Upcoming Festivals
Festivals around the world
Diwali (Dīvali in Dīpāwali in or Deepavali)
Diwali (Dīvali/Dīpāwali/Deepavali) — festival and public holiday: the Hindu festival of lights celebrated across India and the diaspora with lamps, fireworks, prayers, sweets and family gatherings, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. It is celebrated from December 26 to January 1 each year. Kwanzaa principles are drawn from African culture and traditions and promote self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. People celebrate with activities like lighting the kinara (a seven-branched candelabrum), exchanging gifts, singing, dancing and feasting.
Tu Bishvat/Tu B’Shevat
Tu Bishvat is an ancient Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is known as the “New Year of the Trees” and marks the beginning of the Israeli fruit-tree harvest season. On this date, Jews around the world eat fruit, recite poems, and make donations to environmental causes.
Basant Panchami in Nepal
"Experience the vibrant celebration of Basant Panchami, a national festival in Nepal, where vibrant colors and joyful music fill the streets. As a cultural commentator and travel writer, I highly recommend this beautiful holiday, steeped in Hindu traditions and marking the arrival of spring. Book your trip now and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Nepal."
Maha Shivaratri in Nepal
Nepal's vibrant celebration of Maha Shivaratri is a can't-miss festival for the spiritual seeker. Immerse yourself in the country's rich cultural traditions and witness devotees honoring the Hindu god Shiva through colorful rituals and lively processions. This national festival is a must-see for anyone looking to truly experience Nepal's cultural roots.
Holi: The Festival Of Love
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It is the festival of love and signifies the victory of good over evil. People gather in joyful crowds, indulging in colorful powders and different colored water being thrown. People embrace one another and wish each other luck, health and prosperity.
Chinese Valentine’s Day
Chinese Valentine's Day (Qixi Festival) is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It celebrates the annual meeting of the cowherd and weaver girl in Chinese folklore. This is celebrated with romantic customs such as exchanging gifts and prayers for love and marital bliss.
Zhonghe Festival in China
"As the streets of China's bustling city of Zhonghe come alive with vibrant colors and joyful festivities, it's clear that the Zhonghe Festival, a national holiday, is in full swing. From traditional performances to mouth-watering delicacies, this culturally rich observance is truly a must-visit for any traveler seeking an authentic Chinese experience."
Holi Festival
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival of colors celebrated across India and parts of Nepal. It marks the start of Spring and is celebrated with outdoor activities such as throwing colored powder, playing with water balloons and singing & dancing.
Festa da Flor in Portugal 2024
Festa da Flor Portugal 2024 — a vibrant flower festival (local observance) in Funchal, Madeira: parades, floral carpets, gardens and traditional music. A fragrant spring celebration for photographers and culture-seeking travelers.
Eid-al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr — Type: Islamic religious observance and public festival. A joyous, family-centered celebration marking Ramadan’s end with communal prayers, feasting, charity (zakat), visiting loved ones, and vibrant local traditions that attract travelers across Muslim-majority countries and diasporas worldwide.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is an annual holiday celebrated by the Lepchas, an indigenous tribe in Sikkim, India. The holiday marks the first day of autumn and is celebrated with traditional songs and dances, offerings of food to the mountain gods, and a grand gathering of the tribe. On this day, the Lepchas pray for a good monsoon season and for their agricultural harvest.
Cinco de Mayo – Battle of Puebla in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates Mexican heritage and culture. Originating in Mexico in 1862, the holiday commemorates a small Mexican victory over a larger, better-equipped French army at the Battle of Puebla. In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo festivities typically include parades, mariachi music, folk dancing, and plenty of Mexican food. The holiday is also an opportunity to celebrate the cultural contributions of Mexican-Americans to the U.S. and to give back to Mexican communities.
Canadian Tulip Festival
Canadian Tulip Festival — festival and cultural observance: Ottawa’s spring spectacle celebrating Dutch‑Canadian friendship with millions of blooms, public concerts, art displays and photo-worthy gardens—perfect for travelers seeking vibrant spring culture and family-friendly events.
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is an important Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Vishnu's serpent epitome, Ananta-Shesha. On this day, devotees pray to the deity and revere him in the form of live snakes or idols made of brass or silver. Ritualistic offerings such as fruit, milk, flowers and incense are made to the Lord in the form of a puja. Processions are held with locals wearing traditional clothing and chanting religious mantras, followed by folk performances, poojas and feasting.
Esala Perahera
Esala Perahera is an annual Buddhist festival celebrated in Sri Lanka. The festival is celebrated for ten days in July or August and is the most sacred Buddhist pageant in Sri Lanka. It is held in Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, to commemorate the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. During the festival, elephants, dancers, and torch-bearing drummers parade the streets representing the four guardian gods. Esala Perahera is a colorful event and is attended by thousands of devotees.
Folklore Day in Brazil
Folklore Day in Brazil is an annual public holiday celebrated on the second Monday of August. It is a tribute to traditional Brazilian culture and to the significant contributions of generations passed to the culture of the country. Celebrations include traditional music and dance performances, traditional Brazilian food, and other festive activities with the purpose of celebrating the diversity and strength of the rich Brazilian culture.
Brecon Jazz Festival
Brecon Jazz Festival is an annual weekend celebration of jazz music, held in the beautiful Welsh town of Brecon. Enjoy an exciting programme of masterclasses, workshops, gigs, jams and improvisations featuring leading names in the world jazz scene, along with some of the best local and regional talent. With a range of activities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fiesta de San Salvador
La Fiesta de San Salvador is a religious holiday celebrated in El Salvador every August 6. The holiday honors the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus and consists of a Mass followed by a procession of the saint in the afternoon. Other festivities include fireworks, dancing, traditional foods, and music, and the celebration may last for several days.
Flower Carpet in Brussels in Belgium
Flower Carpet Brussels at Grand-Place: a dazzling biennial festival (local) where millions of begonias form giant patterns, blending Flemish craftsmanship and travel wonder—must-see cultural spectacle in Belgium for photographers and city explorers.