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? The best way to learn more about the customs and cultural traditions around the world is to attend their ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations.
Whether it’s a cultural festival, a religious festival, a seasonal festival, a celebration of age-old customs and traditions, a music festival, an art festival, a literature festival, or just a fun holiday festival, attending one can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids and grown-ups alike.
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 in the World
World’s Best Art & Music Festivals
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Festivals of the World
Some of the best festivals in the world will definitely inspire you to travel to see the rich cultural celebrations, religions, traditions, and unique aspects of these festivals. Some festival names have been unfamiliar to us as well, and we have opened a window into this cultural exuberance.
Take a sneak peek into these festivals worldwide – some of the biggest festivals in the world, some of the unique festivals in the world, and some of the religious festivals in the world.
Holi, India
Editor’s Pick
When: Wed, 4 Mar, 2026
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 across India for the fun and frolic it brings. Holi marks the beginning of Spring and is a celebration of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, 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. Inspired by the boon, Holika was burnt, and Prahlad was saved. Thereafter, the night before Holi, Holika Dahan is celebrated, and 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 each other “Happy Holi.” Some people, especially kids, even play with water guns and water balloons, drenching 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 dishes across India that are synonymous with this festival. It is so much fun to be part of a celebration where strangers become your friends, and there is no discrimination. Visiting Mathura or Vrindavan is a special experience to be part of Holi, as Lord Krishna once celebrated it.
Read more
India itinerary ideas for spending 1 to 4 weeks
Festivals of India
Kumbh Mela, India
Attended by Amrita & Agniswar from Tale of 2 Backpackers
When: 2027
Where: Nashik-Trimbakeshwar
Age group: All. However, because it is a mass gathering, keep your little ones close to you.
About: Kumbh Mela is said to be one of the largest gatherings of people on Earth, with millions gathering to celebrate the festival. Kumbh Mela is closely linked to Hindu mythology and takes place every 12 years, rotating among 4 places in India: Prayag (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati Rivers), Haridwar (the Ganga River), Nashik (the Godavari River), and Ujjain (the 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 world’s largest gathering of pilgrims. 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 Kumbh Mela venue is a colorful mélange of people and emotions. Kumbh Mela is also a gathering place for all the reclusive Naga sadhus and ascetics in India. Observing their ways can be really fascinating as well. This is not just any festival celebrated in India, but rather an altogether different experience.
Flower Festival, Thailand
Attended by Lindsay Lalonde from Chiang Mai Family Guide
When: Saturday, 31 January 2026 to Monday, 2 February 2026
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Age group: This is a very child-friendly event, great for all ages!
About: The Flower Festival in Chiang Mai will celebrate its 50th year in 2026! It is a one-of-a-kind, three-day 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, explore the city by taking the Chang Mai tour.
Songkran New Year Festival, Thailand
Attended by Angie from Where Angie Wanders
When: Sunday, 13 April 2026
Where: Songkran takes place everywhere in Thailand.
Age Group: Children are allowed and encouraged to participate 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 April. Songkran is a water festival that marks the beginning of the 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 gather with water guns, buckets, and any water-filled container 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 trained to blast people with water from their trunks. This is a particularly fun experience to witness at Elephant Care.
Why visit: Songkran is a high-spirited festival enjoyed by all. It brings together tourists and locals, allowing a first-hand view of a tradition celebrated across Thailand.
It is always good to indulge in local activities to experience the culture, including authentic Thai cooking classes.
Read More: Best Art and Music Festivals in the World
Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Attended by Emily from Wander-Lush
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Where: Vietnam
Age group: Everyone (suitable for the whole family)
About: Tết is Vietnam’s biggest annual festival, celebrated throughout the 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 them in the new year with loved ones. In the lead-up to Tet, it’s traditional to visit the temples and the 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 (a 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 – the Old Quarter is lit up, and parades are held throughout the week. Take a tour of Hanoi 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 throughout the country, often featuring cherry blossoms and kumquat trees, both symbols of Tet.
Burning Man, USA
When: Late August to early September annually. For 2026, you’d be looking at Sunday, August 30, to Monday, September 7.
Where: Black Rock City, Nevada, USA
Age Group: While children are allowed, the festival is generally more adult-focused due to the event’s extreme conditions and artistic nature. However, a family camp does exist!
About: Burning Man isn’t just a festival; it’s a phenomenon. Picture this: a temporary city erected in the Nevada desert that becomes a canvas for radical self-expression. It’s an event that defies easy categorization. You’ve got art installations that are the size of buildings, interactive sculptures, and, of course, the Man himself—a towering figure that gets burned in a dramatic, ritualistic ceremony. But that’s not all; you’ll also find workshops, music performances, and even ‘gifting’ stations, as the whole festival operates on a gift economy!
Why Visit: If you’re the kind of traveler who thrives on unique experiences, Burning Man is your mecca. Here, the line between spectator and performer is delightfully blurred. You’re not just there to see the art; you’re there to be the art. It’s a surreal experience that allows you to push your boundaries and explore new realms of creativity. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment when the Man is set aflame, lighting up the desert sky, a symbolic culmination of a week of freedom, community, and innovation.
Pack your most outrageous costumes and prepare for a festival experience that’s literally and figuratively out of this world. If you’re venturing into the Nevada desert during this time, missing Burning Man would be unthinkable.
Merrie Monarch Festival, USA
Attended by Marcie Cheung from Hawaii Travel with Kids
When: Sunday, 5 April 2026 to Saturday, 11 April 2026
Age group: All ages, although better for older kids and teens interested in Hawaiian culture.
About: The Merrie Monarch Festival is a three-day celebration of traditional and modern Hawaiian hula dancing on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s an intense hula competition featuring participants from around the world. In addition to this Hawaiian festival, there are incredible Hawaiian craft fairs, a parade, and other festivities.
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.
Read More: Fire and Ice Festival, Lititz, USA
Semana Santa, Guatemala
Attended by Daniel James of Layer Culture
When: Sunday, 29 March 2026 to Sunday, 5 April 2026
Where: Antigua, Guatemala
Age group: All ages, but infants should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
About: With so many festivals 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 who is looking for a festival.
Why visit: Thousands of people, including many foreign travelers, come to witness Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Spain. Not only is it for adults, but kids of all ages also dress up to see all the activities. This event features many cultural and religious festivities that showcase a splash of color, blending 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 from flowers and other natural materials. All in all, Semana Santa is a must-see cultural festival to get involved in and a different way to celebrate Easter.
Dia de Muertos, Mexico
Attended by Rose from Where Goes Rose
When: Monday, 2 November 2026
Where: Mexico
Age group: all ages, kids of any age
About: Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festival held in Mexico and has been celebrated since Aztec times. While it still incorporates plenty of pre-Hispanic elements, All Souls’ Day (a pagan holiday) was also 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 also a chance to learn about the culture surrounding it. Celebrating the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is a must for travelers, as you can easily experience the holiday by visiting lively cemeteries and entering 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: July 2026
Where: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Age group: 5+
About: The Guelaguetza festival celebrates the diversity of the state of Oaxaca, which comprises 16 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 in bright colors. The beautiful clothing delights the eyes as the dancers perform dances particular to their region. After the performance, gifts are thrown to the audience, such as fruit, woven hats, tamales, mezcal, and other items.
Formal festival events take place at the amphitheater on the hill. However, like most festivities in Oaxaca, the celebration spills into the streets and extends for days on either side of the festival. During this time, the city comes alive with parades of people dancing. Local delicacies are also available to sample, and handicrafts are 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 predates 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.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland
Attended by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple
When: Friday, 7 August 2026 to Saturday, 29 August 2026
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
Age group: The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is for all ages. Kids are allowed, too.
About: Seven decades ago, the 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 international festival that showcases performances by military bands and artists from the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth nations, and Other countries. The Military Tattoo Festival is an annual event that runs for three to four 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 on weekends, followed by a short fireworks display. Tattoo Festival is part of the Edinburgh International Festival.
Why visit: The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival is truly international and a must-see for everyone. How often do we get to see a grand 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 across 6 continents participate and perform for 220,000 live audiences every year. With a different theme every year, the festival adds a unique touch! There’s music, dance, massed pipes and drums, cultural troupes, and acrobatics.
This stunning festival, a treat for the eyes and ears, will celebrate its 75th year in 2026.
St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on the 17th of March.
Where: Dublin, Ireland (though festivities happen worldwide)
Age Group: Everyone’s invited! It’s a family-friendly affair.
About: St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin is the epitome of all things Irish, celebrated with gusto that’s hard to match. For several days leading up to March 17th, Dublin becomes a playground of parades, music, art, and dancing. Streets fill with green-clad revelers, while pubs overflow with people enjoying pints of Guinness. The festival honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island.
Why Visit: Trust me, this is more than just a day-long party; it’s like Ireland itself is giving you a bear hug. Get ready for a genuine “Céad Míle Fáilte,” or “a hundred thousand welcomes,” as you join both locals and fellow travelers in the jubilant celebrations. If your idea of fun includes eye-catching parades, the soul-stirring beats of Irish tunes, and socializing with some of the world’s warmest folks, then Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day should top your bucket list. And let’s not forget that the city transforms into a photographer’s dream, awash in every imaginable hue of green.
If you’re looking for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day experience, there’s no better place than Dublin to feel the heartbeat of Irish culture. Just be prepared: your soul might just turn a little greener by the end of it!
Vardavar, Armenia
Attended by Megan and Aram from Absolute Armenia
When: Sunday, 12 July 2026
Where: all over Armenia
Age group: all ages
About: Vardavar is one of the most interesting and unique festivals celebrated annually in Armenia. The festival is about water, with people splashing everyone they see with buckets or water guns from morning until evening. It happens throughout the entire country and is loads of fun. Originally, Vardavar came from pagan times and was a dedication to the goddess of water, love, beauty, and fertility, Astghik.
Today, historians claim that the word ‘Vardavar’ comes from the observance of the goddess Astghik and is derived from the Armenian words ‘vard’ (rose) and ‘var’ (rise from transition). After becoming the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, Vardvar began to be celebrated throughout the country on the day of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. The festival takes place on different dates each year, but it is always in the 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 the UNESCO World Heritage monastery Geghard to Meghri village in the far south of Armenia.
Oktoberfest, Munich
Attended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties
When: Saturday, 19 September 2026 to Sunday, 4 October 2026
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 (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 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 the 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: Late September
Where: Lisbon and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Age group: Suitable for the whole family, although some of the costumes may be scary for sensitive youngsters
About: This is a celebration of the bizarre and often garish costumes found in the villages of Spain and Northern Portugal. Typically, these traditional masks and odd outfits originate 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 helps keep traditions alive and offers 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. In addition to 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: Friday, 1 May 2026 to Monday, 4 May 2026
Where: Cagliari, Sardinia
Age group: Any
About: Locally known as the Sagra di Sant’Efisio, the festival has been held for more than 350 years to celebrate the saint who 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 various villages in Sardinia walk 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 (the local word for wagon), and more than 5,000 people are 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: Although attending the festival is free, if you want to be sure you are seated, get tickets well in advance from the Cagliari ticket office on Viale Regina Margherita. Tickets cost €15 to €30.
La Tomatina, Spain
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The festival is always held on the last Wednesday in August.
Where: Buñol, Spain
Age Group: Ages 18 and up! It’s adult-only fun.
About: La Tomatina is essentially the world’s largest food fight, with tomatoes as the main weapon of choice. Picture this: A little Spanish town turned into a sea of red as truckloads of tomatoes were thrown in a mass frenzy. It’s a one-hour showdown in which participants pelt each other with overripe tomatoes. The festival originated in a local food fight among kids in 1945 and has since evolved into a globally recognized event.
Why Visit: Come for the spectacle; stay for the sheer joy of partaking in organized chaos. It’s a bucket-list event that leaves you drenched in tomato pulp but high on life. The vibe is infectious, and locals and tourists alike join in with gleeful abandon. Imagine the Instagram stories you’ll have!
So, if you’re planning a Spanish soiree around late August, Buñol is the place to be. Just don’t forget to pack something you don’t mind getting stained!
Feria de Abril, Spain
Attended by Justine Ancheta from Latitude 41
When: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 to Sunday, 26 April 2026
Where: Seville, Spain
Age group: All ages, including toddlers
About: The Feria de Abril (‘April Fair’) is a six-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 lining 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. However, non-locals can enjoy the over-the-top festivities in some of the seven casetas that welcome the general public.
Children will also love Calle del Infierno, which offers more than 50 amusement park rides. The Feria de Abril encapsulates much of what represents “stereotypical Spain”, but it’s a fun spectacle to be experienced in real life.
La Mercè, Spain
Attended by Ciara from Wellness Travel Diaries
When: Sunday, 20 September 2026 to Thursday, 24 September 2026
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Age group: La Mercè is a family festival that’s suitable for all ages.
About: The history of the festival La Mercè, according to legend, dates back to 1218, when the Virgin of Mercy asked the King to save the Christians imprisoned. This cultural festival is one of the biggest celebrated in the streets of Barcelona. The city lights up during this massive festival celebrating the Patron Saint of Barcelona. La Mercè lasts for 5 days, kissing the long summer nights goodbye and welcoming the colorful ambiance of fall.
Why visit: During this week-long celebration, La Mercè offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. From art exhibits and puppet shows to food truck stations, circus performances, and more, planning a visit to La Mercè is a must for anyone who loves festivals.
In fact, one of the most unique things you’ll find at this particular festival is the correfocs and fire runs. Located on Via Laietana, the fire runners begin their annual fire dance, lighting torch-like fireworks that light up the sky. Stay safe by wearing appropriate clothing to protect you from any flying sparks, and keep in mind that there are two runs (one for children and one for adults).
The Great Dragon Parade, Poland
Attended by Karolina from Travel Poland Tours
When: June 2026
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 visit: Krakow’s Great Dragon Parade is one of the most famous festivals around the world in 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 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 is marched into the Main Square by their young creators to win the prize for the best-looking dragon.
Fête du Citron, Menton, France
Attended by Kat from Wandering Bird Motorhome Blog
When: Saturday, 14 February 2026 to Sunday, 1 March 2026
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 is that dogs aren’t allowed into the statue area.
About: Menton, in southern France, is famous for its citrus, and the region produces a lot of it. The Menton Lemon Festival is a celebration of that. HUGE statues are created entirely from lemons, limes, and oranges. Many of them are over 10 feet 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.
Mama Negra Festival, Ecuador
Attended by Sheree from Winging the World
When: Late September and November
Where: Latacunga, Ecuador
Age group: Although nothing stops 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 volcanic eruption in 1742, and twice a 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 with bottles of alcohol and cartons of cigarettes, acting as offerings to Mama Negra. The festival organizers will rate each pig based on the embellishment of the carcass, so each team tries really hard to outdo the other.
Parintins Folklore Festival, Brazil
Attended by Bruna Venturinelli from I Heart Brazil
When: Late June
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 who 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 visit: The Parintins Folklore Festival (Festival Folclórico de Parintins) is a crucial part of Brazilian culture, celebrating an ancient indigenous legend about a woman and an ox. It combines local folklore and culture with modern rhythms and themes from across the country, which is why it is recognized as a cultural heritage of Brazil. The festival also highlights the incredible features of the Amazonas State, one of Brazil’s richest in nature, wildlife, and indigenous culture. 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: Early February
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 its contests, the festival introduces 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 should definitely include tours of them with your festival watching.
World Nomad Games
Attended by Erika Bisbocci from Erika’s Travels
When: September every 2 years
Where: Traditionally, the nomadic games have been held in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan. In 2023, they will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan.
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 a region often misunderstood.
The week-long event showcases athletic, theatrical, and cultural performances. Among its events are 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: Saturday, 11 July 2026 to Wednesday, 15 July 2026
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. However, they found the first written record of similar celebrations dating back to the 13th century. It is celebrated all around the country in midsummer.
The main event will be held in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, at the National Sports Stadium. At the opening ceremony, Genghis Khan’s nine-horse tails—nine tribes of the Mongols—are transported 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 three traditional sports: horse racing, wrestling, and archery.
Wrestling is an up to 10-round competition featuring 1024 men in shorts and shoulder pads. Women can’t compete in wrestling. Archery is a team sport in which they count the number of cylinders they hit at 75 meters. Horse racing in cross-country competition on Mongolian horses ridden by small children as jockeys.
When the winning horse arrives, spectators run towards him and wipe his sweat, believing 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 a colorful ceremony, a historical event, and an interesting competition.
National Kenu and Kundu Festival, Papua New Guinea
Attended by Luke from Culture Shock Adventure
When: Sunday, 1 November 2026 to Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Where: Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
Age group: Okay, for school-age children and older
About: The Kenu & Kundu Festival celebrates 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, which feature smaller outrigger canoes carved from a single tree.
Back on land, you can watch all the different signings. 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 were surely grooved and added so many festivals from around the world to our bucket list now. Which International festival have you attended or intend to attend? Did we miss any of the world’s festivals? Do share your thoughts.
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Such a great list of festivals, Neha! I have experienced a few of these before, but you have definitely introduced me to some that I had no (or very little) clue about.
Thanks Charu for reading it and liking. I am glad it introduced you to many new festivals that would make you want to visit a new country and experience it.
Brilliant idea for a post! You could literally plan all your future travel around it! I have always wanted to be there for Holi festival in India. Love the sound of these festivals of flowers and light. I can use this as a reference for my next bucket list adventure. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you so much for appreciating and liking the idea. We truly believe that travel is not just visiting a destination but to get to know the culture through its festivals and food. Oh Holi is such a fun festival to be in India, you should def plan around it. And it’s even special in Mathura and Vrindavan .
A great benefit of travel is the opportunity to have new experiences and witness different cultures! Engaging in local festivals, tasting local food and mingling with the locals is a so much worth experience! a great selection of worldwide festivals I would love to join a day!
Absolutely. Can’t agree more to what you said. It’s truly what travel lets us do, be a part of new cultures, traditions and become global citizens by appreciating and respecting other cultures. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
WOW. What a fabulous list, there are so many that I haven’t heard of. I loved the Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata too and it has made me really want to go to Holi! I went to the lantern festival in Thailand and it was incredible. And one that I didn’t see on this list is the Tomato Festival in Spain!! That would be awesome. I will save this list to plan my next trip! Thanks for putting it together!
We really appreciate you taking out time to read our post and liking it. Yes Durga Puja and Holi are colorful and full of energy. We have a long way to go to attend many of them on this list. Sure we will add Tomato Festival of Spain, how could we forget that. Thanks for reminding.
I love learning about different cultures and the way they celebrate certain days and events. I hadn’t heard of some of these festivals before so thanks for sharing!
Thanks Krista for reading and liking our post. For us also it was an experience through different cultures and traditions when we were collating them all together. Hope to attend them with time.
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH so crazy to visit these festivals ,,,,,,,, because these rae all amazing ,,,,,,,,
You explore new things ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,, new and different calture of the world
Thank you so much
So glad you read the post and liked it. So true, festivals are the best way to explore culture of the world besides having fun.
Thanks sharing this article
Thanks for taking time to read and like.
Wow this is really too good about the festivals around the world thanks sharing this article
That’s very inspiring. Thanks for reading and appreciating the work. Encourages us to work.
Wonderful reading for me to know more about different festivals around the world. Thank you for sharing this article.
It’s heartening to hear that you liked the post. Isn’t it amazing to see so many different festivals celebrating their culture in unique ways. Thanks for stopping by.
Love this informative article to know about the famous festivals around the world. Thank you for sharing it.
Glad you read and found it informative. It is amazing to see such varied celebrations of cultures around the world.
Thanks sharing this article about the festivals around the world this is really too good
Glad you liked it. It is amazing to know about so many varied cultures across the world. Thanks for stopping by.
This is a great article, thank you for the positive moments.
Thanks for sharing this article. I wish you can write about Canada soon. People from all over the world visit here and many good apartments are renovated by kitchenpros to stay during the festive period.
Thank you for sharing the article “Exciting Celebrations and Festivals Around the World”! It was truly informative and captivating, showcasing the richness and diversity of cultures across the globe. The descriptions of the various festivals and celebrations were well-written and detailed, and the accompanying photos added to the overall experience.