Is there any feeling that’s better than being at a festival surrounded by friends and families as you go wild and enjoy life to the fullest? We think not. Clearly, the world agrees and that’s why there are plenty of festivals around the globe where people meet and party without reservation. If you’ve never been a major player on the festival scene or just wish to know more about other festivals then hold onto your hat, because we’re diving into the biggest, wildest, and most unique festivals the world has on offer. From the energetic Rio carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the somber Day Of The Dead in Mexico, there is definitely something for everyone.
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
The Oktoberfest which is held in Munich Germany, has an interesting history, It started as a Royal wedding in 1810 and is now an annual festival celebrating Bavarian culture. It is held at Theresienwiese, an open space near the Munich city center. Let me simply put it this way, if your objective is to indulge in the best of German alcohol, food, and unique culture, then Oktoberfest is the way to go.
If you’re worried that you’ll miss this festival, then don’t worry, this is not one of those single-day festivals. Oktoberfest begins in late September and runs through the first weekend of October. In that space of time, there's everything to enjoy from horse races, parades, carnival rides, cultural performances, rich brewing culture, and traditional Bavarian foods. So if you’ve never been, this is one festival to put on your calendar.
La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain
What adult here has never dreamt of getting into massive food fights with the people around them? It can’t be just us who were having such crazy thoughts. Well, if you share that same desire, then the festival La Tomatina in Spain is just what you need.
This festival, held annually on the last Wednesday of August, involves locals and tourists throwing overripe tomatoes at each other. The festivities really kick off when trucks filled with tomatoes roll into Plaza del Pueblo, marking the beginning of the "palo jabón" competition. In this event, participants climb a greased pole to grab a piece of ham perched on top.
Once someone grabs the ham, it signals the start of the tomato fight, and all hell breaks loose as people hurl tomatoes at each other. The tomato battle goes on for about an hour, followed by fire trucks spraying water to wash down the streets and participants. Honestly, my inner child is screaming with excitement about this.
Rio Carnival, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
If you are looking for the biggest and baddest festival in the world, then look no further than the Rio Carnival. I mean, it is known as the largest carnival in the world for a reason. Whatever stories of this festival you’ve heard on social media, I can tell you with the utmost sincerity that none of that was exaggerated. Famous for its risqué dancing and colorful costumes, this festival marks the start of Lent and celebrates Brazil's rich dance and music traditions.
For most, the highlight of the festival is the Samba parade at the Sambadrome and countless street parties across the city. The Rio Carnival offers a chance to immerse yourself in extravagant parades, stunning costumes, and the irresistible rhythms of samba music. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be right in the middle of such fun?
St Patrick's Day, Belfast, Nothern Ireland, UK
Ah, Ireland's big green festival! St. Patrick's Day is basically a big celebration where people get together to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It's on March 17th every year and it is held in spectacular style and fashion. I’m talking about a nation of pure green. From green clothes, green beer, green fountains, and even rivers dyed green. I can assure you, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen,
It's a huge party with parades, Irish music, dancing, and lots of fun. And in case you’re worried you won’t attend, fear not, it's not just for Irish folks either; everyone gets into the spirit of celebrating Irish culture and having a good time together.
The Day of The Dead, Oaxaca, Mexico
If you’re into the spooky stuff and connecting with the dead, then look no further, you’re home. The Day of the Dead festival is held from October 31st to November 2nd and is a festival that takes Halloween’s pesky antics to the next level. Technically, it's a time when families and communities come together to honor and remember their departed loved ones but this is a festival that is as far from sad as the North Pole is to the South.
There is everything, from colorful rituals, adorned altars, candles, vibrant flowers, and elaborate decorations that transform streets, homes, and cemeteries into lively, festive spaces. The evenings are filled with children dressed in intricately scary costumes and masks, going door-to-door for small gifts—a tradition akin to Halloween's trick-or-treating, but with a deeper cultural significance. It’s hard to put this cultural festival into words, but what I can say is that you need to experience it yourself and truly understand. It is nothing short of magnificent.
Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
This American festival is another one for the books. Burning Man is an annual festival held from the last Sunday in August to the first Monday in September (Labor Day), dedicated to celebrating radical self-expression and self-reliance among its participants. People from different parts of the world bring their unique art installations to the event, using them as a medium for creative self-expression. Basically, if creativity is your thing then this is the festival for you.
These artworks that people have made collectively form a temporary city called Black Rock City, which is eventually dismantled at the end of the festival. It’s like a festival of creation and destruction. Alongside the art, Burning Man offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, themed camps, workshops, dancing, and street performances, providing numerous opportunities for enjoyment and participation.
If you're someone who thrives on expressing yourself in unconventional ways—whether through speech, art, or fashion—Burning Man is the place for you to be. The Black Rock desert awaits your visit this year.
Diwali, India
Ah, Diwali! Does it get any better than this? We seriously doubt it. Dubbed the festival of lights, Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness or good over evil. Sounds cool right? The festival is filled with wondrous displays of fireworks that light up the dark nights, true to the festival's own theme. Diwali typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the lunar calendar. The Hindu lunisolar calendar determines Diwali’s main day, usually on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month, Ashvin. That makes the display of Lightworks that much grander.
Even in people’s homes and public spaces, all you see are oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights. If you like color and the concept of light winning over darkness, this is the place to be. If your goal is to attend, then you have several platforms that can enable you to participate. Though the festival primarily happens in India, other Hindu communities where there are large Indian populations like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the like also host this festival making it a global spectacle.
Carnival of Venice, Venice, Italy
What do you think of when the city of Venice is mentioned? The most common answer would be winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges. Well let me add one more reason for you to visit the “floating city”, and that is the Carnival of Venice.
You would be hard-pressed to find a festival that brings a city to life more so than the Carnival of Venice. This festival marks the beginning of Lent; it is held for a few weeks leading up to Lent, with the grand day being Fat Tuesday, just before Wednesday. From fancy costumes and masquerade balls to live music and performances at St. Mark’s Square, the Carnival of Venice will definitely show you a side of Venice that you have never seen before.