Upcoming Festivals
Festivals around the world
Canadian Tulip Festival
The Canadian Tulip Festival is an annual event held in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. It celebrates the return of spring with millions of colorful tulips of various species blooming in public parks. It is a three-week celebration with displays, performances, and activities for all ages. Tall ships, live music, and fireworks are some of the popular features. There is also a international buskers' competition, culinary events, and an artisan's marketplace. It is a time to relax and enjoy the outdoor festivities of the city in May.
Eid-al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday celebrated to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. It is an occasion of joy for Muslims around the world. It is celebrated by the exchange of gifts, feasting on traditional dishes, and attending prayer services. Muslims often dress in their finest clothing and share special visits with family and friends. Eid al-Fitr marks a time of celebration, joy, and thanksgiving for Muslims who have spent the month of Ramadan fasting and praying.
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.
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.
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.
Umhlanga Reed Dance Day in Swaziland
Every year on September 4, the Umhlanga Reed Dance is celebrated in the kingdom of Swaziland. During this festival, women gather to perform traditional dances and songs in their finest attire. Eswatini's King and Queen Mother address the gathering, followed by all the virgin girls in attendance. After singing and dancing, the girls present reeds, which symbolize purity, fertility, and energy. This holiday is an integral part of the Swazi culture, and is celebrated to honor the country's heritage and traditions.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Founded in 1976, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the world’s most highly respected film festivals. Featuring screenings of hundreds of films from around the world, the festival provides filmmakers and moviegoers a platform to come together and celebrate the cinematic arts. During its annual event, held each September, TIFF showcases emerging talent and shines a bright light on global cinematic gems.
International Country Music Day
International Country Music Day is an annual holiday celebrated on September 17. It is a day to appreciate and recognize the legacy of country music, its artists, and its influence on popular culture. Events and celebrations to commemorate the holiday range from concerts and live performances to film screenings and parties. Additionally, special events highlighting the importance of country music are held throughout the day.
Oktoberfest in Germany
Oktoberfest is an annual event famously held in Munich, Germany, that celebrates German culture and beer. Every year for 16 days beginning in late September, large tents and beer gardens host millions of revelers, serving traditional Bavarian beer, carnival rides, German cuisine, live music, and dances. It's a must-see event for locals and visitors alike!
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."