All societies and countries boast of one or more cultural practices. These practices are showcased during celebrations, especially designed to cater to them. These celebration-tagged festivals can go from small and minute to large and endless.
Some span hours, while some take place over several days. You might have joined one or seen one in your locale. You might have even heard of one from a friend who traveled or on your feed while scrolling through your social media.
Whatever the case is, here are some of the best festivals around the world (remember, this list is in no particular order).
1. Rio Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is undoubtedly one of the greatest festivals in the world. This extravagant celebration, known for its samba parades, vibrant costumes, and infectious music, draws millions of revelers yearly.
Best Time to Go:
The Rio Carnival typically takes place in February or March, depending on the date of Easter. The best time to experience the festivities is during the five-day Carnival, with the highlight being the Sambadrome parade.
Rio Carnival is a dazzling explosion of color, music, and dance that showcases the spirit and culture of Brazil. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable festival experience.
2. La Tomatina, Valencia, Spain
La Tomatina, held in Buñol near Valencia, Spain, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, known for its unique and messy tradition – a massive tomato fight!
Best Time to Go:
La Tomatina is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August each year. The best time to go is during this tomato-flinging extravaganza.
La Tomatina is all about letting loose and having fun. Participants from around the globe gather to engage in this quirky and exciting food fight, creating a sea of red tomato pulp. It’s an event that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a vivid red-stained T-shirt.
3. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, known for its vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and lively street parties.
Best Time to Go:
Mardi Gras occurs on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, typically in February or March. The best time to experience the festivities is during the days leading up to Mardi Gras Day.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a whirlwind of music, dancing, and elaborate floats. It’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and pure revelry that attracts visitors from near and far.
4. St. Patrick’s Festival – Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, Ireland, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrating Irish culture, heritage, and the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.
Best Time to Go:
St. Patrick’s Festival takes place annually from March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, and typically lasts for several days. The best time to go is during this period when Dublin comes alive with festivities.
St. Patrick’s Festival is a vibrant showcase of Irish music, dance, and tradition. The streets of Dublin are awash with green as parades, concerts, and cultural events take center stage. Join in the celebration of all things Irish during this lively and spirited festival!
5. Kumbh Mela Festival, India
Kumbh Mela, celebrated in various cities across India, is one of the most renowned and largest festivals in the world, known for its religious significance and massive congregations of pilgrims.
Best Time to Go:
Kumbh Mela is held in a cyclical manner, with the major festival occurring every 12 years. The best time to experience this grand spectacle is during the specific dates of the Kumbh Mela in the chosen city.
Kumbh Mela is a spiritual journey like no other. Millions of devotees gather on the banks of sacred rivers to bathe in the holy waters, seeking spiritual purification and blessings.
The festival is a mesmerizing blend of rituals, processions, and discussions on matters of faith. It’s an awe-inspiring event that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.
6. Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Japan, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its elegant processions, traditional costumes, and deep-rooted cultural significance.
Best Time to Go:
Gion Matsuri spans the entire month of July, with the grandest events occurring on July 17th. The best time to experience the festivities is during this period.
Gion Matsuri is a mesmerizing journey into Kyoto’s rich history and heritage. The festival features colorful floats, known as “yamaboko,” adorned with intricate tapestries and traditional performances.
It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and witness the grace and charm of Kyoto’s geisha and maiko. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this captivating celebration!
7. Songkran – Thailand
Songkran in Thailand is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its water fights, religious ceremonies, and vibrant cultural traditions.
Best Time to Go:
Songkran is celebrated from April 13th to 15th each year. The best time to experience the festivities is during these three days of the Thai New Year.
Songkran is an exuberant celebration of renewal and purification. People across Thailand participate in spirited water battles, symbolizing the cleansing of the past year’s sins and the welcoming of a fresh start.
Alongside the water fights, you can also partake in temple visits and traditional rituals that provide a deeper understanding of Thai culture and spirituality.
8. Mevlana Festival – Konya, Turkey
The Mevlana Festival in Konya, Turkey, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, dedicated to the teachings of the renowned Sufi poet and philosopher, Rumi, and the mesmerizing dance of the Whirling Dervishes.
Best Time to Go:
The Mevlana Festival is held annually from December 7th to 17th, with December 17th marking the anniversary of Rumi’s death. The best time to experience the festival is during these dates.
The Mevlana Festival is a spiritual journey through the poetry and philosophy of Rumi. It features mesmerizing Sufi music, poetry recitals, and the iconic Whirling Dervishes who perform the Sama ceremony, a dance of deep spiritual significance.
The festival offers a profound insight into Turkish culture, Sufi mysticism, and the enduring legacy of Rumi’s teachings. Immerse yourself in this unique and spiritually enriching experience in Konya, Turkey.
9. Cannes Film Festival – Cannes, France
The Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, is one of the most famous film festivals around the world, celebrated for its red carpet glamour, premieres of cinematic masterpieces, and star-studded events.
Best Time to Go:
The Cannes Film Festival is held annually in May. The best time to experience the festival is during this glamorous and prestigious event.
The Cannes Film Festival is a dazzling showcase of cinematic artistry. It attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the globe to celebrate the world of cinema. From prestigious film premieres to the iconic Palme d’Or award, the festival offers a glimpse into filmmaking’s magic and the French Riviera’s allure. Join the excitement and be part of the glamour at the Cannes Film Festival!
10. Burning Man, Black Rock City, USA
Burning Man, held annually in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, is one of the most unique and famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its radical self-expression, art installations, and the symbolic burning of a massive wooden effigy.
Best Time to Go:
Burning Man takes place annually during the last week of August and the first week of September. The best time to experience the festival is during this window.
Burning Man is an extraordinary experiment in creativity and community. Participants, known as “Burners,” come together to build a temporary city in the desert, filled with awe-inspiring art installations, themed camps, and performances. The festival encourages self-reliance, communal spirit, and artistic expression, making it an unparalleled and transformative experience for those who attend.
11. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, often referred to as Coachella, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its iconic musical lineups, immersive art installations, and bohemian atmosphere.
Best Time to Go:
Coachella takes place over two weekends in April, typically the second and third weekends of the month. The best time to experience the festival is during these dynamic and music-filled weekends.
Coachella is a celebration of music and artistic creativity. It features performances by some of the world’s top musicians and bands across various genres, from rock to hip-hop to electronic dance music. Alongside the music, attendees can explore captivating art installations, savor diverse cuisines, and embrace the festival’s free-spirited and eclectic vibe.
12. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its vibrant parade, inclusive spirit, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Best Time to Go:
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras typically takes place in February or March. The best time to experience the festival is during this time of year when Sydney becomes a beacon of love and acceptance.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a dazzling and inclusive celebration of diversity and love. It features a spectacular parade with vibrant floats, dazzling costumes, and a joyous atmosphere. Beyond the parade, the festival hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ cultural events, parties, and performances, making it a vital and colorful celebration of pride and equality.
13. Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland
The Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its world-class musical performances, picturesque lakeside setting, and a legacy of hosting legendary artists.
Best Time to Go:
The Montreux Jazz Festival typically takes place in early to mid-July. The best time to experience the festival is during this period when the town of Montreux comes alive with the sound of jazz and a diverse range of musical genres.
The Montreux Jazz Festival is a harmonious blend of music and natural beauty. It features performances by renowned musicians, jazz legends, and emerging artists in a stunning lakeside setting along Lake Geneva.
The festival’s history is adorned with iconic performances, making it a haven for music enthusiasts. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a lover of live music, the Montreux Jazz Festival offers an enchanting and melodic experience like no other.
14. Semana Santa, Seville, Spain
Semana Santa, celebrated in Seville, Spain, is one of the most famous religious festivals around the world, known for its solemn processions, intricate floats, and profound religious observance.
Best Time to Go:
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, takes place during the week leading up to Easter Sunday. The best time to experience the festival is during these days when Seville is immersed in religious devotion and tradition.
Semana Santa in Seville is a deeply moving and culturally significant experience. It features processions of elaborately decorated floats, or “pasos,” depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. Penitents in traditional robes accompany the pasos, creating a powerful and spiritual atmosphere.
The streets of Seville come alive with music, incense, and a sense of reverence, making Semana Santa a unique and contemplative journey into Spanish religious and cultural heritage.
15. Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Nozawa Onsen, Japan
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival in Nozawa Onsen, Japan, is one of the most unique and famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its fiery displays, traditional rituals, and winter charm.
Best Time to Go:
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is held annually on January 15th. The best time to experience the festival is during this winter celebration.
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is a thrilling spectacle that marks the end of the winter season. Participants carry massive torches through the streets, culminating in a fiery showdown at a giant wooden shrine.
The festival combines ancient rituals, spectacular fire displays, and a sense of camaraderie, making it a mesmerizing and unforgettable winter experience in the Japanese Alps. Join the excitement and warm up to the traditions of Nozawa Onsen at this blazing festival.
16. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its unmatched diversity of performances, experimental theater, and artistic innovation.
Best Time to Go:
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe typically takes place in August. The best time to experience the festival is during this month when Edinburgh becomes a playground for creative minds.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a celebration of the arts in its rawest and most experimental form. It features thousands of performances, from theater to comedy, dance, music, and visual arts, across various venues in the city.
The festival’s uncurated and open-access nature invites both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents. It’s a cultural extravaganza that allows you to explore the limitless boundaries of creativity.
17. Holi Festival, India
Holi, celebrated in India, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, known for its exuberant color play, joyous gatherings, and the triumph of good over evil.
Best Time to Go:
Holi is typically celebrated in March, marking the arrival of spring. The best time to experience the festival is during this vibrant and lively season.
Holi is a celebration of unity, love, and the victory of good over evil. It involves people of all ages coming together to play with colored powders and water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors.
The festival also includes traditional rituals, music, dance, and delicious food. It’s a time when social barriers are set aside, and people embrace each other with open hearts.
18. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its beer-filled festivities, lively atmosphere, and traditional Bavarian culture.
Best Time to Go:
Oktoberfest typically runs from late September to the first weekend in October. The best time to experience the festival is during these weeks of Bavarian merriment.
Oktoberfest is a joyous celebration of beer, food, and German culture. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of beer from Munich’s finest breweries, traditional Bavarian cuisine, lively music, and colorful parades.
The festival’s massive beer tents create a jovial and communal atmosphere where locals and tourists come together to raise their beer steins in a spirited “Prost!”.
19. Il Palio, Siena, Italy
Il Palio, celebrated in Siena, Italy, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, known for its thrilling horse race, historic rivalries, and vibrant pageantry.
Best Time to Go:
Il Palio is held twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th. The best time to experience the festival is during these electrifying race days.
Il Palio is a high-stakes horse race that takes place in the heart of Siena’s historic center. Ten horses, each representing a city neighborhood, compete in a frenzied race around the Piazza del Campo.
The festival is rich in tradition and rivalry, with neighborhoods fiercely competing for honor and bragging rights. The race is a heart-pounding spectacle, accompanied by colorful medieval pageantry, drummers, and flag bearers.
20. Día de los Muertos in Mexico
Día de los Muertos, celebrated in Mexico, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, known for its colorful altars, vibrant parades, and heartfelt remembrance of loved ones who have passed away.
Best Time to Go:
Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The best time to experience the festival is during these days when Mexico comes alive with cultural festivities.
Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and a way to honor and remember deceased family members and friends. Families create ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and favorite foods of the departed. Parades featuring colorful costumes and painted faces fill the streets, and communities gather in cemeteries to share stories and music.
It’s a time when death is embraced with joy and love, turning the pain of loss into a vibrant celebration of heritage and tradition. Join in the festivities and be part of the profound and colorful remembrance of Día de los Muertos in Mexico.
21. Snow & Ice Festival, Harbin, China
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China, is one of the most famous winter festivals around the world, celebrated for its breathtaking ice sculptures, illuminated ice buildings, and frosty enchantment.
Best Time to Go:
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival typically runs from late December to February. The best time to experience the festival is during these chilly winter months when Harbin transforms into a sparkling ice paradise.
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is a celebration of ice and snow artistry on a grand scale. Visitors can explore vast ice castles, intricate sculptures, and even ice-themed amusement parks. The festival’s highlight is the Harbin Ice and Snow World, a sprawling wonderland of frozen beauty, illuminated by colorful lights.
It’s a magical experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the artistry of ice and the charm of a winter wonderland. Brave the cold and step into the frozen fantasy of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China.
22. La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina, held in Buñol near Valencia, Spain, is one of the most famous festivals around the world, known for its unique and messy tradition – a massive tomato fight!
Best Time to Go:
La Tomatina is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August each year. The best time to go is during this tomato-flinging extravaganza.
La Tomatina is all about letting loose and having fun. Participants from around the globe gather to engage in this quirky and exciting food fight, creating a sea of red tomato pulp.
The festival is a riot of color, laughter, and camaraderie, leaving participants and spectators drenched in tomato juice and filled with memories of a lifetime. Join the fun and get messy at the world’s messiest food fight in Buñol, Spain!
23. Glastonbury Festival, Pilton, England
The Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England, is one of the most famous music festivals around the world, celebrated for its iconic headliners, diverse music genres, and a unique blend of art and culture.
Best Time to Go:
Glastonbury Festival typically takes place in late June, spanning over five days. The best time to experience the festival is during this period when Pilton’s fields come alive with the sound of music.
Glastonbury Festival is a pilgrimage for music lovers. It features world-renowned headliners, emerging artists, and an eclectic mix of genres, from rock to electronic to folk. Beyond music, the festival boasts impressive art installations, theater performances, and a vibrant atmosphere of creative expression.
It’s a place where you can dance to your favorite bands, discover new talent, and immerse yourself in the artistic spirit of Glastonbury. Join the crowd and let the music move you at this legendary music extravaganza in Pilton, England.
24. Hokkai Heso Matsuri, Furano City, Japan
The Hokkai Heso Matsuri in Furano City, Japan, is one of the most unique and lighthearted festivals around the world, celebrated for its quirky belly button dance, hilarious contests, and a joyful atmosphere.
Best Time to Go:
The Hokkai Heso Matsuri is typically held on the last weekend of July. The best time to experience the festival is during this weekend of belly-button-themed festivities.
The Hokkai Heso Matsuri is a whimsical celebration of belly buttons. Festivalgoers paint faces on their bellies, don humorous costumes, and engage in a playful belly button dance-off. Contests for the best-dressed belly button and the most creative belly button art add to the fun.
It’s a festival that encourages laughter, silliness, and a sense of community, making it a delightful and unforgettable experience in Furano City, Japan. Join in the belly button revelry and embrace the lighthearted spirit of the Hokkai Heso Matsuri!
25. International Bathtub Regatta in Dinant, Belgium
The International Bathtub Regatta in Dinant, Belgium, is one of the most eccentric and famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its zany bathtub races, imaginative watercraft, and sheer aquatic hilarity.
Best Time to Go:
The International Bathtub Regatta is typically held in August. The best time to experience the festival is during this weekend of bathtub-themed aquatic mayhem.
The International Bathtub Regatta is a hilarious and imaginative race where participants craft their own bathtub boats, often in quirky and humorous designs. Competitors paddle their makeshift vessels along the picturesque river while dressed in wacky costumes.
The event combines creativity, laughter, and the sheer joy of unconventional competition, making it a festival like no other. Dive into the whimsical world of the International Bathtub Regatta in Dinant, Belgium, and witness the absurdity and aquatic fun for yourself!
26. Lazarim Carnival in Portugal
The Lazarim Carnival in Lazarim, Portugal, is one of the most fascinating and famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its intricate woodcarved masks, colorful processions, and age-old traditions.
Best Time to Go:
The Lazarim Carnival typically takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. The best time to experience the festival is during these days of masked revelry.
The Lazarim Carnival is a unique celebration where locals craft intricate wooden masks that they wear to conceal their identity. Carved from alder wood, these masks depict various characters and figures from folklore and history. During the carnival, masked participants parade through the village, engaging in traditional games and dances.
The festival combines artistic craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and a sense of mystery, making it a captivating and enriching experience in Lazarim, Portugal.
27. Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Florida, USA
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Florida, USA, is one of the most exciting and famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its lively pirate-themed parades, seafaring spirit, and maritime merriment.
Best Time to Go:
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival typically takes place in late January or early February. The best time to experience the festival is during this period of pirate revelry.
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a grand spectacle of pirate lore and nautical pageantry. The festival kicks off with a lively invasion of Tampa Bay by the legendary pirate ship “Jose Gasparilla.” Following the invasion, a massive parade featuring colorful pirate floats, costumed buccaneers, and a festive atmosphere takes over the streets of Tampa.
It’s a swashbuckling adventure that embraces the spirit of the high seas, making it a thrilling and unforgettable experience in Florida. Join the pirate crew and set sail for the Gasparilla Pirate Festival!
28. Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK
The Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK, is one of the most vibrant and famous festivals around the world, celebrated for its lively street parades, colorful costumes, and infectious Caribbean rhythms.
Best Time to Go:
The Notting Hill Carnival takes place annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend, spanning two days. The best time to experience the festival is during these days when Notting Hill becomes a pulsating hub of culture and celebration.
The Notting Hill Carnival is a dynamic celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring spectacular street parades with colorful costumes, steel bands, and many sound systems playing reggae, calypso, and soca music. The atmosphere is electric, with food stalls offering Caribbean delicacies and the streets filled with revelers dancing to the rhythms.
It’s a multicultural fiesta that welcomes people from all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of the Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK. Join the festivities and dance to the beat of this remarkable carnival!
29. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is one of the most famous music festivals around the world, celebrated for its electrifying electronic dance music (EDM) performances, stunning stage designs, and an otherworldly atmosphere.
Best Time to Go:
Tomorrowland typically takes place over two weekends in late July. The best time to experience the festival is during these weekends of electronic music magic.
Tomorrowland is a mecca for EDM enthusiasts. It features a stellar lineup of the world’s top DJs and electronic music producers across various sub-genres, from house to techno to trance. The festival’s stage designs are nothing short of spectacular, creating immersive and awe-inspiring environments for festivalgoers.
It’s a celebration of music, art, and a sense of unity that transcends borders, making it an unparalleled and unforgettable experience for those who attend.
20. Exit Festival at Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
Exit Festival, held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, is one of the most renowned and famous festivals worldwide, celebrated for its diverse music genres, historical setting, and commitment to social activism.
Best Time to Go:
Exit Festival typically takes place in early July. The best time to experience the festival is during these summer days when Petrovaradin Fortress transforms into a musical paradise.
Exit Festival is a captivating blend of music, art, and social awareness. It features an eclectic lineup of artists spanning various genres, from rock to electronic to hip-hop. The festival’s unique setting within the medieval Petrovaradin Fortress adds a touch of history and mystique to the experience.
Beyond music, Exit is known for its dedication to social and environmental causes, making it a platform for positive change. Join the crowd and let the music and activism of Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, inspire your soul and ignite your passions.
31. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, is one of the most breathtaking and famous festivals worldwide, celebrated for its mesmerizing hot air balloon displays, vibrant colors, and the spirit of adventure.
Best Time to Go:
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta typically takes place in early October. The best time to experience the festival is during these crisp autumn mornings when the skies come alive with balloons.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a visual spectacle like no other. It features hundreds of hot air balloons taking flight against the backdrop of New Mexico’s stunning landscapes.
From traditional balloon shapes to whimsical and imaginative designs, the festival offers a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity. Visitors can enjoy balloon rides, witness the magical “Mass Ascension” event, and savor local cuisine. It’s a celebration of freedom, wonder, and the joy of flight that captures the hearts of attendees worldwide.
