15 best festivals across the world!

Festivals are about having fun and enjoying oneself to the fullest. Festivals are also a great way for a traveller to know about the place’s culture and history. Every festival has a story behind it, and it fuels the wanderlust in people. Festivals are also a great way to indulge with the locals and be one among them. Read on to know about the Top 15 festivals across the world!

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#1 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico, US

When: October

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest such festival in the world. The festival sees hundreds of hot air balloons that take off to the sky. Apart from normal balloons, the festival also sees an array of uniquely-shaped and glowing balloons as well. The colourful balloons taking off to the sky are a treat to watch, and the festival attracts millions of visitors annually.

#2 Burning Man Festival

Where: Black Rock City, Nevada, United States

 When: August

The Burning Man Festival is a celebration of art and community culture. One can be creative and experiment with paintings or sculptures or cars – whatever they specialize in. The festival takes place in the Black Rock desert, in a temporarily-erected city of Black Rock City. Towards the end of the festival, a huge effigy or model of a man is burnt, and hence the name of the festival. While it is one of the most popular festivals in the US, Indians can draw a very close parallel to Dussehra celebrations in India. 

#3 La Tomatina Tomato Festival

 Where: Bunol, Spain

 When: August

Bunol is perhaps the quietest town in the whole of Spain, except for the last week of August. Because that is when the La Tomatina takes place! The festival is basically one where people throw tomatoes at each other and fight, but only for entertainment purposes. During this time, the whole city appears like a war field, drenched in the blood-like tomato juice. To have your own ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ moment, visit Spain in August!

Interesting read: Of Serendipity and Spain: Things to do on your 10-day Spain trip

#4 Comic-Con International Festival

 Where: San Diego, California, USA

 When: July

This event is especially for kids, but if you’re grown up and still love your childhood superheroes, you’re welcome too! With a steep rise in the audience for animation movies, video games and Anime shows; this festival attracts a huge number of fans worldwide. One can also dress up as their favourite superheroes and cosplay in this event. Essentially, attending this festival means a whole lot of fun.

Interesting read: There are many more Comic Cons around the world, here are the rest.

#5 Tomorrowland Music Festival

 Where: Boom, Belgium

 When: July

Tomorrowland is perhaps the biggest music festival on the planet. Lovers of EDM music especially need to go there at least once in their lifetime.The highlight of the festival is the performing artistes – some big names in the industry like David Guetta and Afrojack. Here’s a real-time account of the festival. 

#6 Songkran Water Festival

 Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand

 When: April

The festival of Songkran is celebrated in Thailand as the mark of the Thai New Year. Initially, the festival was celebrated by sprinkling some water onto elders’ hands and getting blessings from them. But now, it is being celebrated by throwing water on everyone on the streets! It is such a fun time to be in Thailand.

Interesting read: 7 most beautiful beaches in Thailand!

#7 Oktoberfest

 Where: Munich, Germany

 When: October

The Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. It usually takes place for about 2 weeks, attracting millions of people worldwide. The main highlight of the event is the beer, with millions of litres of freshly brewed beer being consumed. The festival also has many foods and souvenir stalls.

Interesting read: Everything you need to know about Oktoberfest 

#8 Coachella Music and Arts Festival

 Where: Colorado, California

 When: April

The Coachella Music and Arts Festival is one of the most popular and record-breaking festivals in the world. It takes place in the middle of the Colorado desert in California. The festival showcases various talents in music and art. The festival also features established artists from various genres of music, as well as upcoming talents. Coachella is definitely a trendsetter in the history of music festivals.

#9 Glastonbury Dance and Music Festival

  Where: Glastonbury, Somerset, England

 When: June

The Glastonbury Dance and Music Festival is surely one of its kind. Apart from dance and music; the festival also features other arts such as circus, theatre and cabaret. Apart from being a wholesomely entertaining festival, the festival also raises money for charity. So when you spend your money going to Glastonbury, you can be happy because some of your bucks are going to the needy!

#10 Sky Lantern Festival

 Where: Pingxi, Taiwan

 When: February

The Sky Lantern Festival is being celebrated in Taiwan for thousands of years. The ‘fire balloons’ or lanterns are sent up in the air, which bears a message from the sender. The lanterns are usually sent to mark the end of the Chinese calendar. Sending a lantern up in the air also denotes hope and positivity.

#11 Running of the Bulls

 Where: Pamplona, Spain

 When: July

You might have probably seen this in multiple movies – a lot of people and a group of bulls running amok in a crowded city. The 9-day festival of Running of the Bulls is basically an act which involves a group of people running in front of few bulls. There have been a lot of casualties and injuries, but people continue to celebrate this festival with the same enthusiasm till date.

#12 Snow and Ice Festival

 Where: Harbin, China

 When: January

The Harbin International Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival is one of the most famous festivals in China. It hosts some of the biggest and most amazing snow and ice sculptures in the world. Apart from the sculptures, the temperatures can also be unbelievable. The temperature may drop up to -35 degrees C during this period! So make sure you carry enough thermal wear with you.  

#13 Napa Valley Wine Festival

 Where: Napa Valley, California, United States

 When: July

Napa Valley is the Mecca for wine-lovers. With over 100 wineries, it is one of the best and the largest producers of premier wine in the world. The Napa Valley wine festival is held in July of every year, and it attracts millions of visitors worldwide. It is also regarded as the best place in the world for wine and food tasting. Wine lovers, you now know where to head to.

Interesting read: Top 8 Australian wine trails

#14 Rio Carnival

 Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 When: February

The Rio Carnival is undeniably the largest carnival in the world. This carnival marks the beginning of the Lent, before Easter. This carnival sees people dressed in quirky, colourful dresses, dancing their way across the street. This carnival also has the most number of people on the streets, the numbers sometimes even hitting 2 million!

#15 Dia de Los Muertos

 Where: Mexico City, New Mexico

 When: November

Dia de Los Muertos or ‘The day of the dead’ is basically the Mexican Halloween. The day is celebrated as a remembrance to those people who are dead. The characteristic highlight of this festival is people walking down the road dressed up in ghastly costumes, and sugar skulls being offered as sweetmeats!

Interesting read: 8 fascinating Halloween traditions in the world

Did any of these festivals light a spark in the traveller within you? Hit us up, and we’ll help you in making the mission a successful one! Also, don’t forget mention which was your favourite festival from the list in the comments section below.

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