Grayson West
The world is filled with unforgettable festivals that bring you to the heart of diverse communities. Some festivals are the pulse of a culture as it reflects its history, values, and morals. These 15 extraordinary events around the world will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with locals, indulge in traditional cuisine, or witness breathtaking performances.
Day of the Dead: Mexico
During a time of remembrance and celebration in Mexico, families honor deceased loved ones with elaborate altars, vibrant marigold flowers, and food and drink offerings. The atmosphere is festive, with parades and traditional music that fill the streets to reflect the belief in a joyful connection between the living and the dead.
Saint Patrick’s Day: Ireland
People in Ireland celebrate this day by wearing green and attending parades to enjoy music and dance. The event honors Saint Patrick, the country’s patron saint, and is marked by the lifting of Lenten restrictions. It is a day for feasting, particularly on traditional Irish foods and beverages.
Holi (Festival of Colors): India
In India, Holi brings communities together, and they throw colored powders and water at each other to signify the victory of good over evil in Hindu mythology. It’s a joyful celebration of spring’s arrival in March, with people singing, dancing, and enjoying festive foods. It’s a symbol of renewal and togetherness.
Obon Festival: Japan
The event in Japan involves honoring ancestors by lighting lanterns to guide spirits back to the world of the living. Families clean graves, offer food, and participate in traditional dances known as Bon Odori. This time of year is marked by deep respect and a strong sense of family unity.
Rio Carnival: Brazil
This vibrant event in Brazil features extravagant parades, elaborate costumes, and lively samba music. It takes place before Lent in the Christian calendar and is a time of great energy and celebration, with people from all over the world coming together to experience the grandeur of Brazilian culture.
Songkran: Thailand
Songkran is a Sanskrit word for “approaching” or “passing.” In Thailand, people mark the traditional New Year by throwing water at each other in the streets, which symbolizes cleansing and renewal to them. The celebrations also include temple visits, where people offer food to monks and pray for good fortune.
Oktoberfest: Germany
Germany hosts Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors enjoy large quantities of beer, traditional foods, and lively music. It originated as a royal wedding celebration but has become a global attraction, with large tents and beer gardens that give visitors a taste of Bavarian culture in a convivial setting.
Inti Raymi: Peru
Peruvians celebrate the Incan festival by reenacting ancient rituals to honor the sun god Inti. The event has elaborate costumes, traditional music, and dances, culminating in a procession to the Sacsayhuamán fortress. It’s a powerful display of cultural pride and reverence for the Incan heritage.
Naadam Festival: Mongolia
Mongolians start the Naadam festival by competing in traditional sports such as wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The festival shows the country’s nomadic culture and emphasizes physical strength, courage, and skill. It’s a time of national pride and community, with people gathering to support competitors.
Carnival of Venice: Italy
Venetians celebrate the Carnival of Venice with intricate masks and costumes to celebrate the victory over the patriarch. Parades, balls, and performances fill the city, which reflects Venice’s rich history and tradition of indulgence before the solemn period of Lent. It’s a celebration of art, culture, and freedom of expression.
Up Helly Aa: Scotland
In Scotland, participants honor Viking heritage by lighting a replica Viking longship with a burning torch. The event is steeped in history and tradition that shows Shetland’s unique cultural identity through dramatic reenactments, traditional music, and community gatherings. It’s a celebration of light after a dark winter.
Thaipusam: Malaysia
Malaysia marks this event with a dramatic display of devotion, where participants carry heavy structures called kavadis as an act of penance. The festival is deeply spiritual, with prayers, offerings, and elaborate rituals taking place at Hindu temples, displaying the strong religious beliefs of the Tamil community.
Las Fallas: Spain
Las Fallas is one of many festivals in Spain. People at this event create and burn large, elaborate papier-mâché figures. The burning ritual is to celebrate the beginning of spring and to honor Saint Joseph. Additionally, the celebration is filled with fireworks, parades, and street parties to bring together communities in a vibrant display tradition.
Cinco de Mayo: Mexico
At a Cinco de Mayo festival, you can expect parades, music, and traditional foods commemorating the country’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. It’s a day of national pride, particularly in Puebla, where historical reenactments and cultural events honor resistance and resilience.
Pchum Ben: Cambodia
Pchum Ben is a religious event that honors ancestors through food offerings, particularly rice, to monks and the deceased. The celebration lasts 15 days and is a time for reflection and remembrance, with families gathering at temples to pay their respects and seek blessings. During this time, Buddhist monks chant the suttas in the Pali language.