Whether you’re dreaming of going to a remote paradise island or a bustling metropolis, there’s a good chance there’s a festival you can attend. You can transcend the world by immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions of a place. You stop doing the ordinary and start seeing your destination from a whole new perspective.
Why not plan your next trip around a special event to enhance your itinerary? From the Festival of Lights in India to the cherry blossom celebrations that energize countries like Japan and South Korea each year, festivals are a celebration of people and places. brings out the best in you.
While Germany’s Oktoberfest and Italy’s Venetian Carnival give tourists a chance to dress up and have fun, Asia is full of festivals that bring good luck.
Here you’ll find a collection of the most iconic and lesser-known events from around the world to consider. There’s something for everyone.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
when: November 15th-16th
This ancient festival dates back to the 13th century and was celebrated to mark the end of the monsoon season and pay homage to Buddha. The main attraction is the release of thousands of lanterns into the night sky, which is held in several locations each year. Lantern releases are designed to attract good luck and remove negativity. However, there are many other cultural activities on offer, such as traditional dance shows, contests, bazaars, and worship ceremonies.
Where to stay:
Raya Heritage – SHA Plus
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Chara number 6
International Wildflower Festival, Bohinj, Slovenia
when: May 24th – June 9th
Bohinj is a paradise valley nestled in Slovenia’s Julian Alps. Every year from spring to fall, this vast area is a feast for the eyes with the vibrant colors of his more than 1,000 species of plants. In an effort to draw on folk traditions and celebrate this rich and biodiverse landscape, a program of plant-specific cultural events has been created. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the region’s untouched beauty, which is woven into the local cuisine.
Where to stay:
Bohinj Eco Hotel
Sunrose 7 Heritage Boutique Hotel
Hotel Bohiny
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico, USA
when: October 5th to 13th
Imagine a night sky lit up by a sea of colorful hot air balloons. Over 500 festivals participate in this annual nine-day event held in early October, making it the largest festival of its kind. The highlight is definitely the mass ascension, which begins at sunrise and begins in two waves. The program includes a special shape rodeo where you will encounter fireworks and unique balloons.
Where to stay:
Hotel Chaco
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Dev Diwali, Varanasi, India
when: November 15th
Dev Diwali in Varanasi concludes the Diwali festivities and transforms the city into a visually stunning masterpiece. This is why thousands of tourists flock to see this spectacular sight. When the moon appears in the sky, the countless steps leading down to the Ganges are illuminated with millions of lights. Diyas. These small oil lamps represent the victory of good over evil. It is lit in honor of Goddess Ganga. The streets are filled with queues and firecrackers ring in the night sky.with firecrackers Diyas It is a symbolic act to appease the gods and goddesses and invite their presence.
Where to stay:
Brijrama Palace, Varanasi
Radisson Hotel Varanasi
Taj Nadesar Palace
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Fallas Festival Valencia, Spain
when: March 15th to 19th
The impermanence of life is a theme explored to the fullest at Valencia’s Fallas Festival in spring. Following the age-old tradition of burning furniture to mark the end of winter, sculptural monuments are displayed in the city’s streets and squares and destroyed in a sea of fire on the night of March 19th. With over 800 of these stunning monuments to him, there are clearly plenty of options when it comes to voting on which works of art should remain intact.
Where to stay:
Melia Valencia
Hotel Conqueridor
Palacio de Roxas Apartments
Aomori Nebuta Festival, Aomori Prefecture
when: August 2nd – 7th
This Japanese fire festival is held annually in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu. Local and international tourists gather to watch the large-scale lantern floats being paraded through the city.These floats and Nebuta The pieces, brought to life by dancers and musicians, will be unveiled in Aomori Bay on the final night of the festival, and fireworks will also light up the night sky.
Where to stay:
Aomoriya Hoshino Resort
Oirase Gorge Hoshino Resort
Lamp Inn Aoni Onsen
KAI Tsugaru Hoshino Resort
Menton Lemon Festival, France
when: February 17th – March 3rd
The small town of Menton on the Cote d’Azur is home to one of France’s most beloved events, the Lemon Festival. Every year, the event attracts more than 200,000 visitors to watch citrus floats parade down the Corso, along with shows, concerts and street entertainment. This year’s theme, “Olympics from ancient times to modern times,” is inspired by the Paris Olympics. It’s also a chance to check out the citrus pattern display and orchid festival in the Biove Gardens.
Where to stay:
Villa Genesis (Menton)
Hotel Napoleon
Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles
Ubud Food Festival, Bali, Indonesia
when: May 31st – June 2nd
Since 2015, Ubud Food Festival has showcased the best of Indonesian cuisine in collaboration with world-class chefs, food entrepreneurs, and delicious local ingredients. This year again, passionate food lovers from all over the world will gather at Taman Kulinar for food stalls, live demonstrations and masterclasses.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Wana Buku Villas, Pramana Villas
COMO Uma Ubud
Adiwana Bisma
Obidos International Chocolate Festival (Portugal)
when: March 1st to 17th
The medieval town of Obidos has been hosting the International Chocolate Festival since 2002, with the aim of showcasing the full potential of cacao. But this year, the spotlight is on celebrating Portugal. Watch master chocolatiers from around the world transform chocolate into delicious works of art, and watch as chefs demonstrate how versatile this one ingredient is through show cooking and live demonstrations. Let’s.
This is your chance to marvel at the sweet and delicious creations produced by cacao. You can also talk to the talented producers behind Portuguese and international luxury chocolate brands.
Where to stay:
Casa Dovidos
Posada Castelo de Obidos
Casa das Senoras Rainas
Festival of Roses 2024, Dades Valley, Morocco
when: Early May (unconfirmed)
The Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of Roses”, turns into a fragrant sea of pink roses every year. To celebrate the harvest of these precious flowers, the small town of El Quera a Mugouna holds an annual three-day festival known as the Rose Festival. This is usually held in early May, but the date has not yet been announced. It’s an opportunity to sample local cuisine and a wide range of Rose products including lotions, perfumes and soaps. Expect to see the streets decorated with floats of pink petals and the coronation of the Rose Queen.
Where to stay:
Auberge Chez Pierre
Hotel Riad Bahamou
Dades Zaluca Hotel
Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, Mexico
when: November 1st-2nd
The Day of the Dead Festival is one of the iconic celebrations to add to your itinerary when considering a visit to Mexico. Oaxaca is a destination where you can join in the festivities and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer. . However, be sure to arrive a few days before the festival, as the city prepares to celebrate his deceased children on November 1st, followed by adults on November 2nd. The departed souls are remembered through offerings, candles, parades, and art. The city itself is a foodie mecca, with plenty of options from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants. As the birthplace of mezcal, a visit to one of his many mezcal bars is a must.
Where to stay:
Hotel Casa Sant Origen
Casa Hidalgo Hotel Boutique
Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca
Otro Oaxaca
historic regatta, venice, italy
when: September 1st
Part sporting event and part historical reenactment, the Venice Historical Regatta takes place on the Grand Canal. It begins with a ceremonial parade of historic ships and Venetians in period costume. This then leads to a regatta made up of different races. Once this is complete, Venice’s canals will be filled with boats of all sizes and people taking part in the celebrations, and street performers can be seen in the main squares.
Where to stay:
Aman Venice
St. Regis Venice
Novecento Boutique Hotel
Oktoberfest Munich, Germany
when: September 21st – October 6th
Oktoberfest, the world’s largest ethnic festival, attracts millions of guests each year to Munich’s Theresienwiese, which has been running for more than 200 years. While the main attraction is the beer tent, which can accommodate up to 11,000 guests, the festival grounds also feature rides and attractions. And if you like Bavarian cuisine, this event is famous for its soft pretzels and potato salads combined with animal protein. As well as giving your guests the chance to wear traditional Bavarian costumes, you can also use it for ceremonies, parades, family days and more.
Where to stay:
Mandarin Oriental Munich
The Charles Hotel Roco Forte Hotel
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (Korea)
when: March 24th – April 6th
This popular festival in South Korea draws more than 2 million people to Jinhae each year and is filled with the subtle hues of cherry blossoms dotting the city. Jangboksan Sculpture Park, Jinhae NFRDI Environmental and Ecological Park, Yeosagawa River, etc. are the most beautiful places, so be sure to bring a map with you. There are also cultural performances, street food, cherry blossom ice cream, and more to keep you satisfied during your trip.
Where to stay:
Changwon 055 Pool Villa
Changwonjin Overseas Village
Grand LCT Residence
mooncake festival in singapore
when: September 17th
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is celebrated in many countries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. There are also celebrations unique to Singapore, such as a moon party on the beach and lanterns made by children displayed all over the city. For the first time this year, a new streetlight display will debut in Chinatown, beginning with an official lighting and opening ceremony at 7 p.m.
Where to stay:
Artizen Singapore
Pan Pacific Orchard
marina bay sands