Bucketlist Festivals to Visit All Around the World
One of the greatest things about travel is discovering cultures different to your own and what better way than to experience a local festival. To be able to discover and share new traditions is an honour as a tourist. I have rounded up some of the festivals around the world that are on my bucket list.
Rio Carnival, Brazil
2022 Dates- 20th-30th April
A famous week-long party that celebrates through brightly coloured street parades, parties, samba dancing and music. A very popular festival with over a million people in attendance and you can see why with the gorgeous costumes and great spirits. Carnival is celebrated all over Brazil with Rio being the biggest celebration and home to Sambadrome where spectators can watch the 2-day competition between local Samba schools. So grab your colourful outfits pep up your spirits and get ready to samba and party the week away!
Hoi An Lantern Festival
2022 Dates- monthly for the full moon
I totally fell in love with Hoi An during my time there, the city has such a magical feel and I can only imagine how amazing it must be during the lantern festival. The festival is to celebrate the full moon as this is considered one of the most sacred times in the Buddist calendar. After 8 pm the old quarter of the city bans vehicles and bikes and reduces all normal lighting to allow the lanterns to illuminate the streets. Along the riverbank expect musical performers, some poetry readings and delicious foods stalls. Locals also use this as a time to honour any deceased relatives and ancestors so expect to see offerings and shrines around the city.
burning man, USA
2022 Dates- 28th August-5th September
Fancy joining tens of thousands of people in the middle of Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Described as a temporary city with the idea that it’s for everyone with no judgement, with art installations, performances, workshops and spiritual gatherings. There’s something about Burning Man that just fascinates me, as much as I read up about it I’m still curious as to what goes on! Who doesn’t love the concept of a fleeting city with no judgement and of course the outfits look like so much fun. Towards the end of the festival, they literally burn the man before the city packs up and disappears again for another year.
dia de los muertos, mexico
2022 Dates- 1st and 2nd November
Dia de Los Muertos is believed to be when the gap between our world and the spiritual world opens. Locals will spend evenings in graveyards leaving offerings such as food, flowers, gifts for their ancestral spirits. They chose to celebrate death and honour their loved ones during this time. The type of celebration can vary from region to region, with some having more lively parades and festivities and others a more subdued affair. You may have seen the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade, with performers, elaborate costumes, skulls and ofrendas covered in flowers. I love the idea of this celebration of life and death, to give joy and happiness to something perceived as very sad in the UK.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
2022 Dates- April/May
“Hanami” means flower viewing in Japanese and is a very popular Japanese tradition, during spring the Cherry Blossom trees flourish around the country. Family and friends gather under the cherry blossom trees to spend time together and eat great food. Some of the recommended spots to see the cherry blossom are below, remember to check the forecast as the trees can bloom at different times.
- Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
- Matsuyama Castle, Ehime Prefecture
- Senkoji Park, Onomichi City
- Nakaragi no Michi Path, Kyoto
What are the festivals that are on your bucket list?
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