Festivals Around the World Worth Planning a Trip Around 🎉🌎

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🎭

Rio knows how to party, and Carnival is proof. Held every year in February or early March, the entire city turns into a stage with samba parades, costumes glittering under the sun, and music that makes it impossible not to dance. It’s crowded, it’s colorful, and it’s one of the world’s most famous celebrations for a reason.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, USA 🎷

Beads flying through the air, brass bands filling the streets, and king cake at every turn—Mardi Gras is New Orleans at its most iconic. The festivities peak on Fat Tuesday, usually in February or March, but parades and parties start weeks earlier. The parades are bold, the costumes are wild, and the food is worth the trip on its own. It’s not just a festival you watch, it’s one you join.

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany 🍻

Beer tents, giant pretzels, and cheerful crowds singing along to Bavarian tunes—Oktoberfest is the ultimate mix of tradition and fun. Held every fall in Munich from late September to the first weekend in October, it’s the world’s biggest beer festival, but it’s also full of rides, music, and family-friendly festivities. Raise a stein and join in with the locals.

Hanami in Japan 🌸

When cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, locals and visitors alike gather under the trees for picnics and celebrations. Hanami, or “flower viewing,” usually takes place from late March through early April, though exact timing depends on the weather and the region. Parks turn into seas of pink and white petals. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland ☘️

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is on a whole different level. Celebrated every year on March 17, Dublin hosts massive parades, but celebrations spill into pubs and streets across the country. You’ll find traditional music, dancing, and plenty of good cheer. It’s festive, friendly, and a chance to see Irish culture at its liveliest.

Day of the Dead in Mexico 💀

Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and memory that’s unlike anything else. Taking place on November 1 and 2, families honor loved ones with colorful altars, marigolds, and offerings, while parades and painted faces bring energy to the streets. Cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City are especially vibrant during this time, blending tradition with community.

Holi in India 🌈

Holi is the festival of colors. Celebrated each spring in March, streets across India burst into clouds of bright powders as people welcome the season. Music, dancing, and sweets follow, but the real highlight is joining in as strangers laugh and paint the world in color.

The takeaway? A trip timed with a festival gives you more than sightseeing, it gives you memories made with thousands of others celebrating right alongside you.

FAQs About Festivals Around the World

Which is the biggest festival in the world?

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is considered the largest, drawing millions of people every year to its parades and street parties.

When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms?

Hanami usually takes place from late March to early April. Timing varies by region, with Tokyo and Kyoto blooming earlier than northern areas like Sapporo.

How long does Oktoberfest last?

Oktoberfest typically runs 16–18 days, starting in late September and ending the first weekend in October.

What’s the difference between Mardi Gras and Carnival?

Both are pre-Lenten celebrations with parades, costumes, and music, but Carnival in Rio is larger and more samba-driven, while Mardi Gras in New Orleans has its own Creole and jazz traditions.

Is Day of the Dead the same as Halloween?

No. Day of the Dead (November 1–2) is a cultural and spiritual holiday in Mexico that honors loved ones who have passed, while Halloween is about costumes and trick-or-treating.

Can tourists take part in Holi in India?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to join Holi celebrations, especially in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi. Just be ready to get completely covered in bright powder.