Festivals to experience when travelling can be a motivation and a source of inspiration for those looking to gain more exposure and have a fun time during travelling. Here are 6 interesting festivals which you can look forward to when planning your next vacation.
Festivals To Experience 1: Songkran — Thailand
Being one of the most colourful and widespread festivals in Thailand, Songkran — the Thai New Year is something which must be experienced by travellers who would like to immerse themselves with the locals. It happens annually every 13th to 15th of April and is famously known for its exciting water fights that happen along cities and towns in the country particularly in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket.
The festival marks the transition of the sun into Aries and is deeply enshrined in Buddhist traditions. This is a time for cleansing, both physical and spiritual symbolised by acts of pouring water over Buddha statues and the elderly to bless and bring good fortune. The iconic image of playful water battles is perhaps the most visual signature of celebration. The streets become a battlefield of sorts where people armed with water guns engage in friendly fights, dousing friends, strangers and even passing vehicles with water.
The fun and chaotic water fights but Songkran is a time of family reunions, temple visits and respect for elders. Visitors can participate in religious functions such as offering food to monks and observing or taking part in traditional dances. There are also special foods prepared for the day.
For those in search of an unforgettable experience in festivals, Songkran offers a unique combination of joy in cultural celebration and community spirit — a perfect time to travel to Thailand.
Festivals To Experience 2: La Tomatina — Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina which happens every year in Buñol, Spain is one of the most peculiar yet thrilling festivals in the world. Usually occurring on the last Wednesday of August, this renowned event entices thousands of guests from different corners of the earth to participate in a huge food fight with ripe tomatoes. The origins of La Tomatina are not well-documented but it is believed to have originated in 1945 during a local dispute at a parade where some people began to throw tomatoes. Since then, it took shape as a full-fledged tradition in celebration where participants throw over 100 tons of tomatoes in the streets of Buñol.
The festival starts with the event of “palo jabó” where participants try to climb a greasy pole in order to reach a ham at the top, and then continues with the infamous tomato fight. For roughly an hour, the streets transform into a chaotic sea of squashed tomatoes in which everyone is drenched and fully covered in red pulp. The battle is in good humour but there are some rules — no hard tomatoes, no throwing of any other objects other than tomatoes and participants are encouraged to squash the tomatoes before throwing for reasons of safety.
La Tomatina is an unforgettable experience for travellers who look forward to fun, cultural immersion and a little messy adventure. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant energy of the event, interact with the locals and revel in the thrill of a celebration unlike any other. This is a great opportunity to stray away from the beaten path and join one of Spain’s most iconic and zany festivals.
Festivals To Experience 3: Cherry Blossom Festivals — Japan
The cherry blossom festivals of Japan rank among those travel experiences that are both beautiful and culturally important. The festivals are held every spring usually from late March to early April in honour of the blossoming of cherry blossoms or sakura which also signal the advent of warmer weather. And across the country, from the northern reaches of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa, the cherry blossoms form one of the most spectacular sights, their riot of pink and white flowers bringing both locals and tourists out for merry gatherings in parks, temples and along the scenic riverbanks.
The essence of hanami is to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the blossoms which only last for about one to two weeks, symbolising the transient nature of life. During this time, people get together for picnics under cherry trees with traditional foods, drinks and gaiety accompanying family and friends. It’s also a time for reflection and being in nature.
Among Japan’s most famous places for viewing cherry blossoms, one can consider Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Maruyama Park and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori where one can take a walk beneath them or participate in local cultural events in the form of tea ceremonies, musicals and lantern festivals.
A visit to a cherry blossom festival in Japan is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Japanese culture, beauty and the symbolism of renewal. This must be among the things one does not miss while traveling in Japan in the springtime.
Festivals To Experience 4: Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany
One of the most famous, most colourful festivals on the planet, Oktoberfest draws millions of visitors to Munich, Germany every year. Yearly, starting from the end of September to the beginning of October, this festival epitomises Bavarian culture — all about beer, delicacies, music and tradition. It was first organised in 1810 to commemorate the royal wedding that took place between King Ludwig I and Princess Therese, since then turning into an international event celebrating German heritage.
The Festival is held on Theresienwiese — a wide, open area in Munich where massive beer tents are erected. One can be served with many kinds of traditional German beers especially Märzen beer, a strong, amber lager, brewed especially for the event. Among the 14 big tents, each of them is offering a different atmosphere, from loud, musical ones to less loud, family-friendly ones.
It is not all about drinking at Oktoberfest — there are also sumptuous feasts for the senses. Traditional Bavarian dishes of bratwurst, pretzels, roast chicken and potato salad are served in plenty. Further, visitors can enjoy the carnival rides, games and entertainment, making it a rather festive and joyous atmosphere.
Beyond the food and drinks, Oktoberfest provides insight into Bavarian culture. Most persons attending Oktoberfest wear traditional garments, including lederhosen for men and dirndls for women which add even more to the festive feel of the event. It is a chance like no other that might allow one to get closer to locals, learn about Bavarian traditions and experience one of the most iconic festivals in the world. In any regard of experiencing culture through celebration, Oktoberfest in Munich should be the traveler’s spot.
Festivals To Experience 5: Diwali — India
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights is one of the most colourful and enjoyed festivals in India, giving travellers an unforgettable experience. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This celebrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years in exile. This five-day festival is feted over the length and breadth of the country, with unique regional variations in customs and celebrations.
The highlight of Diwali is the innumerable oil lamps, diyas, lighting up a home, temple or street, creating an aura of magic. Major cities like Varanasi, Jaipur and Delhi organise massive celebrations with illuminated buildings, fireworks and elaborate pujas at temples and homes. Travellers get to witness traditional dance performances, folk music and processions which serve as a great knowledge booster about India’s rich cultural heritage.
Food forms an integral part of Diwali where families make a host of sweets and snacks including ladoos, barfis and samosas. Often, visitors are invited into homes for festive meals which provides a grand opportunity to experience authentic Indian hospitality. The colours of colourful clothes, jewellery and traditional items bought in local markets such as Chandni Chowk in Delhi or Zaveri Bazaar in Mumbai, are another Diwali experience.
For tourists coming to India during Diwali, what greets them is involvement with the local culture, awesome visuals and joyful celebrations, not to mention a very heartwarming experience. It’s a feast for one’s senses.
Festivals To Experience 5: Carnival — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is an electrifying celebration that lures millions of travellers annually. Described as one of the most vibrant festivals in the world, it is a splash of colour, a palette of joy showcasing Brazilian culture, music and dance. It happens just before Lent-usually in February or March-and Carnival converts Rio into a no-other party city.
The spirit of the festival, samba schools compete in fantastic parades with astonishing floats, intricate costumes, and tantalising choreography. Each school presents a neighbourhood and tells a different story while their performances are judged according to creativity, music and everything concerning the visual appeal of it. These parades represent the height of Rio’s Carnival, offering a sensory overload of rhythm, energy and artistry.
Outside of the Sambadrome, blocos or street parties give life to Rio. These are vibrant, pulsating events that enable residents and tourists alike to dance, sing and celebrate together. With every bloco having a distinct theme, music and feel, they range from very family-friendly, child-inclusive events to wild, high-energy parties. Attending Carnival is more than a festive experience — it’s a cultural immersion. From feijoada to caipirinhas, one can enjoy thetraditional Brazilian food and experience the friendly warmth and passion of the locals there.
Travellers to Rio should plan ahead by securing tickets and accommodations early because Rio becomes a global hot spot during Carnival. Contagious energy, unforgettable atmosphere, the Carnival experience promises a once-in-a-lifetime feel of Rio de Janeiro.
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