Every country in the world loves a party, but some places really know how to throw a festival. From food-focused events to colourful carnivals, the best cultural festivals have an infectious energy that’s hard to beat. From a chance to explore local customs and traditions to rub shoulders with like-minded people, the best festivals add a whole new dimension to travel – so don’t miss them out!
From the apocalyptic art-meets-music mega-fest Burning Man to the raucous parades and dance parties at Mardi Gras, there are festivals around the globe that will have you singing and dancing in your sleep. And with more than half of the world’s population having participated at some point, there’s a festival for everybody!
A festival is an annual event celebrating a particular type of culture, tradition or artistic work. Typically, festivals feature multiple art forms including music, art, dance, food, film, literature and culture. Depending on the region, they may also have different religious or secular focuses and can range from an event that celebrates the birth of a deity to one that commemorates the end of a war.
There’s something for everyone at a festival, and the sense of community amongst attendees is incredibly strong. While at some festivals, a large crowd can create a hostile environment, the majority of festival-goers are genuinely looking out for each other, and practices like PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity & Respect) Radical Inclusion and Gifting are highly encouraged. Festival culture is all about taking care of each other, and it’s not uncommon for people to “adopt” strangers and help them out when needed.
The most famous festival in the world is probably Rio de Janeiro’s annual carnival, with its dazzling eye-catching costumes, pulsating music and magnificent float displays. But it’s not just about the festivities – the real meaning of the carnival is to honour and pray for those who have died. Families will gather together for the day and visit cemeteries to place flowers, food and drinks on graves as a way of showing their love and respect.
Another festival that’s been brought to the world’s attention thanks to movies like Spectre and Coco is Mexico’s Day of the Dead. This three-day celebration is not as gory as it sounds, though. In fact, it’s a time of joy and happiness where families come together to remember their loved ones who have passed away. They’ll spend the day enjoying parties and parades, and visiting the cemeteries to make offerings and decorate graves with flowers.
A musical festival is usually a series of performances at a single location inspired by a common theme, such as national music or modern music, or to promote a particular composer’s works. The festival can also feature an array of events, from concerts to workshops and master classes. The festival is not only a place for entertainment but can also be a platform for the discovery of emerging talent. The development of a music festival into a world-class event has been instrumental in bringing the cultural and economic benefits of music to communities around the world.