10 Cultural Festivals Worth Travelling For
Cultural festivals offer one of the most vibrant and meaningful ways to experience the heart of a destination. While there are many cultural festivals across the world, there are some iconic festivals worth travelling to at least once. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of samba in Brazil or the serene glow of lanterns in Thailand, these are the best ones to add to your bucket list.
If you’re planning your travels around cultural events to attend, this list will guide you to some of the best festivals for travellers seeking authentic and immersive experiences.
Top cultural festivals across the globe to experience
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore a destination, attending cultural festivals can be a great way to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the places you visit. Here are the top 10 cultural festivals in the world you might want to add to your travel list.
| Festival | Type | Location | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Carnival | Carnival | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Every February |
| Yi Peng Lantern Festival | Lantern Festival | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Every November (date varies) |
| Holi | Religious/Cultural | India (Mathura, Vrindavan, and across the country) | Every March |
| Venice Carnival | Carnival | Venice, Italy | Every February |
| La Tomatina | Food Festival | Buñol, Spain | Every August |
| Día de los Muertos | Religious/Cultural | Mexico (notable in Oaxaca, Mexico City) | Every October–November |
| AgitÁgueda | Art Festival | Águeda, Portugal | Every July |
| Songkran Water Festival | New Year/Cultural | Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and across the country) | Every April |
| Oktoberfest | Beer Festival | Munich, Germany | Every September–October |
| Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Hot Air Balloon Festival | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Every October |
Rio Carnival in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited. It’s a city of contradictions with its own type of vibe. It’s also the home of one of the most famous Carnivals in the world. As one of the most iconic global celebrations, Rio Carnival is a sensory explosion of samba music, dazzling costumes and electrifying parades. The city transforms into a non-stop party, making it one of the best festivals for travellers who love high-energy cultural traditions and festivals.
Taking place at the end of February, the Carnaval is rooted in Portuguese and African traditions. The Rio Carnival is a pre-Lenten festival that dates back centuries. The heart of the celebration is the samba parade, where competing samba schools showcase extravagant floats and vibrant performances. Street parties, known as “blocos,” take over neighbourhoods, creating a contagious festive atmosphere.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand
This serene and visually stunning event is one of the most unique festivals in the world. Thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky, symbolizing the release of misfortunes and the welcoming of good fortune.
Yi Peng, celebrated in northern Thailand, is intertwined with Loy Krathong. This festival involves floating small decorated baskets on rivers. The lantern release is a deeply spiritual event, representing letting go of negativity and making wishes for the future. Pair your visit with Loy Krathong, which often coincides with Yi Peng, for a double celebration of Thai cultural traditions and festivals.
Holi festival in India
Holi, the Festival of Colors, celebrates spring and the triumph of good over evil. It’s one of the most famous cultural festivals, known for its vibrant powder fights, music, and community gatherings.
Rooted in Hindu mythology, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the legend of Prahlad and Holika. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolizing the burning of evil, followed by a day of playful colour-throwing. Wear white clothing you don’t mind staining, and protect your skin with coconut oil before joining the festivities.
Venice Carnival in Italy
The Venice Carnival celebrates history, art, and elegance and is renowned for its elaborate masks and costumes. It’s perfect for travellers who appreciate theatricality and cultural events steeped in tradition. Here, you can attend a masquerade ball for an unforgettable experience and explore the quieter canals early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Dating back to the 12th century, this festival was historically a time for social freedom, where Venetians of all classes could mingle behind their masks. Today, it features grand balls, mask contests, and parades through Venice’s historic streets and canals.
La Tomatina in Spain
La Tomatina is a world-famous food fight festival in Buñol, near Valencia, Spain. This quirky and fun event is one of the most unique festivals in the world. It takes place on the last Wednesday of August each year. Trucks bring in tons of tomatoes for the fight. Afterward, fire trucks hose down the streets and participants.
Originating from a spontaneous food fight in 1945, La Tomatina has grown into a world-famous festival. Thousands gather to hurl overripe tomatoes yearly in an hour-long, adrenaline-fueled battle. Wear old clothes, bring goggles, and arrive early to secure a good spot in the action.
Día de los Muertos in Mexico
A blend of Indigenous and Catholic traditions, Día de los Muertos is a time for families to remember and celebrate their deceased loved ones. This traditional festival is a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of life and death. It’s a time for families to honour their ancestors with altars, parades and colourful decorations.
Elaborate altars (ofrendas), decorated with marigolds, candles, and favourite foods of the departed, are central to the celebration. Learn about the cultural significance of marigolds and sugar skulls before attending, and respect local customs during the festivities.
AgitÁgueda in Portugal
This festival transforms the streets of Águeda with colourful umbrella canopies, art installations and live performances. It’s a must-see for art and culture enthusiasts or a great event if you’re looking for cultural festivals that incorporate art.
A relatively modern festival, AgitÁgueda began as an urban art initiative that quickly gained worldwide recognition. The iconic floating umbrellas provide shade while serving as a striking visual spectacle. Visit during the festival’s early days to enjoy the freshest installations and performances.
Songkran Water Festival in Thailand
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is one of the most famous cultural festivals. It’s celebrated across Thailand, with major celebrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, water fights, parades, and traditional rituals to cleanse and renew.
Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai New Year and is known for its exuberant water fights. Locals and tourists drench each other with water as a symbolic cleansing ritual, welcoming a fresh start to the year. Use waterproof bags for your belongings and join the fun in designated water zones.
Oktoberfest in Germany
Oktoberfest is one of the most iconic global celebrations, drawing millions to its beer tents, traditional Bavarian music and hearty cuisine. If you love beer, then this is the festival for you. After all, it’s a celebration of beer, which definitely screams Germany to me.
Originating in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration, Oktoberfest has evolved into the world’s largest beer festival. Visitors enjoy Bavarian culture through music, food and litres of beer served in massive steins. Reserve a table in advance and try local delicacies like pretzels and bratwurst.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the USA
This seasonal festival features hundreds of hot air balloons taking flight, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the desert sky. Whether you’re into hot air ballooning or simply enjoy seeing them in the sky, this is the must-see festival for you.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon event. It attracts pilots and balloon enthusiasts from across the globe. The sight of colourful balloons dotting the sky at sunrise is truly mesmerizing. Arrive early for the morning mass ascension and stay for the evening glow events.
Final thoughts on cultural festivals
Cultural festivals are a great reason to travel to a destination, especially if you want to add a theme to your travel. Keep in mind that travelling during cultural events means you have to book your accommodations and flights ahead of time. As you plan your next adventure, consider adding cultural festivals to your list to make the most of the destination you’re visiting.
