10 spectacular festivals around the world you should attend.

Ever wondered about the various cultural celebrations around the world. Well, it appears that the world is full of festivals ranging from the most beautiful ones to the craziest ones, and attending them should be a part of your to-do list. Whether we talk about ‘Dia De Los Muertos” or the “Desert festival of Jaipur”, these festivals fill us with great experience and help us to connect with the country and its culture.

Full of dance, music, celebrations, festivities, food and all kind of fun, these festivals have something to offer for every kind of person. Whether you want to dance or sing, whether you want to be in an air-balloon or just want to ski down the top of a hill cladded with snow, whether you want to be smeared with fruits or want to experience something serene, there is something for each one of you.

Here are some of the exciting festivals around the globe.

1. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

The carnival in Rio de Janeiro is also known as “The Biggest Show On Earth” and it truly deserves to be called that. It is the biggest carnival in the world with more than 2 million people on the streets per day. Dating back to 1640s, the carnival offers an enriching experience you will never forget in your life. A mind-boggling experience, the carnival is full of the parade, dance, music, games, paintings, celebrations, Samba, and everything else. You just name it. The only thing absent is you and it is high time for you to rise and pack your bags. The carnival dates in 2019 are March 2- March 9.

2. Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Thailand

Yi Peng is celebrated in the entire kingdom of Thailand and also in some neighbouring countries. Yi means “two” and Peng means a “full moon day”. The festival is celebrated in the evening of the full moon day of the 12th month according to the Thai Lunar Calendar. The festival also coincides with the celebration of “Kartik Poornima” in India. Rings some bells?

3. AgitÁgueda Art Festival, Portugal

Did you ever want to spend your day beneath a colourful sky? If yes, then this festival is where you should head to straight away. Organized in the city of Águeda, Portugal, the AgitÁgueda Art Festival is full of colour, music, art and beautiful people. The “Umbrella Sky Project” with the installation of thousands of umbrellas over the city’s streets is the main attraction. Accommodating over 3,000 participants per day, the festival is celebrated in the month of July.

4. Lantern Floating Festival, Hawaii

The festival is celebrated on the “memorial day” to honour those who have fallen in service to the country of USA. Started in 1999, the festival is celebrated on the Ala Moana Beach and is full of performances comprising choral songs and orchestra. The festival offers a serene atmosphere and will be celebrated on 27 May in 2019. After the fest is over, beach cleanup programmes are also organized.

5. La Tomatina, Spain

I bet you are thinking of Arjun, Kabir, and Imran right now. And yes, Laila too. Well most of us were introduced to this fascinating festival through “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”. La Tomatina is indeed one of the festivals you should attend. Celebrated in the Valencian town of the Buñol municipality in Spain, the festival originated in 1945 with an actual fight with tomatoes but now the sole purpose is entertainment. The day ends with bathing with the hose pipes of fire trucks. Sounds cool. La Tomatina is held every year on last Wednesday of August.

6. Dia De Los Muertos, Mexico

If you have seen Coco, you cannot be unfamiliar to this. Also known as “Day of the Dead”, the festival originated in Mexico but has now spread in a larger area. Recognized by UNESCO, the festival is celebrated on 2nd November every year in the remembrance of the dead.There are colourful celebrations throughout the country and people paint themselves as skeletons and skulls. The entire night is full of music, bike rides and Aztec dance.

7. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA

The largest hot-air balloon festival in the world, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a 9 day fest held in New Mexico. The main attraction is “Mass Ascension”, when the entire sky is filled with 1000s of hot-air balloons at once. If you are an art lover, you can sit back and paint these balloons..

8. Desert Festival in Jaisalmer

Celebrated in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, the festival depicts the traditional culture of Rajasthan and is a full fusion of folk music, dance and attire. In the midst of sand dunes, bathing in the warm sun during the chilly winters, the festival keeps you enthralled. The desert comes alive with colour, enthusiasm and happiness. If you are planning to go, don’t miss the “Moustache Competition”. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival will be celebrated from 17th-19th February this year.

9. Tomorrowland, Belgium

Tomorrowland is the biggest EDM festival in the world held in Boom, Belgium. The fest spreads over 2 weekends and features the biggest DJs including Martin Garrix, Hardwell, David Guetta, Afrojack and the Swedish House Mafia. Celebrated on the final two weekends of July, this year the dates are 19-28 July.

10. White Nights Festival, Russia

The white nights festival is celebrated from May-June in St. Petersburg, Russia with glimmer everywhere. It is filled with ballet performances, orchestra, opera, and spectacular fireworks and carnivals.

So the next time you are planning for a holiday, do remember to check-out this list.