There’s nothing quite like experiencing a cultural festival. Whether you’re in the midst of a street parade, watching fireworks light up the sky, or throwing tomatoes at strangers, each festival offers its own unique set of experiences and memories. We’ve put together this list of five must-see cultural festivals around the world that you can plan your next holiday around!
La Tomatina - Spain
This Spanish festival takes place on the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, Valencia. The festivities begin with thousands of participants throwing ripe tomatoes at each other for an hour. To make sure everyone is safe during La Tomatina, trucks spray water over the crowd before and after all the tomato-throwing begins, and no glass bottles are allowed.
Carnival in Rio - Brazil
Each year in February or March, Rio de Janeiro celebrates Carnival with parades full of music, costumes and dancing. During Carnival celebrations in Rio, people dress up in colorful clothes and masks to watch floats go by while they dance away the night. The festivities come to a close on Ash Wednesday when most people stay home to rest up so they can start their Lenten fasting period with plenty of energy.
Krampusnacht - Austria
Every December 5th marks Krampusnacht in Austria—a night dedicated to Krampus, a half-goat/half-demon figure from pagan folklore who punishes naughty children on Saint Nicholas' Day (December 6th). On Krampusnacht, men wearing demonic costumes march around town carrying torches and rattling chains as a warning for those who may have been less than kind throughout the year!
St Patrick's Day - Ireland
The Irish take St Patrick's Day seriously—so much so that it has become an entire season where pubs are filled with live music and streets are lined with parades. This celebration is about more than just beer—it's about honoring Irish culture and pride. From dressing up in green clothes to visiting traditional sites like Blarney Castle, there's something special about being part of this age-old tradition that started hundreds of years ago!
Yi Peng Festival
Thailand lanterns float into the sky during this annual event held every November near Chiang Mai. According to Buddhist legend, releasing these paper lanterns symbolizes letting go of one's worries and sorrows as they drift away into oblivion. It really makes for an amazing sight as thousands of lanterns fill the night sky like stars!
From throwing tomatoes at strangers to watching thousands of lanterns float away into oblivion—there are countless amazing experiences that await when you attend some of these incredible cultural festivals around the world! So why not make your next holiday one that celebrates culture? You won’t regret it!
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