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14 Festivals Around the World Worth Traveling For

Anastasia Fedoseeva

Travel is not just about places—it’s about people, traditions, and shared moments. And nothing captures that better than a festival. Around the globe, festivals bring entire cities and cultures alive with color, music, dance, and food.

This guide takes you to 14 festivals around the world worth traveling for. Some are wild, some spiritual, others deeply traditional—but all are unforgettable. With Aitinery, you can plan your journey around these events, add nearby landmarks, and create a personalized festival itinerary.

1. Rio Carnival (Brazil)

The biggest carnival in the world, Rio turns into a city-wide party every February.

  • Why go: Samba parades, colorful costumes, street parties.
  • Tip: Book accommodations months in advance.

2. Oktoberfest (Germany)

Held in Munich every autumn, it’s the world’s largest beer festival.

  • Why go: Traditional Bavarian beer tents, music, pretzels.
  • Tip: Visit during the week for fewer crowds.

3. Holi (India & Nepal)

The Hindu festival of colors celebrates spring with joy and unity.

  • Why go: Throwing colored powders, dancing in the streets.
  • Tip: Best experienced in Vrindavan, Delhi, or Kathmandu.

4. La Tomatina (Spain)

Every August, Buñol becomes the site of the world’s biggest tomato fight.

  • Why go: Pure fun and chaos.
  • Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind destroying.

5. Chinese New Year (China & Worldwide)

Fireworks, dragon dances, and red lanterns mark this iconic celebration.

  • Why go: Cultural immersion, family traditions, street food.
  • Tip: Hong Kong and Beijing are top spots to experience it.

6. Día de los Muertos (Mexico)

The “Day of the Dead” is a colorful celebration of life and memory.

  • Why go: Altars, parades, skull makeup.
  • Tip: Oaxaca is especially famous for its celebrations.

7. Lantern Festival (Taiwan)

The sky fills with glowing lanterns as people make wishes for the year ahead.

  • Why go: Magical visuals, local traditions.
  • Tip: Pingxi is the most iconic location.

8. Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland)

The world’s largest arts festival, held every August.

  • Why go: Comedy, theatre, street performances.
  • Tip: Book tickets early—many shows sell out fast.

9. Cherry Blossom Festivals (Japan)

Each spring, Japan celebrates the fleeting beauty of sakura blossoms.

  • Why go: Hanami picnics under pink trees.
  • Tip: Kyoto and Tokyo offer the most famous views.

10. Burning Man (USA)

A temporary city in Nevada’s desert, dedicated to art, self-expression, and community.

  • Why go: Giant sculptures, surreal atmosphere.
  • Tip: Prepare for extreme desert conditions.

11. Mardi Gras (New Orleans, USA)

A mix of parades, jazz, and masked balls, Mardi Gras is legendary.

  • Why go: Beads, music, costumes.
  • Tip: Arrive early to catch smaller parades before the big day.

12. Songkran (Thailand)

Thailand’s New Year is celebrated with a countrywide water fight in April.

  • Why go: Playful, refreshing, joyful atmosphere.
  • Tip: Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the best cities to join.

13. Inti Raymi (Peru)

The Festival of the Sun, held in Cusco, revives ancient Inca traditions.

  • Why go: Colorful costumes, Andean rituals.
  • Tip: Visit Cusco in June to experience it.

14. Venice Carnival (Italy)

One of Europe’s oldest festivals, famous for its masks and elegance.

  • Why go: Costume balls, gondola parades, baroque vibes.
  • Tip: The most atmospheric time to explore Venice.

Plan Your Festival Travels with Aitinery

Festivals require planning—dates, accommodations, tickets, and local transport. With Aitinery, you can:

  • Build a festival-focused trip.
  • Add nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities.
  • Optimize travel between cities and countries.
  • Share itineraries with friends or travel groups.

For example: combine Oktoberfest in Munich with a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, or pair Día de los Muertos in Mexico with Oaxaca’s food scene.

Final Thoughts

From the wild samba streets of Rio to the magical lantern skies of Taiwan, these 14 best festivals in the world prove that travel is also about celebration.

With Aitinery, you can design unforgettable journeys centered around the world’s most spectacular festivals—turning each trip into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

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