Upcoming Festivals
Festivals around the world
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.
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.
Ullambana
The Ullambana holiday is a Buddhist festival honoring filial piety and ancestor veneration. Celebrated in several countries, it's traditionally observed on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month and usually lasts for several days. During the holiday, families make offerings such as fruits, vegetables, and incense to deceased ancestors at their graves or temples, followed by a ritual feast. It's a time to show respect to those who have gone before.
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.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. It typically takes place on the eighth day of the Hindu month Shravana. The day is celebrated with much fanfare throughout India. Traditional activities include fasting, performances of devotional music and dance, and group prayers. People also decorate their homes, make colourful decorations, and enjoy delicious traditional sweets. Devotees also bathe the Lord's idols in milk and water, and pay their respects. Janmashtami is an important religious holiday that remains deeply meaningful to Hindus around the world.
Flower Carpet in Brussels in Belgium
Brussels' Flower Carpet is an annual event held in the Grand Place, the city's central square. Every two years, the whole square is carpeted with begonias of a limited palette of colors, creating an impressive geometric designs. The event lasts four days and attracts thousands of visitors who admire the colorful 'carpet' and enjoy the accompanying live music, food and drinks.
La Tomatina in Spain
Tomatina is a unique and famous Spanish holiday, where thousands of people come together in large tomatoes fights. Held in the small town of Buñol near Valencia, participants pelt each other with tomatoes in a huge, messy and fun battle. After the fight, people partake in music and dance celebrations, and the tomato-splattered streets bring visitors back the following year.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is an Indian holiday that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on August 30th every year. On the day, sisters tie a sacred thread, or rakhi, on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their love and care for each other. In return, brothers vow to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Families gather together to share a meal and pray for each other's well-being. Raksha Bandhan is a joyous and festive occasion, and an opportunity to demonstrate the special bond of love and respect between siblings.
Fiesta de San Jerónimo in Nicaragua
San Jerónimo is a national holiday in Nicaragua which celebrates St. Jerome, patron saint of the country. This holiday occurs on September 30th and features many traditional festivities and activities. People celebrate by participating in religious processions, dancing and feasting. Other popular activities include fireworks displays, street parades and bullfights. In most cities, flags featuring the patron saint will be flown from buildings and homes, and churches throughout the country are usually decorated in vibrant reds and oranges.
Diwali (Dīvali in Dīpāwali in or Deepavali)
Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights", is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated all across India. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and the spiritual renewal of life. During Diwali, Hindus light up their homes with thousands of diyas, or lamps made of clay, to signify the triumph of justice. They also exchange sweets and gifts, perform pooja, the traditional worship of gods, and indulge in festive customs and activities. Diwali is a joyous occasion and a five-day highlight of the Hindu calendar.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Festa da Flor in Portugal 2024
Join the colorful celebration at Festa da Flor in Portugal 2024. This national festival is a tribute to spring with blooming streets and elaborate floral installations. Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, taste traditional food, and witness the crowning of the Flower Queen. A perfect observance for nature lovers.
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.