The Biggest Festivals Around the World
Visiting a country during an important celebration offers a different experience than on a regular day. On a significant occasion, the whole region or even country comes together to honor their traditions, customs, and have fun. If you’re interested in digging deeper and learning more about the country of your destination, consider booking your flights during a big festival or celebration.
In this article, we will go over the top 10 festivals in the world, followed by more niche events from all over the globe. From whimsical tomato fights in Spain to spiritual dances and offerings in India, we have prepared a long list of different festivals around the world worth your visit. So, what are the biggest festivals in the world?
Let’s kick off our guide by examining the top 10 biggest festivals in the world. The guide features various types of fairs and events, from cultural and social to food and musical ones. Take a look at the top ten festivals in the world, their highlights, dates, and locations.
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is the biggest celebration in Mexican culture. A day devoted to commemoration of the loved one who passed away, it beautifully blends the morbid nature of death with the celebration of human life. Locals usually visit cemeteries wearing costumes and Catrina makeup, a traditional skeleton face paint. Among the world-famous festivals, the celebration spans over three days, from October 31st to November 2nd, accompanied by musical performances, offerings, and iconic pan de muerto.
Where: Mexico, nationwide
When: October 31st to November 2nd of each year
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a celebration of love in all its forms and expressions. Held annually in Australian Sydney on the cusp between February and March, the event initially started as a protest back in 1978. Nowadays, it’s a huge celebration with elaborate costumes and parades along with numerous parties across the city. The highlight of the festival is an Oxford Street parade showcasing the community’s creativity and resilience.
Where: Sydney, Australia
When: Second Thursday of February to first Saturday of March
Next event: not yet announced
Arguably one of the most popular festivals around the world, the Rio Carnival is an iconic extravaganza of upbeat music, passionate samba dance, elaborate costumes, and exciting parades. In actuality, the festival takes place across the entire country of Brazil but Rio de Janeiro is regarded as the central point of celebration. A significant part of Brazilian culture, the carnival dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries when the country was colonized by Portugal. It’s accompanied by smaller street parties called blocos with millions of locals and tourists dancing to live music.
Where: Rio de Janeiro and other cities across Brazil
When: Friday before Ash Wednesday to Ash Wednesday
Next event: February 28th to March 5th, 2025
Songkran is the celebration of the Buddhist New Year that takes place across Southeast Asia but is centered in Thailand. The focal point of the event is a huge water fight that symbolizes purification. Initially, water was poured over statues of Buddha but nowadays it’s a free-for-all. However, Songkran remains a spiritual holiday and locals visit their monasteries to honor deities. One of the most famous festivals around the world, Songkran can be messy, so be prepared to be splashed anywhere in the streets and join the celebration to witness this incredible tradition.
Where: Thailand, nationwide
When: April 13th to April 15th, 2024
Next event: not yet announced
Burning Man is an annual celebration of art in the middle of the Nevada desert. A week-long festival, it challenges 60,000 participants to artistically express themselves and survive in this unruly environment. Surrounded by spiritual teaching, breathtaking art installations, and eccentric costumes, people are meant to cooperate and go through this journey together. One of the top festivals around the world, the event culminates with the burning of a giant effigy which symbolizes rebirth and letting go of fears and problems.
Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US
When: August 25th to September 2nd, 2024
Although Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide, especially in places with a significant Irish population, the festival in Dublin is an iconic event. One of the most famous festivals in the world, the celebration spans over four or five days in March and features a long list of musical, artistic, and literary performances. The festival commemorates Saint Patrick, a patron of Ireland. The highlight of the event is the parade with colorful floats, marching bands, and dancers. Join the celebration to sip on Irish Guinness and don’t forget to wear green.
Where: Dublin, Ireland
When: March 15th to 18th, 2024
Next event: not yet announced
No matter if you’re a movie buff or a casual watcher, you definitely have heard of this renowned film festival. Held in gorgeous French Cannes, the festival is devoted to finding new cinematographic talent and pushing the envelope of movie production. The Cannes Film Festival is also a place to run shoulders with your favorite actors and directors and busk in glamor and prestige. One of the most iconic festivals across the world, it usually showcases new films around the world, including mainstream and independent features. At the end of the event, the best films are awarded with the Palme d’Or prize.
Where: Cannes, France
When: May 14th to May 25th, 2024
What started as a celebration of a royal wedding back in 1810, has turned into one of the most famous beer festivals in the world. A two-week-long event, Oktoberfest is held on the original site Theresienwiese, a large field that becomes decorated with stalls, amusement rides, games, and food vendors. One of the most known festivals all around the world, it is also known for its immense beer consumption. In 2014 alone, Oktoberfest visitors consumed 7.7 million liters or 2 million gallons of beer. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Bavarian culture, put on lederhosen, and share a few pints of famous German beer.
Where: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
When: September 21st to October 6th, 2024
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a Christian holiday celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and most of Latin America. However, the Spanish city of Seville hosts the most spectacular Easter festivities. The event centers around the parade showcasing baroque religious statues and large processions. Semana Santa is dedicated to the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and can be called a rather somber occasion.
Where: Seville, Spain
When: Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
Next event: April 13th to April 20th, 2025
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is a Japanese celebration held annually at a ski resort. The festival involves the construction and burning of a large wooden shrine. Held in the middle of the winter, it’s truly magnetizing with a snowy background and fascinating lighting of a towering shrine. The highlight of the entire event is the subsequent battle between villagers that ensures good fortune in the upcoming year. The entire event lasts about four hours but you will be served some sake to keep you warm.
Where: Hakuba Valley, Japan
When: January 15th of each year
There are thousands and thousands of unique, fun, and culturally important festivals around the world. In this section, we will focus on the eight types of festivals around the world that deserve your time and attention.
Let’s begin by exploring the biggest festivals in the world that celebrate the culture, religion, and national identity of the hosting country.
The Holi Festival opens the list of cultural festivals around the world. It’s a Hindu celebration devoted to love, spring, and the triumph of good over evil. Participants throw colorful powder at each other which creates a lively and carefree atmosphere enjoyed by both children and adults. The event begins at night time with a bonfire with singing and dancing and continues the next day with the celebration that takes over the streets. The focal point of the festival is to break the walls between people of all kinds, friends and foes, kids and adults, rich and poor.
Where: India and some parts of Nepal
When: Phalguna Purnima
Next event: March 14th, 2025
The Mevlana Festival finds its roots in 1273 when Anatolian holy man and Islamic scholar Mavlana Celaleddin Rumi passed away. His followers have been celebrating his teachings ever since. Devoted to tolerance and spiritual ascent through dancing, the festival is a truly beautiful tradition. For ten days in December, participants put on a traditional costume in Mevlana’s spirit and perform the whirling dance called Sema. Join locals and visitors in this mystical journey of finding love and serenity through dance.
Where: Konya, Turkey
When: Ten days in December
Next event: December 7th to December 17th, 2024
One of the oldest festivals in the world, Gion Matsuri originates in 869, a year that was darkened by a plague. To ward off the evil spirits, the Emperor at the time ordered prayers. Since then, the festival has been held every year, protecting citizens from fires, floods, and earthquakes. The highlight of the event is the Yamahoko Float Procession, a parade featuring elaborate floats. During the event, the city is adorned with breathtaking lanterns, numerous food stalls, and endless sake.
Where: Kyoto, Japan
When: The entire month of July, from July 1st to 31st.
Lazarim Carnival is an ancient tradition taking place in a small village in the North of Portugal. The event is centered around caretos, men wearing distinctive handcrafted wooden masks and a large parade piercing through the town. Caretos are followed by the comadre and copadre, godmother and godfather, tasked to publicly ridicule their peers. They usually read aloud a list of humorous situations that happened over the last year. Later, the community shares a hardy bean and meat stew bonding around a bonfire. The festival has a goofy yet spiritual atmosphere and features traditional music, dance, and other performances.
Where: Lazarim, Portugal
When: Between February 10th and 13th
Next event: not yet announced
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is an annual celebration commemorating the legend of the pirate Jose Gaspar. Although a fictional character, Jose Gaspar and his marauding group of pirates are still being celebrated in Tampa by a large five-mile parade. The event kicks off with a large Spanish galleon accompanied by hundreds of smaller ships. The parade itself features floats and marching bands plowing through the city firing thousands of blank shots and throwing gold coins and beads. The festival also includes various live music events, food vendors, and other entertainment.
Where: Tampa, Florida, US
When: Last Saturday of January
Next event: January 25th, 2025
Diwali is a Hindu celebration taking place across India and some Hindu communities outside the country. The holiday is known as the Festival of Lights and celebrates the victory of light over darkness or good over evil. Walking through the cities, you will see homes, temples, and even workplaces adorned with candles, lanterns, and diyas (oil lamps). The celebration is also accompanied by fireworks, heaps of food, and family bonding.
Where: India, nationwide
Where: October 20th to November 3rd, 2024
The Obon Festival originates from the story of Mokuren who applied his supernatural powers to save his mother from suffering in the afterlife. He celebrated his success by dancing with joy or Bon Dance which started this wonderful tradition. For over 500 years, the Japanese commemorate their ancestors during Obon with folk dances, cuisine, and bonfires. The festival includes a large carnival, traditional kimonos, and the crafting of a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow that act as vessels for the ancestors to join the celebration. Obon is a holiday for families to reunite and make offerings to deities.
Where: Japan, nationwide
When: The 15th day of the 7th lunar month
Next event: August 13th to August 16th, 2024
Tshechu is a Bhutanese festival with religious ritual dances celebrated across the nation. The dates may differ from location to location and follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar. The highlight of the event is the unveiling of the thangka which is an embroidered religious scroll painting that lets go of sins of anyone who looks at it. Tshechu is a celebration of Buddhism and Bhutanese culture centered around monks wearing colorful traditional costumes and performing intricate dances.
Where: Bhutan, nationwide
When: The 10th to 12th day of the first Bhutanese lunar calendar month
Next event: March 9th to March 11th, 2025
Timket is among the most important celebrations in Ethiopia, marking the baptism of Jesus Christ on the River Jordan. The festivities kick off with the procession of tabots, replicas of the Ark of the Covenant. The closest body of water is then blessed and sprinkled on the participants which symbolizes the renewal of their baptism vows. The festival also features colorful parades, traditional music and dances, and feasts.
Where: Ethiopia, nationwide
When: January 19th or January 20th on leap years
Douz is a small town in Tunisia that once a year attracts over 50 thousand visitors to celebrate the Douz Sahara Festival. The event is devoted to the traditional customs and culture of Mrazigs, a nomadic Berber tribe. Participants can witness numerous activities, including camel marathons, horseriding and galloping, a Bedouin wedding, and sloughi desert hunting dogs. Aside from that, the festival features singing, dancing, feasting, and craft fairs with artisanal products.
Where: Douz, Tunisia
When: End of December
Next event: not yet announced
The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka and pays homage to the Sacred Tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The ceremony involves the carrying of the tooth through the streets of Kandy, a city in Sri Lanka. The festival is accompanied by parades with elephants, dancers, singers, acrobats, fire-breathers, and other notable performers. The celebration is meant to appease the gods and get their blessing to enrich their crops this year.
Where: Kandy, Sri Lanka
When: August 10th to August 20th, 2024
Inti Raymi is a religious ceremony dedicated to the god Inti who is the god of the Sun in the Inca tradition. The festival takes place on the shortest day of the year which is also the Inca New Year. Nowadays, the celebration involves a procession with music, dancing, and prayers, and is accompanied by women with brooms sweeping away the evil. The centerpiece of the event occurs on the historic site called Sacsayhuaman where actors reenact rituals and make offerings to Inti.
Where: Cusco, Peru
When: June 24th of every year.
The Saga Dawa Festival takes place near Tibet’s mountain Kailash, a sacred mountain viewed as the navel of the earth and the axis of the universe. The mountain is a big part of Hindu and Buddhist legends and gathers thousands of pilgrims to honor it and renew the Tarboche flagpole. Attendees come to this sacred place to pray, fast, and attach their prayer flags to the new pole. In their togetherness, pilgrims multiply their prayers and good deeds and ascend spiritually.
Where: Lhasa City, Tibet
When: The 15th of the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Next event: May 23rd, 2024
In this part, we will take a look at some of best festivals in the world that center on food. From the birthplace of pizza to a vegetarian haven in Thailand, you will surely find something that intrigues your taste buds.
Every year the birthplace of pizza, Naples, throws a huge celebration devoted to this iconic dish. Alongside the gorgeous coast of Naples, vendors offer endless types of pizza, from classic and historic ones to gourmet and even modern versions like gluten-free or vegan. Not only can you indulge in copious amounts of this delicious food but also vote for your favorite pizzamakers. One of the most interesting festivals worldwide, the Pizzafest is accompanied by live music, various performances, and competitions like Pizza Olympics whereby the fastest pizzamaker wins.
Where: Naples, Italy
When: June 14th to June 23rd, 2024
Salon du Chocolat is an annual festival promoting Ecuador’s cocoa and chocolate production. Renowned for some of the world’s finest cocoa, Ecuador seems like the perfect spot to honor this popular treat. Over 60 vendors from all over the country and beyond flock to Quito to showcase their delectable creations and educate the public about their craft. Visitors can feast on all kinds of chocolate delicacies and partake in workshops and lectures to learn the behind-the-scenes of the chocolate-making world. The festival also features a whimsical fashion show with models wearing outfits made of chocolate.
Where: Quito, Ecuador
When: June 2nd to June 4th, 2024
The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual celebration held in Hong Kong commemorating the life and death of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. The focal point of the event is the dragon boat races but the heart of the festival is a large dumpling feast. Hong Kong is famous for its delicious dumplings with various fillings, from pork and beans, mushroom and shrimp, and duck and scallops to sweet versions with chocolate and durian.
Where: Hong Kong, China
When: June 10, 2024
The Thai Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day celebration with parades, music, and incredible vegetarian and vegan dishes. The idea behind this tradition lies in the Chinese belief that abstinence from meat promotes spiritual and physical growth and improvement. The entire community turns vegan for the duration of the festival and enjoys a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, soybeans, curries, desserts, and other delectable treats.
Where: Phuket, Thailand
When: October 2nd to October 11th, 2024
Let’s move to the iconic world festivals that celebrate the art of music. Music celebrations take place in festivals from around the world, making them one of the most popular occasions.
Øya Festival is a four-day musical festival located in the Medieval Park on a hill overlooking the city of Oslo. Norway is one of those places where the sun doesn’t set until 9 or 10 pm during the summertime which makes the experience more magical. The festival’s claim to fame is its impressive devotion to sustainability. Regarded as one of the greenest events in the world, the celebration also features a slew of renowned artists like Kanye West, Lorde, and Nice Cave.
Where: Oslo, Norway
When: August 7th to August 10th, 2024
Glastonbury Festival is among the largest festivals in the world devoted to music welcoming nearly 200,000 people every year. The town hosting the event is called Glastonbury, a small place in the Southwest of England. One of the biggest festivals in the world, it has been running for over 40 years becoming one of the most popular occasions in the music industry. The music genres presented at Glastonbury are pop and rock while other performances include theater, comedy, and even circus acts.
Where: Glastonbury, England, UK
When: June 26th to June 30th, 2024
For over thirty years, Budapest has been home to the Sziget Festival, a six-day music event. In the year 2022 alone, nearly half a million people attended this dynamic festival. The stage is located on a small island in the Danube River creating a uniquely mystical atmosphere. The lineup is truly impressive boasting A-list celebrities like Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, and Alan Walker. Offering performances across genres, from rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop music, the festival has something for everyone.
Where: Budapest, Hungary
When: August 7th to August 12th, 2024
Movie buffs will be pleased to learn about the top festivals in the world devoted to movies from all corners of the world.
The Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world dating back to 1932. The event is open to the public allowing anyone to watch their movie of choice for five to 30 euros. The Venice Film Festival is one of the best festivals around the world and is a part of the big three festivals alongside Cannes and Berlin giving it a remarkable influence on the movie industry. The first showing is usually an Oscar-worthy feature, while the following films come in different categories and genres. The best film is awarded the Golden Lion which is a prestigious prize for any movie maker.
Where: Venice, Italy
When: August 28th to September 7th, 2024
Another highly regarded film festival is held annually in the German capital and is referred to as Berlinale. The festival is also quite affordable with ticket prices starting ar 13 euros per person. The event boasts 400 films each years, across genres, countries, and categories. The best movie gets the Golden Bear while the best actors and directors are eligible for Silver Bears. The festival largely focuses on political and social content as well as numerous avant-garde and experimentational movies.
Where: Berlin, Germany
When: February of each year
Next event: February 13th to February 23rd, 2025
The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America with a slightly different concept. Instead of the jury deciding which film is the best, the attendees do. There are three categories where several features compete for the People’s Choice Award. However, the festival is critically acclaimed since many of its premieres become Oscar contenders. The entry fees start at 18 CAD and even include access to red-carpet showings and Q&As with directors and actors.
Where: Toronto, Canada
When: September 5th to September 15th, 2024
In this section, let’s dive into some famous festivals around the world that focus on art. From whimsical Comic Con to renowned Art Basel, there is no shortage of amazing art fairs across the globe.
Art Basel is one of the worldwide festivals devoted to art held across multiple locations, including its namesake Basel in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Berlin, Paris, Los Angeles, Milan, Naples, Rome, Torre Pellice, and Turin. The fair showcases a large collection of modern and contemporary art from seasoned and emerging artists. From paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations, to digital and innovative art, the event features over four thousand artists.
Where: multiple locations, mainly in Basel, Switzerland
When: June 13th to June 16th, 2024
If you’re into comic books, science fiction, fantasy, anime, manga, video games, and other genres, Comic Con can be an amazing adventure. Participants dress up as their favorite characters and cosplay to show support and appreciation for the art. Attendees can partake in numerous events, workshops, and discussions, and meet their beloved actors, directors, and writers. One of the most popular festivals in the world, it also offers screenings and previews allowing guests early access to the newest movies and shows.
Where: San Diego, California, US
When: March 28th to March 30th, 2025
La Biennale Paris is another prominent art fair taking place in the French capital. The festival features an array of artistic creations, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, antiques, and other decorative elements. The fair also offers workshops and discussions about art and antiques making the world of art more accessible for the general public.
Where: Paris, France
When: November 22nd to November 27th, 2024
Sports festivals celebrate local sports activities and center around the country’s history and cultural heritage. In this part, we will delve into a couple of festivals in the world that focus on national sports.
The Naadam Festival is a celebration held in Mongolia honoring the country’s nomadic culture. The event consists of three main activities: archery, wrestling, and horse racing. Both men and women compete in their respective sports to showcase their talents and skills. All three events are deeply rooted in the Mongolian culture highlighting the heritage and national pride of the country. The festival also features traditional dance and music and a grand opening ceremony in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
Where: Mongolia, nationwide
When: July 11th to July 15th, 2024
The Highland Games are held in magnificent Scotland taking place across the entire country. The program consists of field and track activities, bagpiping, traditional dancing competitions, and local sports such as tug-o-war, hammer throwing, and caber toss. The event dates back to 2,000 BC, remaining an important tradition in Scottish history, identity, and culture. The festival is accompanied by loads of Scottish food and drink like whiskey and haggis as well as numerous local artisanal crafts and souvenirs.
Where: Scotland, nationwide
When: May 12th to September 15th, 2024
Nature festivals are devoted to crops, harvests, flowers, and other natural gifts. In this part, we will focus on festivals of the world that honor their unique traditions and celebrate new seasons of harvest and prosperity.
Sukkot is a significant festival in Jewish culture commemorating the Israelites’ 40-year-long journey through the deserts. Sukkahs are small makeshift huts where attendees eat and sleep for the duration of the event. The festival celebrates the fall harvest paying tribute to the Jewish resilience and Jerusalem land. The streets become adorned with fruits and vegetables, while locals and tourists enjoy picnics in the city’s numerous parks and gardens.
Where: Jerusalem, Israel
When: October 16th to October 23rd, 2024
The Monterosso Lemon Festival is an Italian festival dedicated to the region’s prized lemons. On this day, the entire city becomes submerged in the colorful and aromatic celebration of lemons and lemon-based products. One of the best festivals in the world to celebrate the harvest, it features an open-air market full of lemon-themed creations like limoncino, lemon cake, lemon cream, and other delicious treats. Aside from gastronomic experiences, visitors can marvel at the creatively decorated streets, houses, and windows, and even purchase some artisanal items.
Where: Monterosso, Italy
When: May 18th, 2024
Rice is the staple crop across numerous Asian countries, and Indonesia is not an exception. Every year, Bali hosts the Rice Harvest to honor Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, and celebrates the rice-growing season. Local farmers dress in traditional clothing and make offerings to the gods to secure a fruitful harvest. The festival features traditional music, dancing, and processions, as well as Indonesian activities like weaving and rice-pounding.
Where: Bali, Indonesia
When: May 1st to June 30th, 2024
The Tulip Festival in Amsterdam is a colorful flower celebration that welcomes the beginning of the spring season. Only half an hour outside the city, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Keukenhof tulip garden brimming with over 500,000 bulbs. Attendees can take guided tours of the fields, visit workshops, and enjoy various tulip-themed events. One of the most famous festivals in the world, it also features cultural activities like parades, concerts, and art exhibitions unveiling the rich history of the Netherlands.
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: March 21st to May 12th, 2024
If you’re looking for something special, take a look at the most unique festivals around the world. In this part, we will examine weird, quirky, and unconventional festivities from different corners of the world.
Palio di Siena is a biannual event dating back to the city’s medieval past featuring a bareback horse race in the ancient square. Each district competes with one horse and jockey performing a three-lap race around the square. Locals flock to the event to cheer for their contestants creating a thrilling atmosphere. The winning district celebrates its victory with feasts and processions.
Where: Siena, Italy
When: July 2nd and August 16th of each year.
La Tomatina is one of the coolest festivals in the world and a truly one-of-a-kind event dedicated to tomatoes. On the last Wednesday of August, locals go outside to squish and splatter over 100,000 kg (220,000 lbs) tomatoes. The festival is virtually one big tomato fight dating back to 1945 when the tradition emerged. After the festivities, the crowd moves to the nearby river to clean up while the city is hosed down.
Where: Buñol, Spain
When: August 28th, 2024
Furano is the geographical center of the Hokkaido region in Japan which inspired the creation of the unique belly button festival. Since the belly button is in the center of the body, the city of Furano created a festival celebrating its central location. One of the most unique festivals celebrated around the world, the Hokkai Heso Matsuri features numerous dancers with painted belly buttons that depict them as the mouth of a character. They flock to the streets and perform belly button dances through the streets of the city followed by music, parades, and visitors.
Where: Furano City, Japan
When: July 28th to July 29th, 2024
The Bathtub Regatta takes place in Belgium on the Meuse River and is among the most unique events in the world. Participants use bathtubs to compete in a one-kilometer (0.62 miles) race across the river. Bathtubs are not allowed to be motorized but can be decorated and augmented in various ways, making it a true craft fair. The event is also accompanied by an antique car show, flamiche tastings, music, and other performances.
Where: Dinant, Belgium
When: August 15th, 2024
A few miles west of Chicago you will discover a small town called Scarecrow. To honor their unique town, name, and history, locals have been celebrating the Scarecrow Fest for almost 40 years. One of the most interesting festivals around the world, it features over 100 handcrafted scarecrows scattered along the main street of the town. Visitors can choose their favorite creations and vote in different categories like the most creative, spooky, or best use of recycled materials. The event also provides a variety of entertainment options, including live music, carnival, food vendors, and other numerous family-friendly activities.
Where: St. Charles, Illinois, US
When: October 11th to October 13th, 2024
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is an annual Taoist tradition in Hong Kong featuring an 18-meter (60-foot) tower covered in 9,000 buns. The focal point of the festival is to climb the tower collecting as many buns as possible. The event features bright parades, traditional music, and Chinese opera. The origins of this unique tradition are found in a local legend serving as protection against evil spirits.
Where: Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, China
When: May 12th to May 16th, 2024
Up Helly Aa is an annual Viking fire festival held in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. The festival honors the island’s Norse past and celebrates the end of the Yule season. The event features participants in Vikings’ wear, including elaborate helmets and costumes marching through the streets with torches in their hands. The culmination of the festival occurs when a replica Viking longship engulfs in flames creating a spectacular view.
Where: Lerwick, Scotland
When: January 28th, 2025
Boryeong is a city in South Korea known for its mineral-rich mud which is believed to possess therapeutic properties. In honor of this medicinal mud, the city hosts the annual Boryoeng Mud Festival full of mud-related activities like mud wrestling, sliding, and swimming. This unique festival turns a relaxing spa day into an exciting and playful mud celebration. The event includes live music performances and food vendors and culminates with a big fireworks show.
Where: Boryeong, South Korea
When: July 21st to August 6th, 2024
Hermanus Whale Festival is held in South Africa’s whale capital, a small town on Walker Bay near Cape Town. The celebration is devoted to the return of the whales to the shores after the migration season. Participants can watch the whales from the shore or take a boat tour and see them up close. The festival also provides numerous educational and environmental workshops about marine conservation and sustainability.
Where: Hermanus, South Africa
When: September 27th to September 29th, 2024
In this article, we will go over the top 10 festivals in the world, followed by more niche events from all over the globe. From whimsical tomato fights in Spain to spiritual dances and offerings in India, we have prepared a long list of different festivals around the world worth your visit. So, what are the biggest festivals in the world?
Top 10 Festivals in the World
Let’s kick off our guide by examining the top 10 biggest festivals in the world. The guide features various types of fairs and events, from cultural and social to food and musical ones. Take a look at the top ten festivals in the world, their highlights, dates, and locations.
Dia De Los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is the biggest celebration in Mexican culture. A day devoted to commemoration of the loved one who passed away, it beautifully blends the morbid nature of death with the celebration of human life. Locals usually visit cemeteries wearing costumes and Catrina makeup, a traditional skeleton face paint. Among the world-famous festivals, the celebration spans over three days, from October 31st to November 2nd, accompanied by musical performances, offerings, and iconic pan de muerto.
Where: Mexico, nationwide
When: October 31st to November 2nd of each year
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a celebration of love in all its forms and expressions. Held annually in Australian Sydney on the cusp between February and March, the event initially started as a protest back in 1978. Nowadays, it’s a huge celebration with elaborate costumes and parades along with numerous parties across the city. The highlight of the festival is an Oxford Street parade showcasing the community’s creativity and resilience.
Where: Sydney, Australia
When: Second Thursday of February to first Saturday of March
Next event: not yet announced
Rio Carnival
Arguably one of the most popular festivals around the world, the Rio Carnival is an iconic extravaganza of upbeat music, passionate samba dance, elaborate costumes, and exciting parades. In actuality, the festival takes place across the entire country of Brazil but Rio de Janeiro is regarded as the central point of celebration. A significant part of Brazilian culture, the carnival dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries when the country was colonized by Portugal. It’s accompanied by smaller street parties called blocos with millions of locals and tourists dancing to live music.
Where: Rio de Janeiro and other cities across Brazil
When: Friday before Ash Wednesday to Ash Wednesday
Next event: February 28th to March 5th, 2025
Songkran
Songkran is the celebration of the Buddhist New Year that takes place across Southeast Asia but is centered in Thailand. The focal point of the event is a huge water fight that symbolizes purification. Initially, water was poured over statues of Buddha but nowadays it’s a free-for-all. However, Songkran remains a spiritual holiday and locals visit their monasteries to honor deities. One of the most famous festivals around the world, Songkran can be messy, so be prepared to be splashed anywhere in the streets and join the celebration to witness this incredible tradition.
Where: Thailand, nationwide
When: April 13th to April 15th, 2024
Next event: not yet announced
Burning Man
Burning Man is an annual celebration of art in the middle of the Nevada desert. A week-long festival, it challenges 60,000 participants to artistically express themselves and survive in this unruly environment. Surrounded by spiritual teaching, breathtaking art installations, and eccentric costumes, people are meant to cooperate and go through this journey together. One of the top festivals around the world, the event culminates with the burning of a giant effigy which symbolizes rebirth and letting go of fears and problems.
Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US
When: August 25th to September 2nd, 2024
Saint Patrick’s Festival
Although Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide, especially in places with a significant Irish population, the festival in Dublin is an iconic event. One of the most famous festivals in the world, the celebration spans over four or five days in March and features a long list of musical, artistic, and literary performances. The festival commemorates Saint Patrick, a patron of Ireland. The highlight of the event is the parade with colorful floats, marching bands, and dancers. Join the celebration to sip on Irish Guinness and don’t forget to wear green.
Where: Dublin, Ireland
When: March 15th to 18th, 2024
Next event: not yet announced
Cannes Film Festival
No matter if you’re a movie buff or a casual watcher, you definitely have heard of this renowned film festival. Held in gorgeous French Cannes, the festival is devoted to finding new cinematographic talent and pushing the envelope of movie production. The Cannes Film Festival is also a place to run shoulders with your favorite actors and directors and busk in glamor and prestige. One of the most iconic festivals across the world, it usually showcases new films around the world, including mainstream and independent features. At the end of the event, the best films are awarded with the Palme d’Or prize.
Where: Cannes, France
When: May 14th to May 25th, 2024
Oktoberfest
What started as a celebration of a royal wedding back in 1810, has turned into one of the most famous beer festivals in the world. A two-week-long event, Oktoberfest is held on the original site Theresienwiese, a large field that becomes decorated with stalls, amusement rides, games, and food vendors. One of the most known festivals all around the world, it is also known for its immense beer consumption. In 2014 alone, Oktoberfest visitors consumed 7.7 million liters or 2 million gallons of beer. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Bavarian culture, put on lederhosen, and share a few pints of famous German beer.
Where: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
When: September 21st to October 6th, 2024
Semana Santa
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a Christian holiday celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and most of Latin America. However, the Spanish city of Seville hosts the most spectacular Easter festivities. The event centers around the parade showcasing baroque religious statues and large processions. Semana Santa is dedicated to the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and can be called a rather somber occasion.
Where: Seville, Spain
When: Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
Next event: April 13th to April 20th, 2025
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is a Japanese celebration held annually at a ski resort. The festival involves the construction and burning of a large wooden shrine. Held in the middle of the winter, it’s truly magnetizing with a snowy background and fascinating lighting of a towering shrine. The highlight of the entire event is the subsequent battle between villagers that ensures good fortune in the upcoming year. The entire event lasts about four hours but you will be served some sake to keep you warm.
Where: Hakuba Valley, Japan
When: January 15th of each year
Top 8 Types of Festivals in the World
There are thousands and thousands of unique, fun, and culturally important festivals around the world. In this section, we will focus on the eight types of festivals around the world that deserve your time and attention.
Cultural festivals
Let’s begin by exploring the biggest festivals in the world that celebrate the culture, religion, and national identity of the hosting country.
Holi Festival
The Holi Festival opens the list of cultural festivals around the world. It’s a Hindu celebration devoted to love, spring, and the triumph of good over evil. Participants throw colorful powder at each other which creates a lively and carefree atmosphere enjoyed by both children and adults. The event begins at night time with a bonfire with singing and dancing and continues the next day with the celebration that takes over the streets. The focal point of the festival is to break the walls between people of all kinds, friends and foes, kids and adults, rich and poor.
Where: India and some parts of Nepal
When: Phalguna Purnima
Next event: March 14th, 2025
Mevlana Festival
The Mevlana Festival finds its roots in 1273 when Anatolian holy man and Islamic scholar Mavlana Celaleddin Rumi passed away. His followers have been celebrating his teachings ever since. Devoted to tolerance and spiritual ascent through dancing, the festival is a truly beautiful tradition. For ten days in December, participants put on a traditional costume in Mevlana’s spirit and perform the whirling dance called Sema. Join locals and visitors in this mystical journey of finding love and serenity through dance.
Where: Konya, Turkey
When: Ten days in December
Next event: December 7th to December 17th, 2024
Gion Matsuri
One of the oldest festivals in the world, Gion Matsuri originates in 869, a year that was darkened by a plague. To ward off the evil spirits, the Emperor at the time ordered prayers. Since then, the festival has been held every year, protecting citizens from fires, floods, and earthquakes. The highlight of the event is the Yamahoko Float Procession, a parade featuring elaborate floats. During the event, the city is adorned with breathtaking lanterns, numerous food stalls, and endless sake.
Where: Kyoto, Japan
When: The entire month of July, from July 1st to 31st.
Lazarim Carnival
Lazarim Carnival is an ancient tradition taking place in a small village in the North of Portugal. The event is centered around caretos, men wearing distinctive handcrafted wooden masks and a large parade piercing through the town. Caretos are followed by the comadre and copadre, godmother and godfather, tasked to publicly ridicule their peers. They usually read aloud a list of humorous situations that happened over the last year. Later, the community shares a hardy bean and meat stew bonding around a bonfire. The festival has a goofy yet spiritual atmosphere and features traditional music, dance, and other performances.
Where: Lazarim, Portugal
When: Between February 10th and 13th
Next event: not yet announced
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is an annual celebration commemorating the legend of the pirate Jose Gaspar. Although a fictional character, Jose Gaspar and his marauding group of pirates are still being celebrated in Tampa by a large five-mile parade. The event kicks off with a large Spanish galleon accompanied by hundreds of smaller ships. The parade itself features floats and marching bands plowing through the city firing thousands of blank shots and throwing gold coins and beads. The festival also includes various live music events, food vendors, and other entertainment.
Where: Tampa, Florida, US
When: Last Saturday of January
Next event: January 25th, 2025
Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu celebration taking place across India and some Hindu communities outside the country. The holiday is known as the Festival of Lights and celebrates the victory of light over darkness or good over evil. Walking through the cities, you will see homes, temples, and even workplaces adorned with candles, lanterns, and diyas (oil lamps). The celebration is also accompanied by fireworks, heaps of food, and family bonding.
Where: India, nationwide
Where: October 20th to November 3rd, 2024
Obon Festival
The Obon Festival originates from the story of Mokuren who applied his supernatural powers to save his mother from suffering in the afterlife. He celebrated his success by dancing with joy or Bon Dance which started this wonderful tradition. For over 500 years, the Japanese commemorate their ancestors during Obon with folk dances, cuisine, and bonfires. The festival includes a large carnival, traditional kimonos, and the crafting of a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow that act as vessels for the ancestors to join the celebration. Obon is a holiday for families to reunite and make offerings to deities.
Where: Japan, nationwide
When: The 15th day of the 7th lunar month
Next event: August 13th to August 16th, 2024
Tsechu
Tshechu is a Bhutanese festival with religious ritual dances celebrated across the nation. The dates may differ from location to location and follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar. The highlight of the event is the unveiling of the thangka which is an embroidered religious scroll painting that lets go of sins of anyone who looks at it. Tshechu is a celebration of Buddhism and Bhutanese culture centered around monks wearing colorful traditional costumes and performing intricate dances.
Where: Bhutan, nationwide
When: The 10th to 12th day of the first Bhutanese lunar calendar month
Next event: March 9th to March 11th, 2025
Timket Festival
Timket is among the most important celebrations in Ethiopia, marking the baptism of Jesus Christ on the River Jordan. The festivities kick off with the procession of tabots, replicas of the Ark of the Covenant. The closest body of water is then blessed and sprinkled on the participants which symbolizes the renewal of their baptism vows. The festival also features colorful parades, traditional music and dances, and feasts.
Where: Ethiopia, nationwide
When: January 19th or January 20th on leap years
Douz Sahara Festival
Douz is a small town in Tunisia that once a year attracts over 50 thousand visitors to celebrate the Douz Sahara Festival. The event is devoted to the traditional customs and culture of Mrazigs, a nomadic Berber tribe. Participants can witness numerous activities, including camel marathons, horseriding and galloping, a Bedouin wedding, and sloughi desert hunting dogs. Aside from that, the festival features singing, dancing, feasting, and craft fairs with artisanal products.
Where: Douz, Tunisia
When: End of December
Next event: not yet announced
Kandy Esala Perahera
The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka and pays homage to the Sacred Tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The ceremony involves the carrying of the tooth through the streets of Kandy, a city in Sri Lanka. The festival is accompanied by parades with elephants, dancers, singers, acrobats, fire-breathers, and other notable performers. The celebration is meant to appease the gods and get their blessing to enrich their crops this year.
Where: Kandy, Sri Lanka
When: August 10th to August 20th, 2024
Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi is a religious ceremony dedicated to the god Inti who is the god of the Sun in the Inca tradition. The festival takes place on the shortest day of the year which is also the Inca New Year. Nowadays, the celebration involves a procession with music, dancing, and prayers, and is accompanied by women with brooms sweeping away the evil. The centerpiece of the event occurs on the historic site called Sacsayhuaman where actors reenact rituals and make offerings to Inti.
Where: Cusco, Peru
When: June 24th of every year.
Saga Dawa Festival
The Saga Dawa Festival takes place near Tibet’s mountain Kailash, a sacred mountain viewed as the navel of the earth and the axis of the universe. The mountain is a big part of Hindu and Buddhist legends and gathers thousands of pilgrims to honor it and renew the Tarboche flagpole. Attendees come to this sacred place to pray, fast, and attach their prayer flags to the new pole. In their togetherness, pilgrims multiply their prayers and good deeds and ascend spiritually.
Where: Lhasa City, Tibet
When: The 15th of the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Next event: May 23rd, 2024
Food Festivals
In this part, we will take a look at some of best festivals in the world that center on food. From the birthplace of pizza to a vegetarian haven in Thailand, you will surely find something that intrigues your taste buds.
Pizzafest
Every year the birthplace of pizza, Naples, throws a huge celebration devoted to this iconic dish. Alongside the gorgeous coast of Naples, vendors offer endless types of pizza, from classic and historic ones to gourmet and even modern versions like gluten-free or vegan. Not only can you indulge in copious amounts of this delicious food but also vote for your favorite pizzamakers. One of the most interesting festivals worldwide, the Pizzafest is accompanied by live music, various performances, and competitions like Pizza Olympics whereby the fastest pizzamaker wins.
Where: Naples, Italy
When: June 14th to June 23rd, 2024
Salon Du Chocolat
Salon du Chocolat is an annual festival promoting Ecuador’s cocoa and chocolate production. Renowned for some of the world’s finest cocoa, Ecuador seems like the perfect spot to honor this popular treat. Over 60 vendors from all over the country and beyond flock to Quito to showcase their delectable creations and educate the public about their craft. Visitors can feast on all kinds of chocolate delicacies and partake in workshops and lectures to learn the behind-the-scenes of the chocolate-making world. The festival also features a whimsical fashion show with models wearing outfits made of chocolate.
Where: Quito, Ecuador
When: June 2nd to June 4th, 2024
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual celebration held in Hong Kong commemorating the life and death of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. The focal point of the event is the dragon boat races but the heart of the festival is a large dumpling feast. Hong Kong is famous for its delicious dumplings with various fillings, from pork and beans, mushroom and shrimp, and duck and scallops to sweet versions with chocolate and durian.
Where: Hong Kong, China
When: June 10, 2024
Vegetarian Festival
The Thai Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day celebration with parades, music, and incredible vegetarian and vegan dishes. The idea behind this tradition lies in the Chinese belief that abstinence from meat promotes spiritual and physical growth and improvement. The entire community turns vegan for the duration of the festival and enjoys a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, soybeans, curries, desserts, and other delectable treats.
Where: Phuket, Thailand
When: October 2nd to October 11th, 2024
Music Festivals
Let’s move to the iconic world festivals that celebrate the art of music. Music celebrations take place in festivals from around the world, making them one of the most popular occasions.
Øya Festival
Øya Festival is a four-day musical festival located in the Medieval Park on a hill overlooking the city of Oslo. Norway is one of those places where the sun doesn’t set until 9 or 10 pm during the summertime which makes the experience more magical. The festival’s claim to fame is its impressive devotion to sustainability. Regarded as one of the greenest events in the world, the celebration also features a slew of renowned artists like Kanye West, Lorde, and Nice Cave.
Where: Oslo, Norway
When: August 7th to August 10th, 2024
Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival is among the largest festivals in the world devoted to music welcoming nearly 200,000 people every year. The town hosting the event is called Glastonbury, a small place in the Southwest of England. One of the biggest festivals in the world, it has been running for over 40 years becoming one of the most popular occasions in the music industry. The music genres presented at Glastonbury are pop and rock while other performances include theater, comedy, and even circus acts.
Where: Glastonbury, England, UK
When: June 26th to June 30th, 2024
Sziget Festival
For over thirty years, Budapest has been home to the Sziget Festival, a six-day music event. In the year 2022 alone, nearly half a million people attended this dynamic festival. The stage is located on a small island in the Danube River creating a uniquely mystical atmosphere. The lineup is truly impressive boasting A-list celebrities like Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, and Alan Walker. Offering performances across genres, from rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop music, the festival has something for everyone.
Where: Budapest, Hungary
When: August 7th to August 12th, 2024
Film Festivals
Movie buffs will be pleased to learn about the top festivals in the world devoted to movies from all corners of the world.
Venice International Film Festival
The Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world dating back to 1932. The event is open to the public allowing anyone to watch their movie of choice for five to 30 euros. The Venice Film Festival is one of the best festivals around the world and is a part of the big three festivals alongside Cannes and Berlin giving it a remarkable influence on the movie industry. The first showing is usually an Oscar-worthy feature, while the following films come in different categories and genres. The best film is awarded the Golden Lion which is a prestigious prize for any movie maker.
Where: Venice, Italy
When: August 28th to September 7th, 2024
Berlin International Film Festival
Another highly regarded film festival is held annually in the German capital and is referred to as Berlinale. The festival is also quite affordable with ticket prices starting ar 13 euros per person. The event boasts 400 films each years, across genres, countries, and categories. The best movie gets the Golden Bear while the best actors and directors are eligible for Silver Bears. The festival largely focuses on political and social content as well as numerous avant-garde and experimentational movies.
Where: Berlin, Germany
When: February of each year
Next event: February 13th to February 23rd, 2025
Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America with a slightly different concept. Instead of the jury deciding which film is the best, the attendees do. There are three categories where several features compete for the People’s Choice Award. However, the festival is critically acclaimed since many of its premieres become Oscar contenders. The entry fees start at 18 CAD and even include access to red-carpet showings and Q&As with directors and actors.
Where: Toronto, Canada
When: September 5th to September 15th, 2024
Art Festivals
In this section, let’s dive into some famous festivals around the world that focus on art. From whimsical Comic Con to renowned Art Basel, there is no shortage of amazing art fairs across the globe.
Art Basel
Art Basel is one of the worldwide festivals devoted to art held across multiple locations, including its namesake Basel in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Berlin, Paris, Los Angeles, Milan, Naples, Rome, Torre Pellice, and Turin. The fair showcases a large collection of modern and contemporary art from seasoned and emerging artists. From paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations, to digital and innovative art, the event features over four thousand artists.
Where: multiple locations, mainly in Basel, Switzerland
When: June 13th to June 16th, 2024
Comic Con
If you’re into comic books, science fiction, fantasy, anime, manga, video games, and other genres, Comic Con can be an amazing adventure. Participants dress up as their favorite characters and cosplay to show support and appreciation for the art. Attendees can partake in numerous events, workshops, and discussions, and meet their beloved actors, directors, and writers. One of the most popular festivals in the world, it also offers screenings and previews allowing guests early access to the newest movies and shows.
Where: San Diego, California, US
When: March 28th to March 30th, 2025
La Biennale Paris
La Biennale Paris is another prominent art fair taking place in the French capital. The festival features an array of artistic creations, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, antiques, and other decorative elements. The fair also offers workshops and discussions about art and antiques making the world of art more accessible for the general public.
Where: Paris, France
When: November 22nd to November 27th, 2024
Sports Festivals
Sports festivals celebrate local sports activities and center around the country’s history and cultural heritage. In this part, we will delve into a couple of festivals in the world that focus on national sports.
Naadam Festival
The Naadam Festival is a celebration held in Mongolia honoring the country’s nomadic culture. The event consists of three main activities: archery, wrestling, and horse racing. Both men and women compete in their respective sports to showcase their talents and skills. All three events are deeply rooted in the Mongolian culture highlighting the heritage and national pride of the country. The festival also features traditional dance and music and a grand opening ceremony in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
Where: Mongolia, nationwide
When: July 11th to July 15th, 2024
Highland Games
The Highland Games are held in magnificent Scotland taking place across the entire country. The program consists of field and track activities, bagpiping, traditional dancing competitions, and local sports such as tug-o-war, hammer throwing, and caber toss. The event dates back to 2,000 BC, remaining an important tradition in Scottish history, identity, and culture. The festival is accompanied by loads of Scottish food and drink like whiskey and haggis as well as numerous local artisanal crafts and souvenirs.
Where: Scotland, nationwide
When: May 12th to September 15th, 2024
Nature Festivals
Nature festivals are devoted to crops, harvests, flowers, and other natural gifts. In this part, we will focus on festivals of the world that honor their unique traditions and celebrate new seasons of harvest and prosperity.
Sukkot
Sukkot is a significant festival in Jewish culture commemorating the Israelites’ 40-year-long journey through the deserts. Sukkahs are small makeshift huts where attendees eat and sleep for the duration of the event. The festival celebrates the fall harvest paying tribute to the Jewish resilience and Jerusalem land. The streets become adorned with fruits and vegetables, while locals and tourists enjoy picnics in the city’s numerous parks and gardens.
Where: Jerusalem, Israel
When: October 16th to October 23rd, 2024
Monterosso Lemon Festival
The Monterosso Lemon Festival is an Italian festival dedicated to the region’s prized lemons. On this day, the entire city becomes submerged in the colorful and aromatic celebration of lemons and lemon-based products. One of the best festivals in the world to celebrate the harvest, it features an open-air market full of lemon-themed creations like limoncino, lemon cake, lemon cream, and other delicious treats. Aside from gastronomic experiences, visitors can marvel at the creatively decorated streets, houses, and windows, and even purchase some artisanal items.
Where: Monterosso, Italy
When: May 18th, 2024
Rice Harvest
Rice is the staple crop across numerous Asian countries, and Indonesia is not an exception. Every year, Bali hosts the Rice Harvest to honor Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, and celebrates the rice-growing season. Local farmers dress in traditional clothing and make offerings to the gods to secure a fruitful harvest. The festival features traditional music, dancing, and processions, as well as Indonesian activities like weaving and rice-pounding.
Where: Bali, Indonesia
When: May 1st to June 30th, 2024
Amsterdam Tulip Festival
The Tulip Festival in Amsterdam is a colorful flower celebration that welcomes the beginning of the spring season. Only half an hour outside the city, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Keukenhof tulip garden brimming with over 500,000 bulbs. Attendees can take guided tours of the fields, visit workshops, and enjoy various tulip-themed events. One of the most famous festivals in the world, it also features cultural activities like parades, concerts, and art exhibitions unveiling the rich history of the Netherlands.
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: March 21st to May 12th, 2024
Unique Festivals
If you’re looking for something special, take a look at the most unique festivals around the world. In this part, we will examine weird, quirky, and unconventional festivities from different corners of the world.
Palio di Siena
Palio di Siena is a biannual event dating back to the city’s medieval past featuring a bareback horse race in the ancient square. Each district competes with one horse and jockey performing a three-lap race around the square. Locals flock to the event to cheer for their contestants creating a thrilling atmosphere. The winning district celebrates its victory with feasts and processions.
Where: Siena, Italy
When: July 2nd and August 16th of each year.
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is one of the coolest festivals in the world and a truly one-of-a-kind event dedicated to tomatoes. On the last Wednesday of August, locals go outside to squish and splatter over 100,000 kg (220,000 lbs) tomatoes. The festival is virtually one big tomato fight dating back to 1945 when the tradition emerged. After the festivities, the crowd moves to the nearby river to clean up while the city is hosed down.
Where: Buñol, Spain
When: August 28th, 2024
Hokkai Heso Matsuri (Belly Button Festival)
Furano is the geographical center of the Hokkaido region in Japan which inspired the creation of the unique belly button festival. Since the belly button is in the center of the body, the city of Furano created a festival celebrating its central location. One of the most unique festivals celebrated around the world, the Hokkai Heso Matsuri features numerous dancers with painted belly buttons that depict them as the mouth of a character. They flock to the streets and perform belly button dances through the streets of the city followed by music, parades, and visitors.
Where: Furano City, Japan
When: July 28th to July 29th, 2024
International Bathtub Regatta
The Bathtub Regatta takes place in Belgium on the Meuse River and is among the most unique events in the world. Participants use bathtubs to compete in a one-kilometer (0.62 miles) race across the river. Bathtubs are not allowed to be motorized but can be decorated and augmented in various ways, making it a true craft fair. The event is also accompanied by an antique car show, flamiche tastings, music, and other performances.
Where: Dinant, Belgium
When: August 15th, 2024
Scarecrow Fest
A few miles west of Chicago you will discover a small town called Scarecrow. To honor their unique town, name, and history, locals have been celebrating the Scarecrow Fest for almost 40 years. One of the most interesting festivals around the world, it features over 100 handcrafted scarecrows scattered along the main street of the town. Visitors can choose their favorite creations and vote in different categories like the most creative, spooky, or best use of recycled materials. The event also provides a variety of entertainment options, including live music, carnival, food vendors, and other numerous family-friendly activities.
Where: St. Charles, Illinois, US
When: October 11th to October 13th, 2024
Cheung Chau Bun Festival
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is an annual Taoist tradition in Hong Kong featuring an 18-meter (60-foot) tower covered in 9,000 buns. The focal point of the festival is to climb the tower collecting as many buns as possible. The event features bright parades, traditional music, and Chinese opera. The origins of this unique tradition are found in a local legend serving as protection against evil spirits.
Where: Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, China
When: May 12th to May 16th, 2024
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is an annual Viking fire festival held in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. The festival honors the island’s Norse past and celebrates the end of the Yule season. The event features participants in Vikings’ wear, including elaborate helmets and costumes marching through the streets with torches in their hands. The culmination of the festival occurs when a replica Viking longship engulfs in flames creating a spectacular view.
Where: Lerwick, Scotland
When: January 28th, 2025
Boryeong Mud Festival
Boryeong is a city in South Korea known for its mineral-rich mud which is believed to possess therapeutic properties. In honor of this medicinal mud, the city hosts the annual Boryoeng Mud Festival full of mud-related activities like mud wrestling, sliding, and swimming. This unique festival turns a relaxing spa day into an exciting and playful mud celebration. The event includes live music performances and food vendors and culminates with a big fireworks show.
Where: Boryeong, South Korea
When: July 21st to August 6th, 2024
Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus Whale Festival is held in South Africa’s whale capital, a small town on Walker Bay near Cape Town. The celebration is devoted to the return of the whales to the shores after the migration season. Participants can watch the whales from the shore or take a boat tour and see them up close. The festival also provides numerous educational and environmental workshops about marine conservation and sustainability.
Where: Hermanus, South Africa
When: September 27th to September 29th, 2024
