Travelling the world is a great way to expand your horizons. Whether it’s admiring the architecture in modern cities or trying traditional cuisines that dance on your palette, it’s always fun to push your boundaries to learn the unknown.
But how else can you immerse yourself in a country’s traditions? Cultural festivals. Typically happening only for a few weeks – some even just for a day – cultural festivals are the best way to see, feel, and do as the locals do to celebrate special occasions. So, without further ado, here are 8 cultural festivals to visit around the world.
9 Cultural Festivals WORTH TRAVELLING For
THE RITUAL OF CLEANSING: SONGKRAN, THAILAND
Kicking off our list is one of the most popular festivals in Thailand – the Songkran Water Festival. Also recognized as the Thai New Year, this national holiday is a wet affair as locals take to the streets and splash water at each other.
This experience symbolizes washing off misfortune from the year before while preparing to welcome the year ahead. In recent times, however, Songkran has become such a popular cultural festival that many travel to Thailand on specific days to be a part of it. From buckets to soakers and even hoses off their nearest water sources, you should expect to be completely drenched whenever you step outside your accommodation.
Although celebrated nationwide, the best city to experience this festival is in fact, Chiang Mai. It’s a relatively small city so the water fights stay manageable but welcome just enough locals and tourists for a fun time together. For livelier day outs complete with pop-up DJ booths and dance parties, Phuket – specifically Patong Beach – is the place to be.
To protect your electronics and belongings during Songkran, it’s advisable to come prepared with waterproof cases and bags. Don’t forget your sunscreen as it can wash off quickly through the water fights.
Finally, some independently owned shopping establishments and restaurants may be closed during Songkran. You should also expect larger crowds in long-haul trains and buses that connect you from city to city, so do plan your itinerary accordingly. Alternatively, you can reach out to Holiday Tours for arrangements that ensure seamless transits and an enjoyable festival experience.
Songkran Festival dates: 13 April – 15 April 2025
A Spectacle of Lights: VIVID SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Transforming Sydney for 23 days and nights, in 2025 for its 15th year, Vivid Sydney will fuse art, innovation and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts of our time.
In 2024, Vivid Sydney was awarded Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event at the Australian Event Awards and received 18 medals, including 8 Golds, at the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards.
Brace yourself for a city illuminated with awe-inspiring art installations and 3D light projections, casting a magical glow upon Sydney’s iconic buildings and urban spaces. Expect live music and performances that transcend boundaries, with both emerging and established artists sharing their stories through dance and song. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking experiences and heartfelt discussions led by inspiring minds and free-thinkers addressing the big questions. Indulge your palate with food markets and dining experiences that pay homage to the rich diversity of the local community through delectable culinary delights.
Vivid Sydney dates: 23 May – 14 June 2025
A SIGHT TO BEHOLD: LANTERN FESTIVAL, THAILAND
In Chiang Mai, you’ll discover two lantern festivals happening back-to-back. But why are there two different lantern festivals in Thailand, and is it worth visiting both? Our answer is undoubtedly yes, and for good reasons.
We’ll start off with the Yi Peng (or Yee Peng) Lantern Festival – an excursion that is exclusive to Chiang Mai. Celebrated by releasing sky lanterns at nightfall, this festival is often seen as a symbol of releasing bad luck from the year and a prayer to their ancestors. Many locals also take a moment to pray for happiness as they let go of the lantern known as khom loi. The lanterns are made of a bamboo frame with rice paper glue and a small candleholder.
Next, the Festival of Lights or Loy Krathong. This is a celebration that happens across Thailand, where locals release water lanterns into the rivers. Unlike the khom loi, these lanterns known as a krathong are made with banana leaves to hold up flowers, candles, and occasionally money or other offerings. The significance of this celebration is to thank the water spirits while apologizing for the harm done – if any – to the rivers. Prayers for a smoother year ahead are also common as they release the water lantern.
What makes both Lantern Festivals a sight to behold is when the candles are lit and lanterns released, illuminating the dark skies and rivers with their flickering beauty. While the Festival of Lights can be celebrated anywhere, we recommend visiting Chiang Mai to experience both without having to travel through different cities in between.
Lantern Festival date: 5 and 6 November 2025
JUST A LITTLE MUDDY: BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL, SOUTH KOREA
If you’re not afraid of a little mud, then pack your bags and head approximately 200km south of Seoul where you’ll find yourself in Daecheon Beach of Boryeong. Introduced in 1998, the Boryeong Mud Festival is an annual celebration that takes place for two weeks in the summer. By 2007, this muddy experience has welcomed over 2.2 million visitors.
Sourced from the Boryeong mud flats, the mud at this cultural festival is allegedly mineral-rich and healthy for the skin. This contributes to the popularity of the festival, as guests slather themselves in the mud that’s typically found in cosmetics.
Over time, the Boryeong Mud Festival has added more activities to attract more than just locals to the town. Some popular must-dos include mud slides, mud skiing competitions, food stalls lining the streets, and even a DJ stage for live music and shows. Adrenaline seekers may also enjoy the festival’s recent addition – a mud obstacle course that offers exclusive prizes for the successful.
Outside the festival season, the little town of Boryeong boasts a variety of activities including a visit to the Yeongmokhang Port. Here, you’ll experience the charms of a sleepy fishing village where you can immerse yourself in the slower pace of the locals.
Boryeong Mud Festival dates: 25 July – 10 August 2025
A COLOURFUL AFFAIR: HOLI, INDIA
Also known as the Festival of Colours around India, Holi is one of those cultural festivals that you have to experience in person to understand the joy it brings. Religiously, the celebration of Holi symbolizes the start of spring and see it as an opportunity to celebrate love and new life. Smearing colourful powder or dyed water on each other during this festival signifies these blessings, and you’ll see locals of different social statuses, genders, and ages come together for the day.
Thanks to its newfound popularity, you can experience Holi even when you’re outside of India. Marathons and specially arranged cultural festivals for expats in countries abroad are among the activities you can find to celebrate the occasion, but nothing beats the festivities and atmosphere in India.
To make the most of your Holi experience, we recommend keeping your belongings in the hotel, except for a little money so you can try some local delicacies. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty or even dyed by the colourful powder. You should also go early, as Holi celebrations often end by 2 PM and the locals proceed to more private family and friend affairs after.
Holi Festival date: 14 March 2025
RAISE YOUR STEINS: OKTOBERFEST, MUNICH, GERMANY
For beer drinkers worldwide, visiting the Oktoberfest festival is akin to a pilgrimage. It’s celebrated in various cities in Germany, but we recommend Munich for one of the most authentic experiences.
At Oktoberfest, freshly tapped beers are served in litre-full glasses known as steins. You should also expect a mix of vintage sounds and modern German music in full swing while enjoying some bar trivia as the day goes on. It’s also a great way to mingle with the locals who are often clad in traditional lederhosen outfits.
Beyond drinking, the festival grounds in Munich are just as fun for families visiting. From adrenaline-inducing like the swing carousels to cult-favourite challenges such as the spinning Teufelsrad, you’ll find Oktoberfest an unforgettable sight from the moment you step in. Rising in popularity thanks to social media posts is the Toboggan conveyor belt which can prove to be a challenge after a few drinks.
For travellers hoping to include Oktoberfest in their itinerary, Trafalgar’s packaged tours include Munich as a destination.
Oktoberfest dates: 20 September – 5 October 2025
MASQUERADE MAGIC: CARNEVALE, VENICE, ITALY
Venice, Italy is undoubtedly known for its snaking canals that run through the city, earning it its nickname “City of Canals”. But on top of romantic gondola rides and its striking bridge architecture, another thing they are known for is the Venetian masks. Featured in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colours, materials, and styles, Venetian masks find their roots in the local culture thanks to their mysterious charm.
For two weeks in late winter, these costumes are put in the spotlight through elaborate celebrations that overtake the city. From parades to special shows and music that flood every cobblestoned street, Carnevale is a cultural festival that you simply cannot miss. Most of the activities happen at the main basin of St. Mark’s Square, although you might also catch exciting action near the Santa Lucia train station and the other squares around the city throughout the day.
To fully immerse yourself in this festival, consider purchasing a Venetian mask yourself. It’s always best to avoid the touristy fares that you might find in the main areas. Instead, historic mask-maker ateliers such as Ca’ Del Sol and Ca Macana are the places to be. Some ateliers also offer workshops where you can make and decorate your own masks.
Carnevale dates: 22 February – 4 March 2025
HOPE YOU LIKE TOMATOES: LA TOMATINA, SPAIN
Being pelted by soft tomatoes as you explore Spain may not sound like fun but braving the streets of Valencia during the La Tomatina festival might just change your mind. Hailed as the largest food fight in the world, this unique festival doesn’t carry any religious significance or heritage, but locals and tourists still flock to the town of Buñol on the last Wednesday of August every year.
Traditionally, the La Tomatina festival only starts at noon when someone successfully climbs a greased pole and reaches a ham tied to the top. These days, however, you’ll hear a water cannon fire to signal the start of the fight. Squashed tomatoes from the city of Extremadura are the produce of choice for this festival. A second water cannon is then fired to mark the end of La Tomatina – typically an hour after it starts.
As the town of Buñol only carries a population of 9,000 residents, the La Tomatina festival officially became a ticketed event. This began in 2013 with a limitation of 20,000 visitors each time. House rules are also present to ensure the safety of festival-goers, including banning water bottles or throwing anything besides tomatoes.
Waterproof cases can also keep your belongings safe, and we recommend wearing covered shoes to avoid having your feet trampled on. Another tip is to wear old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty or may not want anymore, as the festival does end up in a pulpy mess.
La Tomatina Festival date: 27 August 2025
CALM AND COLLECTED: INTERNATIONAL WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL, SLOVENIA
But what if we told you that not all festivals are made for loud music and party vibes? That’s what the International Wildflower Festival in the municipality of Bohinj, Slovenia.
Hosted as the sunnier days roll by, this cultural festival showcases the best of Bohinj’s nature through various workshops, wildlife tours and more. Hikers – both new and experienced may also enjoy a series of guided hikes where you’ll learn about the Alpine fauna and identify edible and non-edible botanicals. Activities are spread across 24 villages, so you’ll want to leave no stone unturned to truly indulge in the celebrations.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Slovenian culture through food, the farmer’s market that operates on Saturdays is a great place to find a range of unmissable local delicacies. Be early, however, as locals usually pack up by 1 PM. Farm-to-table experiences featuring unique floral menus are also available at selected restaurants.
Finally, although the Triglav National Park remains open through to October, visiting this protected area during the festival period offers you the opportunity to marvel at Slovenia’s fleeting botanical beauty. And don’t forget to take a breather by Lake Bohinj, where you can see the white peaks of the Julian Alps reflecting in the calm waters.
International Wildflower Festival dates: 23 May – 8 June 2025
But we’re just scratching the surface here with these 8 cultural festivals to visit around the world. With a plethora of exciting festivals celebrating the diverse cultures of the world, we’re excited to see where your travels will take you next.
Want to experience one or more of these festivals yourself? Reach out to Holiday Tours to tailor your perfect vacation. Whether you’re looking for guided tours or prefer to explore free and easy, our teams are ready to help you make the best of your vacation days.