10 Festivals Around the World That Are Totally Worth the Flight
Many of us dream of packing a bag, hopping on a long-haul flight, and landing somewhere that flips the script on daily life. One of the best ways to do that? Travel for a festival. It’s not just about the lights, sounds, or crowds; it’s the feeling of stepping straight into someone else’s celebration, traditions, and stories.
These aren’t your average events. They draw people from all corners, spark curiosity, and leave your phone with photos that don’t need a filter. So, if you’re up for something big, loud, colorful, or wild, here are 10 festivals worth crossing an ocean for.
La Tomatina – Spain
Imagine a food fight with thousands of people and a mountain of ripe tomatoes. That’s La Tomatina in Buñol. The streets turn into a pulpy red mess in less than an hour. Everyone is covered from head to toe. It’s short, chaotic, and unforgettable. Bring goggles; you’ll thank yourself later.
Burning Man – United States
Burning Man isn’t a typical party in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. It’s part art exhibit, part social experiment. Attendees build a temporary city, create large-scale art, and live by a “leave no trace” rule. It’s gritty, creative, and entirely off the grid. You won’t come back the same.
Holi – India
Holi isn’t quiet or subtle. It’s a full-throttle splash of color in the streets. People toss colored powders at strangers, friends, and family while dancing to booming music. It happens every March, just as winter gives way to spring. The spirit is contagious. Don’t wear anything you plan to keep clean.
Carnival – Brazil
Rio’s Carnival is like Mardi Gras, with the volume increasing. Samba dancers glide through the streets in jaw-dropping costumes. Parades run all night. Locals spend months preparing floats and outfits. Carnival makes that happen in dazzling style if you want to see a city come alive.
Oktoberfest – Germany
This is the “world’s largest beer festival”. Held in Munich, Oktoberfest invites you to join massive crowds under giant tents, singing songs you may not know but will try anyway. You’ll find bratwursts, pretzels, and folks dressed in lederhosen and dirndls. It’s loud, friendly, and a bit surreal.
Gion Matsuri – Japan
Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri has been running since the 9th century. Floats, lanterns, and traditional attire transform the city into a vibrant museum of Japanese culture. Something is calming about how the old and new blend during this month-long July celebration. Don’t rush through it; slow walks pay off.
Day Of The Dead – Mexico
Forget spooky. Day of the Dead in Oaxaca and Mexico City is vibrant, thoughtful, and moving. Families create altars, paint faces, and parade in honor of loved ones who’ve passed. It’s both joyful and emotional. This might be your first time if you’ve never seen grief turned into beauty.
Songkran – Thailand
Songkran marks the Thai New Year in April with a nationwide water fight. People hit the streets armed with buckets and water guns, and no one is safe. It’s wild and refreshing and usually happens during some of the year’s hottest days. You’ll laugh, get soaked, and probably end up dancing.
Up Helly Aa – Scotland
Ever wanted to see Vikings with torches? Head to Shetland in January. Up Helly Aa ends with a dramatic torch-lit procession and the burning of a Viking longship. Locals dress in full costume, sing traditional songs, and light up the dark winter night like no other festival.
Harbin Ice And Snow Festival – China
Harbin transforms into a glowing frozen wonderland each winter. Giant sculptures made of ice and snow fill entire parks, lit with neon colors that make nighttime feel magical. Temperatures drop fast, so bundle up. This isn’t just a festival; it’s like walking through a dream built from frost.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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