Festivals are some of the most exciting ways to experience different cultures, bringing people together in vibrant celebrations of music, food, history, and tradition. Every country has its own unique festivals, many of which attract thousands of visitors each year.

Whether it’s a grand spectacle of colourful parades, a centuries-old religious ritual, or a high-energy music festival, these events showcase the heart and soul of their destinations.

Attending a festival is a chance to immerse yourself in local traditions, meet people from all walks of life, and experience a place in its most lively and festive state. Some festivals last only a day, while others go on for weeks, offering a mix of performances, feasts, and unforgettable moments.

No matter where you travel, chances are you’ll find a festival happening nearby, waiting to sweep you into the excitement. With so many amazing festivals around the world, it can be hard to choose which ones to experience first.

Here are ten of the world’s most well-known festivals to visit for unforgettable experiences, rich traditions, and a chance to celebrate with people from all over the world.

Cultural & Traditional Festivals (Alphabetical Order)

1.    Carnival (Brazil)

Known as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” Brazil’s Carnival is the biggest and most extravagant street party in the world. Held in the days leading up to Lent, it’s a vibrant celebration that blends African, Portuguese, and Indigenous cultures into a dazzling display of music, dance, and tradition.

Carnival is an act of celebration to indulge in joy and freedom before the solemn season of Lent begins. Cities like Rio de Janeiro come alive with colourful costumes, samba parades, and massive floats, while street parties with live performers keep the energy going day and night. Whether you’re at the famous Sambadrome or dancing in Salvador’s lively streets, Carnival is truly an unforgettable experience.

2.    Chinese New Year (China & Beyond)

Marking the start of the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year is a vibrant celebration that symbolizes new beginnings, the renewal of good fortune, and the honouring of ancestors. It’s one of the most important holidays in Asian culture that’s celebrated not only in China but also across countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and in Chinatowns worldwide.

Families gather for reunion dinners, exchange red envelopes (ang bao) filled with money for good luck, and pay respects to their ancestors. To prepare for the festival, wear red for luck, clean your home to sweep away bad fortune, and learn common greetings like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Kung Hei Fat Choy” (Cantonese) to join in the celebrations respectfully.

Cities like Beijing, Singapore, and San Francisco offer some of the most spectacular festivities. You can expect dazzling dragon and lion dances, fireworks, red lanterns, and lively parades.

3. Día de los Muertos (Mexico)

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beautiful festival recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. This is a deeply meaningful festival in Mexico where families honour their deceased loved ones. Altars, or “ofrendas,” are decorated with candles, marigolds, photos, and favourite foods of the departed.

Face painters are also a common sight to help paint faces like skulls. People wear colourful costumes and parade through the streets, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. This festival is not about mourning, but rather a joyful celebration of life, remembrance, and the connection between the living and the dead.

4. Gion Matsuri (Japan)

Held in Kyoto every July, Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous and longest-running festivals, dating back over 1,000 years. The festival began in 869 to appease the gods during an epidemic and has since evolved into a grand celebration of nature and gratitude to the gods. The highlight is the grand procession of massive, beautifully decorated floats called “yamaboko,” towering over the streets.

A local boy is chosen each year as a sacred messenger to the gods. He sits on one of the floats from July 13 until the first parade ends on July 17, with his feet never touching the ground. The festival also features street food, traditional performances, and people dressed in elegant yukatas, offering a unique way to experience Japan’s history and culture.

5. Mardi Gras (USA)

Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” marks the final day of Carnival and the last chance to indulge before Lent begins. New Orleans hosts the most iconic celebration, with vibrant parades, masked balls, jazz music, and the famous tradition of throwing beads and trinkets from elaborate floats.

The French Quarter comes alive with excitement, making it a must-visit for those who love lively street parties and rich cultural traditions. While Mardi Gras is also celebrated in places like Sydney, Australia—with its own unique flair—only the New Orleans version is rooted in the traditional pre-Lenten Carnival. It’s a must-visit for lovers of music, spectacle, and unforgettable street parties.

Colour & Celebration Festivals

1. Holi (India & Nepal)

Known as the “Festival of Colours,” Holi is a joyful Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The streets come alive with people throwing brightly coloured powders called gulal at each other, dancing to music, and sharing sweets. The powders have special meanings—red symbolizes love, blue represents the Hindu god Krishna, and green stands for new beginnings. It’s a time of laughter, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Decorations like marigold flowers, lanterns, and vibrant fabrics add to the festive atmosphere. The real fun starts on the day of Holi, when everyone joins in the playful throwing of gulal and water.

Mathura and Vrindavan in India are some of the best places to experience this vibrant celebration.

2.    La Tomatina (Spain)

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a massive food fight, head to the small town of Buñol, Spain, for La Tomatina. Every August, thousands of people gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other in a fun, messy, and good-spirited battle.

The streets turn into a sea of red, and after an hour of tomato-throwing chaos, people clean up with water hoses and continue the party with music and dancing. Interestingly, there is no deep cultural significance. It’s just a playful festival, where around 150,000kg of tomatoes are thrown each year.

3.    Songkran (Thailand)