Top 10 Festivals Around the World to Attend!

We all enjoy traveling it’s more than a getaway; it’s a soulful escape. From living our bucket list dreams to indulging in iconic experiences, travel allows us to feel, connect, and grow in ways that routine never can. But what if your next trip wasn’t just about the destination and more about the top festival around the world to attend.  

Imagine walking through lively streets filled with laughter and rhythm, hearing drums in the distance, and getting swept into a crowd that’s dancing like no one’s watching. It’s not just sightseeing it’s immersing yourself in moments that awaken every sense letting you live dream of experiencing the top 10 festivals around the world.  

Whether it’s the vibrant energy of Rio’s Carnival, the playful chaos of Spain’s La Tomatina, or the spiritual beauty of India’s Diwali, these festivals let you live the culture, not just observe it. They’re not just events they’re stories, traditions, and emotions wrapped in colour, sound, and joy. You always thought of exploring the cities, but this time travel to immerse in the top festivals around the world.  

This blog is not just a sign, but an invitation to be a part of the top 10 festivals around the world. It’s time to swap your routine with socializing, partying and becoming a part of the culture where you enjoy being a part of localite atmosphere. Whether you're a cultural explorer, a thrill-seeker, or obsessed with celebrations, these 10 festivals around the world promise more than just a travel experience. 

Top 10 festivals around the world to attend 

 1. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany 

It’s time to raise your beer mug and shout Prost. Because you have just arrived at the biggest party of the year, the Oktoberfest. Takes place from late September to the start of October, but some of the region celebrate it month long. This fest is a blend of traditional Bavarian culture, parades, and street parties, and not to forget the beer tents! Always wanted to be a part of a celebration where you can party hard and immerse in the vibes of lively music and a surreal German aura. Dress up yourself in dirndls and lederhosen munch on soft pretzels or bratwurst.  Here, beer is just not a drink but more of a heritage, a part of life to get along and enjoy life in the most surreal way. While searching for top festivals around the world, Oktoberfest is something that should be included at the top of your list. From carnival rides, different tents, to authentic cuisine and heartfelt celebration. Oktoberfest is calling, and you shouldn’t ignore this sign of partying! 

Want to know more about Oktoberfest in detail? Here, read our blog 

 2. Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

If being in a crowd, finding a way through bustling streets and enjoying with strangers is your thing? Then being part of carnival would have been your long-lost dream, and it’s time to fulfil it. Welcome to Rio Carnival, where every street is a party stage, every dance costume shines more than the hues of sun.  Happens every February, this bizarre carnival is world famous, and you could witness from travellers all around the world flying to Rio just to witness the chaotic yet fun celebration that takes place in the heart of Brazil. Samba dancers, dazzling floats, and rhythmic parades add up on this enlightening energy of the festival. The entire city awaits to make you tick off your bucket list of being a part of Bloco street parties. Witness the feather- laced dress, sequins, drums and crazy EDM beats nonstop. It’s a wild and its must must-experience party once in life lifetime. Also, this top festival around the world would have your heart and will let you experience the vibrant side of South America. 

 3. Diwali – India  

India’s one of the most favourite festivals needs to be in your list of top festivals around the world. Proudly known as Festival of Lights, is a celebration return of Lord Ram to his home after winning over the evil. A five-day celebration that takes place during October or November is all about dazzling lights, delicious cuisines, new clothes and glowing lamps. Probably the only time in India post-summer when children await for vacations, adults look forward to spending peaceful quality time with their loved ones. Firecrackers that crackle up in the sky, Laddoos and barfis that tickle your sweet tooth and attractive traditional outfits that turn your mood into perfect festive vibes. Enjoyed with spiritual and social vibes, this festival is worth celebrating if you want to get close to the Indian roots. What was once celebrated within national boundaries has now gone global with countries like the UK, USA, Singapore, and Fiji embracing these vibrant traditions with open arms. Diwali is coming soon, so what could be a better sign than this to enjoy the biggest festival of India with great pomp and show. 

 4. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain 

If getting drenched, getting messy is the definition of your enjoyment, then La Tomatina is calling you. Yes, exactly the one that you saw in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Taking place in August, La Tomatina mirrors the playful spirit of India’s Holi only here, the colours are swapped for a messy, thrilling battle of ripe and raw tomatoes. Popularly known as the world’s biggest food fight festival. Imagine thousands of people throwing tomatoes on each other, seems chaotic but is more fun and hilarious. Started as a hilarious prank in 1945 is now a global phenomenon. Dress up in old clothes and ensure your eyes are covered with goggles. Gather in the town square as trucks unload the tomatoes; all you must do is squeeze and throw to enjoy the full festive vibes. This wild mix of fun, laughter, slippery red madness and unlimited joy is one of the top festivals around the world worth celebrating. From Spanish music, food and dance to unwinding joy, Bunol’s La Tomatina would leave you in amazement. 

 5. Day of the Dead – Mexico 

We live in a world where anything and everything can turn out to be a celebration. Some are unique, some are wired. One such unique and cultural festival is the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Also known as Dia de los Muertos is a heartfelt celebration of life and remembrances. Takes place during the 1st and 2nd of November, where families of Mexico get together to honour their deceased loved ones with altars, marigolds, sugar skulls, candles and favourite food of the departed soul. This festival is so well- known that even Pixar has made an animated movie named “Coco” where this festival is showcased on a large scale. It is a beautiful tradition of Catholic beliefs filled with joy, music and nostalgic moments of olden good days. Departed soul comes alive from cemeteries, picnicking by the graves, laughing, sharing moments and singing the melodies. This festival is counted among the top festivals around the world, letting you immerse yourself in the Mexican culture from skeleton face painting, Oaxaca and smaller towns lighting up with parades. It’s worth experiencing, the festival of not mourning the dead. Instead, celebrate the memory and legacy.  

 6. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA 

Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, where jazz, beads, and bold parades take over the French Quarter. Celebrated during February’s "Fat Tuesday" before Ash Wednesday during February. This is America’s most flamboyant and the top festival around the world. Floats cruise down the streets tossing beads, trinkets, and even moon pies to crowds dressed in purple, green, and gold. Music fills the air, the smell of Creole food tempts your taste buds, and every corner hosts impromptu dance-offs. But it's not just about parties; the celebration has deep French and Catholic roots. You can attend masked balls, indulge in King Cake, and explore the city’s rich cultural history. The energy is unmatched, and the spirit of New Orleans will stay with you long after you leave. If you're after fun with flavour, Mardi Gras delivers both! 

7. Lantern Festival – Taiwan    

   

Imagine you walk on a street and suddenly you see the sky getting occupied with Lanterns. Well, that’s how you are welcome to the wonderland of Taiwan. Lantern festival in Taiwan is one of the top festivals around the world. Celebrated on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year as an indication of end of Chinese New Year Festivities, with thousands of lanterns turning the sky into a glittery wish list coming true. Among all the lantern festivals, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is quite famous. People write their manifestations or wish on paper lanterns and release them in the sky. More than a celebration, it’s a deliberate heritage that takes you closer to Chinese culture rooted with hope, love and letting go. Streets are lit with vibrant lights, dragon dances, firecrackers, and a scenic aura.  It’s just not a visual treat; the atmosphere is peaceful and overwhelming. Other than immersing in celebration, dive into the authentic traditional foods like tangyuan (sweet rice balls). Always wanted to be part of such an exciting cultural festival? Then this is your sign to make it a point of being a part of it and getting stunned by the simplicity of this festival. 

 8. Songkran – Thailand 

Do you love to play with water? If splashing and spilling make you happy, it’s time to plan a trip to Thailand. It’s not just known for night parties, but also for the unique celebration of Songkran! Thailand New Year’s Festival takes place during April, which cleanses your spirituality as an indication to wash away all your bad luck. Traditionally was considered to be a culture of marking new beginnings, which is now the biggest water fight festival in the world. Making its place in one of the top 10 festivals around the world is worth attending! Cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, and many more turns into play zones witness splashes of water through guns, buckets, and elephant showers. But apart from the fun part, the festival is also imbibed with spirituality, where people visit temples, offers alms to monks, and spend quality time with loved ones. Streets are alive with music, laughter, dancing, and friendly battles. If you visit Thailand during this period, prepare for unexpected fun. Visitors are not outsiders—they are warmly included as targets in this joyful celebration. The emotion India holds for Holi is what Thailand has for Songkran. 

 9) Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan 

There is something magical, something heard but never seen, like an aura during Cherry Blossoms in Japan. The most famous and loved season of this fast-paced destination is counted among the must to experience top festivals around the world. Like one day you just wake up and took a stroll in the Ueno Park of Tokyo, filled with hues of pinks and whites. Sounds just like a dreamy scene from a parallel world? Well, that’s how Japan welcomes you in its serenity of Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s nothing less than a poetic aura about standing under a canopy of pink petals falling like snow, giving you an essence of Japanese culture. Starts from late February and continues till April, depending on the region. This season is all about falling in love with the blissful nature. Families get together for a picnic in public gardens of cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. Other than observing the surrounding beauty, immerse yourself in seasonal delights like sakura mocha and themed drinks in aesthetic cafes. Not only days but evenings are also pretty during this season, letting you enjoy yozakura (night cherry viewing). It’s just not a festival, it’s a cultural impression bringing you close to a surreal spring celebration in Japan, just like a local. 

Here is a list of places to visit in Japan during the Cherry Blossom season. 

 10. Naadam, Khatgal, Mongolia 

Adventure seekers, this one’s for you Naadam, Mongolia’s "Three Manly Games" festival, is a thrilling celebration of nomadic pride and strength. Held in July across Mongolia, with grand festivities in Khatgal and Ulaanbaatar, this festival features wrestling, horse racing, and archery. This triathlon is quite popular when it comes to unique festivals around the world to attend. It's the country’s biggest event, combining ancient warrior traditions with modern national pride. Locals dress in deel (traditional attire), enjoy fermented mare’s milk, and cheer on their champions. The horse races are especially unique because children as young as five rides across vast steppe landscapes! Music, dance, and throat singing performances add cultural flavour to the festival. Naadam isn’t touristy — it’s raw, real, and rugged. If you’re after authenticity, Mongolia during Naadam is an unforgettable adventure. 

Always believed that the best way to explore a country was through its streets, landmarks, or cuisine? It’s time to look beyond the usual. We hope this blog has opened a new lens — where travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s also about seizing the top festivals around the world. Experiencing a destination during its most festive season lets you dive deeper into its soul through its music, rituals, traditions, and unmatched energy. 

So, if you’re looking to plan a journey that goes beyond the ordinary one that lets you dance with locals, witness age-old customs, and create stories worth retelling  then these top 10 festivals around the world are calling your name.