A festival is an organized series of events and performances that usually take place over a number of days or weeks. They are often held for a particular theme or for a unique aspect of a community’s culture or history.
The word ‘festival’ derives ultimately from the Latin verb ‘festivus’, which means ‘to feast’. Originally, festivals were often linked with religious holidays, especially in the Christian calendar. But today, festival is used more broadly to describe a range of activities that involve both spectator and participatory events and that focus on a particular theme or aspect of a community’s culture or heritage.
Some of the most popular types of festival include:
Film Festivals (festivals of film) – a series of screenings of films, usually held annually. The most famous film festivals are the Berlin International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.
Music Festivals (festival of music) – concerts and other events featuring various kinds of musical performance. The most well-known music festivals are the Eurovision song contest and the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Dance.
Festival of Arts & Cultures (festival of arts) – an organized series of events, including exhibitions and performances, that take place over a period of time.
A festival is a gathering of people, usually organized by the community or a group, that typically centers on a particular theme and may run for hours to weeks. They are a popular form of social interaction and can also be very fun.
An outdoor event that includes music, food, games, and other entertainment in a natural setting.
Fiesta de la Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan
A festive celebration that takes over the streets of this historic city from Wednesday evening until Sunday afternoon. The street becomes filled with artists, artisans, and musicians during the day, then it ignites in the evening for an all-out party.
Holi
A celebration of the victory of good over evil and the coming of spring, Holi is a major Hindu holiday. It is celebrated over two days, March 24th-25th in 2024. On the night before, effigies of the demoness Holika are burned in large bonfires to symbolize her defeat.
Raksha Bandhan, also known as ‘Rakhi’, is another important festival in the Hindu religion that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. During this festival, sisters tie bracelets (called ‘rakhis’) on their brother’s wrist for his protection and prosperity.
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman is one of the main devotees of Lord Rama and is regarded as someone who was always able to overcome difficulties. During this festival, people fast from sunrise on the day of Hanuman’s birth and decorate statues of Hanuman with flowers and garlands. They also visit local temples and attend special religious discourses, read and recite poetic shlokas (Sanskrit couplets), sing bhajans (devotional songs), and make donations.
Pushkar Camel Fair
The Pushkar Camel Fair is a popular multi-day event that takes place in the Rajasthan state of India. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the state’s rich culture and traditions.