Global Events to Plan Your Trips Around: Festivals, Feasts, and Fun
Unfamiliar sights, unexpected adventures, new friendships, and the thrill of the unknown—traveling offers a wealth of experiences that can awaken the senses and rekindle the zest for life. But imagine adding another layer to this rich tapestry: the captivating allure of global festivals. The world is brimming with unique celebrations that promise not only unforgettable memories but also a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and traditions. This journey will take us from the infectious rhythms of Brazilian samba to the hearty cheers in German beer tents. So pack your bags (and perhaps a costume or two), as we explore the vibrant Carnival of Rio de Janeiro and the convivial Oktoberfest in Munich.
From the rhythmic samba beats in Rio de Janeiro to the magical lantern-lit skies in Taiwan, each of these festivals offers an unforgettable experience and a chance to immerse ourselves in the heart and soul of different cultures
1. The Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A kaleidoscope of colors, a symphony of sounds, and a contagious feeling of joy that envelops an entire city—welcome to the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, the world’s largest carnival. Held annually before Lent, usually in February or March, this event transforms the already vibrant city into a pulsating hub of music, dance, and revelry. Millions of visitors from around the globe descend upon Rio to experience the electric energy that permeates the city’s air during the Carnival.
The heart of the Carnival is the samba parade, a mesmerizing spectacle that features Rio’s samba schools competing against each other. Each school, made up of several thousand members, parades down the Sambadrome, an architecturally impressive venue designed by Oscar Niemeyer, showcasing their meticulously crafted costumes, float designs, and intricate choreography. Away from the Sambadrome, the city is abuzz with street parties, or “blocos”, where locals and tourists alike dance to the infectious rhythms of samba, frevo, and maracatu.
2. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
As the first leaves of autumn start to fall, the city of Munich begins to prepare for a different kind of season—Oktoberfest. A tradition dating back to 1810, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and a major cultural event in Germany. Spanning 16-18 days from late September to the first weekend in October, the festival attracts millions of people from around the world, all converging on Munich to partake in this grand celebration of Bavarian culture.
Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest is not just about beer—though there’s plenty of that, with six Munich breweries supplying their finest brews. The festival is also about celebrating Bavarian traditions. Locals don traditional attire—lederhosen for men and dirndls for women—and the festival grounds echo with the sounds of folk music. Fairground rides, traditional foods such as pretzels, sausages, and sauerkraut, and a jovial atmosphere complete the Oktoberfest experience. It’s an event that embodies Gemütlichkeit—a German word that conveys a sense of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer.
3. Holi Festival, India
An explosion of vibrant colors, lively music, laughter, and joy – that’s Holi for you. One of the most revered festivals in the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated with fervor across the length and breadth of India. Marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring, this festival typically falls in March.
At the heart of Holi is the tradition of smearing and throwing colored powders, known as “gulal,” and water at each other. This merry-making often takes place in communal areas, accompanied by traditional songs, dances, and drum-beats. No barriers of age, gender, or status exist during Holi, as everyone participates in the festivities with childlike glee. The festival also includes feasting on a variety of sweets, the most famous being ‘gujiya,’ a sweet deep-fried dumpling filled with a mixture of sweetened dairy product and dry fruits.
4. Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, is a long-standing Japanese tradition that celebrates the transient beauty of nature. As winter retreats, Japan transforms into a watercolor painting with delicate hues of pink and white, thanks to the blooming cherry blossoms or ‘sakura.’ This phenomenon, usually occurring between late March and early April, attracts tourists worldwide.
Hanami, which literally translates to ‘flower viewing,’ involves family and friends holding outdoor parties beneath the blooming cherry blossom trees, appreciating the beauty, and savoring the moment. Parks, temples, and castles with cherry trees become popular spots for Hanami, with people often laying out picnic blankets hours in advance to secure the best spots. The festival atmosphere is heightened with yatai (food stalls) serving sakura-themed treats and traditional music performances.
5. La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain
One hour, one ingredient, and thousands of participants – that’s La Tomatina, the world’s biggest food fight. Every last Wednesday of August, the streets of Buñol, a small town near Valencia in Spain, turn into a sea of red as people gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other.
Originally started in the 1940s, the exact origin of this tradition is still debated, but what began as a small-scale local event has now grown into a major tourist attraction. The fight lasts for exactly one hour, after which fire trucks hose down the streets (and participants!). Despite the chaotic scene, the event promotes a spirit of fun, camaraderie, and irreverence.
6. Songkran Water Festival, Thailand
Songkran is a celebration of the Thai New Year that takes place in mid-April. While the festival is rooted in Buddhist traditions, involving visiting temples and paying respects to elders, the most recognized aspect of Songkran is the nationwide water fight.
For three days, the streets of Thailand turn into battlegrounds as locals and tourists alike arm themselves with water guns, hoses, and buckets. The splashing of water, originally a symbol of purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck, has evolved into a joyful and playful public spectacle. Amid the water fights, you’ll also witness traditional parades, beauty contests, and street food stalls, offering a perfect blend of merriment and cultural immersion.
7. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
Frenzied energy, vibrant parades, pulsating music, and flamboyant costumes – Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a celebration unlike any other. The event, which takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, known as “Fat Tuesday,” has evolved into a weeks-long festival that draws visitors from all over the world.
The city comes alive with numerous parades hosted by different “krewes,” or social clubs, each featuring elaborate floats, masked performers, and the tossing of beads, doubloons, and other trinkets into the cheering crowds. The French Quarter buzzes with excitement, the sound of jazz permeates the air, and visitors and locals alike don masks and costumes, embracing the spirit of revelry. Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it’s a grand celebration of life, music, and the unique culture of New Orleans.
8. The Lantern Festival, Taiwan
A sea of lanterns illuminating the night sky, carrying with them the hopes, dreams, and wishes of thousands – this is the enchanting sight that greets you at Taiwan’s Lantern Festival. This festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar year, typically in February or March.
The most famous activities are the launching of sky lanterns in Pingxi and the spectacular display of giant themed lanterns in cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Locals and tourists write their wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the sky, creating a captivating spectacle of floating lights. In addition to the lantern activities, the festival also includes traditional dances, parades, and a variety of delicious street foods, making it a vibrant cultural event.
See you soon!
Our journey through these vibrant global events has spanned continents, cultures, and traditions. From the rhythmic samba beats in Rio de Janeiro to the magical lantern-lit skies in Taiwan, each of these festivals offers an unforgettable experience and a chance to immerse ourselves in the heart and soul of different cultures.
Traveling isn’t just about visiting landmarks or ticking off countries on a list; it’s about diving into the unique experiences each destination has to offer. And what better way to do this than to time your trips around these mesmerizing global events? So, pack your bags, open your hearts and minds, and get ready to create unforgettable memories. Here’s an open invitation to the world: come and join the festival!