Famous festivals around the world

Travel & Places · 6 min read

Festivals are where a culture shows its heart: its food, music, myths and sense of humour. Some are thousands of years old, while others are modern inventions that took on a life of their own. Here is a tour of nine celebrations from different continents, along with when they usually happen and what to expect.

Holi, India and Nepal

Holi welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil, with the story of Prahlad and Holika at its centre. It falls around March, on the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. People throw coloured powder and water, share sweets such as gujiya and thandai, and sing and dance in the street. Mathura and Vrindavan have especially long celebrations. If you visit, wear old clothes, protect your phone and respect anyone who does not want to take part.

Diwali, India and beyond

Diwali, the festival of lights, usually falls in October or November, with dates set by the lunar calendar. Homes are lit with diyas and rangoli, families exchange sweets and gifts, and fireworks light the sky. Its meaning varies by region: the return of Rama to Ayodhya in much of the north, Lakshmi worship in many homes, and other traditions elsewhere. It is also celebrated in Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and Mauritius.

Carnival, Brazil

Rio's Carnival takes place in the days before Lent, typically in February or March. Samba schools spend the year preparing floats, costumes and choreography for the parade at the Sambadrome, while street parties known as blocos fill neighbourhoods. It is spectacular but crowded, so book accommodation months ahead and keep belongings secure.

Oktoberfest, Germany

Munich's Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of a royal wedding. Despite the name, it mostly runs from mid or late September into the first weekend of October. Visitors enjoy beer served in one-litre mugs, pretzels, roast chicken and brass bands. Tents fill early, so go on a weekday or reserve a table in advance. Many travellers wear traditional Bavarian clothes, such as dirndls and lederhosen, though it is not required.

Lunar New Year, China and East Asia

The Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, usually falls between late January and mid-February. Families reunite for a big dinner, give red envelopes with money, and watch dragon and lion dances. It triggers one of the largest annual human migrations as people travel home. Many shops close for several days, so if you travel then, plan transport and food early.

Day of the Dead, Mexico

Held on 1 and 2 November, Dia de los Muertos is not a sad affair. Families build altars with photographs, marigolds, candles and the favourite foods of loved ones who have died, and visit cemeteries to remember them. The sugar skulls and painted faces are symbols of remembrance and joy. The festival is deeply personal for many families, so be respectful with photography.

Songkran, Thailand

Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year, around 13 to 15 April. It started as a gentle ritual of pouring water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders, and has grown into a nationwide water fight. In Chiang Mai the celebrations last several days. Keep valuables in a waterproof pouch, since you will get drenched.

La Tomatina, Spain

On the last Wednesday of August, thousands of people in the town of Bunol throw ripe tomatoes at each other for about an hour. Its origins are debated, though it is commonly traced to a 1940s food fight. Entry is ticketed to control crowds. Wear goggles, old clothes and shoes you do not mind losing.

Burning Man and other modern festivals, United States

Burning Man is held in the Nevada desert in late August and early September. It is a temporary city built around art, self-reliance and gifting, ending with the burning of a large wooden figure. It requires careful preparation for desert heat and dust, and it is not for everyone. If it does not suit you, other modern festivals such as Glastonbury in the UK offer music-focused versions.

Quick comparison

Festival	Typical timing	Highlight
Holi	March	Colour powders
Diwali	Oct to Nov	Lamps and sweets
Carnival (Rio)	Feb to Mar	Samba parade
Oktoberfest	Sep to early Oct	Beer tents
Songkran	13 to 15 April	Water fights

Tip: Festival dates for lunar-calendar celebrations change every year. Check an official calendar and book flights and rooms as early as you can.

Final thoughts

The best way to enjoy a festival is to treat it as a guest. Learn what it means to the people celebrating, follow local etiquette, ask before taking photographs and keep your belongings safe in the crowd. You will leave with more than pictures: you will have a sense of how people everywhere mark joy, memory and renewal.