From Rio to Diwali: Best Cultural Festivals to Experience
There’s no better way to experience the spirit of a place than through its festivals. Cultural celebrations are living snapshots of tradition — they combine history, religion, food, music, and art into vibrant moments that bring communities together. For travellers, joining in means more than just being a spectator; it’s about stepping inside a culture, connecting with locals, and seeing the world through a new lens.
From the samba-fuelled streets of Rio Carnival to the glowing lights of Diwali, from colourful Holi powders in India to the haunting beauty of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, these festivals aren’t just events — they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Each one offers its own rhythm, story, and flavour, turning a trip into a memory that lasts forever.
This bucket list of the world’s best cultural festivals is your guide to celebrations that cross borders and bring people together. Whether you’re drawn to dazzling parades, centuries-old rituals, or simple moments of joy shared with strangers, here are the festivals that should be on every traveller’s radar.
Rio Carnival – Brazil
Origins and Significance
Few festivals on Earth can match the energy and spectacle of Rio Carnival. Rooted in Catholic traditions before Lent, the event has grown into a week-long explosion of music, dance, and colour that defines Brazil’s cultural identity. Dating back to the 18th century, Carnival blended Portuguese, African, and Indigenous influences to create a celebration that reflects the diversity and rhythm of Brazil. Today, it’s the biggest carnival in the world, drawing millions of participants and spectators.
What to Expect
Expect pure chaos — in the best way possible. The heart of Carnival is the Sambadrome, where samba schools compete in breathtaking parades of sequins, feathers, and pounding drums. But the magic isn’t confined to the stadium: the city bursts with street parties, known as blocos, where locals and travellers dance shoulder to shoulder in Rio’s neighbourhoods. Music blares on every corner, costumes range from extravagant to improvised, and the atmosphere is one of pure freedom and joy.
Travel Tips
Carnival typically takes place in February or March, depending on the dates of Lent. Book accommodation months in advance — Rio fills up quickly. For the Sambadrome, secure tickets early if you want a good view of the parades. If you prefer a more local vibe, join a bloco in neighbourhoods like Santa Teresa or Lapa. Pack light, breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Fun Fact
The parades are more than just entertainment — each samba school tells a story, often tied to Brazilian history, politics, or culture. The sheer scale is staggering: some parades involve over 3,000 dancers and can take nearly 90 minutes to pass the stands.
Rio Carnival, Brazil.
Diwali – India
Origins and Significance
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most important celebrations in India and across the Hindu diaspora. Rooted in ancient traditions, it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, with stories tied to the return of Lord Rama after defeating the demon king Ravana. While primarily a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each with their own interpretations, making Diwali a truly inclusive and wide-reaching holiday.
What to Expect
Cities and villages come alive during Diwali with streets, homes, and temples glowing under thousands of oil lamps (diyas) and colourful fairy lights. Fireworks crackle across the sky, markets spill over with sweets, and families exchange gifts and prayers. For travellers, it’s an immersive experience of hospitality and joy — from tasting sweets like laddoos and jalebi, to watching local firework displays, or joining families in decorating with rangoli (vivid floor patterns made from coloured powders).
Travel Tips
Diwali usually falls between October and November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar. It’s celebrated all across India, but for the most atmospheric experiences head to cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, or Delhi. Book accommodation early as demand spikes. Dress modestly, embrace local customs, and be prepared for heavy crowds and noise from fireworks. If you’re sensitive to the latter, pack earplugs.
Fun Fact
In Varanasi, the ghats along the River Ganges are illuminated with countless lamps during Diwali, creating a breathtaking scene that looks as if the river itself is on fire.
Diwali, India.
Oktoberfest – Germany
Origins and Significance
Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. What started as a royal wedding party evolved into the world’s largest beer festival and folk celebration. Rooted in Bavarian culture, it has become a symbol of German hospitality and tradition, now attracting millions of visitors each year.
What to Expect
For just over two weeks in late September and early October, Munich transforms into a sea of beer tents, brass bands, carnival rides, and traditional dress. The main draw is, of course, the beer — served only by Munich’s official breweries in vast one-litre steins. Visitors can expect hearty Bavarian food like pretzels, roast chicken, and sausages, alongside lively music and communal tables where locals and travellers sing together. Beyond the beer tents, the fairgrounds host parades, folk dances, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Travel Tips
Oktoberfest is free to enter, but beer tents fill up fast, so reserving a table in advance is wise if you want guaranteed seating. If not, arrive early in the day to grab a spot. Traditional Bavarian outfits — lederhosen for men and dirndls for women — aren’t mandatory but add to the fun and help you blend in. Accommodation in Munich books up months ahead, so plan early, or consider staying in nearby towns with train connections.
Fun Fact
Despite the name, most of Oktoberfest actually takes place in September. The shift came about because of the cooler, more reliable autumn weather, making it more comfortable for guests to celebrate outdoors.
Oktoberfest, Germany.
Day of the Dead – Mexico
Origins and Significance
Known as Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead is a deeply meaningful Mexican tradition that honours deceased loved ones. Far from being a sombre event, it is a vibrant fusion of Indigenous Aztec rituals and Catholic All Saints’ Day observances introduced by the Spanish. Families create altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and favourite foods of the departed, welcoming spirits back to the world of the living for a brief visit.
What to Expect
Celebrations are both moving and joyous. Streets fill with colourful parades, giant skeleton puppets, and locals painted with the iconic sugar skull designs. Markets overflow with pan de muerto (sweet bread), sugar skulls, and bright paper decorations. Cemeteries become gathering places where families share meals, music, and stories with those they’ve lost, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and heartfelt. Cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City are especially famous for their large-scale events and parades.
Travel Tips
Day of the Dead is celebrated on 1–2 November, though preparations often start days earlier. Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro offer some of the most authentic experiences, while Mexico City hosts elaborate parades that have become increasingly popular. Book flights and accommodation well in advance, and approach the festival respectfully — it is first and foremost a family tradition, so observe customs sensitively.
Fun Fact
The famous Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City only began in 2016 — inspired by the James Bond film Spectre, which featured a fictional version of the event. It was so well received that it quickly became an annual tradition.
Day of the Dead, Mexico.
Holi – India and Nepal
Origins and Significance
Holi, often called the Festival of Colours, is one of the most joyous celebrations in the Hindu calendar. Rooted in ancient mythology, it commemorates the triumph of good over evil, particularly the legend of Prahlada’s devotion to Vishnu and the burning of the demoness Holika. It also marks the arrival of spring, symbolising renewal, love, and community.
What to Expect
Holi is pure, unfiltered fun. Streets turn into a kaleidoscope as people throw brightly coloured powders (gulal) and water at each other, dance to music, and share festive sweets like gujiya. Strangers become friends in an instant, and barriers of age, caste, and background dissolve in the shared joy of the moment. The evening before, large bonfires are lit to symbolise the burning away of negativity, in a ritual known as Holika Dahan.
Travel Tips
Holi usually falls in March, though dates shift according to the lunar calendar. While it’s celebrated across India and Nepal, some of the most famous festivities are in Mathura and Vrindavan (the birthplace of Krishna), Jaipur, and Kathmandu. Wear old clothes you don’t mind staining permanently, protect your skin and hair with coconut oil, and keep cameras or phones in waterproof covers. Travelling with a local host or guide can enrich the experience and help you join celebrations respectfully.
Fun Fact
In the town of Barsana, near Mathura, Holi includes a unique twist called Lathmar Holi — where women playfully beat men with sticks while the men defend themselves with shields.
Holi, India and Nepal.
Chinese New Year – China
Origins and Significance
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. Its origins date back over 3,000 years, tied to the lunar new year and the legend of the mythical beast Nian, who was scared away by firecrackers and the colour red. Today, it’s a festival of renewal and family unity, marking the beginning of a new lunar cycle and inviting good fortune for the year ahead.
What to Expect
Celebrations stretch across 15 days, with each day carrying its own customs — from family reunions and ancestor worship to temple fairs and street performances. The most iconic sights are the red lanterns strung across streets, dragon and lion dances, and spectacular firework displays. Families exchange red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money, and traditional foods like dumplings, sticky rice cakes, and whole fish are shared in abundance. The festival concludes with the Lantern Festival, when glowing lanterns light up the night sky.
Travel Tips
Chinese New Year usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. It’s celebrated across China and in Chinese communities worldwide, but Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai are standout destinations. Be aware that it’s also the busiest travel period of the year in China — known as Chunyun — with millions of people journeying home, so book trains and flights well in advance. Pack some red clothing to symbolise good luck and blend into the festivities.
Fun Fact
Although often used interchangeably, “Chinese New Year” and “Lunar New Year” aren’t exactly the same. Chinese New Year is the Chinese version of the holiday, while Lunar New Year is celebrated more widely across Asia, with unique customs in places like Vietnam (Tết) and Korea (Seollal).
Chinese New Year, China.
Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
Origins and Significance
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” has its roots in Europe’s pre-Lenten celebrations, brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the 18th century. In New Orleans, it evolved into a uniquely vibrant blend of French, Spanish, and African traditions. The festival marks the final day of indulgence before the fasting period of Lent, but in practice, it has become a weeks-long cultural celebration showcasing the city’s history, music, and creativity.
What to Expect
Mardi Gras is all about the parades. Colourful floats roll through the streets, krewes (social clubs) throw beads, trinkets, and toys into the crowds, and the city pulses with brass bands and costumed revellers. The French Quarter buzzes with energy, though family-friendly parades and festivities take place all over New Orleans. Food is central too — king cake, gumbo, and po’boys are staples of the season. The atmosphere is a unique mix of carnival, street party, and cultural heritage.
Travel Tips
Mardi Gras culminates on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday), but celebrations typically run for two weeks beforehand. The biggest parades happen in the final five days. Book accommodation early, especially near parade routes, as the city fills quickly. If you want a lively but less overwhelming experience, try catching parades in neighbourhoods like Uptown rather than the French Quarter. Costumes aren’t required but absolutely add to the fun.
Fun Fact
The tradition of throwing beads and trinkets, known as “throws,” started in the late 19th century. Today, krewes toss millions of beads during the festival — but the rarest and most coveted throws are handmade items like painted coconuts or decorated shoes.
Marid Gras, New Orleans (USA).
Songkran Water Festival – Thailand
Origins and Significance
Songkran marks the Thai New Year and is rooted in Buddhist traditions of cleansing and renewal. The word “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit meaning “to move forward,” symbolising the transition into a new year. Traditionally, it involved gently pouring water over elders and Buddha statues as a sign of respect and purification. Over time, it has transformed into one of the world’s most spirited water festivals, celebrated nationwide.
What to Expect
For three days in April, the entire country turns into a giant water fight. Streets fill with locals and travellers armed with buckets, hoses, and water guns, dousing anyone who passes by. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the biggest hotspots, with parades, music, and cultural performances adding to the festivities. Despite the playful chaos, many still visit temples to make merit, offer food to monks, and take part in more traditional rituals.
Travel Tips
Songkran is celebrated annually from 13–15 April, coinciding with some of Thailand’s hottest days. Wear lightweight clothes that dry quickly and expect to be soaked head to toe. Keep electronics in waterproof bags, and if you want to observe the more spiritual side of the festival, visit temples in the mornings before the water fights pick up. Book travel and accommodation early, as both domestic and international tourists flock to the cities during this time.
Fun Fact
Chiang Mai is famous for hosting one of the biggest Songkran celebrations, where the city’s old moat becomes a central source of water for the festival battles.
Songkran, Thailand.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Scotland
Origins and Significance
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe began in 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform alongside the newly created Edinburgh International Festival. Their determination to showcase their work “on the fringe” of the official programme gave birth to what is now the largest arts festival in the world. The Fringe has since become a symbol of artistic freedom, with performers from across the globe bringing everything from theatre and comedy to dance, circus, and experimental art.
What to Expect
Every August, Edinburgh transforms into one giant stage. Performances pop up in traditional theatres, pubs, basements, and even on the street. The variety is staggering: world-class comedians, cutting-edge theatre, amateur productions, and street performers all share the spotlight. The Royal Mile becomes a buzzing hub where artists promote their shows and dazzle with live snippets. For travellers, it’s a chance to experience the city at its most alive — though also at its busiest.
Travel Tips
The Fringe runs throughout August, with thousands of shows across hundreds of venues. Accommodation sells out fast, so book early and expect higher prices. Many shows are ticketed, but there’s also a thriving “Free Fringe” scene where you can watch performances for free and tip what you like. Wear comfortable shoes for navigating cobbled streets and prepare for Scotland’s famously unpredictable weather — layers and a rain jacket are a must.
Fun Fact
In 2019, the Fringe featured over 3,800 shows from 63 countries, meaning you could have seen more than 50,000 performances if you somehow managed to attend them all.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland.
Gion Matsuri – Japan
Origins and Significance
Gion Matsuri, held in Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most famous and historic festivals, dating back to 869 AD. It began as a religious ceremony to appease the gods during an outbreak of plague and has since evolved into a month-long celebration of Kyoto’s culture, heritage, and Shinto traditions. Today, it remains deeply tied to Yasaka Shrine and is recognised as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
What to Expect
The festival takes place throughout July, with highlights being the grand processions of yamaboko floats. Towering up to 25 metres high and weighing several tons, these floats are beautifully decorated with tapestries, lanterns, and woodwork, and are pulled through Kyoto’s streets by teams of locals. Leading up to the parades, the city is filled with lively street food stalls, evening illuminations, and traditional performances. For travellers, it’s a rare chance to see centuries-old craftsmanship and community spirit in action.
Travel Tips
The main parades occur on 17 July and 24 July, but events run all month. Central Kyoto becomes extremely crowded, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and consider booking accommodation close to the city centre. Bring cash for food stalls selling Japanese favourites like yakitori, takoyaki, and shaved ice. Summer in Kyoto is hot and humid, so dress lightly and stay hydrated.
Fun Fact
The floats are often called “moving museums” because they display priceless works of art — some featuring textiles imported centuries ago from places as far as Persia and Belgium.
Gion Matsuri, Japan.
Timkat – Ethiopia
Origins and Significance
Timkat, celebrated in January, is the Ethiopian Orthodox festival of Epiphany, marking the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. It’s one of the country’s most important religious celebrations, steeped in centuries of tradition. Central to the festival is the procession of replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, known as tabots, which are carried from churches to water sources in honour of this sacred moment.
What to Expect
Timkat is a spectacular blend of spirituality and celebration. Dressed in white traditional clothing, thousands of worshippers gather for processions led by priests carrying colourful ceremonial umbrellas. Hymns, drumming, and chanting fill the air. The highlight comes at dawn when priests bless a body of water, after which participants leap in to symbolise renewal of their own baptismal vows. While religious at its core, the event also carries a strong sense of community, with feasting, music, and dancing continuing afterwards.
Travel Tips
Timkat is celebrated nationwide on 19 January (or 20 January in leap years), with the most famous celebrations held in Gondar, Addis Ababa, and Lalibela. Gondar, with its historic castles and UNESCO-listed heritage, offers a particularly atmospheric setting. Dress modestly, respect local customs, and be prepared for large crowds. Accommodation in key cities fills quickly, so plan well in advance.
Fun Fact
The colourful ceremonial umbrellas used by priests during Timkat are a signature feature of Ethiopian Orthodox processions and add striking bursts of colour to the otherwise white-clad crowds.
Timkat, Ethiopia.
Inti Raymi – Peru
Origins and Significance
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is an ancient Incan celebration held in honour of Inti, the sun god. It was the most important religious ceremony of the Inca Empire, marking the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere and the start of a new year in the Incan calendar. Though banned during the colonial era, it was revived in the 20th century and is now one of Peru’s most significant cultural events, especially in Cusco, the former Incan capital.
What to Expect
On 24 June, Cusco transforms into a stage for a dazzling reenactment of Incan rituals. The festivities begin in the city’s historic centre, with colourful parades, music, and dancers in traditional attire. The highlight is the grand ceremony at the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, just outside Cusco, where actors in elaborate costumes perform rituals that pay homage to the sun god. Thousands of spectators, both local and international, gather to witness the spectacle. The atmosphere is a powerful blend of history, spirituality, and cultural pride.
Travel Tips
Cusco is the hub of Inti Raymi, and accommodation fills up quickly around June, so book months ahead. Bring warm clothing — June is winter in the Andes, and temperatures drop significantly in the evenings. Tickets are required for seating at Sacsayhuamán, but many locals and visitors also watch the ceremonies from surrounding hillsides. The event is primarily a reenactment today, so approach it as a celebration of heritage rather than a purely religious ceremony.
Fun Fact
The original Inti Raymi rituals were said to involve animal sacrifices to ensure a good harvest, but the modern version replaces these with symbolic offerings such as corn and coca leaves.
Inti Raymi, Peru.
La Tomatina – Spain
Origins and Significance
La Tomatina, held in the Valencian town of Buñol, began in 1945 when a local food fight broke out during a parade. What started as a playful scuffle turned into an annual event, officially recognised by the town in the 1950s. Today, it’s one of Spain’s most famous festivals — a purely joyful, non-religious celebration of fun, community, and of course, tomatoes.
What to Expect
On the last Wednesday of August, thousands of revellers pack into Buñol’s narrow streets armed with one mission: to throw as many tomatoes as possible. Trucks unload tonnes of overripe tomatoes, and for about an hour the streets turn into a red, pulpy battlefield. Goggles, laughter, and slipping through tomato juice are all part of the experience. After the battle, fire trucks hose down the streets (and often the participants), leaving behind a surprisingly clean town and very happy visitors.
Travel Tips
La Tomatina is ticketed to control crowds, so purchase passes well in advance. Wear old clothes and shoes you don’t mind ruining, and bring goggles to protect your eyes from acidic tomato juice. Accommodation in Buñol is limited, so many visitors base themselves in Valencia and take transport to the festival. Expect crowds, chaos, and a whole lot of mess — but that’s exactly the point.
Fun Fact
An estimated 120 tonnes of tomatoes are used in the fight each year — all of them deemed unsuitable for consumption, making La Tomatina a colourful but sustainable use of food waste.
La Tomatina, Spain.
From the samba parades of Rio to the candlelit ghats of Varanasi, from ancient Incan rituals in Cusco to tomato-stained streets in Spain, cultural festivals are some of the most unforgettable experiences a traveller can have. They’re not just spectacles to watch but invitations to step into the heartbeat of a community — to share in its joy, history, and traditions.
Every festival on this list offers something unique: a story, a rhythm, a flavour. Some are centuries old and steeped in sacred meaning, while others are playful and purely about fun. Yet all of them share the same power — to bring people together.
So whether you’re chasing colour across India, raising a stein in Munich, or losing yourself in the music of Edinburgh’s streets, these festivals prove that the world is at its most alive when it’s celebrating. Pack your curiosity, embrace the chaos, and let the festivities guide you — because no bucket list is complete without a little global revelry.
