In no particular order, the below are the 100 greatest Travel Festivals to witness, participate in and experience:
1.) The Palio di Siena Horse Race — the bi-annual Palio di Siena see’s a city obsessed as 10 horses and riders selected out of Siena’s 17 Contrade’s (regions) compete in a bareback passionate 3 lap race across the main square of Siena in the Piazza del Campo. Beginning four days prior to race day, the build up consists of the drawing of lots, the parading and drawing of horses, trial races and a blessing ceremony and on the day itself, a firecracker display — which signals the start of the race as the 10 race horses thunder around the city square aiming to be crowned the champion of Siena. (Read More)
2.) Lewes Bonfire Night: Remember, Remember the Fifth of November the Gunpowder treason and plot…. Commemorating Guy Fawkes plot to blow up the United Kingdom’s Houses of Parliament in 1605 and Seventeen Protestant Martyrs, the small town of Lewes, dubbed the ‘bonfire capital of the world’ plays host to a spectacular bonfire and firework show — complete with effigies, parades and a ceremonial barrel run — which helps to ensure there is no reason the gunpowder treason will ever be forgot. (Read More)
3.) Boryeong Mud Festival: The Boryeong Mud Festival or ‘Mud fest’ celebrates everything great about Mud, with the festival having evolved from aiming to highlight the benefits of mud on skin to a spring break themed mud party, where several large attractions, of course featuring mud, are erected on the coast line of the Korean town of Daecheon. The mud attractions include mud pits and mud pools, but also mud fountains, mud massages, mud body painting, a mud prison, mud pools, and a mud-themed concert stage and more .… which helps make Daecheon the number one destination for mud. (Read More)
4.) The Ati-Atihan Festival: The Mother of all Festivals in the Philippines, the Ati-Atihan Festival honors baby Jesus (Santo Nino) and celebrates a peace pact between tribes from 1210 with a week-long party – that features early morning parades, tribal music, costumes, float parades, street dancing, blessings and night-time snake dances. With three dedicated days for both food, drink and spiritual Street dancing, the festival concludes with a final ceremony that see’s a procession parading the image of Santo Nino and a torch procession which guides attendees to the cathedral to observe mass. (Read More)
5.) Holi The festival of colour, Holi sees Lord Vishnu’s victory of good over evil commemorated as people spend a full day throwing coloured water, paste and coloured powder over each other – in a care-free celebration that also marks the end of winter and beginning of Spring. Beginning with a pre-evening bonfire, the day is also accompanied with dancing, music and family gatherings – as everyone, young and old, dons white t‑shirts, grabs their water pistols and coloured paste and engages in the colour wars that is the fun-filled event of Holi.(Read More)
6.) Songkran – Thailand New Year: The world’s biggest water fight and unquestionable the best way to ring in a new year! — Songkran marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year in the only way possible with a giant water fight as revellers from across the country unite to cleanse themselves and each other of their sins and bad luck from the previous year and bring in good luck for the year ahead. (Read More)
7.) Maha Kumbh Mela (Once Every 12 Years): The biggest human gathering in the world, the ancient Indian Hindu Maha Kumbh Mela attracts over 150 million people to the meeting point of the three sacred Hindu rivers; the ganga, the yamnua and the Sarasvati – to discuss faith, hear Sadhus preach, perform rituals and bath in the sacred icy cold waters of the holy rivers in the hope of salvation. Lasting a full month, the festival is noted both for the attendance of devout religious leaders and the tented town that houses the millions of attendees – all of whom seek enlightenment, salvation and the chance to practice and embrace their faith. (Read More)
8.) St. Patricks Day Festival: Celebrating everything great about Ireland, the famous St Patricks Day festival see’s the whole of Ireland turn green, as the country indulges in Guinness and food and plays host to a week-long series of music performances, community events and a stunning street parade in remembrance and celebration of its most famous saint — with the day itself featuring an all star morning parade, before friends and family gather in Dublin’s many pubs to toast both St Patrick and the Republic of Ireland(Read More)
9.) The Edinburgh Fringe Festival: The world’s largest art festival, the Edinburgh fringe festival see’s over 55,000 performances of 3,500 shows, from comedy, circus, musicals, music, plays, exhibitions and much more — take place across 350 venues across the whole of the Scottish capital over the course of 3 weeks, — as everyone from household names to people making their festival performance debut are given a chance to showcase their talents to an international audience. (Read More)
10.) Loy Krathong – Thailand Lantern Festival: The Lantern festival, Loy Krathong is Thailand’s spectacular mass release of lanterns and floating of Krathong’s to mark the 12th passing of the lunar moon and see’s revellers pay respect to the rivers, wave away the previous year’s misfortunes and ask for wishes for the following year with fireworks, floating baskets and the release of thousands of lanterns — for one of the most spectacular festivals on the planet. (Read More)
11.) Diwali — The five day festival of Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated by millions of Hindus and Sikhs across the world. With the biggest and best celebrations taking place across India where billions of people light lamps in their homes, shops, building and release lanterns into the night sky, which combined with the lighting of billions of candles and release of fireworks – rightfully earns Diwali’s ‘festival of light’ nickname. (Read More)
12.) Mardi Gras – New Orleans ‑The ‘Greatest free show on Earth’, Mardi gras or Fat Tuesday is the free single day climax of a six-week long festival in New Orleans, where some two million people gather to celebrate in the streets of New Orleans for a family friendly event to enjoy parades (Mardi Paws), costumes, floats, concerts and for those of drinking age, alcohol, parties and a grand “Meeting of the Courts” finale masked ball that rings in Ash Wednesday. (Read More)
13.) Rio de Janeiro carnival - The biggest, brightest and most famous carnival in the world, the 5 day iconic Rio de Janeiro Carnival celebrates everything samba, with the extravagant festival seeing over 10 million people converge on Rio to participate, celebrate and party in a variety of costume balls, street parties, floats, and the world-famous carnival parades. All of which build up in climax to not just the evening exclusive carnival balls but the main event of the Carnival – the dazzling, colorful and iconic Samba Parade. (Read More)
14.) Fiesta de la Candelaria - Celebrated on the shores of Lake Titicaca — some 3,800 meters above sea-level — the Fiesta de la Candelaria (Virgin of Candelaria Feast) marks the end of Christmas and honours the Patron saint of Puno, the Virgin of Candelaria, with a 2 week mix of religious ceremonies including masses and ceremonies and modern festival elements including street dancing, parades, costumes, the blessing of cars, food and free-flowing beer – with a special ‘running of the bulls’ event taking place daily on the Bolivian side of the Lake. (Read More)
15.) Carnaval de Oruro - Bolivia’s own spin on the South American Carnival season sees the “Devil Dancing festival” being hosted in the mining town of Oruro – where for 10 days preceding Ash Wednesday the carnival mixes modern festival traditions with more traditional religious elements, including the commemoration of the towns patron saint, the Virgin of Socavo and the remembrance of the ‘Lady of the Mineshaft’ – which is said to have miraculously appeared in the mine shaft of Oruro in 1756. (Read More)
16.) White Nights Festival & Scarlet Sails Show - The white nights festival is a celebration of the ‘midnight sun’ — in which in extreme latitude regions the sun does not fully set and stays visible all day long on the summer solstice. To mark this phenomenon, Russia and in particularly the city of St Petersburg host a two-month celebration of Russian classical literature, music, arts and culture, with a series of ballet, opera and symphony performances, that showcases both international and local artists, at the famous and beautiful Mariinsky Theatre. (Read More)
17.) The Wildebeest Migration — The greatest natural show on the planet — the Wildebeest Migration is a year round event in which millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of game migrate in a circular motion across the vast plains of Africa in an endless journey seek out fresh grazing grounds, water, partners and mating and birthing conditions — all while avoiding predators and surviving the harsh conditions of the plains, for a natural spectacle like no other. (Read More)
18.) The Great Red Crab Migration - The great red crab migration of Christmas Island is a migration phenomenon in which tens of millions of large red crabs emerge from the shade of the rainforest and head in unison to the ocean — traversing some 1400 meters across roads, rocks and utilising specially designed ‘crab bridges’ to synchronise their movements. As they spend the next two weeks burrowing, defending their territory and mating, in what is a noisy, colourful and spectacular spectacle. (Read More)
19.) Venice Carnival — The prestigious Venice Carnival is world-famous for its iconic masks, as some 3 million people gather in the cities beautiful San Marco square over the course of two weeks to not just celebrate the century old Venetian tradition of wearing masks to allow for liberty, but to enjoy a series of spectacular parades, free concerts, jugglers, acrobats, markets, food, music, mask competitions,marvel at illuminated Gondolas and Italian culture, and of course participate in the lavish masquerade ball. (Read More)
20.) Vienna Opera ball & Carnival — The world’s most elegant Opera ball, the Vienna opera ball concludes the Viennese carnival season with the cities opera house transformed into a glamorous dance hall where following the glamour of an opening ceremony and a resounding rendition of the Austrian National anthem 150 young couples kick start the celebrations with a carefully choreographed waltz rehearsed over the past year to the delight of 5,000 spectators, political leaders, sports stars and national icons. (Read More)
21.) Temple of Abu Simbel Illumination - The Sun festival – the illumination of the Abu Simbel temple is a bi-annual event in which the immortal monuments to the Egyptian King Ramses II and his wife on the side of the Abu Simbel temple are cast out of their yearly shadow by the dawns ascending sun. An impressive architectural feat of the Egyptian era, the 3,200 year old temple is lit up on what are believed to the key dates of his reign – his birth and his ascension to the throne – which accompanied by music and performances and in the presence of thousands of tourists, architects and state officials makes for a spectacular performance. (Read More)
22.) Sakura (The Cherry Blossom Festival) - The most romantic festival in the world, the iconic Sakura rings in the cherry blossom season across Japan as the countries beautiful cherry trees flower and for two weeks in April turn the parks, castles and mountains of Japan into a scenic wonderland. A time for meeting friends and families, as groups gather underneath the trees to chat, drink and eat in a tradition known as hanami – the festival combines traditions with modernity– for a stunning and beautiful cherry blossom festival. (Read More)
23.) The UK Stonehenge Summer Solstice — Celebrated for thousands of years, the Summer solstice (the day with the longest period of daylight as one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt) at England’s famous Stonehenge is both a religious and historical festival and a chance to explore and unpack the mystery that is Stonehenge as tens of thousands of people arrive at the Neolithic monument from sunset providing a night full of parties, spiritual awakening and reflection to greet the rising sun and dawn of the world’s longest day in one of they mysterious and beautiful places on the planet. (Read More)
24.) Gion Matsuri - Held annually since 869, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri originally sought to appease the heath gods and bring purification to the city to avoid an epidemic and plague – something which is much needed in modern times – and has evolved to incorporate the original principle of good health, spiritual wellbeing, ancient history, health and the selection of a local boy to act as a divine messenger to speak to the gods, with more modern festival elements – including a series of street parties, rock concerts, street food and drinks and parades. (Read More)
25.) Semana Santa - Celebrated in almost all Spanish speaking countries Semana Santa celebrates the last week of Jesus life, including the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, with either solemn processions or colourful celebrations, floats, re-enactments, parades and reading of religious rites to mark the end of lent. The highlight of the festival is led by a series of barefoot religious brotherhoods, who march while dressed in purple robes holding candles and chanting in unison as they slowly make their way to the city’s main church to celebrate Easter Sunday.(Read More)
26.) Equinox at Chichen Itza - Greeting the Serpent of light and shadow, the Equinox at the pyramid of Kukulcan see’s the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza come alive and, as a result of the shadows cast by the descending sun, the image of the grand serpent of Kukulcan – a godly snake that reaches into the heavens – is formed amongst the stairway of the pyramid. A day marked by Mayan people with cultural events, folk music,and celebrations to mark the passing of the seasons – the equinox stands as testament to the architectural genius of the Mayans – who used the pyramid and the equinox as a solar clock and sacrificial temple.(Read More)
27.) Les Fallas de Valencia - Officially celebrating St Joseph’s day, Valencia’s festival of fire – the Les Fallas de Valencia – is a 19 day celebration which features progressively louder daily firework displays, parades, firecrackers, a morning wake up call from a brass band, gun powder explosions, music, the burning of 30ft high plantas – and more paella than you can eat! The pinnacle of the festival comes when the plantas, which depict political or world events, are paraded throughout the city, judged by a committee and finally set ablaze in a thunderous late night ceremony. (Read More)
28.) Honen Festival - The ‘Penis Festival,’ Japan’s Honen Matsuri festival, held in the small town of Komaki, has been celebrated for the last 1,500 years and seeks to bring a good harvest and for those that wish for it fertility — with the good wishes summoned through the parading of a giant wooden 400kg Penis, carved from a cypress tree, and then climaxing with a spin around the Tagata jinja shrine. Alongside the parade, free sake and penis shaped food & treats are handed out and there is the bonus to buy Penis shaped keepsakes. (Read More)
29.) Maha Kumbh Mela (Once Every Four Years) - The largest public gathering and biggest collective declaration of peace and faith, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage held four times over the course of 12 years, in which tens of millions of pilgrims flock to bath in one of four sacred rivers in the belief that the sacred water can absolve them of sins. Lasting for 48 days, alongside bathing in the sacred water, a number of ceremonies take place including the ‘Peshwai’ and the Naga Sadhus — which combined with a range of culture and entertainment make it one of the greatest festival on earth. (Read More)
30.) Paro Tsechu - Bhutan’s festival of dance, the Paro Tshechu honours the buddist and yogi Padma Sambhawa who introduced Buddhism to the Himalayas with a four day celebration inside a local Dzong that starts with three days of sacred dances and rituals performed by monks wearing elaborate and colourful costumes, singing, chanting, socialising and the parading and selling of local arts and crafts — before the final unveiling of the sacred traditional Thangha — a giant clothand scroll with healing powers. (Read More).
31.) Shuni‑e (Omizutori) - The festival of Fire and Water, Shuni‑e is a 14-day Buddhist festival held in the ancient wooden temples of the Nigatsudo Hall of Japan’s Todaiji Temple, in which both sacred water believed to have healing powers is drawn from the Wakasai well — which runs dry except on the day of the festival — and offered to an eleven faced god statue, and the more famous Omizutori performance – in which on each night of the festival giant torches will be lit across the temple and carried back and forth by the monks is performed. (Read More)
32.) Nyepi & Ogoh-ogoh Parade - sshhh! – Nyepi is the annual day of silence primarily celebrated on the island of the gods in Bali where on the 3rd day of the 6 day New year Celebration the entire island comes to a silent standstill with roads, airports, restaurants and even electricity closed to allow for prayer, reflection and the purification of the mind, body and soul. In the days preceding Nyepi several ceremonies are held including the Ogoh, Ogoh parade in which 20 foot bamboo statues of demons are paraded on the streets of Bali, in an attempt to draw them out, with Nyepi serving as a way to banish them with their being no signs of life on the island. Following the observation of Nyepi further celebrations are held to mark the coming of the New year. (Read More)
33.) International Jazz Festival - The world’s biggest Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival see’s over 2 million people gather across downtown Montreal over the course of 11 days to enjoy over 700 free and paid concerts from 3000 musicians that showcases and celebrates the best of Jazz. Featuring every style of Jazz – the festival even sees some internationally famous acts put on free outdoor concerts, as attendants kick back and take in the smooth sound of Jazz in the Jazz capital of the world. (Read More)
34 .) King’s day (Koninginnedag & Koningsnacht)- Formerly Queens Day Koninginnedag or King’s Day is the Dutch annual national celebration of the King’s birthday, where everything great about the Netherlands is celebrated. The celebrations start the night before on Koningsnacht with feasts and beer. Followed quickly with a series of concerts, parties and the consumption of traditional Dutch food and orange bitter, with the iconic Amsterdam canals filling up with party boats and revellers wearing the Dutch colours of Orange. (Read More)
35.) Marathon des sables - ‘The toughest footrace on earth’ the Marathon Des Sables is an endurance race across the Sahara desert lasting for a week and seeing competitors traversing the length of six regular marathons consecutively in high heat, high winds and high blistery conditions. To make it that little bit tougher runners are responsible for transporting their own food, equipment and camping supplies, with training for the event required at least six months in advance, and participants also required to camp with the nocturnal wildlife of the Sahara desert. (Read More)
36.) Bisket Jatra - The ‘festival after the death of the serpent’ Bisket Jatra marks the start of the ancient Nepalese solar New year – and is Nepal’s noisiest, chaotic, and rowdiest festival. Lasting nine days, the four days preceding New Year’s eve see a series of sweet parades, tongue piercing and celebrations followed by a special blessing in an ancient temple before a 25ft totem pole. On New Year’s day, the two gods Bhairav and Bhadrakali will be placed on 20ft chariots and pulled to the base of the pole, where a tug of war takes place brining the Totem Pole crashing down.(Read More)
37.) Naghol (Land Diving) - The origin of Bungee Jumping, land diving or Naghol is held on Pentecost island in Vanuatu and sees Vanuatuan Males jump from a self-constructed 90ft tower with nothing but vines attached to their ankles to support themselves. The festival, which has grown in popularity over recent years, is only open to Vanuatuan males (and a select few honoured guest) and is done to symbolise the passing of a child into manhood and bring in a fruitful harvest, with the closest the land diver gets to the ground the better the resulting harvest will be.(Read More)
38.) Los diablos Danzantes - The Los diablos Danzantes or ‘Dancing Devils of Corpus Christ’ is a Venezuelan UNESCO recognised religious festival, in which ritual dances are performed by the Yare dancing devils – a group of religious worshippers kitted out in bright red eccentric devil costumes ‑with the Yare dancing devils performing a series of special performances and tributes which recognise their submission to religion and celebrating the triumph of good over evil (Read More)
39.) Þjóðhátíð (Westman Islands Festival) - The unpronounceable Þjóðhátíð festival, more commonly known as the Westman Islands Festival, is Iceland’s National Holiday, and how else would you celebrate a National Holiday in Iceland with a four-day outdoor camping festival where you can enjoy not only big stage concerts, bonfires and firework displays but also the challenge of staying warm on the Icelandic island of Vestmannaeyjar — with fire, warm clothing and plenty of warming alcohol essential to both survive and enjoy this incredible festival. (Read More)
40.) Cheese Chasing - Cheese Chasing, or the Cooper Hills cheese roll, is the best of eccentric British festivals, where competitors — separated by gender and age — race (or tumble) down one of England’s steepest and muddiest hills on the annual May Bank Holiday in pursuit of capturing a 10kg Gloucestershire cheese wheel – which also happens to be sent rolling down the hill at ! (Read More)
41.) Winter Olympics - The natural partner to the Olympic games, the Winter Olympics showcases the best of snow and ice competitors as every four years top winter athletes from across the globe gather to compete for medals and national glory. Kicking off with a traditional Olympic opening ceremony, the winter Olympics has developed from the five-core winter Olympic sports to a nine day spectacle that includes a range of competitive ice and snow events that truly showcases the best of winter sport. (Read More)
42.) Formula one Grand Prix of Monaco - One of the triple crowns of motorsport races the Monaco Grand Prix is coated in history, elegance, and spectacle — as drivers races across Monaco before finishing along the French Riviera, where the famous yachts of Monaco harbour, packed with the elite and royals, greet the winner.(Read More)
43.) World Sacred Music Festival — Fez’s world sacred music festival celebrates the diversity, artists and culture of both local Moroccan artists and international acts, with concerts, performances and readings taking place in historic plazas, ancient gardens and outdoor squares. Held over the course of nine days, the festival kicks off each day in the late afternoon and lasts well into the early hours, with events being both free and paid, and, depending on the venue, traditional seating or encouraging people to make use of the outdoor space and provided rug — for a uniquely cultural festival.(Read More)
44.) Sanja Matsuri - Sanja Matsuri is the biggest festival in Japan and a celebration of the founders of the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, with 100 portable shrines (called mikoshi) and three larger shrines paraded through the streets of the famous Asakusa district of Tokyo over the course of three days — where alongside parades, shopping and street food — the more than two million attendees aand local businesses seek to bring prosperity, luck and good health to themselves and their family in the year ahead. (Read More)
45.) Arirang Mass Gymnastics Festival [Mass Games] - The toughest one to attend on this list, the five week long Arirang Grand Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance or ‘Mass Games’ is a gymnastics, artistic and cultural festival which unites North Korea, as 100,000 specially chosen performers execute synchronised gymnastic and dancing routines backed by dramatic music and LED pyrotechnic displays — all of which tell the story of the ‘’The Glorious Nation and the legacy and ideology of both Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-Il and the workers party of North Korea. (Read More)
46.) Royal ascot Horse Racing - The best of British horse racing, Royal Ascot combines British civility and elegance with the excitement of Horse Racing as the famous race course plays host to 36 races spread over 5 days as the best horses in the world compete for over £8 million in prize money in the famed King George VI, Queen Elizabeth races and the prized royal Ascot gold Cup. (Read More)
47.) Venice Art Biennale - The ‘Olympics of the art world’ the Venice Biennale comprises a large-scale six-month exhibition that showcases the best of both art (odd years) and architecture (even years) in the serene setting of Venice. Established in 1895 and with a different theme every two years, there are three main parts of the Biennale; the central exhibition at the Giardini della biennale, the exhibits housed at the national pavilions, and the independently organised events that take place all over the city, all of which showcases the best of Italian and global art. (Read More)
48.) Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament — Dating back to 1360, the officially recognized longest running athletic competition seeks to find the best wrestler in Turkey. With hundreds of participants from all over Turkey fighting it out over the course of the year to make it to these finals — where, after the traditional auctioning of the Ram — they have the chance to be crowned the best of the best and lift the prestigious Kirkpinar gold belt — in a series of match-ups which can last hours and can only be decieded by the victor raising his opponent above his head. (Read More)
49.) Olympic Games - The world’s summer Olympic Games see’s the world’s top athletes from more than 200 nations compete across 28 sports for the chance to win not just an Olympic medal, but create history and become a national and international hero. Inspired by the ancient Greek Games, the Olympics are synonymous with the five Olympics rings, and the flame of the Olympic torch, which burns from the beginning to the end of the Olympics — as well as the opening and closing ceremonies — in between which 17 days of triumph, heartbreak and glory await the athletes. (Read More)
50.) Calgary Stampede - Yeeha! — The ‘greatest show on earth’ the world famous Calgary stampede celebrates the best of the Rodeo and mid-western life, with a 10-day spectacular featuring the best of rodeo events, musical performances, workshops, chuckwagon races, and rodeo themed shows and parades, with the city of Calgary coming alive to celebrate, educate and share its culture and heritage with the world. (Read More)
51.) Pageant of the Masters Show (Festival of the Arts) - The highlight of the Laguna Beach festival of the arts, the pageant of the masters display is a 90 minute unique production in which the great pieces of art, from Van Gogh to Rembrandt, are bought to life under the night sky in a spectacular amphitheater by over 1000 live performers — who re-create the best of the world’s most iconic and moving pieces of art backed by both a narrator, lighting effects and a full orchestra — for truly dazzling display. (Read More)
52.) Roswell UFO Festival - Commemorating the infamous ‘Roswell Incident’ the Roswell UFO festival is the place for sceptics and believers alike to explore, celebrate and discuss other worldly life. While the festival begins with a good humoured ‘Alien chase’ – and also plays host to alien pet dress-up, the Roswell UFO museum and international Roswell UFO research centre spend 3 days discussing the Roswell incident, latest outer space research and dissecting the merits of life in outer space – for an out of this world experience (Read More)
53.) The Ouidah Voodoo Festival (Fête du Vodoun) - The Fête du Vodoun or the Voodoo Festival of Benin both celebrates the voodoo idea everything is spirit and commemorates the 60 million who lost their homelands and freedom during slave trading. Beginning with the slaughtering of a goat to bring in a good festival, locals use dancing, singing, and alcohol to tell religious stories and express their cultural identity, followed by evening ritual sacrifices — for one of the most extreme festivals on the planet. (Read More).
54.) Bastille Day - The national day of France – Bastille day officially commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris, which turned into a major turning point in the French Revolution of and led to unity of the French people in 1790. Today Bastille day is France’s greatest national holiday and host to the largest and oldest military parade in Europe – with Paris the coming alive not just for a spectacular military parade along the champs elysees but also a series of fireman’s balls and a grandstand finale of a half hour firework and light show on the Eiffel Tower. (Read More)
55.) The San Fermin Festival & Running of the bulls — The World’s Largest Fiesta, the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona is also home to the renowned Running of the Bulls festival where daring revellers do their best to outrun six fighting bulls through half a mile of the streets of Pamplona, which are being led by six tamed bell-oxen to the Pamplona bull ring — where after a traditional bull fighting ceremony, attendees can then take to the streets to drink, eat and reflect on one of the greatest festivals on the planet. (Read More)
56.) Naddam - “Eriin gurvan naadam” or the “the three games of men,” Naddam celebrates the nomadic culture and Mongolian independence with the three ‘manly’ sports of wrestling, horseracing and archery, alongside traditional dances, tricks, and performances. Beginning with an Olympic style opening ceremony, national flag raising ceremony, and the carrying of nine white banners spectators have the chance to not only witness the games, but also enjoy fine Mongolian food and drink, witness a traditional Mongolian opera see a horse headed festival and enjoy a series of open air shows during this incredible festival. (Read More)
57.) Up Helly Aa - One of Scotland’s most bizarre festivals the Up Helly Aa is a celebration and spectacle of the Shetland Islands Viking history. This full day event see’s thousands of costumed Viking warriors socialise and parade through the streets of the Shetland Islands, led by a nominated leader or Jarl — who after a firework display– leads a series of flaming torch carrying warriors to a replica long ship, which amidst cries of joy is then set ablaze. (Read More)
58.) Burning Man - Burning Man is not a festival, rather a temporary event or community established in the Nevada black rock desert dedicated to community, art, gifting, participation, self-expression, and self-reliance. Centered on 10 principles of inclusion and requiring forward planning, Burning Man has the power to evolve and radically change a person with the iconic burning of the 75-foot tall man statue that concludes the festival being one of the most powerful events on the planet. (Read More)
59.) World Bog Snorkeling Challenge - Conceived like all great ideas in a small country pub, the World bog snorkeling challenge sees brave and barmy competitors required to snorkel two lengths of the 55m welsh bog. A favourite among British Stag do’s — with competitors often seen wearing fancy dress (or even wedding dresses), the world record for completing the course currently set at 1 min 22 seconds — a which represents a true feat of accomplishment and madness. (Read More)
60.) Mt Hagen sing-sing Festival - A festival unlike any other, the Mt Hagen sing-sing is a celebration of the culture, history, dance, costumes and music of tribes and villages from all over Papua New Guinea. During the festival, tribes will step onto the field in Mount Hagen and in full tribal costume and with fully painted faces perform a traditional dance seeking to peacefully share island traditions with both locals and visitors. (Read More)
61.) Oktoberfest - The worlds largest beer and folk festival, the iconic Oktoberfest see’s more than 6 million people consume more than 8 million litres of beer over the course of two and a half weeks. The festival also features fairground rides, rollercoasters and a series of food stalls — which combined with the donning of traditional Bavarian outfits and folk bands, makes Oktoberfest a unique celebration of Bavarian culture. (Read More)
62.) Greenwich Village Halloween Parade - New York City’s Carnival – the Greenwich Halloween parade is the worlds premier Halloween spectacle and the only night time parade in New York, with more floats, marching bands and more than 50,000 impromptu costumed revellers, dressed as everything from Zombies to Robots, parading down New York’s Sixth avenue all overseen by a series of spooky giant animated rod puppets. The parade attracts more than 2 million spectators who help drum up the atmosphere – and with the only requirement to participate in the parade being a costume – you are in for a frightfully good Halloween. (Read More)
63.) Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) - Mexico’s Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life with a theme of death and seeks to honour and demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members, as those we have lost loved ones remember them through the leaving of photos and possession at a temporary altar called an ofrenda, with the four elements of life; water, wind, earth and fire further left by relatives and friends to keep them safe. (Read More)
64.) New Years Eve (Times Square) - The Universal Symbol of the start of a New Year, celebrating New Years Eve in the sparkling lights of New York’s Times Square with over a million other revellers and a billion people watching around the world is a memorable, if chilly, way to bring the way the New Year. With 6 hours of entertainment — from music to the famous dick Clark rock an eve, the last minute to midnight is accompanied by a universal countdown before the iconic NYE ball descends to bring in the new year, with confetti balloons, music and good wishes. (Read More)
65.) Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (Argentine polo finals) - The World Cup of Polo, the Campeonato Argentino Abierto turns the mild reputation of polo on its head as the best players and horses compete in a high pace, frantic and frankly dangerous tournament to determine the world’s greatest polo players and team. Held in ‘the cathedral of polo’ – the Campeonato Argentina Abierto de Polo sees 10 teams of four battle it out over the course of a month, for Polo’s greatest prize and true glory. (Read More)
66.) Junkanoo - Feel the Beat – Junkanoo is the biggest street parade across the Caribbean, with thousands of Bahamians outfitting themselves in colourful, energetic and funky handmade costumes to dance through the streets of Nassau, accompanied by brass bands and traditional African music, which along with tasty food, plenty of performances and a relaxed atmosphere helps to celebrate the unique culture, dance and music of the paradise island. (Read More)
67.) Hogmanay - Hogmanay is Scotland’s passionate 3 day New Years eve celebration featuring street parties, torchlight parades, music, costumes, concerts, dancing, a firework finale and even a dip in the Scottish ocean. Hogmanay kicks off with a torchlit parade through the streets of Edinburgh the day before New Years Eve and then combines traditional Scottish culture, with Fireworks and Street Parades and traditional singing of Auld Lang — before concluding with loony Dook – a dip in the Scottish waters. (Read More)
68.) Dakar Rally - The biggest and most dangerous rally in the world, the Dakar Rally see’s professionals and amateurs head out into the wilderness — relying on their own supplies — to compete in specialized off-road vehicles in an unforgettable and challenging off road-endurance event, on a 10 ‑15 day loop across 4,660-mile (7,500-kilometer) 12 stages of the vast, diverse, barren across the uncharted territory of the Saudi Arabian Desert — with not all who undertake the Dakar Rally making it to the finish line. (Read More)
69.) Krampusnacht - Ever wondered what happens to the children who make it onto St Nicholas naughty list? – they get a visit from the evil demon of Santa, Krampus, who according to legend is a horrific half-goat, half demon creature, covered in fur and with coals for eyes and large prodding horns, who kidnaps, drowns and devours the individuals who make it onto the naughty list, and for whom Austrians have decided to dedicate an entire upbeat festival to in the lead-up to Christmas. (Read More)
70.) International Ice and Snow Festival (Harbin) - The Worlds biggest winter festival, Harbin’s ice and winter festival takes advantage of the ‑25 °C weather as 10,000 workers cut, haul and shape over 220,000 cubic metres of ice into towering structures, including castles, palaces and trains and plays host to a series of ice related competitions and for those crazy enough a swimming competition across the frozen water of the Songhua River. (Read More)
71.) Pingxi Lantern Festival — Marking the first day of the Lunar New Year, Taiwan’s beautiful and photogenic Pingxi Lantern Festival see’s 100,000 burning lanterns released into the night sky, covered in the words, wishes pictures, and prayers of their releases – a time also for family and reflection the highlight of the festival see’s locals and foreigners seek to do their best to bring in a prosperous new year by lighting up the sky in a marvelous display of golden light that lasts till dawn. (Read More)
72.) The Mevlana festival (Whirling Dervishes) - The hypnotic Whirling Dervishes are the hallmark of Konya’s Mevlana Festival, which commemorates the life, teachings and death of Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Konya’s revered Islamic theologian, with an eleven-day series of ceremonies and celebrations including the hypnotic Whirling Dervishes dance. (Read More)
73.) Kandy Esala Perahera - The festival of the Tooth – Sri Lanka’s Esala Perahera honours the sacred tooth relic of buddha and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini which are housed in the divine temple of the tooth in Kandy. Kandy see’s musicians, dancers, art performances, fire-breathers, and the impressive sight of a herd of elephants decked in colorful and lit-up ceremonial dress marching through the streets of Kandy. (Read More)
74.) Comic Con - Embracing everyone’s inner Geek, the television, film, and comic book extravaganza of Comic-Con, allows fans to not just meet and greet their heroes and partake in a series of action panels, but also learn the latest updates from Hollywood and discover the inside information about how cinematic masterpieces and iconic comic books are created. Featuring merchandise, food and theme events, comic con allows everyone able to recapture their youth — and live their fantasy during this truly superhero event. (Read More)
75.) Wimbledon - The most prestigious and oldest of Tennis’s four Grand Slams, the Wimbledon championships – or simply Wimbledon – is the world’s premier tennis event, as over the course of two weeks in English Summer, 128 of the worlds best tennis players, combined with 64 double teams battle it out in a elimination tournament to be crowned the best in the tennis world — in a elimination style tournament filled with drama, controversy, heartbreak and ultimatley glory. (Read More)
76.) Glastonbury - The largest greenfield music festival in the world and a hallmark of the British art calendar, Glastonbury see’s the biggest internal rock and pop acts in the world, combined with thousands of supporting dance, comedy and music artists descending on the peaceful village of Pilton, Somerset. Synonymous with both tents and mud attendees are known to form a free-spirited tented social community that helps make Glastonbury a unique celebration of the best of the arts and music. (Read More)
77.) The Super Bowl - The biggest watched single-day sporting even in the world, the Super Bowl is the winner take all culmination of the National Football League (NFL), as at the end of a grueling season of American Football two of the 32 competing teams, from the two 16team conferences battle it out to be crowned the national NFL champions and lift the famous Lombardi trophy. Taking place on ‘Superbowl Sunday’ companies also compete foradvertisement spots, with many people tuning in not just for the game, but to watch the commercials — as well as the famous half time show. (Read More)
78.) Indianapolis 500 - The ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ and unquestionable the most important and prestigious event of the IndyCar calendar, the Indianapolis 500 sees 33 starters in “Indy Cars” race at speeds of 240 Miles per hours over 500 miles and 200 laps of Indiana’s Motor Speedway stadium against a backdrop of frantic noise and delirious fans. As the drivers seek to not only finish the course, but be crowned the greatest Indy Racer, and claim the $2.5 million cash price and be doused in a complimentary bottle of milk or two. (Read More)
79.) La Tomatina (The Tomato Fight) — The world’s greatest food fight and the pinnacle for tomato lovers and foodies, the internationally renowned La Tomatina focuses and pure unadulterated enjoyment, as 20,000 people from all over the world gather in the small town of Buñol and for the course of one amazing hour hurl 120 metric tons of tomatoes at each other before heading to local restaurants and bars to wash themselves down and celebrate with a drink — in a truly enjoyable and bizarre festival. (Read More)
80.) World Cup - The most prestigious and most followed sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of competitive football as the best teams from 32 nations battle it out once every four years in an elimination tournament to be crowned the world champions. Qualification begins four years prior , and it’s not uncommon during the world cup for entire countries to shut down to cheer their team on – as over the course of the tournament both national heroes and villains will be made and players have the chance to cement their legacy and names in history. (Read More)
81.) Sundance Film Festival — The largest independent film festival in the United States, the Sundance film festival celebrates the best of independent film as hundreds of thousands of cinema buffs , film makers, critics and budding directors head to three small towns in Utah for a 10 day marathon of film premieres, panels, conversations, parties and the chance to discover the latest cinematic masterpiece — as well as themselves become the next big movie star. (Read More)
82.) Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - The largest balloon festival in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta see’s more than a million people come and watch 600 hot air balloons ascend into the morning crisp autumn New Mexico skyline, against the back drop of the Rio Grande. Lasting nine days, the festival also features local music artists and demonstrations of cultural topics of New Mexico – and each night is concluded with both a firework display and an ‘evening balloon glow’ in which the 600 hot air balloons lit their burners – creating a twilight glow across the fields of New Mexico.(Read More)
83.) The Mongol Rally — The ‘greatest adventure on the planet’ – or perhaps more accurately ‘motoring stupidity on a global scale’, the Mongol Rally is an intercontinental charity car rally that challenges participants to find the worst car they can (1 litre or less and no younger than 10 years) and drive it over 10,000 kilometres from the streets of London, through Europe across the silk road and the ‘Stan’s’ over the muddy and navigable plains of Mongolia before finishing in the Russian town of Ulan-Ude, with no support, back-up or assistance. (Read More)
84.) Coachella — The ‘Indie’ music festival, the Coachella music and arts festival is a consecutive three-day weekend celebration of both popular and established musical artists and indie and local music, that also features art installations and cultures, as well as major international artists. Considered America’s answer to Glastonbury, owing to the continuous party atmosphere created by the festival goers who set up camp in the grounds of the festival, despite the high cost of attending Coachella has developed into one of the wildest, freest and fun festivals in the world. (Read More)
85.) Just for Laughs - The king of comedy festivals, Just For Laughs is a two-week spectacle of the worlds finest comedians, with Montreal’s Quartier des spectacles and surrounding comedy clubs and theatres playing host to 2000 of the best comedians on the planet — in both free and paid performances. Taking place each July, the festival has developed a reputation of unearthing the next comedic talent — who is sure to leave your sides splitting. (Read More)
86.) 24 Hours of Le Mans - The world’s oldest active racing event, the 24 hours of Le Mans is a test of speed, engineering and endurance, as over the course of 24 straight hours teams of three drivers in a single car battle it out to see who can cover the most distance on the closed public roads and race tracks of France’s Circuit de la Sarthe. A race that requires teams to balance the demands of the car with the fortitude and desire of the increasingly sleep deprived drivers — being crowned the king of Le Mans is no easy feat — and one that will push cars and teams to their limit. (Read More)
87.) South By Southwest (SXSW) - The biggest multi-media and genre celebration on the planet — South by Southwest (or SXSW) combines events of music, film, comedy, gaming, and interactivity, with exhibitions, showcases, screening, networking, technological development and more, as under the banner of one roof over the course of 10 days in March, the entire city of Austin, Texas plays host to a series of SXSW events that combine multiple festivals into one. (Read More)
88.) The Battle of the Oranges — The battle of the oranges is a celebration of freedom and liberty, that sees thousands of people flock to the small town of Ivrea, Italy and over the course of three days engage in an orange based food fight between nine combat teams (who seek to attack or defend Ivrea) across both the streets and square of Ivrea — with more than 4.2 million oranges being thrown through the course of the festival and participation in the festivities and orange throwing being volunatry. (Read More)
89.) Inti Raymi — The Festival of the Sun, Cusco’s popular (thanks to the re-discovery of Machu Pichu) Inti Raymi festival both celebrates and re-enacts the Inca Empire’s winter solstice festival and the traditional Inca New Year– with processions, dances, ceremonial readings, music, parade’s, rituals and even a sacrifice (although the life sacrifices and mummification have stopped) taking place to honour the most sacred god in Inca culture – Inti — the god of the Sun. With celebrations taking place all day — until dusk falls and people head back to the streets of Cusco to celebrate Inti Raymi into the night(Read More)
90.) Kentucky derby Race - The ‘Run of the Roses’ The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sport and the pinnacle in competitive horse racing as twenty of the best horses mounted by the world’s best jockeys compete across 10 furlongs of the famous Churchill Downs racecourse to be crowned not just the Kentucky Derby champion but also take home nearly $3 million in prize money — all in front of some 80,000 spectators crammed into the in-field watching area and the celebrities and high-society attendees watching on from the famed ‘millionaires row’. (Read More)
91.) Thanksgiving parade - The worlds largest parade and the official kick off of the American holiday season, the Thanksgiving parade in Manhattan see’s the famous streets of New York come alive as an assortment of floats, falloons, balloonicles and over 60 giant helium balloons. Strongly associated with the New York Icon Macy’s the parade features children’s heros, holiday figures and entertainment icons, march through the heart of New York in front of some 3.5 million spectators — with spots to hold the balloons available for the public. (Read More)
92.) Tapati Festival - The biggest Polynesian festival in the world and a celebration of the Rapa Nui culture. The Tapati Festival see’s the famous Easter Island ‑and it’s iconic moai statues — come alive, as over the course of two weeks in February a series of music, dance, cultural and sporting events are held to not only pass on traditions to younger generations and educate visitors on the moai beliefs, but also see which candidates of the two clans of the island will be crowned the king and queen of the Tapati festival in a grueling and unpredictable series of tests. (Read More)
93.) Timkat Festival - Marking the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, the Timkat Festival is a three-day celebration across the whole of Ethiopia that features singing, speeches, mass, dancing and a re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus. Beginning with models of the Ark of the covenant being carried to the river, a dawn mass and the blessing of the water take place, followed by a series of baptisms for new believers in ceremonies which last till dusk — in a true proclamation of faith. (Read More)
94.) Galway International Oyster Seafood Festival -The world’s greatest and longest running Oyster festival – the three day long Galway International Oyster Seafood festival celebrate the start of the new Oyster season and everything that’s great about Oysters. With a walking seafood trail along the beautiful Irish Coast, oyster Olympics, Oyster themed procession, tasting events of Oysters prepared by the world’s best chefs, best dressed Oyster competition and an Oyster themed masquerade ball, with the oysters being washed down with stout, champagne and of course Guinness — in a truly tasty festival. (Read More)
95.) Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Party - The Infamous full moon party see’s the shores of the idyllic Haad Rin beach on Koh Pha Ngan play host to a monthly ground vibrating, noisy, chaotic alcohol fuelled and simply fun festival-like party under the full moon. A party that comes with its own reputation — and expensive alcohol and food, you can expect some 10,000 – 30,000 people to gather in the days before the party at Koh Pha Ngan to let their hair down, have a good time and enjoy the best of Thailand — with the ultimate full moon party taking place on the New Year’s Eve. (Read More)
96.) Lunar New Year (China) - The Lunar New Year is the biggest and brightest festival in China as families from across the entire region come together to celebrate the Chinese New Year over the course of almost 23 days. It’s also the world’s greatest (human !) migration — as some 200 million individuals race against time to make it back to their families and friends for the traditional reunion dinner — in a heartwarming way to welcome in the New Year.(Read More)
97.) Tango Festival — The worlds biggest tango festival – the Tango festival of Buenos Aires is not only a celebration of Argentine culture and tango, but is a combination of the best two tango events on the planet as the nine day La Festival — which features numerous shows, instruction, performances, recitals, classes and screenings for the public– is combined with the biggest international tango competition the Mundial de Tango where the finest tango dancers battle it out to be crowned tango champion — in an event that truly lives up to Argentina’s reputation as the ‘Home of Tango’. (Read More)
98.) Batalla del Vino - The ‘battle of the wine’ or ‘wine warfare’ is a chaotic, sticky and ultimately (depending on how much wine you drink) jolly battle. With the festival, which attracts some 5000 people, aimed at marking St Peters Day in the town of Haro, Spain by having an all night party and then — still hungover — making the challenging climb to the summit of a local mountain to chuck, squirt, blast and douse each other in over 70,000 liters of red wine with whatever tools they can get their hands on and without mercy for the next few hours — before finishing up with yet another party. (Read More)
99.) World Sacred Spirit Festival — Set amongst the majestic and candle lit Nagaur and Mehrangarh Forts, the world sacred spirit festival is not only one of the worlds leading folk festivals and a showcase of some of the worlds greatest artists, but a spiritual, enlightening and awakening festival. With the festival featuring a series of music, dances, poetry and religious performances take place in concert venues or by the forts serene lakes before each day of the festival concludes with a spiritual midnight electric performance held again within the fort. (Read More)
100.) Rickshaw Run (India version) — Pushing basic engineering to the limit, the Rickshaw run is a two — three week manic, challenging, adventurous and thrill-seeking charity team ‘race’ across the whole of India. With travelers responsible for plotting their own route to the finish line which lies on the other side of India, during which they will have to navigate Indian traffic, breakdowns, wildlife — and no doubt Delhi belly — as they take in the beauty and wonders of India in a battered, smelly, unbalanced and unsuitable rickshaw, with no guide and definitely no back-up. (Read More)
Honorable Mentions:
1.) Tet nguyen dan (Vietnam New Year) - Vietnam’s Tet, which celebrates the Lunar New year Celebrations, is Vietnam’s loudest and most significant festival. With Vietnamese people traveling from all around the country to return to their homes and seeking to rid themselves of bad fortune and bring in good tidings for the upcoming year. Alongside this there are also planned firework events (absent health & Safety) special meals and parades for visitors and locals to enjoy in the major Vietnamese cities. (Read More)
2.) Monkey Buffet Festival — Honouring the most famous residents of the Thailand town of Lopburi, the Monkey Buffet festival truly lives up to its name – as every November amidst the ruins of the iconic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple 3,000 long tailed macaque monkeys feast on a specially prepared massive banquet in the middle of their own ‘monkey village.’ (Read More)
3.) Roskilde Music festival - The ‘Community Music Festival’ the Danish music festival of Roskilde features not just 175 bands and the best of food, parties, mud and art, but also a strong emphasis on togetherness, spirituality and community. This is best seen not only in the social activites within the festival, but also as the non-profit charity organisation behind Roskilde ensure that funds raised by Roskilde go to assist young and vulnerable children. (Read More)
4.) Vesak Poya – The festival of Lights (Sri Lanka) — The Buddhist ‘Christmas,’ Vesak Poya is a festival of togetherness and light celebrating the three most important events of Buddha’s life – birth, enlightenment, and death — with the release of colourful lanterns, light statues and numerous open meditation practices – to spread joy to participants and society as a whole. (Read More)
5.) The Great Food Festival - The favourite festival of ‘foodies’ Singapore’s Great food festival see’s more than 50 of the worlds greatest chefs descend onto Sentosa Island in the little red dot and showcase hundreds of their best dishes for as little as $10 a pop. With international and local delights on offer from Michelin Star chefs and Singapore’s best restaurants in the ‘Star Chef Arena,’ deserts and pastries available for those with a sweet tooth in the ‘Rollin’ Sweet Times’ section, and the chance to dine at the aptly named nightly ‘Feast of Kings’ an all you can eat feast with a medieval style theme. (Read More)
Sorted by Country, the below are the 100 Greatest Travel Festivals to witness, participate in and experience:
{Argentina} {Australia} {Austria} {The Bahamas} {Benin} {Bhutan} {Bolivia} {Brazil} {Canada} {China} {Denmark} {Easter Island} {Ecuador} {Egypt} {England} {Ethiopia} {France} {Germany} {Guatemala} {Iceland} {India} {Indonesia} {International} {Ireland} {Italy} {Japan} {Kenya} {Mexico} {Monaco} {Mongolia} {Morocco} {Nepal} {Netherlands} {North Korea} {Papua New Guinea} {Peru} {Russia} {Saudi Arabia} {Scotland} {Singapore} {South Korea} {Spain} {Sri Lanka} {Tanzania} {Thailand} {Taiwan} {The Philippines} {Turkey} {USA} {Vanuatu} {Venezuela} {Vietnam} {Wales}
Argentina:
Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (Argentine polo finals) - The World Cup of Polo, the Campeonato Argentino Abierto turns the mild reputation of polo on its head as the best players and horses compete in a high pace, frantic and frankly dangerous tournament to determine the world’s greatest polo players and team. Held in ‘the cathedral of polo’ – the Campeonato Argentina Abierto de Polo sees 10 teams of four battle it out over the course of a month, for Polo’s greatest prize and true glory. (Read More)
Tango Festival — The worlds biggest tango festival – the Tango festival of Buenos Aires is not only a celebration of Argentine culture and tango, but is a combination of the best two tango events on the planet as the nine day La Festival — which features numerous shows, instruction, performances, recitals, classes and screenings for the public– is combined with the biggest international tango competition the Mundial de Tango where the finest tango dancers battle it out to be crowned tango champion — in an event that truly lives up to Argentina’s reputation as the ‘Home of Tango’. (Read More)
Australia:
The Great Red Crab Migration - The great red crab migration of Christmas Island is a migration phenomenon in which tens of millions of large red crabs emerge from the shade of the rainforest and head in unison to the ocean — traversing some 1400 meters across roads, rocks and utilising specially designed ‘crab bridges’ to synchronise their movements. As they spend the next two weeks burrowing, defending their territory and mating, in what is a noisy, colourful and spectacular spectacle. (Read More)
Austria:
Krampusnacht - Ever wondered what happens to the children who make it onto St Nicholas naughty list? – they get a visit from the evil demon of Santa, Krampus, who according to legend is a horrific half-goat, half demon creature, covered in fur and with coals for eyes and large prodding horns, who kidnaps, drowns and devours the individuals who make it onto the naughty list, and for whom Austrians have decided to dedicate an entire upbeat festival to in the lead-up to Christmas. (Read More)
Vienna Opera ball & Carnival — The world’s most elegant Opera ball, the Vienna opera ball concludes the Viennese carnival season with the cities opera house transformed into a glamorous dance hall where following the glamour of an opening ceremony and a resounding rendition of the Austrian National anthem 150 young couples kick start the celebrations with a carefully choreographed waltz rehearsed over the past year to the delight of 5,000 spectators, political leaders, sports stars and national icons. (Read More)
The Bahamas:
Junkanoo - Feel the Beat – Junkanoo is the biggest street parade across the Caribbean, with thousands of Bahamians outfitting themselves in colourful, energetic and funky handmade costumes to dance through the streets of Nassau, accompanied by brass bands and traditional African music, which along with tasty food, plenty of performances and a relaxed atmosphere helps to celebrate the unique culture, dance and music of the paradise island. (Read More)
Benin:
The Ouidah Voodoo Festival (Fête du Vodoun) - The Fête du Vodoun or the Voodoo Festival of Benin both celebrates the voodoo idea everything is spirit and commemorates the 60 million who lost their homelands and freedom during slave trading. Beginning with the slaughtering of a goat to bring in a good festival, locals use dancing, singing, and alcohol to tell religious stories and express their cultural identity, followed by evening ritual sacrifices — for one of the most extreme festivals on the planet. (Read More).
Bhutan
Paro Tsechu - Bhutan’s festival of dance, the Paro Tshechu honours the buddist and yogi Padma Sambhawa who introduced Buddhism to the Himalayas with a four day celebration inside a local Dzong that starts with three days of sacred dances and rituals performed by monks wearing elaborate and colourful costumes, singing, chanting, socialising and the parading and selling of local arts and crafts — before the final unveiling of the sacred traditional Thangha — a giant clothand scroll with healing powers. (Read More).
Bolivia
Fiesta de la Candelaria - Celebrated on the shores of Lake Titicaca — some 3,800 meters above sea-level — the Fiesta de la Candelaria (Virgin of Candelaria Feast) marks the end of Christmas and honours the Patron saint of Puno, the Virgin of Candelaria, with a 2 week mix of religious ceremonies including masses and ceremonies and modern festival elements including street dancing, parades, costumes, the blessing of cars, food and free-flowing beer – with a special ‘running of the bulls’ event taking place daily on the Bolivian side of the Lake. (Read More)
Carnaval de Oruro - Bolivia’s own spin on the South American Carnival season sees the “Devil Dancing festival” being hosted in the mining town of Oruro – where for 10 days preceding Ash Wednesday the carnival mixes modern festival traditions with more traditional religious elements, including the commemoration of the towns patron saint, the Virgin of Socavo and the remembrance of the ‘Lady of the Mineshaft’ – which is said to have miraculously appeared in the mine shaft of Oruro in 1756. (Read More)
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro carnival - The biggest, brightest and most famous carnival in the world, the 5 day iconic Rio de Janeiro Carnival celebrates everything samba, with the extravagant festival seeing over 10 million people converge on Rio to participate, celebrate and party in a variety of costume balls, street parties, floats, and the world-famous carnival parades. All of which build up in climax to not just the evening exclusive carnival balls but the main event of the Carnival – the dazzling, colorful and iconic Samba Parade. (Read More)
Canada:
Calgary Stampede - Yeeha! — The ‘greatest show on earth’ the world famous Calgary stampede celebrates the best of the Rodeo and mid-western life, with a 10-day spectacular featuring the best of rodeo events, musical performances, workshops, chuckwagon races, and rodeo themed shows and parades, with the city of Calgary coming alive to celebrate, educate and share its culture and heritage with the world. (Read More)
International Jazz Festival - The world’s biggest Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival see’s over 2 million people gather across downtown Montreal over the course of 11 days to enjoy over 700 free and paid concerts from 3000 musicians that showcases and celebrates the best of Jazz. Featuring every style of Jazz – the festival even sees some internationally famous acts put on free outdoor concerts, as attendants kick back and take in the smooth sound of Jazz in the Jazz capital of the world. (Read More)
Just for Laughs - The king of comedy festivals, Just For Laughs is a two-week spectacle of the worlds finest comedians, with Montreal’s Quartier des spectacles and surrounding comedy clubs and theatres playing host to 2000 of the best comedians on the planet — in both free and paid performances. Taking place each July, the festival has developed a reputation of unearthing the next comedic talent — who is sure to leave your sides splitting. (Read More)
China:
International Ice and Snow Festival (Harbin) - The Worlds biggest winter festival, Harbin’s ice and winter festival takes advantage of the ‑25 °C weather as 10,000 workers cut, haul and shape over 220,000 cubic metres of ice into towering structures, including castles, palaces and trains and plays host to a series of ice related competitions and for those crazy enough a swimming competition across the frozen water of the Songhua River. (Read More)
Lunar New Year (China) - The Lunar New Year is the biggest and brightest festival in China as families from across the entire region come together to celebrate the Chinese New Year over the course of almost 23 days. It’s also the world’s greatest (human !) migration — as some 200 million individuals race against time to make it back to their families and friends for the traditional reunion dinner — in a heartwarming way to welcome in the New Year.(Read More)
Denmark:
Roskilde Music festival - The ‘Community Music Festival’ the Danish music festival of Roskilde features not just 175 bands and the best of food, parties, mud and art, but also a strong emphasis on togetherness, spirituality and community. This is best seen not only in the social activites within the festival, but also as the non-profit charity organisation behind Roskilde ensure that funds raised by Roskilde go to assist young and vulnerable children. (Read More)
Easter Island:
Tapati Festival - The biggest Polynesian festival in the world and a celebration of the Rapa Nui culture. The Tapati Festival see’s the famous Easter Island ‑and it’s iconic moai statues — come alive, as over the course of two weeks in February a series of music, dance, cultural and sporting events are held to not only pass on traditions to younger generations and educate visitors on the moai beliefs, but also see which candidates of the two clans of the island will be crowned the king and queen of the Tapati festival in a grueling and unpredictable series of tests. (Read More)
Ecuador:
Semana Santa - Celebrated in almost all Spanish speaking countries Semana Santa celebrates the last week of Jesus life, including the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, with either solemn processions or colourful celebrations, floats, re-enactments, parades and reading of religious rites to mark the end of lent. The highlight of the festival is led by a series of barefoot religious brotherhoods, who march while dressed in purple robes holding candles and chanting in unison as they slowly make their way to the city’s main church to celebrate Easter Sunday.(Read More)
Egypt:
Temple of Abu Simbel Illumination - The Sun festival – the illumination of the Abu Simbel temple is a bi-annual event in which the immortal monuments to the Egyptian King Ramses II and his wife on the side of the Abu Simbel temple are cast out of their yearly shadow by the dawns ascending sun. An impressive architectural feat of the Egyptian era, the 3,200 year old temple is lit up on what are believed to the key dates of his reign – his birth and his ascension to the throne – which accompanied by music and performances and in the presence of thousands of tourists, architects and state officials makes for a spectacular performance. (Read More)
England:
Cheese Chasing - Cheese Chasing, or the Cooper Hills cheese roll, is the best of eccentric British festivals, where competitors — separated by gender and age — race (or tumble) down one of England’s steepest and muddiest hills on the annual May Bank Holiday in pursuit of capturing a 10kg Gloucestershire cheese wheel – which also happens to be sent rolling down the hill at ! (Read More)
Glastonbury - The largest greenfield music festival in the world and a hallmark of the British art calendar, Glastonbury see’s the biggest internal rock and pop acts in the world, combined with thousands of supporting dance, comedy and music artists descending on the peaceful village of Pilton, Somerset. Synonymous with both tents and mud attendees are known to form a free-spirited tented social community that helps make Glastonbury a unique celebration of the best of the arts and music. (Read More)
Lewes Bonfire Night: Remember, Remember the Fifth of November the Gunpowder treason and plot…. Commemorating Guy Fawkes plot to blow up the United Kingdom’s Houses of Parliament in 1605 and Seventeen Protestant Martyrs, the small town of Lewes, dubbed the ‘bonfire capital of the world’ plays host to a spectacular bonfire and firework show — complete with effigies, parades and a ceremonial barrel run — which helps to ensure there is no reason the gunpowder treason will ever be forgot. (Read More)
Royal ascot Horse Racing - The best of British horse racing, Royal Ascot combines British civility and elegance with the excitement of Horse Racing as the famous race course plays host to 36 races spread over 5 days as the best horses in the world compete for over £8 million in prize money in the famed King George VI, Queen Elizabeth races and the prized royal Ascot gold Cup. (Read More)
The UK Stonehenge Summer Solstice — Celebrated for thousands of years, the Summer solstice (the day with the longest period of daylight as one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt) at England’s famous Stonehenge is both a religious and historical festival and a chance to explore and unpack the mystery that is Stonehenge as tens of thousands of people arrive at the Neolithic monument from sunset providing a night full of parties, spiritual awakening and reflection to greet the rising sun and dawn of the world’s longest day in one of they mysterious and beautiful places on the planet. (Read More)
Wimbledon - The most prestigious and oldest of Tennis’s four Grand Slams, the Wimbledon championships – or simply Wimbledon – is the world’s premier tennis event, as over the course of two weeks in English Summer, 128 of the worlds best tennis players, combined with 64 double teams battle it out in a elimination tournament to be crowned the best in the tennis world — in a elimination style tournament filled with drama, controversy, heartbreak and ultimatley glory. (Read More)
Ethiopia
Timkat Festival - Marking the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, the Timkat Festival is a three-day celebration across the whole of Ethiopia that features singing, speeches, mass, dancing and a re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus. Beginning with models of the Ark of the covenant being carried to the river, a dawn mass and the blessing of the water take place, followed by a series of baptisms for new believers in ceremonies which last till dusk — in a true proclamation of faith. (Read More)
France:
24 Hours of Le Mans - The world’s oldest active racing event, the 24 hours of Le Mans is a test of speed, engineering and endurance, as over the course of 24 straight hours teams of three drivers in a single car battle it out to see who can cover the most distance on the closed public roads and race tracks of France’s Circuit de la Sarthe. A race that requires teams to balance the demands of the car with the fortitude and desire of the increasingly sleep deprived drivers — being crowned the king of Le Mans is no easy feat — and one that will push cars and teams to their limit. (Read More)
Bastille Day - The national day of France – Bastille day officially commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris, which turned into a major turning point in the French Revolution of and led to unity of the French people in 1790. Today Bastille day is France’s greatest national holiday and host to the largest and oldest military parade in Europe – with Paris the coming alive not just for a spectacular military parade along the champs elysees but also a series of fireman’s balls and a grandstand finale of a half hour firework and light show on the Eiffel Tower. (Read More)
Germany:
Oktoberfest - The worlds largest beer and folk festival, the iconic Oktoberfest see’s more than 6 million people consume more than 8 million litres of beer over the course of two and a half weeks. The festival also features fairground rides, rollercoasters and a series of food stalls — which combined with the donning of traditional Bavarian outfits and folk bands, makes Oktoberfest a unique celebration of Bavarian culture. (Read More)
Guatemala
Semana Santa - Celebrated in almost all Spanish speaking countries Semana Santa celebrates the last week of Jesus life, including the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, with either solemn processions or colourful celebrations, floats, re-enactments, parades and reading of religious rites to mark the end of lent. The highlight of the festival is led by a series of barefoot religious brotherhoods, who march while dressed in purple robes holding candles and chanting in unison as they slowly make their way to the city’s main church to celebrate Easter Sunday.(Read More)
Iceland:
Þjóðhátíð (Westman Islands Festival) - The unpronounceable Þjóðhátíð festival, more commonly known as the Westman Islands Festival, is Iceland’s National Holiday, and how else would you celebrate a National Holiday in Iceland with a four-day outdoor camping festival where you can enjoy not only big stage concerts, bonfires and firework displays but also the challenge of staying warm on the Icelandic island of Vestmannaeyjar — with fire, warm clothing and plenty of warming alcohol essential to both survive and enjoy this incredible festival. (Read More)
India
Diwali — The five day festival of Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated by millions of Hindus and Sikhs across the world. With the biggest and best celebrations taking place across India where billions of people light lamps in their homes, shops, building and release lanterns into the night sky, which combined with the lighting of billions of candles and release of fireworks – rightfully earns Diwali’s ‘festival of light’ nickname. (Read More)
Holi The festival of colour, Holi sees Lord Vishnu’s victory of good over evil commemorated as people spend a full day throwing coloured water, paste and coloured powder over each other – in a care-free celebration that also marks the end of winter and beginning of Spring. Beginning with a pre-evening bonfire, the day is also accompanied with dancing, music and family gatherings – as everyone, young and old, dons white t‑shirts, grabs their water pistols and coloured paste and engages in the colour wars that is the fun-filled event of Holi.(Read More)
Maha Kumbh Mela (Once Every 12 Years): The biggest human gathering in the world, the ancient Indian Hindu Maha Kumbh Mela attracts over 150 million people to the meeting point of the three sacred Hindu rivers; the ganga, the yamnua and the Sarasvati – to discuss faith, hear Sadhus preach, perform rituals and bath in the sacred icy cold waters of the holy rivers in the hope of salvation. Lasting a full month, the festival is noted both for the attendance of devout religious leaders and the tented town that houses the millions of attendees – all of whom seek enlightenment, salvation and the chance to practice and embrace their faith. (Read More)
Maha Kumbh Mela (Once Every Four Years) - The largest public gathering and biggest collective declaration of peace and faith, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage held four times over the course of 12 years, in which tens of millions of pilgrims flock to bath in one of four sacred rivers in the belief that the sacred water can absolve them of sins. Lasting for 48 days, alongside bathing in the sacred water, a number of ceremonies take place including the ‘Peshwai’ and the Naga Sadhus — which combined with a range of culture and entertainment make it one of the greatest festival on earth. (Read More)
Rickshaw Run (India version) — Pushing basic engineering to the limit, the Rickshaw run is a two — three week manic, challenging, adventurous and thrill-seeking charity team ‘race’ across the whole of India. With travelers responsible for plotting their own route to the finish line which lies on the other side of India, during which they will have to navigate Indian traffic, breakdowns, wildlife — and no doubt Delhi belly — as they take in the beauty and wonders of India in a battered, smelly, unbalanced and unsuitable rickshaw, with no guide and definitely no back-up. (Read More)
World Sacred Spirit Festival — Set amongst the majestic and candle lit Nagaur and Mehrangarh Forts, the world sacred spirit festival is not only one of the worlds leading folk festivals and a showcase of some of the worlds greatest artists, but a spiritual, enlightening and awakening festival. With the festival featuring a series of music, dances, poetry and religious performances take place in concert venues or by the forts serene lakes before each day of the festival concludes with a spiritual midnight electric performance held again within the fort. (Read More)
Indonesia:
Nyepi & Ogoh-ogoh Parade - sshhh! – Nyepi is the annual day of silence primarily celebrated on the island of the gods in Bali where on the 3rd day of the 6 day New year Celebration the entire island comes to a silent standstill with roads, airports, restaurants and even electricity closed to allow for prayer, reflection and the purification of the mind, body and soul. In the days preceding Nyepi several ceremonies are held including the Ogoh, Ogoh parade in which 20 foot bamboo statues of demons are paraded on the streets of Bali, in an attempt to draw them out, with Nyepi serving as a way to banish them with their being no signs of life on the island. Following the observation of Nyepi further celebrations are held to mark the coming of the New year. (Read More)
International:
The Mongol Rally — The ‘greatest adventure on the planet’ – or perhaps more accurately ‘motoring stupidity on a global scale’, the Mongol Rally is an intercontinental charity car rally that challenges participants to find the worst car they can (1 litre or less and no younger than 10 years) and drive it over 10,000 kilometres from the streets of London, through Europe across the silk road and the ‘Stan’s’ over the muddy and navigable plains of Mongolia before finishing in the Russian town of Ulan-Ude, with no support, back-up or assistance. (Read More)
Olympic Games - The world’s summer Olympic Games see’s the world’s top athletes from more than 200 nations compete across 28 sports for the chance to win not just an Olympic medal, but create history and become a national and international hero. Inspired by the ancient Greek Games, the Olympics are synonymous with the five Olympics rings, and the flame of the Olympic torch, which burns from the beginning to the end of the Olympics — as well as the opening and closing ceremonies — in between which 17 days of triumph, heartbreak and glory await the athletes. (Read More)
Winter Olympics - The natural partner to the Olympic games, the Winter Olympics showcases the best of snow and ice competitors as every four years top winter athletes from across the globe gather to compete for medals and national glory. Kicking off with a traditional Olympic opening ceremony, the winter Olympics has developed from the five-core winter Olympic sports to a nine day spectacle that includes a range of competitive ice and snow events that truly showcases the best of winter sport. (Read More)
World Cup - The most prestigious and most followed sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of competitive football as the best teams from 32 nations battle it out once every four years in an elimination tournament to be crowned the world champions. Qualification begins four years prior , and it’s not uncommon during the world cup for entire countries to shut down to cheer their team on – as over the course of the tournament both national heroes and villains will be made and players have the chance to cement their legacy and names in history. (Read More)
Ireland:
Galway International Oyster Seafood Festival -The world’s greatest and longest running Oyster festival – the three day long Galway International Oyster Seafood festival celebrate the start of the new Oyster season and everything that’s great about Oysters. With a walking seafood trail along the beautiful Irish Coast, oyster Olympics, Oyster themed procession, tasting events of Oysters prepared by the world’s best chefs, best dressed Oyster competition and an Oyster themed masquerade ball, with the oysters being washed down with stout, champagne and of course Guinness — in a truly tasty festival. (Read More)
St. Patricks Day Festival: Celebrating everything great about Ireland, the famous St Patricks Day festival see’s the whole of Ireland turn green, as the country indulges in Guinness and food and plays host to a week-long series of music performances, community events and a stunning street parade in remembrance and celebration of its most famous saint — with the day itself featuring an all star morning parade, before friends and family gather in Dublin’s many pubs to toast both St Patrick and the Republic of Ireland(Read More)
Italy:
The Battle of the Oranges — The battle of the oranges is a celebration of freedom and liberty, that sees thousands of people flock to the small town of Ivrea, Italy and over the course of three days engage in an orange based food fight between nine combat teams (who seek to attack or defend Ivrea) across both the streets and square of Ivrea — with more than 4.2 million oranges being thrown through the course of the festival and participation in the festivities and orange throwing being volunatry. (Read More)
The Palio di Siena Horse Race — the bi-annual Palio di Siena see’s a city obsessed as 10 horses and riders selected out of Siena’s 17 Contrade’s (regions) compete in a bareback passionate 3 lap race across the main square of Siena in the Piazza del Campo. Beginning four days prior to race day, the build up consists of the drawing of lots, the parading and drawing of horses, trial races and a blessing ceremony and on the day itself, a firecracker display — which signals the start of the race as the 10 race horses thunder around the city square aiming to be crowned the champion of Siena. (Read More)
Venice Art Biennale - The ‘Olympics of the art world’ the Venice Biennale comprises a large-scale six-month exhibition that showcases the best of both art (odd years) and architecture (even years) in the serene setting of Venice. Established in 1895 and with a different theme every two years, there are three main parts of the Biennale; the central exhibition at the Giardini della biennale, the exhibits housed at the national pavilions, and the independently organised events that take place all over the city, all of which showcases the best of Italian and global art. (Read More)
Venice Carnival — The prestigious Venice Carnival is world-famous for its iconic masks, as some 3 million people gather in the cities beautiful San Marco square over the course of two weeks to not just celebrate the century old Venetian tradition of wearing masks to allow for liberty, but to enjoy a series of spectacular parades, free concerts, jugglers, acrobats, markets, food, music, mask competitions,marvel at illuminated Gondolas and Italian culture, and of course participate in the lavish masquerade ball. (Read More)
Japan:
Sakura (The Cherry Blossom Festival) - The most romantic festival in the world, the iconic Sakura rings in the cherry blossom season across Japan as the countries beautiful cherry trees flower and for two weeks in April turn the parks, castles and mountains of Japan into a scenic wonderland. A time for meeting friends and families, as groups gather underneath the trees to chat, drink and eat in a tradition known as hanami – the festival combines traditions with modernity– for a stunning and beautiful cherry blossom festival. (Read More)
Gion Matsuri - Held annually since 869, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri originally sought to appease the heath gods and bring purification to the city to avoid an epidemic and plague – something which is much needed in modern times – and has evolved to incorporate the original principle of good health, spiritual wellbeing, ancient history, health and the selection of a local boy to act as a divine messenger to speak to the gods, with more modern festival elements – including a series of street parties, rock concerts, street food and drinks and parades. (Read More)
Honen Festival - The ‘Penis Festival,’ Japan’s Honen Matsuri festival, held in the small town of Komaki, has been celebrated for the last 1,500 years and seeks to bring a good harvest and for those that wish for it fertility — with the good wishes summoned through the parading of a giant wooden 400kg Penis, carved from a cypress tree, and then climaxing with a spin around the Tagata jinja shrine. Alongside the parade, free sake and penis shaped food & treats are handed out and there is the bonus to buy Penis shaped keepsakes. (Read More)
Sanja Matsuri - Sanja Matsuri is the biggest festival in Japan and a celebration of the founders of the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, with 100 portable shrines (called mikoshi) and three larger shrines paraded through the streets of the famous Asakusa district of Tokyo over the course of three days — where alongside parades, shopping and street food — the more than two million attendees aand local businesses seek to bring prosperity, luck and good health to themselves and their family in the year ahead. (Read More)
Shuni‑e (Omizutori) - The festival of Fire and Water, Shuni‑e is a 14-day Buddhist festival held in the ancient wooden temples of the Nigatsudo Hall of Japan’s Todaiji Temple, in which both sacred water believed to have healing powers is drawn from the Wakasai well — which runs dry except on the day of the festival — and offered to an eleven faced god statue, and the more famous Omizutori performance – in which on each night of the festival giant torches will be lit across the temple and carried back and forth by the monks is performed. (Read More)
Kenya
The Wildebeest Migration — The greatest natural show on the planet — the Wildebeest Migration is a year round event in which millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of game migrate in a circular motion across the vast plains of Africa in an endless journey seek out fresh grazing grounds, water, partners and mating and birthing conditions — all while avoiding predators and surviving the harsh conditions of the plains, for a natural spectacle like no other. (Read More)
Mexico
Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) - Mexico’s Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life with a theme of death and seeks to honour and demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members, as those we have lost loved ones remember them through the leaving of photos and possession at a temporary altar called an ofrenda, with the four elements of life; water, wind, earth and fire further left by relatives and friends to keep them safe. (Read More)
Semana Santa - Celebrated in almost all Spanish speaking countries Semana Santa celebrates the last week of Jesus life, including the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, with either solemn processions or colourful celebrations, floats, re-enactments, parades and reading of religious rites to mark the end of lent. The highlight of the festival is led by a series of barefoot religious brotherhoods, who march while dressed in purple robes holding candles and chanting in unison as they slowly make their way to the city’s main church to celebrate Easter Sunday.(Read More)
Equinox at Chichen Itza - Greeting the Serpent of light and shadow, the Equinox at the pyramid of Kukulcan see’s the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza come alive and, as a result of the shadows cast by the descending sun, the image of the grand serpent of Kukulcan – a godly snake that reaches into the heavens – is formed amongst the stairway of the pyramid. A day marked by Mayan people with cultural events, folk music,and celebrations to mark the passing of the seasons – the equinox stands as testament to the architectural genius of the Mayans – who used the pyramid and the equinox as a solar clock and sacrificial temple.(Read More)
Monaco:
Formula one Grand Prix of Monaco - One of the triple crowns of motorsport races the Monaco Grand Prix is coated in history, elegance, and spectacle — as drivers races across Monaco before finishing along the French Riviera, where the famous yachts of Monaco harbour, packed with the elite and royals, greet the winner.(Read More)
Mongolia:
Naddam - “Eriin gurvan naadam” or the “the three games of men,” Naddam celebrates the nomadic culture and Mongolian independence with the three ‘manly’ sports of wrestling, horseracing and archery, alongside traditional dances, tricks, and performances. Beginning with an Olympic style opening ceremony, national flag raising ceremony, and the carrying of nine white banners spectators have the chance to not only witness the games, but also enjoy fine Mongolian food and drink, witness a traditional Mongolian opera see a horse headed festival and enjoy a series of open air shows during this incredible festival. (Read More)
Morocco
Marathon des sables - ‘The toughest footrace on earth’ the Marathon Des Sables is an endurance race across the Sahara desert lasting for a week and seeing competitors traversing the length of six regular marathons consecutively in high heat, high winds and high blistery conditions. To make it that little bit tougher runners are responsible for transporting their own food, equipment and camping supplies, with training for the event required at least six months in advance, and participants also required to camp with the nocturnal wildlife of the Sahara desert. (Read More)
World Sacred Music Festival — Fez’s world sacred music festival celebrates the diversity, artists and culture of both local Moroccan artists and international acts, with concerts, performances and readings taking place in historic plazas, ancient gardens and outdoor squares. Held over the course of nine days, the festival kicks off each day in the late afternoon and lasts well into the early hours, with events being both free and paid, and, depending on the venue, traditional seating or encouraging people to make use of the outdoor space and provided rug — for a uniquely cultural festival.(Read More)
Nepal:
Bisket Jatra - The ‘festival after the death of the serpent’ Bisket Jatra marks the start of the ancient Nepalese solar New year – and is Nepal’s noisiest, chaotic, and rowdiest festival. Lasting nine days, the four days preceding New Year’s eve see a series of sweet parades, tongue piercing and celebrations followed by a special blessing in an ancient temple before a 25ft totem pole. On New Year’s day, the two gods Bhairav and Bhadrakali will be placed on 20ft chariots and pulled to the base of the pole, where a tug of war takes place brining the Totem Pole crashing down. (Read More)
Netherlands:
King’s day (Koninginnedag & Koningsnacht)- Formerly Queens Day Koninginnedag or King’s Day is the Dutch annual national celebration of the King’s birthday, where everything great about the Netherlands is celebrated. The celebrations start the night before on Koningsnacht with feasts and beer. Followed quickly with a series of concerts, parties and the consumption of traditional Dutch food and orange bitter, with the iconic Amsterdam canals filling up with party boats and revellers wearing the Dutch colours of Orange. (Read More)
North Korea:
Arirang Mass Gymnastics Festival [Mass Games] - The toughest one to attend on this list, the five week long Arirang Grand Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance or ‘Mass Games’ is a gymnastics, artistic and cultural festival which unites North Korea, as 100,000 specially chosen performers execute synchronised gymnastic and dancing routines backed by dramatic music and LED pyrotechnic displays — all of which tell the story of the ‘’The Glorious Nation and the legacy and ideology of both Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-Il and the workers party of North Korea. (Read More)
Papua New Guinea:
Mt Hagen sing-sing Festival - A festival unlike any other, the Mt Hagen sing-sing is a celebration of the culture, history, dance, costumes and music of tribes and villages from all over Papua New Guinea. During the festival, tribes will step onto the field in Mount Hagen and in full tribal costume and with fully painted faces perform a traditional dance seeking to peacefully share island traditions with both locals and visitors. (Read More)
Peru:
Fiesta de la Candelaria - Celebrated on the shores of Lake Titicaca — some 3,800 meters above sea-level — the Fiesta de la Candelaria (Virgin of Candelaria Feast) marks the end of Christmas and honours the Patron saint of Puno, the Virgin of Candelaria, with a 2 week mix of religious ceremonies including masses and ceremonies and modern festival elements including street dancing, parades, costumes, the blessing of cars, food and free-flowing beer – with a special ‘running of the bulls’ event taking place daily on the Bolivian side of the Lake. (Read More)
Inti Raymi — The Festival of the Sun, Cusco’s popular (thanks to the re-discovery of Machu Pichu) Inti Raymi festival both celebrates and re-enacts the Inca Empire’s winter solstice festival and the traditional Inca New Year– with processions, dances, ceremonial readings, music, parade’s, rituals and even a sacrifice (although the life sacrifices and mummification have stopped) taking place to honour the most sacred god in Inca culture – Inti — the god of the Sun. With celebrations taking place all day — until dusk falls and people head back to the streets of Cusco to celebrate Inti Raymi into the night(Read More)
Russia:
White Nights Festival & Scarlet Sails Show - The white nights festival is a celebration of the ‘midnight sun’ — in which in extreme latitude regions the sun does not fully set and stays visible all day long on the summer solstice. To mark this phenomenon, Russia and in particularly the city of St Petersburg host a two-month celebration of Russian classical literature, music, arts and culture, with a series of ballet, opera and symphony performances, that showcases both international and local artists, at the famous and beautiful Mariinsky Theatre. (Read More)
Saudi Arabia:
Dakar Rally - The biggest and most dangerous rally in the world, the Dakar Rally see’s professionals and amateurs head out into the wilderness — relying on their own supplies — to compete in specialized off-road vehicles in an unforgettable and challenging off road-endurance event, on a 10 ‑15 day loop across 4,660-mile (7,500-kilometer) 12 stages of the vast, diverse, barren across the uncharted territory of the Saudi Arabian Desert — with not all who undertake the Dakar Rally making it to the finish line. (Read More)
Scotland:
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival: The world’s largest art festival, the Edinburgh fringe festival see’s over 55,000 performances of 3,500 shows, from comedy, circus, musicals, music, plays, exhibitions and much more — take place across 350 venues across the whole of the Scottish capital over the course of 3 weeks, — as everyone from household names to people making their festival performance debut are given a chance to showcase their talents to an international audience. (Read More)
Hogmanay - Hogmanay is Scotland’s passionate 3 day New Years eve celebration featuring street parties, torchlight parades, music, costumes, concerts, dancing, a firework finale and even a dip in the Scottish ocean. Hogmanay kicks off with a torchlit parade through the streets of Edinburgh the day before New Years Eve and then combines traditional Scottish culture, with Fireworks and Street Parades and traditional singing of Auld Lang — before concluding with loony Dook – a dip in the Scottish waters. (Read More)
Up Helly Aa - One of Scotland’s most bizarre festivals the Up Helly Aa is a celebration and spectacle of the Shetland Islands Viking history. This full day event see’s thousands of costumed Viking warriors socialise and parade through the streets of the Shetland Islands, led by a nominated leader or Jarl — who after a firework display– leads a series of flaming torch carrying warriors to a replica long ship, which amidst cries of joy is then set ablaze. (Read More)
Singapore:
The Great Food Festival - The favourite festival of ‘foodies’ Singapore’s Great food festival see’s more than 50 of the worlds greatest chefs descend onto Sentosa Island in the little red dot and showcase hundreds of their best dishes for as little as $10 a pop. With international and local delights on offer from Michelin Star chefs and Singapore’s best restaurants in the ‘Star Chef Arena,’ deserts and pastries available for those with a sweet tooth in the ‘Rollin’ Sweet Times’ section, and the chance to dine at the aptly named nightly ‘Feast of Kings’ an all you can eat feast with a medieval style theme. (Read More)
South Korea
Boryeong Mud Festival: The Boryeong Mud Festival or ‘Mud fest’ celebrates everything great about Mud, with the festival having evolved from aiming to highlight the benefits of mud on skin to a spring break themed mud party, where several large attractions, of course featuring mud, are erected on the coast line of the Korean town of Daecheon. The mud attractions include mud pits and mud pools, but also mud fountains, mud massages, mud body painting, a mud prison, mud pools, and a mud-themed concert stage and more .… which helps make Daecheon the number one destination for mud. (Read More)
Spain
Batalla del Vino - The ‘battle of the wine’ or ‘wine warfare’ is a chaotic, sticky and ultimately (depending on how much wine you drink) jolly battle. With the festival, which attracts some 5000 people, aimed at marking St Peters Day in the town of Haro, Spain by having an all night party and then — still hungover — making the challenging climb to the summit of a local mountain to chuck, squirt, blast and douse each other in over 70,000 liters of red wine with whatever tools they can get their hands on and without mercy for the next few hours — before finishing up with yet another party. (Read More)
La Tomatina (The Tomato Fight) — The world’s greatest food fight and the pinnacle for tomato lovers and foodies, the internationally renowned La Tomatina focuses and pure unadulterated enjoyment, as 20,000 people from all over the world gather in the small town of Buñol and for the course of one amazing hour hurl 120 metric tons of tomatoes at each other before heading to local restaurants and bars to wash themselves down and celebrate with a drink — in a truly enjoyable and bizarre festival. (Read More)
Les Fallas de Valencia - Officially celebrating St Joseph’s day, Valencia’s festival of fire – the Les Fallas de Valencia – is a 19 day celebration which features progressively louder daily firework displays, parades, firecrackers, a morning wake up call from a brass band, gun powder explosions, music, the burning of 30ft high plantas – and more paella than you can eat! The pinnacle of the festival comes when the plantas, which depict political or world events, are paraded throughout the city, judged by a committee and finally set ablaze in a thunderous late night ceremony. (Read More)
Semana Santa - Celebrated in almost all Spanish speaking countries Semana Santa celebrates the last week of Jesus life, including the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, with either solemn processions or colourful celebrations, floats, re-enactments, parades and reading of religious rites to mark the end of lent. The highlight of the festival is led by a series of barefoot religious brotherhoods, who march while dressed in purple robes holding candles and chanting in unison as they slowly make their way to the city’s main church to celebrate Easter Sunday.(Read More)
The San Fermin Festival & Running of the bulls — The World’s Largest Fiesta, the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona is also home to the renowned Running of the Bulls festival where daring revellers do their best to outrun six fighting bulls through half a mile of the streets of Pamplona, which are being led by six tamed bell-oxen to the Pamplona bull ring — where after a traditional bull fighting ceremony, attendees can then take to the streets to drink, eat and reflect on one of the greatest festivals on the planet. (Read More)
Sri Lanka:
Kandy Esala Perahera - The festival of the Tooth – Sri Lanka’s Esala Perahera honours the sacred tooth relic of buddha and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini which are housed in the divine temple of the tooth in Kandy. Kandy see’s musicians, dancers, art performances, fire-breathers, and the impressive sight of a herd of elephants decked in colorful and lit-up ceremonial dress marching through the streets of Kandy. (Read More)
Vesak Poya – The festival of Lights (Sri Lanka) — The Buddhist ‘Christmas,’ Vesak Poya is a festival of togetherness and light celebrating the three most important events of Buddha’s life – birth, enlightenment, and death — with the release of colourful lanterns, light statues and numerous open meditation practices – to spread joy to participants and society as a whole. (Read More)
Tanzania
The Wildebeest Migration — The greatest natural show on the planet — the Wildebeest Migration is a year round event in which millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of game migrate in a circular motion across the vast plains of Africa in an endless journey seek out fresh grazing grounds, water, partners and mating and birthing conditions — all while avoiding predators and surviving the harsh conditions of the plains, for a natural spectacle like no other. (Read More)
Thailand:
Monkey Buffet Festival — Honouring the most famous residents of the Thailand town of Lopburi, the Monkey Buffet festival truly lives up to its name – as every November amidst the ruins of the iconic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple 3,000 long tailed macaque monkeys feast on a specially prepared massive banquet in the middle of their own ‘monkey village.’ (Read More)
Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Party - The Infamous full moon party see’s the shores of the idyllic Haad Rin beach on Koh Pha Ngan play host to a monthly ground vibrating, noisy, chaotic alcohol fuelled and simply fun festival-like party under the full moon. A party that comes with its own reputation — and expensive alcohol and food, you can expect some 10,000 – 30,000 people to gather in the days before the party at Koh Pha Ngan to let their hair down, have a good time and enjoy the best of Thailand — with the ultimate full moon party taking place on the New Year’s Eve. (Read More)
Loy Krathong – Thailand Lantern Festival: The Lantern festival, Loy Krathong is Thailand’s spectacular mass release of lanterns and floating of Krathong’s to mark the 12th passing of the lunar moon and see’s revellers pay respect to the rivers, wave away the previous year’s misfortunes and ask for wishes for the following year with fireworks, floating baskets and the release of thousands of lanterns — for one of the most spectacular festivals on the planet. (Read More)
Songkran – Thailand New Year: The world’s biggest water fight and unquestionable the best way to ring in a new year! — Songkran marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year in the only way possible with a giant water fight as revellers from across the country unite to cleanse themselves and each other of their sins and bad luck from the previous year and bring in good luck for the year ahead. (Read More)
Taiwan:
Pingxi Lantern Festival — Marking the first day of the Lunar New Year, Taiwan’s beautiful and photogenic Pingxi Lantern Festival see’s 100,000 burning lanterns released into the night sky, covered in the words, wishes pictures, and prayers of their releases – a time also for family and reflection the highlight of the festival see’s locals and foreigners seek to do their best to bring in a prosperous new year by lighting up the sky in a marvelous display of golden light that lasts till dawn. (Read More)
The Philippines
The Ati-Atihan Festival: The Mother of all Festivals in the Philippines, the Ati-Atihan Festival honors baby Jesus (Santo Nino) and celebrates a peace pact between tribes from 1210 with a week-long party – that features early morning parades, tribal music, costumes, float parades, street dancing, blessings and night-time snake dances. With three dedicated days for both food, drink and spiritual Street dancing, the festival concludes with a final ceremony that see’s a procession parading the image of Santo Nino and a torch procession which guides attendees to the cathedral to observe mass. (Read More)
Turkey:
Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament — Dating back to 1360, the officially recognized longest running athletic competition seeks to find the best wrestler in Turkey. With hundreds of participants from all over Turkey fighting it out over the course of the year to make it to these finals — where, after the traditional auctioning of the Ram — they have the chance to be crowned the best of the best and lift the prestigious Kirkpinar gold belt — in a series of match-ups which can last hours and can only be decieded by the victor raising his opponent above his head. (Read More)
The Mevlana festival (Whirling Dervishes) - The hypnotic Whirling Dervishes are the hallmark of Konya’s Mevlana Festival, which commemorates the life, teachings and death of Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Konya’s revered Islamic theologian, with an eleven-day series of ceremonies and celebrations including the hypnotic Whirling Dervishes dance. (Read More)
United States of America:
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - The largest balloon festival in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta see’s more than a million people come and watch 600 hot air balloons ascend into the morning crisp autumn New Mexico skyline, against the back drop of the Rio Grande. Lasting nine days, the festival also features local music artists and demonstrations of cultural topics of New Mexico – and each night is concluded with both a firework display and an ‘evening balloon glow’ in which the 600 hot air balloons lit their burners – creating a twilight glow across the fields of New Mexico.(Read More)
58.) Burning Man - Burning Man is not a festival, rather a temporary event or community established in the Nevada black rock desert dedicated to community, art, gifting, participation, self-expression, and self-reliance. Centered on 10 principles of inclusion and requiring forward planning, Burning Man has the power to evolve and radically change a person with the iconic burning of the 75-foot tall man statue that concludes the festival being one of the most powerful events on the planet. (Read More)
Comic Con - Embracing everyone’s inner Geek, the television, film, and comic book extravaganza of Comic-Con, allows fans to not just meet and greet their heroes and partake in a series of action panels, but also learn the latest updates from Hollywood and discover the inside information about how cinematic masterpieces and iconic comic books are created. Featuring merchandise, food and theme events, comic con allows everyone able to recapture their youth — and live their fantasy during this truly superhero event. (Read More)
Coachella — The ‘Indie’ music festival, the Coachella music and arts festival is a consecutive three-day weekend celebration of both popular and established musical artists and indie and local music, that also features art installations and cultures, as well as major international artists. Considered America’s answer to Glastonbury, owing to the continuous party atmosphere created by the festival goers who set up camp in the grounds of the festival, despite the high cost of attending Coachella has developed into one of the wildest, freest and fun festivals in the world. (Read More)
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade - New York City’s Carnival – the Greenwich Halloween parade is the worlds premier Halloween spectacle and the only night time parade in New York, with more floats, marching bands and more than 50,000 impromptu costumed revellers, dressed as everything from Zombies to Robots, parading down New York’s Sixth avenue all overseen by a series of spooky giant animated rod puppets. The parade attracts more than 2 million spectators who help drum up the atmosphere – and with the only requirement to participate in the parade being a costume – you are in for a frightfully good Halloween. (Read More)
Indianapolis 500 - The ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ and unquestionable the most important and prestigious event of the IndyCar calendar, the Indianapolis 500 sees 33 starters in “Indy Cars” race at speeds of 240 Miles per hours over 500 miles and 200 laps of Indiana’s Motor Speedway stadium against a backdrop of frantic noise and delirious fans. As the drivers seek to not only finish the course, but be crowned the greatest Indy Racer, and claim the $2.5 million cash price and be doused in a complimentary bottle of milk or two. (Read More)
Kentucky derby Race - The ‘Run of the Roses’ The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sport and the pinnacle in competitive horse racing as twenty of the best horses mounted by the world’s best jockeys compete across 10 furlongs of the famous Churchill Downs racecourse to be crowned not just the Kentucky Derby champion but also take home nearly $3 million in prize money — all in front of some 80,000 spectators crammed into the in-field watching area and the celebrities and high-society attendees watching on from the famed ‘millionaires row’. (Read More)
Mardi Gras – New Orleans ‑The ‘Greatest free show on Earth’, Mardi gras or Fat Tuesday is the free single day climax of a six-week long festival in New Orleans, where some two million people gather to celebrate in the streets of New Orleans for a family friendly event to enjoy parades (Mardi Paws), costumes, floats, concerts and for those of drinking age, alcohol, parties and a grand “Meeting of the Courts” finale masked ball that rings in Ash Wednesday. (Read More)
New Years Eve (Times Square) - The Universal Symbol of the start of a New Year, celebrating New Years Eve in the sparkling lights of New York’s Times Square with over a million other revellers and a billion people watching around the world is a memorable, if chilly, way to bring the way the New Year. With 6 hours of entertainment — from music to the famous dick Clark rock an eve, the last minute to midnight is accompanied by a universal countdown before the iconic NYE ball descends to bring in the new year, with confetti balloons, music and good wishes. (Read More)
Pageant of the Masters Show (Festival of the Arts) - The highlight of the Laguna Beach festival of the arts, the pageant of the masters display is a 90 minute unique production in which the great pieces of art, from Van Gogh to Rembrandt, are bought to life under the night sky in a spectacular amphitheater by over 1000 live performers — who re-create the best of the world’s most iconic and moving pieces of art backed by both a narrator, lighting effects and a full orchestra — for truly dazzling display. (Read More)
Roswell UFO Festival - Commemorating the infamous ‘Roswell Incident’ the Roswell UFO festival is the place for sceptics and believers alike to explore, celebrate and discuss other worldly life. While the festival begins with a good humoured ‘Alien chase’ – and also plays host to alien pet dress-up, the Roswell UFO museum and international Roswell UFO research centre spend 3 days discussing the Roswell incident, latest outer space research and dissecting the merits of life in outer space – for an out of this world experience (Read More)
Sundance Film Festival — The largest independent film festival in the United States, the Sundance film festival celebrates the best of independent film as hundreds of thousands of cinema buffs , film makers, critics and budding directors head to three small towns in Utah for a 10 day marathon of film premieres, panels, conversations, parties and the chance to discover the latest cinematic masterpiece — as well as themselves become the next big movie star. (Read More)
South By Southwest (SXSW) - The biggest multi-media and genre celebration on the planet — South by Southwest (or SXSW) combines events of music, film, comedy, gaming, and interactivity, with exhibitions, showcases, screening, networking, technological development and more, as under the banner of one roof over the course of 10 days in March, the entire city of Austin, Texas plays host to a series of SXSW events that combine multiple festivals into one. (Read More)
Thanksgiving parade - The worlds largest parade and the official kick off of the American holiday season, the Thanksgiving parade in Manhattan see’s the famous streets of New York come alive as an assortment of floats, falloons, balloonicles and over 60 giant helium balloons. Strongly associated with the New York Icon Macy’s the parade features children’s heros, holiday figures and entertainment icons, march through the heart of New York in front of some 3.5 million spectators — with spots to hold the balloons available for the public. (Read More)
The Super Bowl - The biggest watched single-day sporting even in the world, the Super Bowl is the winner take all culmination of the National Football League (NFL), as at the end of a grueling season of American Football two of the 32 competing teams, from the two 16team conferences battle it out to be crowned the national NFL champions and lift the famous Lombardi trophy. Taking place on ‘Superbowl Sunday’ companies also compete foradvertisement spots, with many people tuning in not just for the game, but to watch the commercials — as well as the famous half time show. (Read More)
Vanuatu:
Naghol (Land Diving) - The origin of Bungee Jumping, land diving or Naghol is held on Pentecost island in Vanuatu and sees Vanuatuan Males jump from a self-constructed 90ft tower with nothing but vines attached to their ankles to support themselves. The festival, which has grown in popularity over recent years, is only open to Vanuatuan males (and a select few honoured guest) and is done to symbolise the passing of a child into manhood and bring in a fruitful harvest, with the closest the land diver gets to the ground the better the resulting harvest will be.(Read More)
Venezuela:
Los diablos Danzantes - The Los diablos Danzantes or ‘Dancing Devils of Corpus Christ’ is a Venezuelan UNESCO recognised religious festival, in which ritual dances are performed by the Yare dancing devils – a group of religious worshippers kitted out in bright red eccentric devil costumes ‑with the Yare dancing devils performing a series of special performances and tributes which recognise their submission to religion and celebrating the triumph of good over evil (Read More)
Vietnam:
Tet nguyen dan (Vietnam New Year) - Vietnam’s Tet, which celebrates the Lunar New year Celebrations, is Vietnam’s loudest and most significant festival. With Vietnamese people traveling from all around the country to return to their homes and seeking to rid themselves of bad fortune and bring in good tidings for the upcoming year. Alongside this there are also planned firework events (absent health & Safety) special meals and parades for visitors and locals to enjoy in the major Vietnamese cities. (Read More)
Wales:
World Bog Snorkeling Challenge - Conceived like all great ideas in a small country pub, the World bog snorkeling challenge sees brave and barmy competitors required to snorkel two lengths of the 55m welsh bog. A favourite among British Stag do’s — with competitors often seen wearing fancy dress (or even wedding dresses), the world record for completing the course currently set at 1 min 22 seconds — a which represents a true feat of accomplishment and madness. (Read More)