Celebrating Heritage: The Must-See Festivals Around the World

15 January 2025

Isn’t it incredible how people from different corners of the world celebrate life, culture, and history in their own unique ways? Festivals are a beautiful way of telling a story—a story passed on from one generation to another, filled with passion, tradition, and joy. Whether it’s ancient rituals, colorful parades, or even food fights, each festival has its own vibe and teaches us something about the place and the people.

So, grab your travel bucket list because today, we’re diving into some of the must-see festivals around the world. Whether you're a globe-trotter looking to expand your cultural horizons or someone with a serious case of wanderlust, these celebrations will leave you in awe. Plus... who doesn’t love a good party?

1. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The World's Biggest Street Party ?

When: February or March (Dates vary based on Easter)
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When you think of Rio Carnival, images of samba dancers clad in dazzling costumes probably come to mind. But it’s SO much more. Imagine millions of people taking to the streets, colorful floats, and the rhythm of samba music pulsing through the air. Sounds like a real-life dream, right?

With its roots in Catholic traditions, Rio Carnival originally started as a festival in the lead-up to Lent. Today, it’s become the biggest street party in the world. And trust me, it lives up to its reputation. With parades featuring local samba schools, people dancing for hours on end, and parties spilling into the streets till dawn... the energy is electric. The highlight is, without a doubt, the Sambadrome Parade, where samba schools compete to be crowned champions.

Whether you're in the thick of the action or enjoying from a distance, you're bound to leave with memories (and maybe a few feathers) that will last a lifetime.

2. Diwali in India

A Festival of Lights and Happiness ?

When: October or November (based on the Hindu lunar calendar)
Where: All across India

Diwali is one of those festivals that feels magical even before it starts—like Christmas, but with fireworks, sweets, and an explosion of lights everywhere. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Streets across India sparkle with millions of oil lamps (called diyas) and fairy lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Families gather to exchange sweets, light firecrackers, and pray to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, for prosperity and health. The sound of fireworks fills the air, laughter echoes from every corner, and, oh, the smell of traditional Diwali sweets... mouth-watering!

If you're ever in India during Diwali, you'll quickly realize that this is more than just a festival—it's an immersive experience that pulls you into the heart of Indian culture.

3. La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain

The World's Biggest Food Fight ?

When: Last Wednesday of August
Where: Buñol, Spain

If you’ve ever had an itch to throw a tomato at someone (and come on, who hasn’t), here’s your chance. Welcome to La Tomatina, arguably the most bizarre and fun festival in the world. It’s basically one giant food fight, where over 100 tons of tomatoes are thrown in the streets of Buñol.

Why? No one really knows! Some say it started back in 1945 as a protest. Others believe it was just a spontaneous act of mischief. Regardless, it’s now a huge event that draws thousands of people—both locals and tourists alike.

For an entire hour, the streets transform into a juicy, slippery battleground of flying tomatoes. It’s messy, chaotic, and absolutely hilarious—an event where you can let loose and embrace pure, unfiltered fun. Just remember to wear something you’re okay with ruining... like, permanently.

4. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

The Ultimate Beer Festival ?

When: Mid-September to the First Sunday in October
Where: Munich, Germany

Beer lovers, rejoice! Oktoberfest is calling your name.

Picture yourself sitting in one of Munich's famous beer tents, a stein the size of your head in one hand, a pretzel in the other, and polka music serenading you in the background. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and, quite frankly, the most epic. It’s a 16- to 18-day celebration filled with traditional Bavarian food (like bratwurst and soft pretzels), songs, parades, and, of course, gallons upon gallons of beer.

Though the beer is the star of the show, there’s a certain warmth and friendliness in the air that makes Oktoberfest special. It’s a cultural celebration that brings people together from all over the world to raise their glasses and say, Prost! (Cheers!).

So, grab your lederhosen or dirndl and join the fun. And yes, you’re probably going to need a nap after all that beer and schnitzel.

5. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) in Mexico

Honoring Loved Ones with Life, Color, and Culture ?

When: November 1st and 2nd
Where: Mexico, particularly in Oaxaca

Far from being a scary or spooky event, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life—specifically, the lives of those who have passed. The festival has roots in ancient Aztec culture but has since become an essential part of Mexican tradition.

Altars (known as ofrendas) are set up in homes, cemeteries, and public spaces, filled with photos of the deceased, candles, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods of loved ones who have passed. The belief is that on these days, the spirits return to the physical world to reunite with their families.

The colorful parades, ornate face paintings (particularly with the famous calavera or sugar skull design), and joyous gatherings might appear odd to outsiders, but they symbolize deep respect and love for the deceased. It’s a reminder that death is part of life, and the memories of loved ones live on.

6. Chinese New Year in China

A Glittering Red Celebration of Luck and Prosperity ?

When: Between January 21st and February 20th (Depends on the lunar calendar)
Where: Major cities across China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong)

To say that Chinese New Year is a big deal would be an understatement. Also known as the Spring Festival, this 15-day celebration marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar. It’s a time for family reunions, fireworks, traditional lion and dragon dances, and, of course, some serious feasts!

The color red, which symbolizes good fortune and happiness, is everywhere — from the fiery lanterns hanging in the streets to the red envelopes (filled with money) exchanged between generations. The festival culminates with the Lantern Festival, where people release glowing lanterns into the sky.

Experiencing Chinese New Year in China is like stepping into a different world—one filled with joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings.

7. Holi in India

The Festival of Colors ?

When: March (Dates vary according to the Hindu calendar)
Where: All across India (particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan)

Ever wondered what it’s like to be in a real-life rainbow? That’s exactly what Holi is! Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a day where people throw colored powders at each other to chase away the darkness of winter and usher in the light of spring.

It’s a deeply symbolic event rooted in Hindu mythology, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. But beyond its spiritual significance, Holi is just plain fun. You’ll see entire towns covered in bright, vibrant hues, with everyone from children to grandparents getting in on the action of “color bombing” each other. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s a blast—one giant color party!

8. Venice Carnival in Italy

A Festival Steeped in Elegance and Mystery ?

When: February (Leading up to Lent)
Where: Venice, Italy

If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into a world of grandeur and mystery, Venice Carnival is your portal. Known for the iconic masks and elaborate costumes worn throughout the event, the Venice Carnival is a throwback to the city's Renaissance-era opulence.

The tradition of wearing masks dates back centuries, allowing people to blur social lines—at least for a little while—during the celebrations. Today, Venice Carnival offers an incredible array of masquerade balls, artistic performances, and historic parades along Venice’s winding canals.

Wearing one of those intricate Venetian masks? That’s taking part in something that blends art, history, and a touch of intrigue.

Conclusion

From reverence and tradition to pure, unbridled fun, festivals are a reflection of our shared humanity. They offer us not only a chance to celebrate but to learn, connect, and see life through a new lens. Whether it’s dancing in the streets of Rio, throwing tomatoes in Spain, or honoring ancestors in Mexico, these festivals are waiting to add a little magic to your life. So, why not pack your bags and go celebrate heritage in all its vibrant, colorful glory?