30 Unique Festivals in the World for Your Bucket List
Unique festivals in the world like Rio Carnival, Oktoberfest in Munich, and Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival attract millions of visitors every year. Whether it’s dancing in a sea of colors at India’s Holi Festival or watching sky lanterns light up the night during Thailand’s Yi Peng, these celebrations offer unforgettable experiences.
Imagine seeing thousands of giant puppets parade through the streets at Spain’s La Mercè Festival or experiencing the lively energy of Tomorrowland in Belgium. No, this is not a dream—these are some of the most spectacular festivals on Earth.
Rio Carnival, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Rio Carnival is famously the largest festival in the world, typically held the weekend before Ash Wednesday. Its highlights include the lively Samba parade in the Sambadrome, extravagant costumes, and nonstop street parties.
“Book your Sambadrome tickets early and stay close to the metro,” says Daniel from São Paulo. “Keep cash on hand and wear comfortable shoes to dance all night!”
The festival involves the Samba parade in the Sambadrome and street parties throughout the city. The Rio Carnival is an opportunity to celebrate in extravagant parades, vibrant costumes, and infectious samba music.
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest started as a Royal wedding in 1810. It is an annual festival celebrating Bavarian culture and the world’s largest beer festival.
It is held in Theresienwiese, an open space near the city center of Munich. If you want to indulge in the rich German beer and food culture, Oktoberfest is a great place to do it with beer tents, traditional foods, and cultural performances.
“Get to the beer tents early or you might not find a seat,” says Lena from Berlin. “Also, don’t forget to eat a big meal, because beer at Oktoberfest is stronger than you think!”
Oktoberfest traditionally begins in late September and runs through the first weekend of October. Attend this festival to enjoy horse races, parades, carnival rides, cultural performances, rich brewing culture, and traditional Bavarian foods.
Diwali, also called the festival of lights, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness or good over evil.
If you love the breathtaking scenery of fireworks exploding into the night skies, plan to attend a Diwali festival.
The festival primarily happens in India and among other Hindu communities in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries with large Indian diaspora populations. It is best experienced in Delhi, Jaipur, or Mumbai.
Diwali typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the lunar calendar. The Hindu lunisolar calendar determines Diwali’s main day, usually on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month, Ashvin.
During the festival, people’s homes and public spaces are decorated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights. These fireworks and firecrackers create a fantastic festive atmosphere.
The Mardi Gras Festival is deeply rooted in the Creole and French culture. Want to experience European charm without actually having to fly to Europe? This would be a great festival for you to attend.
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of the Lent period. The “Fat Tuesday” was originally about consuming rich, fatty foods before the fasting period begins.
“Don’t forget to try King Cake, it’s a Mardi Gras must” says Jake from New Orleans
This New Orleans festival now organizes live festivities full of music, dance, themed floats, marching bands, costumed performers, and lively performances.
Holi is primarily celebrated in India and other Hindu communities in different countries. The Holi festival usually takes place the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna, corresponding to the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
The festival involves throwing and smearing colors to family and friends, a ritual that signifies the vibrancy of life. People gather in public spaces, streets, and parks to play and celebrate, singing and dancing to traditional folk songs and music.
“The best part of Holi for foreigners is the sheer celebration and the incredible food. Getting painted by random people on the streets is an experience like no other. And the sweet dish called Ghujia? That’s the best for sure,” says Lakshya from Haryana.
Want to soak in a sea of colors? India’s best places to celebrate Holi include Mathura, Agra, Vrindavan, Jaipur, Barsana, Hampi, Shantiniketan, Mumbai, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Purulia.
During the Carnival of Venice the city transforms into an extravagant platform of creativity and activities. It is the best time to visit Venice.
This festival marks the beginning of Lent; it is held for a few weeks leading up to Lent, with the grand day being Fat Tuesday, just before Ash Wednesday.
“If you want to blend in, rent a traditional Venetian mask,” says Giulia from Milan.
This festival is an opportunity to show creativity with elaborate masks, costumes, and masquerade balls. You can also enjoy live music and performances at St. Mark’s Square and along the quaint streets of Venice.
La Tomatina is a quirky festival in Buñol, near Valencia, in Spain, where participants engage in a playful tomato-throwing frenzy. This food fight festival, held annually on the last Wednesday of August, involves locals and tourists throwing overripe tomatoes at each other.
“Wear goggles or you’ll have tomato juice in your eyes for days,” says Carlos from Valencia. “Don’t bring anything valuable!”
The real excitement of the festivals begins when trucks loaded with tomatoes enter the town square Plaza del Pueblo. Packed trucks signify the start of “palo jabón,” a competition involving participants climbing a greased pole to reach a piece of ham placed on top of it.
Once the ham is successfully reached, the signal for the tomato fight is given, and chaos ensues as people start throwing tomatoes at each other. The tomato fight lasts about an hour, after which fire trucks spray water to clean the streets and participants.
Songkran, Thailand
Songkran is celebrated throughout Thailand. However, for the best experience, attend the festival in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya.
The festival is celebrated between April 13th and April 15th to mark the new year in the traditional Thai calendar.
The peak of the festivals involves participants breaking into the streets with water guns, hose pipes, and buckets of water and splashing them on each other. Is there a better way of reliving your childhood?
Other celebrations you can attend during Songkran include traditional performances, beauty contests, and parades.
Burning Man is a unique festival dedicated to celebrating the radical self-expression and self-reliance of the participants. It is held from the last Sunday in August to the first Monday in September (Labor Day) in the Nevada desert.
Participants from different parts of the world install their unique art as a way of self-expression. The art is then combined to create a “new city” dubbed Black Rock City, which will be destroyed at the end of the festival.
Participating in this festival also offers the chance to enjoy music, themed camps, workshops, dancing, and street performances.
If you believe in radical self-expression through speech, art, or fashion, you belong at Burning Man.
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The Day of the Dead is a unique event celebration to honor loved ones and for anyone who likes Halloween but wants to take it a notch higher. It is held from the evening of October 31st through November 2nd.
Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos involves families and communities coming together to remember and honor their deceased loved ones.
We know that sounds sad, but that is not the mood you will have during this festival. Colorful rituals, altars, candles, flowers, and decorations in streets, homes, and cemeteries characterize this festival.
The evenings are winded with children in elaborately scary costumes and masks knocking on neighborhood doors for small gifts. It is just like a treat-or-trick during Halloween, but more intricate.
While Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many other places, Ireland takes the festivities to different levels. The festival is celebrated annually on March 17th, the death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
“St. Paddy’s is an all-day party,” says Sean from Dublin. “Take the bus instead of driving because parking is impossible.”
The celebrations include concerts, cultural events, and parades. Dublin is a great place to visit during St Patrick’s Day. While all Irish communities largely celebrate the day, bigger cities host more elaborate marching bands, colorful floats, and performances.
Fetes des Lumieres (Festivals of Light) is a vibrant and mesmerizing festival that every art enthusiast should attend at least once. The festival, originally aimed at showing gratitude to the Virgin Mary, is held every December from the 8th to the 12th.
Attend the festival to marvel at the stunning light installations, projections, and performances created by local and international artists.
When darkness falls, start your trip around the city’s historical buildings and monuments, which serve as canvases for interactive light displays.
This festival is also a chance to enjoy rich Lyonnaise cuisine. The city is recognized as France’s gastronomical capital; take it as a chance to savor the best while indulging in an artistic world.
Inti Raymi, Peru
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is an ancient Inca celebration in Cusco. Is seeing Machu Picchu on your bucket list? A good time to visit Peru is during this festival.
Inti Raymi is celebrated in honor of the sun god, with colorful processions, music, dance, and traditional rituals. The main festival is on June 24th at Sacsayhuamán, an archaeological site outside Cusco.
While merry-making is high during this festival, tourists can also take it as a chance to explore the Inca civilization. Enjoy colorful rituals at Sacsayhuamán, experience traditional Inca food, and explore nearby Machu Picchu.
The Brussels Flower Carpet is a colorful event in Brussels, Belgium. Every two years in August, the Grand Place, the stunning square in the city center, is covered with a huge carpet of flowers.
A new design is featured each year, creating a stunning display of patterns and colors. The carpet is made with thousands of fresh flowers, mainly begonias, and is put together in just a few hours.
Visitors from all over come to see this flower carpet, which only stays for a few days. They can get a great view from the City Hall’s balcony.
“Get balcony tickets for the best view,” says Georgia Konidari, founder of World Wild Schooling and Brussels resident.
The event also includes music and cultural performances. The flower carpet is lit at night which makes it look even more magical.
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a beautiful and unique celebration in Thailand. It is held in November during the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar.
This festival is famous for the thousands of sky lanterns floating into the night sky. Originating from Lanna traditions, Yi Peng is celebrated grandly in Chiang Mai.
During the festival, participants write their wishes and prayers on paper lanterns before releasing them into the sky. This symbolic act is believed to bring good luck and rid them of troubles. Streets and temples are decorated with colorful lanterns.
Aside from the lantern release, Yi Peng features various cultural activities, including traditional Lanna dances, parades, and fireworks. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, handicraft markets, and live performances.
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important religious events in Guatemala, especially in Antigua. The city’s cobblestone streets are transformed with intricate carpets (alfombras) made of colored sawdust, flowers, and pine needles. These carpets take hours to create and are destroyed as grand religious processions pass over them.
The processions have large floats carrying religious statues carried by hundreds of people dressed in purple robes. Marching bands follow, playing music as the scent of incense fills the air.
“Seeing the colorful sawdust carpets during Semana Santa in Antigua was breathtaking,” says Miguel from Madrid. “The detail and effort put into them before the processions is incredible.”
Arrive early in the morning to see the alfombras before they are walked over. Hotels book up quickly during this time, so early reservations are essential. Semana Santa usually takes place in March or April, depending on the Easter calendar.
Obon Festival, Japan
Obon is a Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of deceased ancestors. It takes place in mid-July or mid-August, depending on the region.
Families return to their hometowns, visit cemeteries, and clean ancestral graves. It is a time for reflection, respect, and family gatherings.
“The lantern floating ceremony during Obon is so peaceful and beautiful,” says Yuki from Tokyo. “It’s a moment to reflect, honor ancestors, and be surrounded by glowing lights.“
One of the most beautiful traditions during Obon is the Toro Nagashi, or lantern floating ceremony. Thousands of paper lanterns are lit and released onto rivers or into the sky, symbolizing guiding spirits back to their world. Bon Odori, a traditional dance, is performed in towns and cities across Japan.
Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima are some of the best places to experience Obon. Visitors should be respectful, as this is a deeply personal event for many Japanese families. Watching a lantern release is an unforgettable and peaceful experience.
Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa
The Hermanus Whale Festival is an annual celebration of marine life, especially the return of southern right whales to Walker Bay. Held in late September, it is the only eco-marine festival in South Africa.
Visitors can watch whales from the shore during the festival or take boat tours for a closer view. Whale-watching experts provide insights into the behaviors of these gentle giants.
“I had never seen whales so close before! They were right there in the bay, just breaching and playing,” says Emily from Cape Town. “It’s the best whale-watching festival in the world.”
In addition to whale spotting, the festival includes live music, food markets, and environmental exhibits.
Accommodations in Hermanus fill up quickly during the festival, so early booking is recommended. The best viewing spots are along the cliff paths. This festival is perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in marine conservation.
Tsechus, Bhutan
Tsechus are religious festivals held in Bhutan to honor Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. These festivals take place in different parts of the country throughout the year, but the most famous ones occur in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
The highlight of Tsechus is the Cham dance, a sacred masked dance performed by monks and laypeople. Each dance tells a Buddhist story, teaching moral lessons. The festival is also a social event where locals dress in their finest traditional clothing.
Plan your trip well in advance as permits are required for Bhutan travel. Respectful behavior is important, as these festivals hold deep religious significance.
Québec Winter Carnival, Canada
The Québec Winter Carnival is a festival you can’t miss, if you love winter. Held every February in Québec City, this is one of the biggest winter celebrations in the world. Snow sculptures, ice palaces, and exciting outdoor activities bring the city to life in the coldest months of the year.
One of the most thrilling events is the ice canoe race, where teams navigate frozen waters of the St. Lawrence River.
You’ll also see nighttime parades, dogsled races, and people dressed in red sashes, a tradition tied to the carnival’s history. Bonhomme, the giant snowman mascot, leads the fun and makes appearances throughout the festival.
“Sliding down the ice slides and seeing Bonhomme lead the parade made me feel like a kid again,” says Oliver from Toronto.
Dress in layers because it can get freezing. Don’t leave without trying maple taffy, a treat made by pouring hot syrup onto the snow. Whether you’re watching the parade, sliding down ice slides, or admiring the ice sculptures, you’ll feel the magic of winter everywhere.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. Every August, Scotland’s capital transforms into a stage for thousands of performers, from comedians and musicians to actors and street artists.
You can walk through the historic streets and see performers in every corner, from small café shows to huge theater productions.
“The Fringe is the best place to see up-and-coming comedians” shares Sophie from Glasgow. “I once watched a show in a tiny bar basement, and now that comedian is famous!”
The festival is open to anyone who wants to perform, which means you can discover incredible hidden talents. Whether you’re into comedy, drama, dance, or magic, there’s a show for you.
Plan your visit early because accommodations fill up fast. Many shows are free or low-cost, so you don’t have to spend much to enjoy them.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Tampa, Florida, USA
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida, brings your dream to life every January, if you ever wanted to see a pirate invasion. Inspired by the legendary pirate José Gaspar, this festival turns Tampa Bay into a swashbuckling adventure.
The highlight is the pirate ship invasion, where a massive ship filled with costumed pirates sails into the city, firing cannons and demanding the key to Tampa.
“You haven’t lived until you’ve seen thousands of people dressed as pirates taking over a city,” says Jake from Florida.
A huge parade follows, with people dressed as pirates tossing beads and coins into the crowd. The entire city gets into the spirit with pirate-themed parties, live music, and family-friendly activities.
If you’re going, dress up like a pirate for the full experience. Arrive early to grab a good spot along the parade route. Watch the invasion, catch beads, or enjoy the fireworks at Gasparilla.
Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan
Gion Matsuri is Kyoto’s most famous festival, and it has been celebrated for over 1,000 years.
It takes place every July and is known for its grand processions of massive wooden floats called “yamaboko.” These beautifully decorated floats are pulled through the streets by teams of people in traditional clothing.
The festival was initially created to protect the city from disease, but today, it is one of Japan’s most exciting cultural celebrations.
Streets close to traffic, allowing food stalls, performances, and traditional games to take over the city. At night, the lantern-lit floats create a magical scene.
If you’re visiting, wear a yukata (a summer kimono) to blend in with the local traditions. Try delicious street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled skewers).
Lazarim Carnival, Portugal
Lazarim Carnival in Portugal is great, if you’re looking for one of the most traditional carnivals in Europe. Unlike other flashy carnivals, this one focuses on handmade wooden masks, which represent different characters from folklore. The festival happens in February, just before Lent.
“If you’re visiting Lazarim Carnival, wear warm clothes because February nights get cold,” says Sofia from Lisbon. “Also, get there early to see the handcrafted wooden masks up close before the parades begin.”
People in Lazarim wear hand-carved masks that look fierce or humorous. The event also includes the “burning of the compadres and comadres,” where two large figures, representing men and women, are set on fire to symbolize renewal and the end of winter.
This is a great festival to experience authentic Portuguese traditions. If you visit, be sure to try the local smoked sausages and traditional pastries. The festival is not as touristy as others.
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most famous music festivals in the world. Held every July on the shores of Lake Geneva, this event attracts music lovers from all over.
It started as a jazz-only festival in 1967 but now has artists from all genres, including rock, blues, and pop. The festival has hosted legendary musicians like Miles Davis, Prince, and David Bowie.
“Book your tickets early for Montreux Jazz Festival because the best seats sell out fast,” says Lucas from Paris. “Some of the best performances happen at the free outdoor stages at the lakeside.”
Concerts take place in different venues, from fancy concert halls to free outdoor stages with breathtaking lake views. Music fans can also join workshops, meet artists, or enjoy jam sessions.
Buy your tickets early, as the best shows sell out fast. Even if you don’t have a ticket, the city is buzzing with free performances.
Coachella, USA
Coachella is one of the biggest music and arts festivals in the world. It is held every April in California’s desert.
The festival is known for its massive lineup of famous musicians, creative art installations, and stylish fashion trends. It attracts music fans, celebrities, and influencers from all over the world.
Coachella takes place over two weekends, with the same lineup of artists performing both weekends. You’ll see major headliners across different genres, from pop and rock to hip-hop and electronic music.
“Coachella is massive, bring comfortable shoes,” says Taylor from Los Angeles.
The festival also has giant art sculptures, immersive light displays, and fun activities.
Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, as the desert heat can be intense. Whether you’re there for the music, the art, or the scene, Coachella is a great music festival experience.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in China and is celebrated worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, with traditions focusing on family, luck, and renewal.
The celebrations include fireworks, dragon dances, and red envelopes filled with money, symbolizing prosperity.
“The streets are covered in red decorations and everyone is celebrating with their families,” says Daniel from San Francisco. “The dragon dances are my favorite part“
Each year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, influencing decorations and festivities. Families come together for reunion dinners, where dishes like dumplings and fish are served for good fortune.
The festival ends with the Lantern Festival, where glowing lanterns fill the night sky.
If you visit during Chinese New Year, expect crowded streets, incredible decorations, and a festive atmosphere. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong host breathtaking parades and fireworks displays.
Remember to wear red—it’s believed to bring good luck!
Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival is the ultimate music festival in the UK, drawing massive crowds every June. It is held in Somerset, England, and it features performances from the biggest names in rock, pop, electronic, and indie music.
However, Glastonbury is not just about music. There are also art installations, circus performances, and even poetry readings.
The festival is famous for its massive Pyramid Stage, where legendary artists perform. Thousands of festival-goers camp on-site welcoming the muddy fields and unpredictable weather as part of the experience.
“It’s a wild experience! You never know what to expect, there’s so much incredible music,” says Emily from London. “Even if it rains and everything turns to mud it just makes the festival more fun.”
If you plan to go, book your tickets early because they sell out fast. Pack waterproof gear, comfortable shoes, and plenty of snacks.
Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
If you’ve ever wanted to play in the mud, the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea is your chance! Held every summer in Boryeong, this festival is all about getting messy in mineral-rich mud.
The event started as a way to promote the area’s mud-based skincare products, but it quickly became one of the country’s most popular festivals.
The festival includes mud wrestling, mud slides, and even a mud marathon. You can cover yourself in the soft, therapeutic mud before rinsing off in the ocean. Live music, fireworks, and beach parties add to the excitement of the summer event.
“You leave covered in mud from head to toe,” says Jason from Sydney. “There’s something freeing about just letting go and playing in the mud.”
Wear old clothes or a swimsuit because you’ll be completely covered in mud. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag for your valuables.
Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas, USA
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas is one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in the world.
Every May, thousands of people gather at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to experience dazzling light shows, massive stages, and some of the best DJs on the planet.
The festival is known for its incredible production, with glowing neon lights, carnival rides, and firework displays that light up the desert sky.
“The energy at EDC is insane, full of lights, music, and happy people,” says Rachel from Chicago. “The fireworks at sunrise are amazing.”
People dress in colorful, creative outfits, adding to the festival’s fun and surreal vibe. You’ll find multiple stages featuring different genres of electronic music, from house and trance to dubstep and techno.
Get your tickets early because EDC sells out quickly. Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and pace yourself, as it’s a three-day event with non-stop music and excitement.
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