The world’s most colorful festivals range from somber Christian ceremonies to epic food fights to global LGBTQ+ Pride parades. Here’s a list of some of the most popular places to celebrate, as well as alternative locations across the globe.
Holi Festival of Colors
India – Spring
The Holi Festival is an ancient Hindu celebration predominantly observed in India and South Asia. It marks the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the victory of good over evil. During Holi, people gather in streets and open spaces, dousing each other with colored powders and water, symbolizing the celebration of unity and joy. Similar celebrations occur worldwide, such as the “Festival of Colors” in Utah, USA, and “Holika Dahan” in Nepal and Bangladesh, and other countries with large Indian communities, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Semana Santa
Seville, Spain – Spring
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a significant Christian religious event observed worldwide during the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Notably in Spain, and particularly in the Adalucian capital city of Seville, elaborate processions, rituals, and processions of floats are world-renowned. One such ceremony, La Madrugá, occurs on the morning of Good Friday and features a large procession of men in traditional robes carrying massive statues depicting scenes from the Bible. These penitents visibly struggle to maneuver under the weight of the structures, embodying the sorrow and atonement of the story of Christ.
Cappadocia Balloon Festival
Capadocia, Turkey – Summer
The Cappadocia Balloon Festival takes place in Cappadocia, Turkey, typically in the month of July. It’s revered for its breathtaking hot air balloon rides amidst the stunning landscapes of fairy chimneys and rock formations. The stunning visuals of this festival made the region an Instagram-famous location, but it’s truly magnificent year-round. Similar balloon festivals occur worldwide, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, USA, and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in the United Kingdom, each offering awe-inspiring displays of colorful hot air balloons against picturesque backdrops.
La Tomatina
Buñol, Spain – August
La Tomatina is a world-famous festival held in the town of Buñol, near Valencia, Spain, typically on the last Wednesday of August. It involves thousands of participants engaging in a massive tomato fight, hurling overripe tomatoes deemed unfit for consumption at each other. The festival’s origins are uncertain, but it’s believed to have started as a spontaneous food fight in the 1940s or 1950s. La Tomatina has since become a symbol of fun and camaraderie, attracting tourists from all over the world to join in the messy but joyous event.
Carnival
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – February/March
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest and most famous pre-Lenten celebrations in the world. Typically taking place in February or early March, the festival goes on for several days. The carnival is known for its extravagant parades featuring samba dancers, elaborate costumes, and vibrant music. Similar Carnival celebrations occur in other parts of Brazil, such as Salvador and Recife, and has equally popular and colorful sister celebrations such as Carnival in Venice, Italy, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Pride
Global Celebrations – Year-round/June (International Pride Month)
Pride festivals have become a powerful global phenomenon, celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, rights, and achievements. Originating from the Stonewall riots in 1969 in New York City, Pride events now take place worldwide, from large cities to small towns to LGBTQ+ friendly destinations. While events are held year-round, they’re especially common in the month of June, which is International Pride Month. Celebrations range from raucous celebrations to family-friendly festivals, and serve as platforms for advocacy, solidarity, and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies
Krampusnacht
The Alps – December
This festival might look like a Halloween horror fest, but it’s actually part of the Christmas season in Alpine communities. Centered around Krampus, a half-goat-half-demon creature, the celebrations take place on the night of December 5. In folklore, Krampus served as a sort of ghoulish counterpart to St. Nicolas, or Santa Claus. Stories of the beast punishing nauty children is meant to serve as an incentive for good behavior through the holidays. Today, Krampus runs and parades feature people dressed in elaborate customes playfully terrorizing spectators along the route. Krampusnacht is native to Austria, Germany, the Dolomites, and eastern European countries but is gaining popularity elswhere around the world, too.
Christmas Markets
Europe – November, December & January
Come Christmastime, European Christmas Markets are second to none in festive cheer. Germany claims the crown for Christmas market clout, and the most famous and one of the biggest celebrations is held every year in Nuremberg. You can find incredible lesser-known Christmas markets across Europe, though, and especially in neighboring Poland. Many of the markets open as early as late November and run all the way through the New Year into early January.
