India is a land of festivals. Thanks to our cultural diversity, we have one or two major festivals being celebrated every month. People from around the world come to experience that grand celebration. Be it Holi and Diwali in the north, Ganesh Chaturthi in the west, Durga Puja in the east or Pongal in the south, foreign tourists collect memories of a lifetime. Similarly, there are cultural festivals across the globe that are on the wish list of every Indian globetrotter. Here are six festivals that await your arrival.
1. Chinese New Year, China
It usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. The event is known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea. You can witness the festivities in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur. If you are a fan of grand spectacles, you would love the massive parades and fireworks displays that light up cities. Dazzling dragon and lion dances are a must-see among the other cultural performances. Red is considered the colour of joy and good fortune in Chinese culture and you can see the people ‘paint the town red’ with the decorations and lanterns hung across the country.
2. Oktoberfest, Germany
Love drinking beer? Then Oktoberfest has to be on your list. Though celebrated in all breweries across the globe, you have to visit Munich to understand the hype surrounding Bavarian culture. It typically runs from late September to the first October weekend. The festival originated in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration, but today, it has earned the reputation of being a global event. Different breweries set up huge beer tents, each with unique themes, music, and a wide array of local brews. The atmosphere is vivacious as people turn up wearing colourful costumes. The event also allows visitors to savour classic German dishes like pretzels.
3. La Tomatina, Spain
If you have watched the movie ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, you have already seen glimpses of the famous La Tomatina. Held every August in the small town of Buñol, Spain, this festival is a testament to participant’s zest for life and craving for fun. The history of the festival is quite funny—it began in 1945 when a street fight broke out during a parade. Today, participants from around the world gather to hurl ripe tomatoes at each other. You can witness people dancing to lively music and participating in massive parades.
4. Carnival, Brazil
Brazilians surely know how to party. You can experience the enthusiasm and energy at its peak at the Carnival. Imagine 10 days of non-stop samba dancing, street revelling, and parties. The most iconic celebrations take place in Rio de Janeiro. It starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, and in 2025, it will kickstart on February 28. Carnival allows you to have a closer look at Brazilian culture.
5. Day of the Dead, Mexico
Have you seen the Academy Award-winning animation movie ‘Coco’? If yes, you understand the significance of the festival, The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. This Mexican festival is dedicated to honouring deceased loved ones. Families create altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and favourite foods of the departed to welcome their spirits. Skulls and skeleton motifs are present in all makeup and artwork. Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, the festival includes lively parades, dance and music.
6. Mardi Gras, USA
This festival is an amalgamation of cultures. Mardi Gras in New Orleans merges French, African, and American cultures into a unique celebration. Held on the day before Lent, it is famous for its elaborate costumes, colourful floats, and parades with music and dance. The festivity draws people from across North and South America. During the festival, you can taste the best of Creole cuisine, such as jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets.
Things to Do While Attending Cultural Festivals
- Plan well in advance. It will help you find the right accommodations and cheaper tickets.
- Do your research on the festival’s history, rituals and etiquette. Familiarise yourself with local safety guidelines and take precautions to protect your belongings.
- Be very respectful of local customs and traditions when attending the festivals.
- While capturing memories in your camera is important, immersing yourself in the moment is equally valuable.
- Stay covered by a travel insurance policy with broad coverage to protect yourself from financial losses that may arise due to unexpected disruptions, such as lost documents, missed connecting flights, injury or illness on tour.
Conclusion
Cultural festivals are not merely events like mega concerts or art shows; they are deeply rooted in traditions and become the perfect melting pot for people to come together. Attending these festivals will help you learn more about the culture and heritage of a place. While having travel insurance is crucial, it is also important to choose the right type of insurance—single-trip travel insurance if you travel less or multi-trip travel insurance if you are an explorer of cultures and lifestyles and travel often.