A festival is a special occasion, often recurring annually, that focuses on a specific theme or tradition. They are usually characterized by music, dance, food and other artistic or cultural activities. A festival may be religious or secular. It may celebrate a particular god or saint, a seasonal change, a harvest or a victory in war or other important historical event. Festivals can also serve to commemorate a local hero or figure of national importance, such as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh or a modern military commander.
The word is derived from the root of the Latin word festus, meaning “to rejoice, celebrate, have fun”. It can be used as a noun or an adjective. In the context of a holiday or celebration, it means “a day or time for religious or other celebrations marked by feasting, ceremonies and other observances: the festival of Christmas; a Roman festival”. At the same time, in the sense of an occasion for enjoyment, it can mean a period or program of festive activities, cultural events and entertainment: a music festival; a theatre festival.
Festivals are generally seen as a form of escapism, providing an opportunity for people to step away from the normal routine of daily life and focus on a shared experience. Increasingly, they are being seen as a way of creating and maintaining social connection and a sense of belonging across geographical regions and cultures. They can be a way to promote peace, equality and unity by promoting and practicing ideas such as PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity and Respect), radical inclusion and gifting.
The world is full of festivals and celebrations, from the rowdy beach parties at India’s Holi to Rio’s flamboyant Sambadrome, where over 90 samba schools compete for cash and national fame each year. But it’s not just about escaping the real world for a while; they can actually have beneficial effects on our mental and physical health.
Taking part in an activity that makes you happy, even for just a few days, is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mood. This is because when you participate in an enjoyable activity, your brain releases the feel-good chemical serotonin. So it’s not surprising that research has found that attending a festival can help to relieve anxiety and depression.
So why not give it a go? With so many amazing festivals happening all over the globe, you’re bound to find one that fits your taste. Whether you want to dance the night away at a rave, get your glitter on in the forest or learn about the history of your home country, there is a festival out there for everyone. So get out there and explore! You never know, it could be the start of a new passion.