While traveling, one of the best ways to experience all a country has to offer is to take part in its festivals. Whether it’s musical events, holiday festivities, or cultural celebrations, festivals are a great place to meet new people and learn about the country you’re visiting. When it comes to cultural festivals, these are the ones you should check out.
Mardi Gras | New Orleans
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, celebrates the day before the first day of Lent. It goes on for two weeks and it’s all about indulging as much as you can before forty days of fasting and abstinence.
Rio Carnival | Brazil
The biggest carnival in the world, the Rio Carnival attracts nearly five million people each year and people from all around the world come to see it. It’s held 40 days before Easter and the highlight is the Samba Parade.
Holi | India & Nepal
The ancient Hindu spring festival happens between late February and mid-March and lasts for a day and a night. Known as “the festival of colors” or “the festival of love”, it’s celebrated by people drenching each other with water balloons and water guns and covering each other in colors.
Octoberfest | Germany
The world’s largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany takes place over three weekends and hosts over seven million people from around the world. It started as the marriage ceremony between Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1810 and now it’s celebrated with rides, attractions, musical performances, and lots of beer.
Lantern Festival | China
Celebrated on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, Lantern Festival is China’s most important festival that marks the end of the Chinese New Year. The event has been celebrated for the last 2,000 years and the lighting of the lanterns is used to pass on blessings.
