Experience a country’s culture during their festivals is truly magical. No matter if your taste runs toward music, religion or childish delight – there is sure to be an event suitable for you!
Glastonbury and Creamfields festivals offer something special for music enthusiasts, while Outlook specializes in soundsystem culture with spontaneous performances. Wilderness offers wellness retreats while Shambala celebrates spiritual exploration in Northamptonshire.
1. Burning Man
Every year in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, thousands of people convene to create a temporary city dedicated to community, art, and self-expression – known as Burners – who find meaning for themselves within its ethos.
Attendees abide by a set of principles that include radical inclusion, gift giving and participation. Camps are built and the final night includes the traditional burning of an effigy (an effigy man).
Our community is so dynamic, drawing everyone from celebrities and social media influencers to Silicon Valley moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk – making the experience exciting, liberating, potentially risky yet exhilarating all at the same time!
2. Coachella
Coachella is one of the world’s largest and most celebrated music festivals, held each year in California’s desert landscape and featuring music of different genres.
The festival has grown into an important cultural event and draws in celebrities each year. Additionally, it has inspired an entirely new style of dress among participants: bohemian-influenced apparel has become the norm.
Goldenvoice hosted their inaugural festival in October 1999; it featured top artists like Beck, Morrissey and Tool. However, Goldenvoice suffered significant financial losses. As such, next year proved more profitable for Goldenvoice as the festival became increasingly profitable.
3. Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night, one of the UK’s most fun and atmospheric events, combines the aroma of burning gunpowder with delectable barbequing aromas and crisp autumn air to make for one unforgettable celebration! Bonfires are lit across the UK in memory of the failed Gunpowder Plot; many communities also host parades, fireworks displays and giant effigies on this night to remember this historical milestone.
Organise a scavenger hunt to keep your guests entertained and offer prizes for anyone who finds the signs or objects hidden throughout your venue.
Visit Lewes or Ottery St Mary in Devon for an authentic experience and a local event featuring burning barrels filled with tar. Finally, head back into London’s Alexandra Palace for an unforgettable fireworks display!
4. Jorvik Viking Festival
At York during February half-term, Europe’s largest Viking festival will take place, exploring how Norse influences have affected Anglo-Saxon England. Children can participate in storytelling sessions centered on Norse stories as well as sword fighting workshops; adults will have the chance to gain more knowledge of Norse gods and goddesses through lectures designed specifically for this festival.
Another event to look out for is ‘Poo Day,’ in which archaeologists present the exciting story that can be revealed from Viking-era human waste samples. This interactive family event allows children to make replica fossilized poo fossils.
March to Coppergate is an unforgettable spectacle, as hundreds of warriors gather their fearsome armies at York Minster before marching down city centre streets with war cries echoing around. Additionally, an annual “best beard” competition draws large crowds and participants (natural or artificial beards are welcome!).
5. Hastings Jack in the Green Festival
Revived in 1983 by Mad Jack’s Morris, Hastings Jack in the Green Festival celebrates traditional dancing while also spreading cheer over bank holiday weekend in Hastings old town. Morris dancing can be found all around town while bands, drummers and sunrise ceremonies on both Sunday and Monday serve to bring about this annual event and ensure Jack is killed off and summer truly kicks into gear!
The parade begins near a pub and winds its way through Hastings old town streets to West Hill, passing several green bogies (part man, part bush) who may wave at you and give out green face paint! Should all this happen for you, all is good and life will continue on its path of splendor and joy!
6. Krampuslauf
Krampus and Perchten parades provide a memorable festival experience unique to Salzburg. Their shaggy fur coats, curving horns and terrifying masks will leave lasting impressions with you. Their wild bell-jangling will leave lasting impressions too!
Krampus is the anti-Santa of Bavaria and Austria, punishing misbehaving children instead of leaving gifts or coal in their stockings.
Salzburg may host an impressive Krampus parade, but Klagenfurt holds the biggest celebration worldwide each year. Starting off as a village parade, festivities develop into an all-out party where men in their teens and twenties don costumes that resemble demons while drinking spirits from devil-shaped bottles.
7. Holi
Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival which commemorates the victory of good over evil and spring’s arrival, featuring myths, legends, traditions, music and dance performances.
Phalguna festival features the massive release of colored powders known as gulal during celebrations held during its full moon in late February or early March on the Gregorian calendar.
Mathura, Lord Krishna’s birthplace, hosts an annual nine-day festival called Holi. At its core lies Banke Bihari Temple – another Holi destination where women traditionally beat men with sticks! Additionally, Holi can also be celebrated in US locations like Spanish Fork Utah and Houston.
8. Rio Carnival
Rio Carnival is one of the world’s iconic festivals, known for its lively samba dancers and vibrant music. Residents and tourists alike often describe it as “The Greatest Show on Earth”.
Check out a stunning Samba parade at Carnival time in the Sambadrome – built specifically to host this spectacle of Brazilian culture! Don’t miss it during Carnival season.
Head to Lapa neighborhood for a street party (known as blocos). Each bloco offers different musical acts and themes.
Keep an eye out for the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain; whether by train, hiking, or booking tours online in advance to avoid long lines and secure tickets quickly.
James is a music journalist with a passion for live performances, festival culture, and emerging artists. He covers everything from stage setups to behind-the-scenes stories of major music events.