Here’s a List of 15 Joyful Festivals Around the World!
Hello Aluxers and welcome to our exciting and thrilling new article, presented to you by Alux.com – today we’ll go on a tour to the 15 most joyful festivals around the world.
No matter what your favorite food is or favorite type of music, there’s bound to be a festival to celebrate it. There are craft festivals, food festivals, liquor-theme festivals, seasonal festivals, and more unique events like the fainting goat festival in Tennessee, the mud festival in South Korea, and the underwater music festival in Florida. No matter what festival you choose to go to, you can be sure to find bright colors, good vibes, awesome food, lots of good music, and many happy, cheerful people.
Some festivals are just known locally, while others are world famous. We have looked the world over to find the most amazing festival experiences that different countries have to offer. Some of these will definitely be familiar to you, while others you will hear about for the first time. We hope to inspire your travel plans and open your eyes to the diverse entertainment options available in cities all around us, so let’s get started.
15. Exit Festival – Novi Sad, Serbia
14. Pingxi Lantern Festival – Taiwan
13. Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium
12. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival – Lerwick, Scotland
11. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
10. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, Tennessee
9. Whirling Dervishes Festival – Konya, Turkey
8. La Tomatina – Valencia, Spain
7. White Nights Festival – St. Petersburg, Russia
6. Día de Los Muertos – Mexico
5. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, Louisiana
4. Holi Festival – India
3. Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival – Harbin, China
2. The Rio de Janeiro Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1. Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada
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15
Exit Festival – Novi Sad, Serbia
Located in the north of Serbia, in a city called Novi Sad , the Exit Festival made its debut as a protest against the political party in power at the beginning of the 2000s. Now, after almost 20 years, Exit is one of the best music festivals you can visit while in Europe.
Since it takes place in a medieval Petrovaradin fortress, it’s one of the most interesting locations for a big music festival. Each year it brings more and more satisfied visitors, and with its unique location, you can only imagine the feeling of walking through medieval tunnels while dancing to your favorite beats.
14
Pingxi Lantern Festival – Taiwan
According to one legend, the Pingxi Lantern festival originated from the period of Three Kingdoms, when one Chinese statesman created lanterns to send military signals. This practice spread through villagers who wanted to let their families know they’re safe by sending lanterns into the sky. Fast forward to today.
The Pingxi Lantern Festival, taking place on the last day of the Lunar New Year, is one of the brightest, happiest and most heartwarming festivals you could visit. Lighted lanterns are released into the sky, looking as if the stars have just come down to earth. If you get the chance to release a lantern, make a wish and let it fly with the stars.
13
Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium
One of Europe’s biggest and most famous music festivals is Tomorrowland, and it most definitely justifies its popularity as Belgium’s jewel. This EDM festival is one of a kind. With world-famous DJs, more than fifteen stages, and an extraordinary venue with giant disco balls, industrial sculptures and lots of confetti, Tomorrowland is a festival you want to experience. Tomorrowland offers great fun, remarkable music, and a world-class atmosphere.
12
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival – Lerwick, Scotland
I hope you’re free the last Tuesday of January next year, cause you’re not going to want to miss out on this old traditional Scottish festival dedicated to celebrating Viking heritage. With 24 hours of marches, exhibitions, shows, and food stands, it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re visiting the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival.
Of course, the best part comes in the evening, when participants gather around the replica of a dragon galley and walk around it while singing “The Norseman’s Home.” Then they start throwing fiery torches to a crescendo of cheers. Don’t miss the chance to experience this remarkable fire festival, because it only happens one day a year.
11
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
The world’s most famous beer festival welcomes beer lovers and everyone else to enjoy the festive atmosphere of this world-famous event. Oktoberfest is all about trying out different types of beer, wearing traditional German outfits, and enjoying the overall happy atmosphere of the cheerful hosts.
You can take your time since this beer paradise lasts for 16 days, so if you still haven’t tried all the beers you wanted, there’s no rush. From late September to the first weekend of October, make sure you stop by and see why more than 6 million people visit Oktoberfest each year.
Resource: These 20 Photos Will Make You Want To Go To Germany!
10
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, Tennessee
This is not just any music festival. Unlike other music festivals you may know, Bonnaroo is not only an amazing place for all music and art lovers but also for all people wishing to participate in eco-friendly, sustainable initiatives. This festival offers hundreds of acres of Tennessee nature, numerous impressive pieces of artwork all around, and performances from a wide range of performers like Eminem, Paul McCartney, Beach Boys and Tool. In addition to the fantastic line-up each year, you can find many art workshops, craft workshops, a cinema tent and even some yoga.
9
Whirling Dervishes Festival – Konya, Turkey
This fascinating annual festival commemorates the death of 13th-century saint Mevlana, commonly known in Turkey as Rumi. This Islamic scholar even after 750 years is the best-selling poet not only in Turkey but in the United States. He believed that it was possible to communicate with God through music and dance, and that is what this festival is all about. You can see the whirling dervishes, who are men in traditional white or colored skirts who can twirl with the music in the most mesmerizing way. This is one of the most breathtaking dances you’ll ever have a chance to see.
8
La Tomatina – Valencia, Spain
If you’re looking for something fun, cheerful and crazy, this is one of those festivals you cannot miss. Held annually, this gigantic Spanish tomato-throwing festival is one of Europe’s favorites and most controversial. Of course, they have a set of rules to prevent visitors from hurting each other, some of them being no hard objects and requiring tomatoes to be squished before throwing them at someone.
It’s a completely new experience for everyone who comes there for the first time, but also an unforgettable one. After the tomato fight, you must attend the enormous shower that follows and dancing in the streets of Valencia.
7
White Nights Festival – St. Petersburg, Russia
The name ”white night” comes from the magical phenomenon that happens in the lovely city of St. Petersburg when the sun is present from May to July so that it doesn’t get dark. Of course, Russians have to celebrate this event by organizing a beautiful festival that consists of a series of ballet, opera, and classical music performances.
There is probably no better way to experience the true beauty and elegance of Russia than by visiting this festival. Also, the Scarlet Sail is a huge part of the White Nights festival when incredibly illuminated boats pass though followed by some amazing fireworks.
6
Día de Los Muertos – Mexico
Día de Los Muertos, commonly known as ”The Day of the Dead,” is far from being as scary as the name might imply. This holiday is all about gathering with your friends and family to remember the ancestors and deceased loved ones who have helped you on your spiritual journey.
With colorful decorations everywhere, this festival has a vibrant spirit that’s unlike any other. You can also witness some traditional customs such as Ofrendas, where festival participants build altars, prepare food and gather gifts for their deceased. If you’re looking for a colorful and festive celebration look no further than Día de Los Muertos.
Resource: You Can Now Enjoy the Dinner in the Sky Experience in Mexico!
5
Mardi Gras – New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of those festivals you wish lasted longer. If you’re fond of parades through the city, costumed performers, wild performances and fire concerts, then you won’t be disappointed with the legendary Mardi Gras.
This is the time of year when New Orleans is packed with people in cheerful and colorful outfits with beads flying everywhere. You can smell tempting foods from near-by food stands and hear music that invites you to dance. The tradition of Mardi Gras first started in 1837 to celebrate Fat Tuesday before the Christian Lenten season before Easter.
4
Holi Festival – India
Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is held in India and some parts of Pakistan during spring on the night before Holi when people gather to sing, dance, and spend time with each other while celebrating good conquering evil.
The next morning is reserved for the carnival where participants color each other with dry powder and colored water, making the whole environment electric with vibrant colors. You can enjoy marching bands, dancing, food, drinks, and of course, lots of fun.
3
Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival – Harbin, China
One of China’s most unique attractions is the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival that takes place from the end of December till the end of February. Home to some of the biggest and most astonishing ice sculptures, this festival is a true fairytale for winter lovers and anyone who appreciates good art and lots of fun. What you’re going to experience here, you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a city made entirely out of ice and snow.Ski tours, ice fishing, and walks through the amazing illuminated replica of a city are going to leave you in awe.
2
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A festival that gathers nearly 5 million people each year, from visitors to performers, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a spectacle full of surprises, thrills, good energy, samba, and wild open-air performances.
During these 5 days, everyone is set loose, so you can only imagine the atmosphere you’re going to experience. Parades, balls, crazy costumes, and loud samba will surround you and will inspire you to dance, enjoy and have fun. Originally, Rio Carnival started as a religious celebration before the 40 days of Lent, which was the last day Christians could eat abundantly before Easter. Over the years, the festival has grown into the epic celebration that is world-famous today.
Resource: Best Places to Visit in Brazil | Top 10
1
Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada
Finally, we’ve reached number one on our list, and as hard as the choice was, we believe Burning Man is deserving. Just about every person who attends describes it as one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences of their lives.
The Burning Man Festival started in the summer of 1986 in San Francisco when one artist made a 9-foot tall wooden figure of a man, dragged it to Baker Beach and lit it on fire. After that, the wildest parties were born. Over time, that wooden man sculpture grew to an amazing 79 feet, and the music only got better and the whole experience was taken to a whole new level. The event is described as a contemporary art and self-expression experiment, and people who have been there claim you must attend it to truly understand it.
Well, we’ve reached the end of our list.
Are you inspired yet? Whichever festival you choose to attend, you won’t be disappointed because the experience you’ll have is going to be unforgettable.
QOTD: Now that you’ve seen all these festivals, which of these are you most drawn to? Let us know in the comments.
