TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Adventurous souls seek the best festivals in the world to glimpse into cultures that are both exceptionally rare and intriguing. And, to make the most of your upcoming holiday, let’s take a closer look at these must-travel occasions.
List of the Best Festivals in the World
From colorful displays to close-knit community gatherings, Lonely Planet and BuzzFeed named multiple best festivals in the world, which offer distinct ambiances to enjoy.
1. Naadam - Khatgal, Mongolia
Mongolia’s naadam brings game week to a whole new level, with two to three days of wrestling competition, exciting horse races, and incredible archery. Despite shielding under the nuance of a friendly tournament, these matches are really just about togetherness. Accompanied by a pop of two vodka bottles and khuushuur (mutton pancakes), the naadam festival always feels a lot warmer than the weather.
Time: July
2. Día de los Muertos - Mexico
Translated literally to the "Day of the Dead," Día de los Muertos is a heartfelt tribute to loved ones who have passed on, with families ensuring that their final resting places are well cared for. Beyond just tidying up the graves, there’s a tradition to pour a splash of liquor, build intricate altars adorned with candles and marigolds, and lay out favorite foods and treats as an open invitation for the spirits to return and join the celebration.
What truly sets this soulful festival apart is the extraordinary devotion Mexicans pour into it. As October draws to a close, cemeteries begin to transform into vibrant sanctuaries of color and sound, while lively street parades take over towns.
Time: November 1-2
3. Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is among the best festivals in the world, and all for its buzzing reasons. As the world’s biggest beer celebration, Bavaria’s iconic Oktoberfest offers far more than just frothy pints. This lively summer tradition dishes out an unforgettable lineup of experiences, from savoring freshly brewed local beers and dancing to rousing folk tunes to mingling effortlessly with cheerful partygoers. Every moment at Oktoberfest adds a splash of joy, culture, and color to your travel story.
Time: October
Duration: 16 days and more
4. Laura Quinkan Dance Festival - Australia
If dancing from dawn till dusk sounds like your kind of escape, then the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is a must-see. This vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture recasts Cape York into a living stage, where traditional dance, powerful music, and storytelling take center stage. For over three unforgettable days, communities from across Cape York and the Torres Strait unite, sharing ancient rhythms, heartfelt songs, and cultural pride in a spectacular festival that stirs both the soul and the senses.
Time: July (biennial)
5. Dark Mofo - Tasmania
As the name suggests, Dark Mofo dives deep into the mysterious and the macabre, offering a surreal playground for lovers of the dark and Gothic. For this, the city is dotted with eerie upside-down crosses and crimson lights as though cloaked in dusky twilight. Among other anticipated performances, the indulgent Winter Feast and the daring Nude Solstice Swim draw thrill-seekers and culture lovers from around the globe, eager to experience the strange and spectacular events.
Time: Mid-June
6. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts - England
Held across Worthy Farm and nearby Pilton, the Glastonbury Festival is always a feat to digest for partygoers and fun-seekers. As one of the best festivals in the world, this electrifying event promises a front-row experience to jaw-dropping performances by global icons, ranging from chart-topping pop stars and legendary rock bands to fan-favorite K-pop idols. It’s a star-studded spectacle where music lovers get to witness the biggest names light up the stage.
Time: June
7. Holi - India
Colorful spectacles fly in the air once it’s time for the Holi festival to take over India. Unlike any other festival, this immersive celebration invites you to dive headfirst into the chaos, where crowds joyfully hurl colored powders and splash tinted water in every direction. It’s a wildly liberating occasion that allows anyone to unleash their inner child and revel in the shared euphoria with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Time: In accordance with Hindu lunar calendar
8. Edinburgh Fringe - Scotland
Edinburgh Fringe runs the month of August with different types of festivities all throughout its three-week-long celebration. Showcasing tens of thousands of comedic performers, theater acts, dancing crews, circus teams, and cabaret entertainers, this festival is sure to stir your soul and leave a lasting impression in ways you never expected. Some of the most notable additions to the celebration include the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the Edinburgh Art Festival.
Time: August
9. Carnival - Caribbean Islands
Carnival bursts to life with dazzling costumes adorned in feathers, infectious rhythms, and exuberant street parades that light up the Caribbean Islands. With celebrations unfolding at different times across the islands, you can tailor your trip to match the festivities, from the early-season revelry in Trinidad & Tobago in February to the high-energy parades of Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Lucia, spanning from April through August.
Time: Varied
10. Winter Carnival - Québec City, Canada
Immersing yourself in one of the world’s biggest winter carnivals set against the magical backdrop of Québec City is more than just a thrill, but it’s a bucket-list tradition that’s enchanted travelers since the 1960s. Each year, thousands flock to this frosty wonderland to revel in illuminated night parades, lively music, mesmerizing snow sculptures, and an endless lineup of festive fun.
Time: February
From the snowy streets of Québec to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean, the best festivals in the world offer more than just entertainment as they invite you into the heart of a culture, where traditions come alive and memories are made to last a lifetime. For more fascinating events, check also top-rated festivals in Bali.
LONELY PLANET | BUZZFEED | DESTINATION QUEBEC CITY
Editor’s Choice: 10 Cultural Festivals Across Indonesia to Visit in June, One in Bali
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