Table of Contents
The World’s Most Incredible & the Best Festivals around the world in 2025
If there’s one thing that unites humanity across cultures and continents, it’s the joy of celebration. From dancing in the streets of Rio to throwing powdered colors in the heart of India, festivals are vibrant windows into the soul of a place. As a globetrotter with an ever-growing bucket list, I’ve had the privilege of joining locals in celebration, getting soaked in water fights, dazzled by fireworks, and lost in parades. And now, I’m passing that wanderlust on to you.
Here are 20 of the most incredible festivals around the world that will leave your soul buzzing, your camera roll full, and your suitcase just a little dustier.
1. Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: February/March
Why It’s Special: The granddaddy of all carnivals. Think samba dancers in feathered headdresses, pulsating drums, and glitter that sticks with you for days. It’s a euphoric explosion of music, dance, and joy.
What to Expect: Massive crowds, street parties called “blocos,” and the jaw-dropping Sambadrome parade.
Tips: Book accommodation months in advance. Dress light, stay hydrated, and don’t carry valuables.
2. Holi – India & Nepal
When: March
Why It’s Special: As someone born and raised in India, Holi is personal. It’s the festival of colors, of spring, and of forgiveness. Picture entire streets turned into rainbows as people smear colored powder and drench each other in water.
What to Expect: Loud music, laughter, sweets like gujiya, and friendly chaos. In cities like Mathura and Vrindavan, the energy is next-level.
Tips: Wear white clothes you don’t mind staining. Apply coconut oil to your hair and skin. Keep phones and cameras covered.
3. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
When: Last Wednesday of August
Why It’s Special: Imagine a full-blown tomato war. It’s one hour of squishy madness where tens of thousands of people fling overripe tomatoes at each other.
What to Expect: Slippery streets, red-stained everything, and a ton of laughter.
Tips: Goggles help. Wear old clothes and closed shoes. Stay playful, it’s all in good fun.
4. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
When: Late September to first weekend in October
Why It’s Special: Beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian vibes. Oktoberfest is a dream for beer lovers.
What to Expect: Giant beer tents, oompah bands, traditional dirndls and lederhosen, and cheerful crowds.
Tips: Reserve seats in popular tents early. Go early in the day for less crowds. Pace yourself!
5. Diwali – India
When: October/November
Why It’s Special: Growing up in India, Diwali was the heartbeat of the year. Homes lit with diyas, sweets in every corner, and fireworks that made the sky sparkle. It’s the festival of lights and triumph of good over evil.
What to Expect: Family gatherings, rituals, colorful rangolis, and firecrackers galore.
Tips: Wear traditional clothes. Be mindful of local customs and noise regulations.
6. Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, USA
When: Late August to early September
Why It’s Special: More than a festival, it’s a movement. An experimental city rises in the desert celebrating radical self-expression and art.
What to Expect: Dust storms, glowing art installations, themed camps, and a spirit of sharing.
Tips: Be radically self-reliant. Bring everything you need, including water. Leave no trace.
7. Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan
When: March to April (varies by region)
Why It’s Special: Sakura season is fleeting and poetic. The blossoms symbolize beauty, impermanence, and renewal.
What to Expect: Picnics under pink trees, lots of photography, and an almost sacred vibe.
Tips: Check bloom forecasts. Popular spots fill quickly, arrive early.
8. Songkran – Thailand
When: April 13–15
Why It’s Special: The Thai New Year becomes a country-wide water fight. It’s symbolic cleansing… and serious fun.
What to Expect: Everyone’s armed with water guns. Expect to get soaked.
Tips: Waterproof your phone. Dress modestly despite the water. Respect elders during traditional ceremonies.
9. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) – Mexico
When: November 1–2
Why It’s Special: A vibrant celebration of life and remembrance. Skulls, marigolds, and altars honoring ancestors fill the streets.
What to Expect: Painted faces, music, parades, and heartfelt family traditions.
Tips: Visit Oaxaca or Mexico City for big celebrations. Be respectful, this is sacred.
10. Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Scotland
When: August
Why It’s Special: It’s the world’s largest arts festival. Comedy, theater, dance, and street performances take over the city.
What to Expect: Artistic chaos. Shows in every nook and cranny of Edinburgh.
Tips: Book accommodations early. Leave room in your schedule to discover hidden gems.
11. Chinese New Year – Across Asia
When: January or February (based on lunar calendar)
Why It’s Special: Red lanterns, dragon dances, fireworks, and family reunions. It’s about luck and new beginnings.
What to Expect: Festive food, red envelopes, and cultural performances.
Tips: Major cities get packed. Avoid traveling on peak holiday dates if possible.
12. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival – China
When: January to February
Why It’s Special: A frozen fantasy of massive ice sculptures, castles, and glowing lights.
What to Expect: Bitter cold, stunning visuals, and surreal snow experiences.
Tips: Dress in serious layers. Visit in early January for the freshest sculptures.
13. Glastonbury Festival – England
When: June
Why It’s Special: The UK’s most iconic music festival. Rock, pop, electronic, and everything in between.
What to Expect: Mud, music, and magic. A bohemian carnival.
Tips: Pack rain boots. Book tickets the moment they go on sale, they vanish fast.
14. Gion Matsuri – Kyoto, Japan
When: July
Why It’s Special: Ancient floats, elegant rituals, and one of Japan’s most traditional festivals.
What to Expect: Night markets, yukatas (summer kimonos), and lantern-lit processions.
Tips: Respect cultural norms. Try local snacks like yakitori and kakigori.
15. San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) – Pamplona, Spain
When: July 6–14
Why It’s Special: High adrenaline, cultural tradition, and global fame.
What to Expect: Early morning bull runs, parties, and parades.
Tips: If you run, understand the risks. Otherwise, find a safe viewing spot.
16. Up Helly Aa – Shetland Islands, Scotland
When: Last Tuesday in January
Why It’s Special: A Viking fire festival in the middle of winter. Yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.
What to Expect: Torch-lit parades, Norse costumes, and a ceremonial burning of a Viking longship.
Tips: Book early, the islands have limited accommodation. Dress warm.
17. Inti Raymi – Cusco, Peru
When: June 24
Why It’s Special: The Incan Festival of the Sun brings history to life with traditional rituals, dances, and costumes.
What to Expect: Parades, ceremonies at Sacsayhuamán ruins, and vibrant Andean culture.
Tips: Arrive early for good views. Acclimatize to the altitude beforehand.
18. Timkat – Ethiopia
When: January 19
Why It’s Special: Celebrating Epiphany in a deeply spiritual and visually stunning way. Processions, drumming, and water blessings.
What to Expect: White-robed crowds, sacred chants, and colorful umbrellas.
Tips: Visit Gondar or Lalibela for the most intense celebrations.
19. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
When: February/March
Why It’s Special: Beads, jazz, parades, and purple-gold-green everything. A carnival that blends French, African, and Creole cultures.
What to Expect: Street parties, masks, floats, and nonstop music.
Tips: Book early, especially in the French Quarter. Costumes encouraged!
20. Lantern Festival – Taiwan
When: February (15th day of Lunar New Year)
Why It’s Special: Thousands of lanterns float into the night sky, carrying wishes and hopes.
What to Expect: A dreamy spectacle in places like Pingxi. Fireworks, prayers, and glowing magic.
Tips: Write your wish on your lantern before releasing it. Get there early to avoid the biggest crowds.
From Colors to Carnivals: Festivals Worth Traveling For
These festivals are more than dates on a calendar, they’re cultural kaleidoscopes, emotional rollercoasters, and memory-making machines. Whether you’re chasing joy, meaning, or just some good old-fashioned fun, there’s a festival out there with your name on it.
Bucket List Festivals Around the Globe
So, which of these incredible festivals is calling to you?
Which of these festivals is on your bucket list? Have you been to any already? Drop your thoughts in the comments and tag a friend you’d go festival-hopping with!
If this list sparked some serious wanderlust, share it with your travel squad, and let the countdown to celebration begin!
Discover more from Voyagenic
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
