15 Most Popular Cultural Festivals Around the World
 TOP 15 Most Popular Holidays in India |
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| Top 15 Most Popular Cultural Festivals in the World |
Festivals bring a new depth to your travels, whether they celebrate life or death, animals, religious figures, rowing, or even ice carving. Streets vibrate with music and colourful parades, you may see ancient ceremonies that aren't done at other times of the year, and you're totally immersed in local life as everyone engages in the festivities.
Whether you're interested in the arts and culture, cuisine and wine, holidays, or religion, there's a gathering someplace for you. Below are our "bucket list" recommendations for the world's famous and popular festivals. So mark your calendar, live up to the essence of travelling and enjoy these festivals fellas!
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1. Venice Carnival (Italy)
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| Venice Carnival (Italy) |
It can be said that Carnival is one of the oldest and most famous festivals today. This is a carnival that was first held in 1296 in Vinice, the capital of the world music capital. There was a long time after that it was interrupted in organization, until 1980 it was restored and has been held regularly every year until now.
Each year, there will be a different festival theme held but all have a common purpose to honor the culture and build a happy and good atmosphere at the beginning of the year. During the two-week festival period, at St. Mark's, theaters, streets or office buildings have all become catwalks of "amateur models". They are actors, circus performers, dancers or musicians… A beautiful and colorful atmosphere will make you feel like you're living in the seventeenth century.
2. Patrick's Day (Ireland)
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| Patrick's Day (Ireland) |
Saint Patrick's Day is an annual cultural and religious event observed on March 17th to commemorate the death anniversary of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick. The day also celebrates all things Irish and remembers the introduction of Christianity in Ireland.
Since 1996, a full festival of parades, fireworks, and general revelry has enveloped the St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 17th. Celebrate Irish heritage and culture by enjoying traditional song and dance, seeing musical street theater acts, drinking some beer, and dressing up in all green. Many towns and cities organize spectacular and thrilling street parades and festivals, but St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is the most popular.
3. Holi Festival (India and Nepal)
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| Holi Festival |
Holi, also known as the "festival of colors" or "festival of love," is an ancient Hindu celebration that commemorates the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. It will be held on March 28th and 29th, 2021.
The event is associated with several legends. One theory is that it pays homage to the Hindu Deity Visnu and his disciple Prahlada following their victory over Prahlada's oppressive father, the demon King Hiranyakashipu.
Another theory holds that it commemorates Radha's strong love for the deity Krishna, while others say it is related with Shiva, who is recognized as a powerful transformer and destroyer of evil.
People assemble on the night of the festival, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, to perform religious rites around massive bonfires that symbolize the cleaning and forgiving of the past.
The next day, known as Holi, is when the real party begins. People rush the streets of India, armed with water cannons and water-filled balloons, as well as a colorful assortment of powders.
The celebratory event frequently involves traditional cuisine and drinks, marching bands, and dance, bringing people together in joyful celebration.
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4. Rio Carnival (Brazil)
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| Rio Carnival (Brazil) |
Carnival is celebrated all over the world but in Rio De Janeri, Brazil is one of the most unique festivals in the world and with a grand scale, filled with music and charming and attractive samba dances in Brazil.
Among them, the colorful and vibrant Samba Parades dancers' parade at Sambodromo is one of the activities that attracts the most tourists, however, tickets to attend this parade are also very scarce. .
There are a total of 4 parades held throughout the 4 nights during the festival. In particular, the two biggest performances are the time when the top Samba schools of the city of Rio de Janeiro compete with each other for the championship title. All the elements: excellent choreography, dazzling costumes, floats and mesmerizing music... are something you won't be able to resist when participating in the parade.
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5. Black-necked Crane Festival (Bhutan)
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| Black-necked Crane Festival (Bhutan) |
The Black-necked Crane Festival, held in the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba, one of Bhutan's oldest and greatest Nyingmapa monasteries, gathers enormous groups of residents to commemorate the arrival of the endangered birds.
In Bhutan, these beautiful birds are revered as holy and a sign of longevity, and they are the focus of several folktales and songs. Black-necked Crane images may also be seen painted on the walls of temples around the nation.
The arrival of the birds (after migrating from their summer habitat on the Tibetan Plateau) is enthusiastically praised since it is thought that they would bring wealth and plentiful crops to the farmers of the Phobjikha Valley.
6. La Tomatina (Spain)
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| La Tomatina (Spain) |
Europe's most famous tomato-throwing festival was started in 1945 with the aim of resolving conflicts in a local parade. This exciting event was then repeated every year until it was officially recognized in 2002 as a traditional Spanish festival.
The unique festival of the Buñol region, Valencia is held on the last Wednesday of August every year during the traditional week of Buñol, with nearly 150 tons of tomatoes prepared. This is an opportunity for locals and international tourists to play together like a child while being "bathed" under the "rain of tomatoes" on all roads.
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7. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (USA)
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| Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta |
Hot air balloons are a traditional element of American culture, and many may be seen in the skies across the country during the summer months. To commemorate these brilliant balloons, Albuquerque, New Mexico's capital, hosts the annual Festival, which invites people from all around the globe to fly in a hot air balloon.
Even if you only want to keep your feet firmly on the ground, seeing hundreds of hot air balloons in the sky at the same moment is an incredible sight!
The Fiesta also celebrates the local culture and tastes of the First Nations nations that have lived in the New Mexico area for generations.
8. Songkran Water Festival (Thailand)
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| Songkran Water Festival (Thailand) |
Songkran, a national water fight, is celebrated in Thailand as the Buddhist New Year. Originally, water was thrown over Buddha statues on this auspicious day, but nowadays, the soaking isn't solely reserved for deities, and its purifying aim is applied to everybody who doesn't take cover. Songkran, while still a spiritual and religious event with everyone visiting their local monastery, has evolved into a happy celebration for revelry across the kingdom.
You can expect to get completely drenched anywhere you go in Thailand, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Krabi, or Koh Samui, with anything from water pistols to elephant trunks being used for the purpose.
9. Dia de los Muertos (Mexico)
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| Dia de los Muertos (Mexico) |
'Day of the Dead,' a Mexican event held between October 31st and November 2nd, is when families gather to pray for and mourn lost relatives. Ofrendas (altars) are built in both public and private locations, and they are frequently lavishly decorated with pumpkins and squashes, marigolds, candles, and sugar skulls. Ofrendas are more of a doorway than a place of worship, and its purpose is to 'welcome home' the souls of loved ones. Costumed parades are also held in several places, most notably Oaxaca.
Families congregate at gravesides after twilight, but the atmosphere is far from solemn: there's feasting, storytelling, singing, and even a wandering mariachi band.
10. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (Harbin, China)
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| Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (Harbin, China) |
Since 1963, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has been hosted in the Chinese city of Harbin. This site actually transforms into a fairy tale around January 5. The breathtaking snow and ice environment seemed to transport you to another world. The event normally lasts a month, however the sculptures can sometimes be found on the locations until the end of February.
Visitors may expect to view around 2,000 exhibits that will awe both youngsters and adults. Along with the exhibition, the festival includes a variety of concerts, performances, and active entertainment.
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11. Oktoberfest (Germany)
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| Oktoberfest (Germany) |
Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, is all about having a good time. This wonderful superfest is one of Germany Tourism's top attractions, with around 6 million people visiting Munich - the beer lover's paradise - each year to take part in the great festival.
The Oktoberfest's main attractions include beer tasting sessions hosted by brewers and restaurants, tent hopping, sampling delectable German treats, and socializing with other beer enthusiasts. Because there will be a huge audience, book your reservations well in advance.
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12. Mardi Gras (New Orleans)
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| Mardi Gras (New Orleans) |
Mardi Gras is also known as a street music and masquerade festival, originating from the state of Louisiana, the southern United States. This is also considered as the second Carnaval festival held in the US. Currently, this festival has a development history stretching to 150 years.
Mardi Gras can happen at any time, usually between February 3 and March 9, depending on the date of Easter, and culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday and Wednesday. is considered an important event in the cultural and spiritual life of the people of New Orleans.
At the beginning of the festival, people will wear colorful costumes and dance passionately in the excitement of jazz, R&B funk or brass bands. During the main festival, there will be about approx. 30 flower carts paraded on the street, on which there were members of the organizing committee. They would drop colorful gifts and beads to the people who were packed on both sides of the road in a bustling and joyful atmosphere.
13. Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (Japan)
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| Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (Japan) |
If you're planning a ski vacation to Japan, schedule it around the wild and slightly terrifying Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri. In the winter, the lovely Japanese town of Nozawa is half-submerged in powder, making it not only great for skiing, but also for seeing the burning of a towering pyre and a fire-fueled conflict amongst townspeople.
The event lasts around four hours and is culturally significant to locals because the wooden shrine is bestowed with a dosojin (a god who presides over highways and borders) before being set alight. A pretend combat then breaks out in order to secure good fortune in the next year.
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14. Yi Peng Festival: Lantern Festival (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
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| Yi Peng Festival: Lantern Festival |
Yi Peng is conducted yearly in the second lunar month of the year as part of the Northern Thailand Light Festival. Yi Peng is celebrated throughout Thailand, but Chiang Mai has the greatest Yi Peng Festival, complete with cultural events and fireworks that you won't want to miss.
Locals' houses and public spaces are decorated with colorful hanging lanterns and flag decorations during Yi Peng. A parade, live music and dance displays, handicraft activities, and the release of lanterns into the night sky are among the festivities.
For residents, releasing lanterns means more than simply a gorgeous display of floating lights. It is widely held that releasing lanterns represents letting go of past misfortune and starting again.
Visit a rooftop bar or other vantage point to observe the sky lanterns, or join the crowds on the ground expressing wishes as they release their own lanterns.
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15. Semana Santa (Guatemala)
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| Semana Santa (Guatemala) |
Most of Latin America refers to the week between Palm Sunday and Easter as Semana Santa (Holy Week). Today is a moment to remember Christ's final week on earth.
Semana Santa festivities in Spain differ by region: festivals in Málaga and Seville are among the most lavish, while those in Valladolid and Zamora are more solemn.
The primary significance and aspects of these religious celebrations, however, are largely the same, with processions of Catholic brotherhoods or fraternities strolling through the streets.
Conclusion
Those are 15 monumental festivals taking place in countries around the world. These festivals are not only an opportunity to have fun but also an opportunity for international friends to visit and exchange cultures. This is one of those experiences that a true global citizen would love to explore. If you have the opportunity to travel, please come at the right time to join in these special festivals.
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