Finding an authentic experience when on holiday is what we’re all about, and there’s no better way to see a place than when the streets are alive with local festivals. Visiting a city during a cultural celebration is a sure way of adding an extra dimension to your trip, so we’ve pulled together a list of festivals and celebrations around the world you won’t want to miss – from Munich’s popular Oktoberfest, to lesser-known festivals in Papua New Guinea and Ljubljana.
Events & Celebrations in January
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, China
- Where to stay: The Songbei District in Harbin is conveniently located for the ice festival.
- KAYAK tip: Also take time to visit the historical district of Lao Daowai to see the Chinese-baroque buildings and eat traditional Chinese food.
If you’re not put off by sub-zero temperatures then China’s ‘Ice City’ Harbin is worth a visit. From 5th January onwards, the nation’s most northerly province hosts the largest winter festival in the world. You’ll see the biggest ice sculptures in the world and a huge Buddha made out of snow. Harbin Ice and Snow World is full of activities too, including ice skating, skiing, rock climbing, snow fights, ice golf and ice archery. There is an ice maze and ice hotel too.
In the evening visitors can attend the Ice Lantern Garden Party which features the biggest artistic collection of ice lanterns in the world.
Due to its location, the weather is usually always cold, with temperatures averaging at 20 °F during the day, but -4 °F at night. Originally the event was mainly locals but now attracts tourists from all over the world.
International Kite Festival, India
- Where to stay: You’ll find a selection of Ahmedabad accommodation options here.
- KAYAK tip: You’ll find an incredible atmosphere on the banks of the Sabarmati River to watch the kites fly. It’s a popular viewing spot.
Locals in the westernmost state of Gujarat Uttarayan spend months making elaborate, colorful kites to fly at the International Kite Festival – an important date in the Indian calendar.
During the second week of January the vision of kites flying from dawn until dusk is a sight to behold. The celebration, which started in 1989, is to toast the end of winter and start of summer. It’s said the kites symbolize the spirits of the gods waking up from their deep winter sleep.
Ahmedabad, the state’s largest city, is the place to be for the most lively celebrations, particularly on January 14, when the atmosphere is electric.
Celebrations around the world in February
Rio Carnival, Brazil
- Where to stay: The beachfront neighborhoods are all brilliant but we recommend the Ipanema area.
- KAYAK tip: Don’t miss the parades at the Sambadrome event as they are known for being the best.
Put on your comfy shoes and dance to your heart’s content during Rio De Janeiro’s iconic Carnival. The images of scantily-clad dancers energetically throwing shape on board floats across the city are world-famous.
The celebrations kick off on February 28 and last for five days, with the final night renowned for having the best parties. You’ll find samba beats and street parties at every turn with everyone united in their desire to have a great time. Just make sure you pace yourself so you can last the five days. The Brazilians are pretty hard-core partygoers.
Shrovetide Dragon Festival – Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Where to stay: Vander Urbani is in the heart of the action.
- KAYAK tip: The best-known celebrations are found in the town of Ptuj, 85 miles east of the city.
You shouldn’t need an excuse to visit the happening city of Ljubljana in Slovenia, but what better time to go than during the little known Shrovetide festival each February or March. This celebration, steeped in Pagan tradition and dating back hundreds of years, sees some other-worldly creatures descend on the streets as locals don traditional attire and parade through the city to welcome spring.
You’re unlikely to find a more authentic celebration anywhere in the world, but be ready to be spooked by homemade masks and terrifying costumes which are said to fright away the winter spirits.
Festivals in March
Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
- Where to stay: We recommend staying in the heart of the action in the French Quarter.
- KAYAK tip: for Preservation Hall is a must-visit historical venue for the best live music.
New Orleans is a fun place to visit at any time. But for 4-8 weeks, the city is even more colorful and lively than usual as New Orleans builds up to the climax event of Mardi Gras which takes place on March 4th, 2025.
Often referred to as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras was originally an occasion of eating rich foods ahead of fasting during the Christian holiday of Lent. The city has really put its stamp on the celebration, with piousness taking second place to jazz, blues and late night parties in true Louisianan style.
You’ll see street processions with loud music, dancers decked out in colorful outfits and elaborately decorated floats passing through the city. If you want to learn more about the history of Mardi Gras there is a museum filled with some of the best ever outfits.
Holi Festival, India
- Where to stay: We suggest heading to Mathura, in the Braj region of India, as it is synonymous with the Hindu God of the Holi festival, Lord Krishna.
- KAYAK tip: Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined as you will get absolutely covered in colorful powder!
We could all benefit from a bit more color in out lives. But if you want a lot more – literally – then head to India in March where the Holi celebrations are big and bold!
Thousands of tourists flock to join colours at this vibrant celebration which signals the end of winter. Public squares in the towns and cities are jam-packed with people joining together to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Celebrated by Hindus across Asia and the world, the biggest events take place in India, with each region adding a local twist.
St Patrick’s Day, Dublin, Ireland
- Where to stay: For the best atmosphere stay in Temple Bar. We can’t guarantee you a peaceful night’s sleep though.
- KAYAK tip: Book your accommodation early as more than 500,000 people visit the city for St Patrick’s Day.
Does anyone know how to party better than the Irish? Annually on the 17th March, the Feast of St Patrick is a time for celebration in honour of the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Although celebrated around the world by the Irish diaspora, for a true celebration of Irish culture, warmth and the best quality Guinness, Dublin is the place to be. There’s a huge procession through the city so don your finest emerald green outfit, but avoid the classic Irish stereotypes – leprechauns are a no-go if you want to fit in with the locals.
April events & celebrations
Kings Day, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Where to stay: There are a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets across the city.
- KAYAK tip: Don’t burn out after night one as King’s Day is actually more like King’s weekend.
This rowdy street festival is a staple of the Dutch party calendar. Taking place on the 27th April each year, locals celebrate the King’s birthday by dressing in the royal color: orange. Head to the center of the action in Amsterdam, where the canals become home to floating revelers in boats of all shapes and sizes, and flea markets pop up throughout the city. You’ll find free parties cross the city but the best ones are in the Westerstraat, Prinsengracht and Reguliersdwarsstraat.
As the sun sets, King’s Night begins, showcasing some of the best electronic music from around the world. So raid your wardrobe and your local second-hand shop for orange accessories, slap on the face paint, get out and get seen!
Semana Santa – Antigua, Guatemala
- Where to stay: Antigua Seaview is located in the heart of the capital of Saint John’s.
- KAYAK tip: We recommend joining an organized tour to experience all that Semana Santa has to offer.
Each year the week at Easter, the narrow cobbled streets of Antigua are adorned with “alfombras” – colorful carpets made of sawdust, flowers, pine needles and fruit to celebrate the religious festival of Semana Santa. Brilliant geometric patterns and vivid colors fill the streets, before being swept away by the rather somber procession of enormous floats which re-enact the final days of Jesus Christ.
Songkran Festival, Thailand
- Where to stay: We recommend staying in Bangkok where the celebrations are the most raucous. (which is saying something in Bangkok!) The biggest celebrations are in Khao San Road and Silom.
- KAYAK tip: Have a protection case on your camera – or don’t bring it with you – as you will be getting soaked.
No one is spared from a soaking at this country-wide water fight. Originating as part of a ceremony to celebrate Buddhist New Year, the pouring of water over Buddha statues has morphed into a day-long drenching for anyone that steps outside. Celebrated annually on April 13th across Thailand, bring your water pistol and help usher in a New Year. Your super-soaker will never be a match for the ultimate water weapon – an elephant’s trunk!
Global festivals in May
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
- Where to stay: In Yoshino for the best place to view the blossoms is from the top of Mount Yoshino where you can see 30,000 cherry trees at the same time. Stunning!
- KAYAK tip: This is a very popular celebration so plan your journey carefully as the trains get very busy.
Japan is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but when blossoms blanket the landscape in pale pink, it becomes particularly magical – it is one of the best countries to visit in May. Sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom between late March and May, and are a spectacle not to be missed. Dedicated Sakura watchers can travel Northwards throughout the season and follow the pink flowers through the country. Visitors love to dress in flowing skirts and pastel colors and enjoy picnics under the trees.
Procession of the Holy Blood – Bruges, Belgium
- Where to stay: You’ll get great views if you stay near the 12th century chapel where the procession starts, before traveling along the Dijver canal.
- KAYAK tip: If you want to join the procession you must get tickets in advance from the tourist office.
An unusual Catholic Procession in the Belgian city of Bruges takes place on Ascension Day. Dating back to 1303, so important is the ritual that it has gained UNESCO World Heritage status, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
40 days after Easter, people line the streets of the chocolate-box city in the afternoon of ‘Holy Blood Day’ to watch a 3000-strong procession led by a vicar holding a vial of blood, believed to be from Jesus Christ. The procession starts from the Basilica of the Holy Blood chapel where the vial is safely kept throughout the year. Those in the parade are dressed in robes, armory or outfits to represent scenes from the Bible.
June festivals around the world
Haro Wine Festival, Spain
- Where to stay: Luz Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Haro’s main square.
- KAYAK tip: Make sure you bring your own water pistol so you can get the full experience.
Dating back to the 6th century, The Batalla de Vino, which translates as the Wine Battle is simply put; a water fight, but with sticky wine. On June 28th to 30th, 2025, around the day of their patron saint, Saint Pedro, locals in La Rioja town of Haro attend mass around 7am before spraying red wine over each other with water pistols (or buckets if they want to be extra mucky!).
Don’t panic at the thought of good wine going to waste, for the wine used is pretty awful stuff and it makes Haro one of the best places to visit in June. It’s not exactly known why this has become an annual tradition but it’s believed to be have started after an argument with the neighboring town of Miranda de Ebro in the early 13th century.
If you want to join in the erm, fun, it’s suggested you wear a white t-shirt (that you don’t mind ruining) so that you end up looking like a purple grape by the end of it all. Great pictures guaranteed! (you might want to keep the camera locked away during the wine fight though!)
Inti Raymi Festival – Cusco, Peru
- Where to stay: Inca Wazi Plaza is centrally located at Plaza de Armas.
- KAYAK tip: It’s not uncommon for visitors to Cusco to suffer with altitude sickness so you might need a few days to acclimatize before the celebrations. Drink plenty of water and Muña Tea.
Inti Raymi, or The Inca Festival of the Sun is a traditional religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honour of the god Inti. It is the most important Incan festival, held annually in Cusco annually on June 24th to mark the end of the winter.
The tradition started as desperate locals pleaded the sun god to return and help bring their crops back to life after the cold winter. On the morning of solstice, the people of Cusco would gather in the main square, remove their shoes and face the rising sun.
Now, hundreds of years after the tradition started, the indigenous communities living throughout the Andes love to celebrate the occasion by wearing colorful costumes and dancing to music. Millions of people flock to the town and celebrations last for nine days, including a procession through the town and also a re-enactment of a traditional Inca Inti Raymi celebration.
July celebrations & events
AgitÁgueda – Águeda, Portugal
- Where to stay: Try the pretty Ouril Hotel Agueda
- KAYAK tip: You can go to live concerts for free on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival so plan accordingly.
The riverside city of Águeda hosts a three-week festival of street art and performance each July, making the city one of the best places to visit in summer.
They give a special effort to foster new talent. See the city come alive through art installations, and escape the summer sun by walking the cobbled streets beneath a canopy of colorful umbrellas which are an Instagram favorite.
Gion Matsuri – Kyoto, Japan
- Where to stay: The Kyoto Granbell is a great base to explore the historic city.
- KAYAK tip: If you’re a foodie, you’re going to love the food stalls. Just come armed with a full wallet as it’s not cheap.
Visit Kyoto during the Gion Matsuri festival in July, and the streets will be bustling with “yamaboko” floats adorned with lanterns and tapestries celebrating the local Shinto faith. The floats are not the only spectacle – the event is often nicknamed the “kimono festival”, and you can expect to see locals dressed in their finest garments as they join the crowds to celebrate. Grab a beer from the bustling street markets or sample incredible Japanese eats.
Events in August
La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
- Where to stay: We recommend staying in Valencia and making the 40-minute journey to Buñol.
- KAYAK tip: Get there early for thousands of people will be trying to make their way into the city, and you’ll want to avoid the traffic and queues.
Yes, the Spaniards seem to have a penchant for weird and wacky festivals. No wine this time, instead get turned into human ketchup at this messy tomato celebration. Taking place in Buñol, just outside the city of Valencia, each year, this must be one of the messiest celebrations around the world.
After a local quarrel escalated into an impromptu food fight in 1945 with locals raiding a market stall to fend off an angry performer, the tradition stuck and around 30,000 residents have returned each year to pelt each other with produce. Fortunately, they have settled on soft and squishy tomatoes as their ammunition…
Highland Games – Dunoon, Scotland
- Where to stay: The Park Hotel in Dunoon is just half a mile away from the Cowal Gathering.
- KAYAK tip: Take the bus to the Highland games as there is very limited parking.
The Highland Games are a staple of the Scottish summer calendar, and a brilliant place to soak up the Celtic culture. Expect all the classic emblems like kilts, bagpipes and the caber toss, and be ready to learn more about the rich culture and traditions.
Hosted in August, the Cowal Gathering held in Dunoon, Argyll, is the largest, most spectacular Highland games in the world. Whether you want to try to answer the age-old question of what is worn underneath a Scot’s kilt is up to you…
Celebrations around the world in September
Hermanus Whale Watching Festival, South Africa
- Where to stay: As the name suggests you’ll get epic views at the One Marine Drive Hotel.
- KAYAK tip: Bring your binoculars!
The deep blue sea never fails to amaze, but you’ll be privy to a pretty spectacular event if you ever happen to be in the South African coastal town of Hermanus at the end of September. The town comes together to celebrate the migration of Southern Right Whales during its annual Whale Watching Festival – the only eco-marine festival in the world.
It is the peak time for whale activity in the area so be sure to be in town between September and October (the dates for the festival change every year).
You can attend fascinating talks, events and exhibits to learn more about how we can protect whales and other marine wildlife. There are treasure hunts, a parade, live music, activities for children and even a 10 km (about 6 miles) fun run if you’re feeling energetic.
Regata Storica – Venice, Italy
- Where to stay: Hotel Testa is ideally located to be a part of the celebrations.
- KAYAK tip: Head to the Punta della Dogana for the best views of the racing.
Lazy gondola rides are part and parcel of visiting Venice. But if you’re up for a more strenuous adventure on the city’s famous waters you can enter the Regata Storica.
On the first Sunday of the month, participants take part in the annual races around the island. There are events for children and different categories for adults. The event has been taking place since the 1800s and sees thousands of Venetians coming together to watch the great event.
Even if you’re not a rowing fan, it’s a great spectacle that you’ll remember forever. Toasting the occasion there is a parade down the Grand Canal and also parties across the city.
Worldwide events in October
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
- Where to stay: Arthouse Munich is a convenient base to explore the city.
- KAYAK tip: We recommend Munich’s Hofbräuhaus Brewery for a really lively atmosphere!
This well-loved festival is descended upon by people from around the world in search of parades, food, dancing, and most importantly, beer. Oktoberfest already starts in September in the Bavarian capital (confusing, we know…) with this years dates falling on September 20th to October 5th.
The festivities are characterized by blue-and-white checked tablecloths, with servers carrying impossible numbers of “steins” of beer to thirsty party-goers. This is definitely one of the most popular celebrations around the world, but steeped in Bavarian brewing tradition, you’re sure to find fringe events beyond the big beer halls. Book early enough as Munich is one of the best places to visit in October.
Dia De Los Muertos, Mexico
- Where to stay: The event is widely observed in Mexico but we suggest staying nearby the small island of Janitzio in Lake Pátzcuaro, located in the Mexican state of Michoacán. Try Cabañas Yunuén By Rotamundos,
- KAYAK tip: It’s important to be respectful of local customs and ask to take photos in the graveyards.
The Day of the Dead is a celebration in Mexico when deceased spirits are believed to be able to return to visit their relatives. Traditionally celebrated on November 1-2, spirits drift back into the human world while the living take to the streets for a beautiful celebration in honor of those who have passed on to the afterlife.
Characterized by the stylized skull and skeleton designs that pervade Mexican art, expect to see streets adorned with flowers, paper decorations and colorful carpets in remembrance. No Mexican celebration would be complete without food and drink, so make sure you get to try some pan de muertos (bread of the dead), agua de Jamaica (hibiscus flower water) and the punchy alcoholic pulque.
Cultural events in November
Diwali, India
- Where to stay: If you want the true experience there is a constant stream of firecrackers and fireworks in Varanasi – a hugely sacred pilgrimage site – on the main day of the festival.
- KAYAK tip: Bring your earplugs in case you’ve had enough noise at any stage.
Diwali, the festival of light, has been catching the eye of travelers since the 11th century and is a spectacle like no other. A worldwide celebration held in Autumn, Diwali is a five-day commemoration of harvest shared by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists.
If you want to experience it closer to home, the largest Diwali outside of India is held each year in Leicester, featuring the same spectacles like the lighting of the lamps, and “rangoli” decorations created using colored sand.
Yi Peng Festival – Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Where to stay: There are hotels to suit all budgets and tastes – we recommend Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai.
- KAYAK tip: Yi Peng usually aligns with Loy Krathong that is celebrated all over Thailand – you get 2-in-1 celebrations if you are in Chiang Mai though!
Chiang Mai is a beautiful historic city in northern Thailand that plays host to the annual Yi Peng lantern festival. The November sky is filled with thousands of paper lanterns let go by festival-goers, signifying the release of the ills and misfortunes of the previous year, ushering in hope and luck for the year to come. Join the crowds in the streets, or sit at a rooftop bar to watch the spectacle.
National Kenu & Kundu Festival – Alotau, Papua New Guinea
- Where to stay: Try Green Hills Pebac Pngcr in the capital Port Moresby.
- KAYAK tip: Enjoy a yam feast – the country is famous for them. They’re superfoods don’t you know!
Fancy doing something well off the beaten track? Well, if you ever find yourself in the South Pacific in November for some warm weather, head to the remote town of Alotau on the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea.
The jaunt will give you a glimpse into a different world, where tribes from the 600+ neighboring islands convene to trade, dance, sing and most importantly – race canoes – during the three-day event. It will give you a fascinating insight into the Milne Bay culture.
The country has a rich ethos of traveling by water, and the kenu (boats) and kundu (drums) are the focus of this annual festival. The real showpiece is a race of kenu boats, each one uniquely designed and crafted by a local community. The rivalry is fierce!
Global festivals in December
Hornbill Festival, India
- Where to stay: Find great guesthouses and hotels in Dimapur.
- KAYAK tip: Tourists from outside India need to register at the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours of their arrival at the festival.
India features prominently on our list but this is one of the lesser-known festivals. The northeastern state of Nagaland is home to many differing tribes, each with their own cultural celebration.
However, the Hornbill unites the neighboring tribes to protect the unique Naga heritage. Named after the large, colorful bird which is a symbol of the Naga warrior folklore, the Hornbill attracts visitors to soak up the atmosphere.
For ten days between December 1st to 10th the tribes take part in various activities such as fashion shows, sporting events, colorful tribal ceremonies and performances in Naga Heritage Village. There are also sculpture displays, craft showcases, food stalls and even a Miss Nagaland beauty pageant.
Junkanoo, Bahamas
- Where to stay: Bay Street is the place to be for parade so a beach hotel in Nassau is a great choice.
- KAYAK tip: Dress in your biggest, boldest colors!
Only good vibes here. The national festival of the Bahamas, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day. Residents spend months planning the elaborate pageant which starts in the early hours in the morning. You’ll hear lots of whistling and musicians play brass instruments, cowbells and drums. There are cash prizes on offer for the best outfits so as you can expect, the locals like to go all out.
The biggest event is held in the capital of Nassau, although celebrations are held all across the 16 islands.
