Once a year some of the countries around the world hold magical and outrageous festivals. Some like the Brazilian carnival and Spanish bull chase are famous world wide while others few people know about. So if you fancy living it up then check out our list of 23 of the most amazing festivals from around the world that we recommend you should see before you die.
1. Snow & Ice Festival — Harbin, China
When: Jan. 5–Feb. 5
Where: Harbin, China
Why you should go: The Harbin festival is the largest snow and ice festival in the world, and it features carvings towering over 20 feet in height and full-size buildings made from gigantic blocks of ice.
2. Holi — Celebrated by Hindus Around the World
When: March 27 (for 2014)
Where: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other Hindu regions
Why you should go: Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s fun, safe, and free. Just remember to BYOD (bring your own dye).
3. Cascamorras — Baza, Spain
When: Sept. 6
Where: Baza, Spain, in the province of Granada
Why you should go: Every year hundreds of Spaniards cover themselves in grease to reenact the stealing of a famous statue of the “Virgen de la Piedad,” which took place over 500 years ago. Best of all, after the greasing, a great big party ensues.
4. Carnevale — Venice, Italy
When: Feb. 14–March 4 (for 2014)
Where: Venice, Italy
Why you should go: Carnevale, or “Carnival,” has been a Venice tradition since the 13th century. People flock from all over the world to participate in the masked celebrations, arguably making it one of the best parties on Earth.
5. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival — Lerwick, Scotland
When: Last Tuesday in January
Where: Lerwick, Scotland
Why you should go: This is Europe’s largest fire festival, complete with the burning of a full-scale Viking ship. Need we say more?
6. Tomorrowland — Boom, Belgium
When: June 27–29 (for 2014)
Where: Boom, Belgium
Why you should go: Tomorrowland has quickly grown to become one of the world’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festivals. Each year over 100,000 visitors flock to Belgium to dance the day and night away.
7. Mardi Gras — New Orleans
When: Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, March 4 (for 2014)
Where: New Orleans
Why you should go: In many ways Mardis Gras’ reputation precedes itself — if you want to party like there’s no tomorrow, New Orleans is where you belong.
8. Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany
When: Last weeks of September to the first weekend in October
Where: Munich, Germany
Why you should go: Though there are many smaller offshoots of Oktoberfest around the world, Munich’s original fair is the biggest beer festival in the world. In 2013, more than $96,178,668 worth of beer was served every day during the festival.
9. La Tomatina — Buñol, Spain
When: The last Wednesday in August
Where: Buñol, Spain
Why you should go: As crazy as it may seem, this festival is held every year purely for fun, meaning it isn’t tied to any ancient traditions. In 1945 a few locals began throwing fruits and vegetables during a parade — and ever since then the tomato-throwing festival has continued on.
10. Albuquerque International Balloon Festival — Albuquerque, N.M.
When: Oct. 5–13 (for 2014)
Where: Albuquerque, N.M.
Why you should go: The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world. Essentially it’s like Up — but better.
11. Carnaval — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: Feb. 28–March 4 (for 2014)
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why you should go: Much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnevale in Venice, Canaval is a nonstop party, just with special addition of Brazilian flair. It’s filled with samba music, colorful costumes, and giant parades.
12. Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival — Gloucester, England
When: May 26 (tentative for 2014)
Where: Gloucester, England
Why you should go: If you’ve ever wanted to watch hundreds of men run down a hill while chasing a wheel of cheese, then you’re in luck — because the Cooper Hill Cheese Roll not only exists, it’s quite the romp.
13. Coachella — Indio, Calif.
When: April 11–20 (for 2014)
Where: Indio, Calif.
Why you should go: Each year Coachella boasts the biggest names in music, not to mention an impressive showing of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Plus, you can spend the weekend camping in the desert with your friends.
14. Dia de los Muertos — Celebrated by Mexicans in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Mexico
When: Nov. 1
Where: Celebrations are held by cultural Mexicans throughout the world, but a few of the bigger celebrations take place in Mexico City and Los Angeles.
Why you should go: Dia de los Muertos, or “The Day of the Dead,” celebrates All Saint’s Day, which remembers all those who have passed before us. A colorful display of costume and culture, Dia de los Muertos is a day you don’t want to miss.
15. Running of the Bulls — Pamplona, Spain
When: July 6–14
Where: Pamplona, Spain
Why you should go: Let’s be real — who doesn’t like watching people make fools of themselves? The Running of the Bulls is a time-honored Spanish tradition, which is such to raise your adrenaline levels, whether you’re running or watching.
16. Songkran Water Festival — Chiang Mai, Thailand
When: April 13–15 (for 2014)
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why you should go: This is the water fight of your dreams, so back up your Super Soakers, water balloons, and water bottles and head to Thailand for a wet and wild adventure.
17. Burning Man — Black Rock City, Nev.
When: Aug. 25–Sept. 1 (for 2014)
Where: Black Rock City, Nev.
Why you should go: Burning Man is where humans go to shed themselves of the conventions of society. If you want a break from the ordinary and can actually party 24/7, then head to the deserts of Nevada.
18. Kirpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament — Erdine, Turkey
When: June 29–July 5 (for 2014)
Where: Erdine, Turkey
Why you should go: Strong men wrestling while covered in oil. There is literally nothing else to say.
19. Wanderlust Yoga Festival — Oahu, Hawaii
When: Feb. 27–March 2 (for 2014)
Where: North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
Why you should go: Get a glimpse into the yogi lifestyle and center your soul while relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii. If you’ve ever had any interest in yoga, Wanderlust may just be your mecca.
20. Boryeong Mud Festival — Boryeong, South Korea
When: July 18–27 (for 2014)
Where: Boryeong, South Korea
Why you should go: Korea is known for its plethora of seemingly random festivals, but MudFest is perhaps the greatest among them. It takes place right by the Daecheon Beach, so you can easily muddy yourself up, then pop into the ocean to rinse off.
21. Gay Pride Parade — San Francisco
When: June 28–29 (for 2014)
Where: San Francisco
Why you should go: Though Gay Pride Rio is actually larger than San Francisco’s Pride Parade, it is hard to argue with the years of history backing up San Fran’s biggest celebration. Whether you’re a part of the LGBTQ community or simply an ally, this is one festival you’ll never forget.
22. Lantern Festival — Pingxi, Taiwan
When: Feb. 23 (for 2014)
Where: Pingxi, Taiwan
Why you should go: Watch the sky light up during one of the world’s largest lantern festivals. If you’re looking for a little magic, there is nothing more surreal than a sky ablaze with thousands of floating lanterns.
23. Glastonbury — Glastonbury, England
When: June 25–29 (for 2014)
Where: Glastonbury, England
Why you should go: Aside from the incredible music you’ll find at Glastonbury, perhaps the funnest part of the festival is wading through the mud in your rain boots while camping with all of your friends. Glastonbury is dirty, loud, and wild, aka everything a music festival should be.
