Festivals and Events Around the World That Belong on Your Travel Bucket List
Festivals and events around the world provide travelers with unforgettable cultural, culinary, and spiritual experiences. Rather than just visiting a destination, immersing yourself in local celebrations allows you to connect deeply with people, traditions, and history. Whether you’re a solo explorer, family trekker, or culture lover, discovering a country through its festivals can add vibrant meaning to your journey.
From the snow-sculpted wonders of China to the rhythmic block parties of Brazil, we’ve rounded up some of the most captivating, family-friendly, and soul-stirring festivals and events across the globe. Learn how to attend like a local with tips, insider insights, and hidden experiences along the way.
Springtime Splendor: Holi Festival in India
The Holi Festival in India is one of the most vivid cultural celebrations on the planet. Known as the Festival of Colors, it’s held each March, especially in cities like Mathura and Vrindavan. Celebrants light bonfires during Holika Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, and the following day erupts in color as people throw powder and water across streets, parks, and courtyards.
This joyful chaos is not just about fun—Holi reflects themes of rebirth, forgiveness, and unity. It’s an ideal chance to experience India’s heart through color and community.
Insider Tip: For a safer and more relaxed family experience, visit Jaipur, where locals organize community events featuring organic powders, folk dances, and sweets like gujiya. Protect your skin and camera gear with coconut oil and covers, and wear disposable clothing.
Cultural Crossroads: Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Japan
Gion Matsuri is Japan’s most iconic festival, celebrated throughout July in Kyoto. With roots stretching back over 1,000 years, this Shinto event began as a ritual to ward off plague. Today, the spectacle includes two grand parades, where massive wooden floats—some over 12 tons—are pulled through Kyoto’s historic streets by locals in traditional attire.
The pageantry, music, and lantern-lit evenings offer travelers a mesmerizing journey into Japan’s past and present.
Family Advice: Arrive early along Shijo-Dori or Kawaramachi for the best views. Children will enjoy colorful food stalls serving takoyaki and taiyaki. Look out for family zones, kimono dress-ups, and hands-on shrine activities.
Rhythms of the Americas: Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil
No list of festivals and events around the world would be complete without Rio Carnival. Held in February or early March, this five-day extravaganza bursts with samba, sequins, and energy. At the Sambadrome, samba schools unleash over-the-top parades of dancers, drummers, and larger-than-life floats.
For those preferring a more local vibe, neighborhood blocos (block parties) provide interactive fun with live music and costumes.
Practical Tip: Plan ahead—book lodgings 6–8 months in advance. Areas like Ipanema and Leblon are great for families. Solo travelers will enjoy organized hostel group outings and dancing at smaller blocos like Céu na Terra.
Frozen Fantasyland: Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China
One of the most wondrous winter festivals and events around the world, Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival dazzles visitors from January to February. This northeastern Chinese city is sculpted into a glowing wonderland featuring buildings, animals, and temples all made of ice, illuminated with LED lights in every imaginable hue.
Children and adults alike will be captivated by giant slides, frozen castles, and hands-on snow activities on nearby Sun Island.
Logistics: Bundle up with thermal clothing—temperatures can dip to -30°C (-22°F). Entry to Ice and Snow World costs about ¥330 ($45 USD) and grants access to themed zones. Visit in the evening to witness dazzling nighttime brilliance.
Off-the-Path Culture: Naadam Festival, Mongolia
The Naadam Festival spotlights Mongolia’s traditional sports—archery, wrestling, and horse racing—and is celebrated every July. The main event takes place in Ulaanbaatar, but many travelers prefer provincial versions in towns like Kharkhorin, where access to the locals and action is more intimate.
The opening ceremony features parades, music performed with the horsehead fiddle, and brilliantly colored costumes. It’s a deeply cultural snapshot of a proud nomadic nation.
Local Tip: Attend a rural festival for closer interaction with locals and the chance to explore nearby nomadic camps and iconic monasteries like Erdene Zuu.
Spiritual Skies: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, Thailand
Held every November, this Thai festival duo celebrates release, renewal, and gratitude. Loy Krathong honors the goddess of water by floating candlelit rafts on rivers. In Chiang Mai, Yi Peng elevates the celebration as thousands of glowing lanterns soar into the night sky.
This magical scene draws visitors worldwide and delivers one of the most photogenic festivals and events around the world.
Best Viewing Tip: Skip paid gatherings and go to Nawarat or Iron Bridges to mingle with locals. Community-led workshops on carving lanterns and making krathongs are great for families and often held in temples and schools.
Food Lover’s Dream: PizzaFest in Naples, Italy
The birthplace of pizza hosts an annual paradise for foodies—Naples’ Pizzafest. Held each September along the Lungomare waterfront, over 100 master pizzaioli from around the globe serve up classics and innovations, including gluten-free and gourmet toppings.
Add to the flavor with live music, pizza workshops, and kids’ pizza-making classes, all set against views of Mount Vesuvius and Italy’s southern coast.
Family Note: Kids will love the puppet shows and hands-on dough classes. Extend your trip with day outings to Pompeii or a ferry to the nearby island of Capri.
Tunes in the Treetops: Fuji Rock Festival, Japan
Fuji Rock, staged each July at Naeba Ski Resort, merges music and nature like no other. With mountain views and forest trails linking open-air stages, it’s one of the most eco-friendly music festivals and events around the world. The lineup ranges from indie to EDM to global sounds floating across lush alpine valleys.
Even families can groove here thanks to the KIDSLAND area, which features arts, crafts, and gentle acoustic sets suited to younger visitors.
Don’t Miss: Ride the gondola to the serene “Daydreaming” stage for panoramic views and acoustic performances. Be prepared for rain and muddy forest paths—pack for all weather!
Maximizing Your Global Festival Experience
Immersing yourself in festivals and events around the world transforms trips into meaningful journeys. Beyond spectacle, these celebrations offer opportunities to connect with locals, participate in age-old customs, and savor authentic cuisine. Whether you’re dancing samba in Brazil or floating lanterns in Thailand, every festival is a gateway into the soul of a culture.
To make the most of these experiences, plan well ahead, respect local traditions, and stay curious. Your next trip might just be the celebration of a lifetime.
