering of people, keep your little ones close to you.

About: Kumbh Mela is said to be one of the largest congregations of people on the earth with millions of people gathering to celebrate the festival. Kumbh Mela is inexorably related to Hindu mythology and takes place every 12 years in rotation at 4 places in India namely Prayag (confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati Rivers), Haridwar (Ganga River), Nashik (Godavari River) and Ujjain (Shipra River). This event is known as the Maha Kumbh. It is believed that taking a dip in the confluence of rivers during the Kumbh Mela period frees a person from the vicious earthly cycle of life and death. He then moves towards the heavenly realm, which knows no suffering or pain.

Why visit: The Kumbh Mela is said to be the largest gathering of pilgrimages in the world. It is an experience in itself to see so many people from various parts of the country join together for a celebration of life. The entire venue of Kumbh Mela is a colorful mélange of people and emotions. Kumbh Mela is also the gathering place of all the reclusive Naga sadhus and the ascetics in India. Observing their ways can be really fascinating as well. This is not just any festival celebrated in India, but altogether a totally different experience. 

Vivid Sydney, Australia: A Festival of Light, Music, and Ideas.

Attended by Paula Morgan from Australia Your Way 

When: Friday, 26 May 2023 to Saturday, 17 June 2023

Where: Sydney, Australia 

Age group: Family-friendly event 

About: Vivid Sydney is one of the most popular annual events in Sydney. While it is the light installations beamed on the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge that gains the most attention, the festival combines dozens of light installations, musical performances, and ideas to encourage and celebrate creativity.  

The 23-day festival attracts more than 3 million visitors per year from around the world.

Why visit: Sydney Harbour looks beautiful at any time but when alight with the color of the Vivid Festival, the city, turns into a fairyland, a spectacular sight to see.

The official Light Walk through the city’s streets includes installations on some of the city’s most historic and iconic buildings and many playful, innovative pieces allowing visitors to engage with the artworks.  

Along with exploring on foot, it is also recommended to experience the festival from the harbor on a ferry or special Vivid Sydney Cruise.

Alongside the light, shows are musical performances and a number of public talks and workshops that encourage the idea of creativity as a means for change.

Yi Peng Festival, Thailand

Attended by Geena from Beyond the Bucketlist 

When: Tuesday, November 8, 2022, or Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The date of the festival coincides with the full moon in November. 

Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Age Group: Children are allowed! A festival for all ages. 

About: Yi Peng festival is often celebrated around the same time as Loy Krathong they are two completely different festivals. Yi Peng is all about wish lanterns. Colorful paper lanterns are hung all over the city and decorate every alleyway. On the big night of celebration, thousands of large glowing paper lanterns are released into the night sky like a scene straight out of Disney’s Tangled. It’s considered a good omen if your flaming lantern stays lit until you can no longer pick it out of the starry sky. 

Why Visit: This is one of the most celebrated cultural celebrations in Thailand. Locals crowd the streets and the ambiance is light and celebratory. It’s a great opportunity to interact with the locals of Thailand and also one of the best photographic opportunities in the country. I may be biased since it’s where I got engaged in 2019, but it’s also one of the most romantic festivals in the world.

Make sure to add Chiang Mai to your Thailand itinerary if you happen to visit Thailand around the Yi Peng festival.

Flower Festival, Thailand

Attended by Lindsay Lalonde from Chiang Mai Family Guide

When: Friday, 3 February 2023 to Sunday, 5 February 2023

Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Age group: This is a very child-friendly event great for all ages!

About: The Flower Festival in Chiang Mai is celebrating its 45th year this year in 2021! It is one of a kind 3-day long festival that is not to be missed and it’s FREE!

Why visit: There is nothing else like the Flower Festival in northern Thailand. The intricately decorated flower parade floats are out of this world and the Ms. Flower Festival beauty competition shows the Lanna style in all its glory. Along with the parade, there will be daily and nightly entertainment and part of the moat will be made into a pedestrian-only zone making it very safe for kids!
If you have time on your hand, then explore the city by taking the Chang Mai tour.

Songkran New Year Festival, Thailand

Attended by Angie from Where Angie Wanders

When: Thursday, 13 April 2023

Where: Songkran takes place everywhere in Thailand.

Age Group: Children are allowed and encouraged to take part in this exciting water festival alongside their families and friends. All age groups are included from toddlers to teenagers.

About: Thailand’s most famous festival takes place each year in April. Songkran is a water festival and marks the beginning of New Year, a very important date on the Buddhist calendar. The word Songkran means ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’ and the festival marks the washing out of the old year and the welcoming of the new one.

It is worth booking a trip to Thailand to coincide with this traditional water festival. Locals and tourists join together with water guns, water buckets, in fact, anything containing water with the aim to soak and “cleanse” each other.

Water is thrown into cars, over motorcyclists, and onto people passing by. In jungle areas like Chiang Mai elephants are painted with bright designs and are trained to blast people with water from their trunks. A particularly fun experience to witness at Elephant Care.

Why visit: Songkran is a high-spirited festival and enjoyed by all. It brings together tourists and locals allowing a first-hand view of a tradition that is celebrated across the whole of Thailand.

It is always good to indulge in local activities to experience the culture including authentic Thai cooking classes.

Boun Lai Heua Fai (Festival of Lights), Laos

Attended by Marie Moncrieff from A Life Without Borders

When: Monday, 11 October 2022

Where: Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Laos

Age group: Family-friendly and suitable for all ages

About: Boun Lai Heua Fai, or the festival of floating boats of light, is celebrated in Laos to mark the end of Buddhist Lent (Awk Phansa). Small round “boats” are made from banana leaves which are then decorated with colorful flowers, incense sticks, and candles. Once dusk arrives, participants set their boats, candles glowing, afloat the Mekong River in order to summon the water spirits to bring good luck for the year ahead.

Why visit: Boun Lai Heua Fai is one of the most picturesque festivals of Laos. The sight of thousands of candles bobbing along the waterways of Laos is spectacular and it is one festival where visitors are encouraged to join in. Temples and homes are also decorated with a myriad of tiny candles, turning the evening into a magical, glowing wonderland.

Luang Prabang is particularly worth visiting during Lai Heua Fai to see the colorful paper lanterns adorning the temples, shops, and houses throughout the UNESCO heritage city. A highlight is the spectacular parade of enormous paper boats lit from within by shimmering candles. Once the beautiful boats have been paraded through town, they are launched into the Mekong River to bring good luck to the city and its people within.

Read More: Best Art and Music Festivals in the World

Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

Attended by Emily from Wander-Lush

When: Sunday, January 22, 2023

Where: Vietnam

Age group: Everyone (suitable for the whole family)

About: Tết is the biggest annual festival in Vietnam and is celebrated throughout the entire country. Marking the start of the new year according to the Lunar calendar, it’s traditionally a time for family when you pay respect to your ancestors and welcome in the new year with loved ones. In the lead-up to Tet, it’s traditional to visit the temple and graves of your ancestors, while in the first days of the holiday it’s customary to wear new clothes and eat special foods such as Banh Chung (sticky rice cake).

Why visit: While traveling during Tet can be challenging as transport is often fully booked and some shops and restaurants close, if you base yourself in one place, you’ll find this is one of the most atmospheric times to be in Vietnam. Tet celebrations are particularly extravagant in Hanoi – lights illuminate the Old Quarter and parades are held throughout the week. Tour around Hanoi city on the Hop-on Hop-off bus. The Temple of Literature hosts song and dance performances and Vietnamese calligraphy demonstrations. A hand-written inscription on traditional zo paper makes for an excellent souvenir from Hanoi.

You can find beautiful displays every time around the country, often featuring cherry blossoms and kumquat trees, both symbols for Tet.

Mardi Gras, USA

Attended by Ketki of Dotted Globe

When: Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Where: New Orleans, USA

Age group: Suitable for all age groups, family-friendly, and kid-friendly celebrations.

About: The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated with great fanfare in the city of New Orleans. Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French and is the day before the Christian fasting season of Lent. Various parties and events are held on Mardi Gras Day to mark the last day that many can eat meat and rich foods.

Why visit: Mardi Gras celebrations begin about two weeks before the day of Mardi Gras and elaborate parades take place throughout the fortnight. Attending Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans is a fantastic experience. A variety of parades take place throughout the city. You can even check out the scene preparation behind this magnificent event at Mardi Gras World.

Each krewe has fantastic floats and costumed float members. The parades include music bands and dance groups. The krewe members throw beads, toys, hats, souvenirs, and a variety of fun stuff at the crowd during the parades.

Note: The celebrations in the French Quarter are not suitable for children but the most popular parades are family-friendly and enjoyed by kids of all ages. 

Expert Tip: Some of the other things to do during Mardi Gras in New Orleans include the dog parade, seeing the carnival decorations in the city, eating king cake, and attending masked balls.
In the evening, can even enjoy a cruise on the Mississippi river.

Merrie Monarch Festival, USA

Attended by Marcie Cheung from Hawaii Travel with Kids

When: Sunday, 9 April 2023 to Saturday, 15 April 2023

Age group: All ages, although better for older kids and teens interested in Hawaiian culture.

About: The Merrie Monarch Festival is a 3-day celebration of traditional and modern Hawaiian hula dancing that takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s an intense hula competition with participants from all around the world. There are also incredible Hawaiian craft fairs, a parade, and other festivities leading up to this Hawaiian festival.

Why visit: If you want to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture, the Merrie Monarch Festival is the ultimate Hawaiian cultural experience. This is where Hawaii’s top cultural experts, musicians, and performers come together on the Big Island to show that hula dancing is so much more than what you’ll see at a Hawaiian luau. Hula is a way of life for many Hawaii residents and that passion and commitment come through the dance. You’ll hear Hawaiian chants as well as modern Hawaiian music. While there are several hula competitions throughout the islands, the Merrie Monarch Festival is by far the most popular and respected of them all.

Picture Credits: Merrie Monarch Festival

Read More: Fire and Ice Festival, Lititz USA

Semana Santa, Guatemala

Attended by Daniel James of Layer Culture

When: Thursday, 2 March 2023 to Monday, 10 April 2023

Where: Antigua, Guatemala

Age group: All ages but infants should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

About: With so many festivals from around the world, you may not be surprised to know that in most of Latin America Easter is a very special time for many religious people. In Guatemala, you can find one of the most extravagant Easter celebrations in the Americas. The festival and its religious activities take place in April every year and it is one of the best things to do in Antigua for any visitor that is looking for a festival.

Why visit: Thousands of people come including many foreign travelers to witness what is known as Semana Santa in Spanish (Holy Week in English). Not only is it for adults but kids of all ages dress up to see all activities taking place. This is an event in which many cultural and religious festivities are hosted and they display a splash of color that mixes both Spanish and indigenous traditions. For one full week, people from all over Guatemala make their way to Antigua to take part in the processions that mark the moment when the Spaniards arrived in Guatemala in 1524. You can find elaborate floats and beautifully colored carpets made out of flowers as well as other natural items. All in all, Semana Santa is a must-see cultural festival to get involved with and something to do with a difference during easter.

Dia de Muertos, Mexico

Attended by Rose from Where Goes Rose

When: Wednesday, 2 November 2022

Where: Mexico 

Age group: all ages, kids from any age

About: Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festival held in Mexico, celebrated since Aztec times. While it still incorporates plenty of pre-Hispanic elements, elements of All Soul’s Day (a pagan holiday) were incorporated during Spanish colonial rule. The holiday celebrates deceased ancestors who are thought to return from the dead for one night only: the night of the 1st of November for child spirits and the 2nd of November for adult spirits. The festival is anything but morbid: it’s a lively festival where whole families come together to celebrate, dance, and eat with their loved ones.

Why visit: Not only will you enjoy the lively festival and eat, drink and dance in local cemeteries but it’s a chance to learn about the culture surrounding it. Celebrating Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is a must for travelers as you can easily access the holiday by visiting lively cemeteries and visiting inside local homes as part of a small group, locally-led tour. Here you will see ofrendas, huge altars containing photos of passed ancestors along with their favorite food and drinks, aromatic cempazuchitl flowers to guide their spirits home, and candles to light their way. Dia de Muertos is like nothing else!

Guelaguetza Festival, Mexico

Attended by Julien Casanova from Cultures Traveled

When: Friday, 21 July 2023 to Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Where: Oaxaca City, Mexico

Age group: 5+

About: The Guelaguetza festival celebrates the diversity of the state of Oaxaca which comprises 16 different ethnic groups, each with its own language. Citizens of these communities travel to Oaxaca City to present their native culture through music, dance, costumes, and food. 

The traditional dress typically includes embroidered fabric with bright colors. The beautiful clothing is a delight to the eyes as they perform dances that are particular to their region. After the performance gifts are thrown into the audience, such as fruit, woven hats, tamales, mezcal, and other items. 

Formal festival events take place at the amphitheater located on the hill. However, like most festivities on Oaxaca, the celebration flows into the streets and encompasses days on either end of the festival. During this time, the city comes alive with parades of people dancing. There are also local delicacies to sample and handicrafts being sold in the city center. Take a tour of Oaxaca to experience the tradition and culture.

Why visit: The Zapotec word, Guelaguetza, roughly translates to “a reciprocal exchange of gifts and services.” The festival celebrates the mutual reliance these communities have on each other while highlighting their unique culture and traditions. The festival has created a supportive environment that helps to preserve and support the individual communities.

In addition, the Guelaguetza festival pre-dates the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Historically, different communities would join together to worship the Corn Goddess, Centeotl. Today the communities come together before the festival to nominate that year’s queen of maize who represents Centeotl and presides over the festivities.

Sugar Mas St Kitts

Attended by Steph & Lewis from Book It Let’s Go!

When: The carnival celebrations begin at the end of November 2022 for approximately 6 weeks. The official carnival parade is always on the 1st of January. However, there are many parades to participate in, including J’ouvert on December 26th, 2022, and the Last Lap on January 2nd, 2023.

Where: All celebrations happen in Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts.

Age group: The festivities are open to all ages and there are specific events for children including a children’s carnival parade.

About: Sugar Mas is one of the best things to do in St Kitts with the carnival parades featuring the fantastic elaborate feathered costumes that combine African tribal vibes with European partying to the beat of soca and calypso music. The event also serves a cultural purpose as folklore groups dominate the activities, introducing the crowd to moko jumbies, masqueraders, clowns, and other traditional figures.

Why visit: There is no better way to experience Kittitian culture than to join in the festivities at the carnival, whether you want to don one of the costumes and join the parade or cheer on from the sidelines the atmosphere is infectious. It is not all about the parades either there are many local fetes, beauty pageants, and live music events throughout the 6-week period.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland

Attended by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

When: Friday, 4 August to Saturday, 26 August 2023

Where: Edinburgh, Scotland

Age group: Edinburgh Military Tattoo is for all ages. Kids are allowed too. 

About: Seven decades ago, Military Tattoo Festival began as a small show at the Ross Bandstand (which is located below Edinburgh Castle). Today it is a grand event and an international festival that showcases the performances of military bands and artists represented by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth nations, and International countries. The Military Tattoo Festival is an annual event that runs for 3 to 4 weeks on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle during the month of August.

Book the Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and Dinner

The tattoo performance takes place once on weekdays and twice during the weekends followed by a short fireworks display. Tattoo Festival is part of the Edinburgh International Festival. 

Why visit: Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival is truly international and one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.  How often do we get to see a grandeur event where the armed forces from all over the world perform on a stage with an extravagant backdrop like Edinburgh Castle?

To quote a few statistics, as many as 50 countries spanning 6 continents participate and perform in front of 220,000 live audiences every year. With different themes every year, the festival adds uniqueness to it!  There’s music, dance, massed pipes and drums, cultural troupes, and acrobatics.

2021 will be the 70th year of this stunning festival which is a treat for eyes and ears! 

Menton Lemon Festival, France

Attended by Kat from Wandering Bird Motorhome Blog

When: Saturday, 11 February 2023 to Sunday, 26 February 2023

Where: Menton, France

Age group: Absolutely, although it can get quite crowded. Pushchairs must be left at the gate so you need to carry small children. Smaller kids may not enjoy the crowds. Also worth noting that dogs aren’t allowed into the statue area. 

About: Menton, in the south of France, is famous for its citrus fruit- and the region produces a LOT of citrus fruit. The Menton Lemon Festival is a celebration of that. HUGE statues are created… made entirely of lemons, limes, and oranges. Many of them are over 10ft tall! Over 1 million lemons are used each year. 

Why visit: You will never see anything like this anywhere else. Just wandering around the sculptures is impressive, but there are also parades and fireworks to enjoy. There is a carnival atmosphere and you can also buy lots of delicious-smelling lemon products to enjoy back home.  The sculptures are different every year and are kept very secret until the grand reveal. The year we went we saw Aladdin and Jasmine, dragons, Vikings, a giant Phoenix, and more!

You can even book a day tour to Menton from Nice.

Vardavar, Armenia

Attended by Megan and Aram from Absolute Armenia

When: Sunday, 16 July 2023

Where: all over Armenia

Age group: all ages

About: Vardavar is one of the most interesting and unique festivals celebrated in Armenia annually. The festival is about water and splashing everyone you see starting from the morning until the evening with buckets of water or water guns.  It happens throughout the entire country and is loads of fun. Originally, Vardavar came from the Pagan times and was a dedication to the goddess of water, love, beauty, and fertility named Astghik.
 
Today, historians claim that the word ‘Vardavar’ comes from the observance of the goddess Astghik and is the words ‘vard’ (rose) and ‘var’ (rise from transition) in Armenian. After being the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, Vardvar began to be celebrated throughout the country as a celebration on the day of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. 
The festival takes place on different dates each year but it is always in summer.  In 2021, Vardavar will be celebrated on July 11 and it is a complete blessing to cool off during the hot, summer days.

Why visit: The festival is an epic celebration for everyone from young kids to the elderly.  Travelers come to Armenia during the summer months to take part in the action because of its simplicity and innocence.  The ancient tradition is as popular as ever in Armenia and gains more attention year after year. You will find celebrations all the way from UNESCO World Heritage monastery Geghard to Meghri village in the far south of Armenia.

Oktoberfest, Munich

Attended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties

When: Saturday, 17 September 2022 to Monday, 3 October 2022

Where: Munich, Germany

Age Group: Family event, however, minors under 16 may not be allowed inside the beer tents

About: Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world. It began in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Locals celebrated the wedding by drinking beer (which was brewed especially for the event) and watching horse races. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by the locals and celebrations were held again the following year. The tradition has continued in Munich every year since 1810.

Why visit: Oktoberfest fest is a fantastic event where locals and tourists come together to enjoy great beer, food, music, and carnival rides. Even if you are not a fan of beer you can still dress up in traditional clothes and enjoy the biggest beer and biggest festivals in the world.

Do you want to experience the festival first-hand? Then book your tickets to Oktoberfest and reserve the tables.

International Iberian Mask Festival, Portugal

Attended by Julie from Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

When: Friday, 1 September 2023 to Tuesday, 5 September 2023

Where: Lisbon and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Age group: Suitable for all the family although some of the costumes may be scary for sensitive youngsters

About: This is a celebration of the bizarre and often garish costumes that can be found in the villages of Spain and Northern Portugal. Typically, these traditional masks and odd outfits have their origins in pre-Lenten celebrations, although some, such as in the Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal, are tied to the Christmas and New Year period. Bringing such diverse and wonderful masks together in one place is a way of keeping traditions alive and giving spectators a fun-filled, often interactive series of activities. The highlight is the parade and subsequent melting pot of all the participating groups. 

Why visit: It’s one of the weirdest festivals in Portugal and lots of fun. As well as music, dancing, pranks, and parades, there are stalls selling regional produce and replica masks.

Sant’Efisio, Italy

Attended by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia

When:  Monday, 1 May 2023 to Thursday, 4 May 2023

Where: Cagliari, Sardinia

Age group: Any

About: Locally known as Sagra di Sant’Efisio, the festival has been taking place for more than 350 years to celebrate the saint that saved the city of Cagliari from a tremendous plague in 1652. Though 1 May is the main celebration, festivities continue until 4 May.

The festival sees people dressed in traditional costumes from a selection of villages in Sardinia walking the statue of Sant’Efisio from the church where it is normally held, in the historic district of Stampace, to a seaside church in Nora, 50 km away.

The statue is actually carried by an oxen-wheeled tracca (local word for wagon) and there are more than 5000 people parading, on foot or on horses. 

Why visit: This is one of Sardinia’s most important celebrations, with traditional music and singing; and a great way to learn more about Sardinia’s history. 

Expert Tip: Though attending the festival is free, if you want to make sure you are seated get tickets well in advance from the Cagliari ticket office in Viale Regina Margherita. Tickets are in the range of €15 to €30.

Feria de Abril, Spain

Attended by Justine Ancheta from Latitude 41

When:  Sunday, 23 April 2023 to Saturday, 29 April 2023

Where: Seville, Spain

Age group: All ages, including toddlers

About:  The Feria de Abril, (‘April Fair’) is a 6-day citywide celebration of Andalusian culture that dates back to 1846 when it started as a livestock fair. Part of Seville transforms into a small town of over 1,000 green-and-white tents that run along makeshift streets named after famous bullfighters. Locals eat fried fish, drink rebujito cocktails or manzanilla sherry, and dance sevillanas until the wee hours. Children can also enjoy the rides and games at Hell’s Road.

Why visit: What is unique or special that you should travel to visit? Extravagant and colorful, the Spring Fair is visually thrilling. Streets are lit with paper lanterns as decorated horse-drawn carriages parade the streets. Women in polka-dot flamenco dresses and men in folkloric suits sing, dance, and drink their days and nights away.

Many of the tents, called casetas, are private and open to exclusive members. But non-locals can enjoy the over-the-top festivities in some of the seven casetas that welcome the general public.

Children will also love the Calle del Infierno, where there are more than 50 amusement park rides and more. The Feria de Abril encapsulates much of what represents “stereotypical Spain”, but it’s a fun spectacle to be experienced in real life.

Carnival of Cadiz, Spain

Attended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road

When: Thursday, 16 February 2023 to Sunday, 26 February 2023

Where: Cadiz, Spain

Age Group: There are no particular age group limitations to participate in this carnival.

About: The Carnival is attended by citizens of Cadiz where people in colorful costumes perform on the streets. In February, Cadiz becomes a whole new and exciting place. The city of Andalusia celebrates its annual carnival. The festival is famous for roaming groups who are dressed in colorful attires and perform satirizing current affairs. The festival is celebrated for straight 11 days transforming the whole city into one mega celebration.

The celebration is believed to have been inspired by the carnival of Venice. Cadiz once enjoyed prosperous trading relationships with Venice in the 16th century. Since then, the carnival is popular all around the world.

Why visit: Visiting Cadiz Carnival is one of the must-do things because the city has large groups in elaborate costumes all around the streets singing witty songs. The streets are filled with people enjoying the songs of carnival groups known as chirigotas. Participating in this carnival is one of the unique things to do in Cadiz. You can experience the city like you never have before.  

The Great Dragon Parade, Poland

Attended by Karolina from Travel Poland Tours

When: dates to be announced for 2023

Where: Krakow, Poland

Age group: Suitable for kids of all ages

About: The Great Dragon Parade is celebrated once a year to pay tribute to one of Krakow’s oldest legends. Once upon a time, a dragon lived in a cave under Wawel Castle. For centuries, he scared and hurt the city’s inhabitants until a Wiley shoemaker tricked him into eating sheep filled with sulfur and mustard seeds, causing him to drink a lot of water and explode into millions of pieces.

Why to visit: Krakow’s Great Dragon Parade is one of the most famous festivals around the world for 2021. On the day of the parade, dragons of all colors, shapes, and sizes fill the sky over the Vistula River. Accompanied by an impressive and light and music show, actors from Groteska Theater re-enact the legend using gigantic puppets in this yearly extravaganza.

Other events included in this 3-day celebration are The Dragon Family Picnic by the Vistula River and the Kids’ Dragon Parade. A weyr of dragons are marched into the Main Square by their young creators to win the prize for the best-looking dragon.

Carnival in Ecuador

Attended by Carley Rojas Avila from Home to Havana

When: Monday, 20 February 2023

Where: Cities throughout Ecuador celebrate Carnival, with the largest celebrations taking place in Guaranda, Ambato, Cuenca, and Quito.

Age Group: People of all ages take part in Carnival celebrations, with children and young adults particularly enjoying festivities like throwing foam and colored powder at friends and family in the streets. 

About: Carnival is a holiday associated with Catholicism and celebrated around the world in different ways, but celebrating Carnival in Ecuador is particularly festive and unique. Carnival is most often associated in South America with the large parades, over-the-top costumes, and dancing in the streets in Brazil.

However, Ecuador’s celebrations get messier and include hitting the streets to throw colored powder, flour, eggs, and foam at celebrating friends and neighbors. Celebrations are also marked by outdoor food festivals, musical performances, and parades showing off traditional dances.

Why Visit: Visiting Ecuador during Carnival is the perfect time to not just experience a new place as a traveler, but get involved in local festivities. Street food, music, dance performances, and festivities are everywhere, so it’s easy to take part. This is an unforgettable cultural experience that anyone can get involved in, so even if you don’t speak the language, you’ll immediately blend in and enjoy the messy celebration. 

Mama Negra Festival, Ecuador

Attended by Sheree from Winging the World

When: 25/26th September 2022 & 11 November 2022

Where: Latacunga, Ecuador

Age group: Although there is nothing stopping kids from attending the festival, the parade features dead animals which children may find upsetting.

About: Ecuador’s Mama Negra Festival is celebrated in honor of the Virgin of Mercy. It is believed that she spared the city of Latacunga from a volcano eruption in 1742 and twice every year, they pay homage to her as thanks. It is a local celebration that sees few tourists, although outsiders are welcome.

Why visit: The Mama Negra Festival has to be seen to be believed. As soon as the sun rises, the locals take to the streets and begin to party. The spectacle is a mix of traditional dancing, parades, and excessive consumption. Perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the festival is the carrying of splayed pig carcasses through the streets.

These are laden will bottles of alcohol and cartons of cigarettes, acting as offerings to Mama Negra. The organizers of the festival will rate each pig based on the embellishment of the carcass so each team tries really hard to outdo one other.

Carnival in Brazil 

Attended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel 

When: Friday, 17 February 2023

Where: Celebrations occur all across Brazil with the Samba competition held in the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro.  

Age group: Kids under the age of 5 are not allowed in the Sambadrome. Carnival celebrations often involve lots of alcohol and it is not an overly kid-friendly event.  

About: Carnival in Brazil is an exciting time of the year. Over 4 days, a series of Samba competitions are held in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome (a specially-built stadium suited for Samba parades.) However, Carnival celebrations outside of the Sambadrome start up to a month before Carnival and happen across Brazil in the form of parties, concerts, and “blocos” (or street parties and Samba parades.)  

Why visit: Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations in the world and definitely a highlight of traveling Brazil! Expect over 2 million people, extravagant costumes, carefully choreographed Samba performances, and tons of food and drinks.  

Parintins Folklore Festival, Brazil

Attended by Bruna Venturinelli from I Heart Brazil

When: 24, 25, and 26 June 2023

Where: Parintins Town, Amazonas State, Brazil

Age group: Kids from 10 years old and older are allowed into the outdoor arena.

About: Between choreographed dances, lively songs, and impressive costumes, two teams (Garantido and Caprichoso) compete on whom tells the story of the lady and the ox most effectively in an authentic Amazon ritual. The teams perform six hours every night while the crowds dance and watch in awe.

Why to visit: The Parintins Folklore Festival (Festival Folclórico de Parintins) is a crucial part of the Brazilian culture because it celebrates an old indigenous legend about a lady and an ox. It combines local folklore and culture with modern rhythms and themes from the whole country, hence why it is recognized as a cultural heritage of Brazil. The festival also highlights the incredible features of the Amazonas State, which is one of the richest states in nature, wildlife, and indigenous culture in Brazil. For anyone visiting the region in June, this unique festival is a must-see!

Tapati Festival , Chile

Attended by James Ian from Travel Collecting

When: Wednesday, 1 February 2023 to Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Where: Easter Island, Chile 

Age group: The festival is suitable for the whole family, including kids of all ages

About: The Tapati Festival, which literally means “Week Festival” is actually two weeks long.  The festival celebrates Easter Island traditions and mimics historical clan rivalry in the form of a competition between two young women competing for the title of “queen of the island” for the next year.

The winner is the head of the team (clan) who earns the most points in a series of cultural competitions. 

Why visit:  Through the various contests, the festival exposes spectators to a wide range of traditional Easter Island cultural activities.  These range from traditional women’s activities such as cooking and jewelry making to traditional men’s activities’ including wood and stone carving.  There are also artistic categories like dancing and body-painting and sports contests including Polynesian canoeing, deep sea fishing and unique activities such as Haka Pei (sliding down a steep hill on the trunk of a banana tree) and the Rapa Nui triathlon (rowing, carrying bunches of bananas and swimming with a reed float). 

The festival is fun to watch, but the final contest, a parade in which points are given to the team with the most participants behind their float, allows everyone to join in because the two teams are happy to have travelers add to their numbers! 

Expert Tip: In addition to the festival, Easter Island is also home to mysterious statues, and you will definitely want to include tours of them with your festival watching.

World Nomad Games

Attended by Erika Bisbocci from Erika’s Travels

When: Thursday, 29 September 2022 to Sunday 2 October 2023

Where: Traditionally, the nomadic games have been held in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan. In 2021, they will take place in Bursa, Turkey.

Age Group: Suitable for all ages, including children

About: The World Nomad Games is a biennial celebration of nomadic cultures. Founded in 2014, the festival brings together athletes and performers from Central Asia and beyond. It showcases the area’s rich traditions in a multi-day celebration of Central Asian culture and sport. 

Why visit: The World Nomad Games is the largest nomadic festival on Earth. A spectacular display of Central Asian culture, it offers a window into an area of the world that is often misunderstood. 

The week-long event showcases athletic, theatrical, and cultural performances.  Among its events, it features yurt-building, archery, horse racing and intellectual games. The celebration’s most highly anticipated event is Kok boru— a form of polo in which teams rack up points by flinging goat carcasses into rings. 

The World Nomad Games is free to attend. In 2018, it highlighted nearly 2,000 athletes from 74 different countries. The event draws intrepid spectators from around the world and is increasing in size and notoriety every year.

Naadam, Mongolia

Attended by Džangir Kolar from Dr. Jam Travels

When: Sunday, 11 July 2023 to Thursday, 15 July 2023

Where: City (ceremony and archery) and country (horse racing)

Age group: All ages are allowed.

About: This festival commemorates the 1921 Revolution when Mongolia declared independence from the Qing dynasty. But they found the first written source about similar celebrations back in the 13th century. It is celebrated all around the country in midsummer.

The main event is in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar at the National Sports Stadium. At the opening ceremony, they transport Genghis Khan’s nine-horse tails –  nine tribes of the Mongols from Sukhbaatar Square to the Stadium to open the Naadam festivities. Elaborate ceremonies at the beginning and at the end are composed of colorful parades of cavalry, athletes, and monks. Naadam itself translates as games. It has competition in 3 traditional sports: horse racing, wrestling, and archery.

Wrestling is an up to 10 round competition of 1024 men dressed in shorts and shoulder protection. Women can’t compete in wrestling. Archery is a team sport where they count the number of cylinders they hit at a 75-meter distance. Horse racing in cross country competition on Mongolian horse ridden by small children as jockeys.

When the winning horse arrives spectators run towards him and wipe his sweat as they believe it will bring them luck. If you have the chance, visit this UNESCO protected heritage event.

Why visit: It is a unique chance to see the colorful ceremony, historical event and interesting competition.

The Mino Washi Akari-Art Festival, Japan

Attended by Kathryn Burrington from MandalaMeadow.com

When: Mid-October 2022

Where: Mino, Gifu, Japan

Age Group: Free entry, suitable for all ages

About: Festival Website https://www.akariart.jp/

This annual festival brings together artists of all ages from across Japan and beyond with their stunning and often highly intricate paper lanterns. For one week each October, these beautiful paper sculptures line the streets of Mino city’s Udastu Wall Historical District. This is a particularly fitting setting for the festival with many of the buildings retaining the appearance of ancient Japan. The lanterns lit up by night create a fairy tale scene. 

The lanterns are made with local Mino Washi paper, a traditional Japanese paper that’s been made it the city for over a thousand years.

Visit after dark to get the full effect of the lanterns lit up and lining the sides of the roads, then return in daylight to fully appreciate the intricacies of the most unique and complex designs. You’ll be amazed by the variety and originality of the designs. The lamps are lit up every evening between 5 and 9 pm.

Why visit: If you miss the festival itself, visit the Mino Washi Akari Art Museum to see many of the award-winning pieces on display. Hundreds of lanterns line the walls in dark, windowless rooms recreating the feeling of the festival.

National Kenu & Kundu Festival , Papua New Guinea

Attended by Luke from Culture Shock Adventure

When: Saturday, 5 November 2022 to Monday, 7 November 2022

Where: Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Okay for school age children and older

About: The Kenu & Kundu Festival is a celebration of the local maritime heritage. Tribes from all over the province hike, paddle or sail to the festival to show off their local singing (music and dances), and race traditional boats.

Why visit: The kula kenu are traditional double-hulled long-distance sailboats. Picking up amazing speeds kula kenu is still used today by some of the world’s best navigators. Ask nicely and they might take you for a ride.

Although cannibalism is no longer practiced, this festival keeps the traditional war kenu of the time alive. The paddle is a multi-purpose weapon, doubling as a spear and an axe. With 30-40 paddlers in each boat transforming tribal pride into pure aggression, this race is intense!

Pro tip: arrive a week early to see the kewou races, smaller outrigger canoes carved out of a single tree.

Back on land, you can watch all the different singsings. The sounds of the kundu (drums) really keep the atmosphere alive. There are lots of activities around to keep the kids entertained, and lots of food stalls where you can try the local cuisines.

Did you go on a cultural and celebration trip reading about the famous festivals around the world? We surely were grooved and added so many festivals of world to our bucket list now. Which International festival have you attended or intent to? Did we miss any in the list of festivals of the world? Do share your thoughts.

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