Traveling is always an immersive and enlightening experience. You get to explore vibrant places, indulge in exciting cultures, meet new people and create memories for life. However, planning a holiday around the biggest festivals in the world can add to the fun and take your overall experience to a different level altogether.
The best festivals in the world are worth a trip at least once in a lifetime even if it means having to travel around the globe and to help you discover some of these best festivals, we have come up with this guide.
Our list of biggest and best festivals around the world ranges from cultural to spiritual and musical to holy- there is something for everyone. However, if you are a globetrotter and like experiencing new things, you might want to consider all of these festivals and plan a trip to one each year!
Below is our list of some of the best and biggest festivals in the world.
What are the best festivals in the world?
Songkran, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Songkran is an annual celebration of Thai New Year and, in our opinion, one of the best festivals in the world. It originated from the need to wash away your bad luck and sins ahead of the New Year and runs every year in mid-April.
The festival is one giant water fight. Locals and tourists alike take to the streets to dose each other in water and cool off during the hot season. For a more authentic experience, head north to Chiang Mai, where the entire city is primed for fun.
Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
The colorful carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras is what makes it one of the best festivals in the world. Decorated floats, uniquely dressed locals who are tossing beads at spectators, and a spot of indulgence are what you can expect at Mardi Gras.
Created to celebrate the last Tuesday before Lent, the festival is usually busiest on the two weekends before Mardi Gras. We recommend heading there for those weekends for the best experience.
Glastonbury Festival, Somerset, United Kingdom
Glastonbury Festival is one of the world’s best music and performing arts festivals. The likes of Arctic Monkeys, Kanye West, Rolling Stones and Radiohead have performed at this festival in the past.
The iconic music festival happens on a working dairy farm and is often the first name that springs to mind when thinking about global festivals. Alongside the music, you’ll find an abundance of art and culture to keep yourself entertained over the weekend. Glastonbury usually takes place during the last week of June, but be aware that they take a break every five years to replenish the land.
Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain
The Pamplona bull run first started as a religious festival to honor St Fermin. However, it has since morphed into a global celebration. People now flock from around the globe for a chance to run from the bulls.
We recommend acting as a bystander for the sake of safety but if you are crazy enough to try running, the bulls are set loose each morning during the second week of July.
Holi, India
The ancient Hindu festival originated in India but has since spread around the world to become one of the biggest festivals in the world. Known colloquially as the festival of colors, you should come armed with paint and ready to douse your fellow revelers with it.
Holi symbolizes the arrival of winter and the blossoming of love, and it is a day for you to play, laugh, and repair broken relationships. The date varies each year, but it is usually early to mid-March.
For real life account of experience, read why everyone should celebrate Holi in India at least once in a lifetime.
The Tazaungdaing Festival, Myanmar
The Tazaungdaing Festival is used to mark the end of the country’s long rainy season and is known as the Festival of Lights. We recommend going to Taunggyi to witness the hot-air balloon contest, which sees the skies filled to the brim with extravagantly designed balloons. You should also check out the firework-launching competition, which is a sight to behold.
The festival falls on the full moon day of the eight-month of the Burmese calendar, so verify the dates before leaving as they vary every year.
Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China
The largest snow sculpture festival in the world runs throughout the first week of January in the Chinese city of Harbin. It started in 1963 as a traditional ice sculpting show but now attracts 18 million people a year.
You’ll find awe-inspiring hand-crafted sculptures ranging from mythical creatures to 250-foot monuments.
Carnival of Brazil, Brazil
The Carnival of Brazil is heavily influenced by African-Brazilian culture and attracts more than 4.9 million people a year. The festival marks the beginning of Lent and is held the Friday before, continuing until Ash Wednesday. Some more traditional participants even refuse to eat meat throughout the festivities.
The iconic festival celebrates art, culture, parades, and music led by samba schools throughout the country.
Lunar New Year, Singapore
Many festivals around the world celebrate Chinese New Year, commonly known as Lunar New Year. However, we think Singapore does it best. It’s a three-day-long party featuring parades, fireworks, and beautiful lanterns.
Lunar New Year is usually around January or February time, and if you’re fortunate enough, you may score yourself some traditional Lucky Money.
Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach, South Korea
Originating as a marketing ploy from Boryeong mud cosmetics, the annual festival now welcomes over 2.2 million people a year. The two-week event, topped off with dance parties and fireworks, sees mud taken from Boryeong mud flats for revelers to use in mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud skiing, and other unique activities.
The festival is generally organised during the last week of July.
Which festivals should you choose?
Deciding on which of the best festivals in the world to go to can be tricky. We think that your best bet is to tick off each one every year as you explore the world and soak in all the culture.
