November 25, 2024 | Peter Kinney

Gorgeous Photos Of The World’s Most Spectacular Festivals


Festivals Celebrating Humanity

Light, music, art, dance, and even nature bring people together in these culturally beautiful festivals. After all, nothing compares to the experience of watching cities turn into living galleries of human creativity and in-grained tradition.

Rio Carnival, Brazil

Carnival Of Venice, Italy

Take a trip to Venice every February if you want to experience a mix of mystery and history. The Carnival has its roots in 1162 when the Venetian Republic celebrated defeating the Patriarch of Aquileia. Masks are the central element during these festivities.

Carnival Of Venice, ItalyVenice Carnival 2024 - The Best Moments | The best masks of Venice - The most beautiful city by Tourist Travel 4K Channel

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Carnival Of Venice, Italy (Cont.)

The Carnival usually happens in February, starting about two weeks before Ash Wednesday and wraps up on Shrove Tuesday, which is Mardi Gras. One of the highlights is the contest for la maschera più bella, or the most beautiful mask.

Carnival Of Venice, ItalyThe Most Spectacular Moments of Venice Carnival 2024 by Stef & Bo

Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan

The tradition of releasing sky lanterns began during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) in China, where they were used for military signaling. Today, writing wishes and prayers on these lanterns before releasing them has become a custom.

Pingxi Lantern Festival, TaiwanTaiwanese flock to Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival | AFP by AFP News Agency

Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan (Cont.)

The best part is when everyone releases their lanterns at the same time; it creates a stunning constellation against the dark mountains. The event is mostly held in areas such as Shifen Sky Lantern Square, Jingtong, and Pingxi.

Pingxi Lantern Festival, TaiwanTanachot Srijam, Shutterstock

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Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan

Japan turns into a pink paradise when the cherry blossoms bloom all over. The cherry blossom, or sakura, symbolizes renewal, beauty, and the transient nature of life. At night, the trees are lit up by lanterns for Yozakura, which is a night viewing experience.

Cherry Blossom Festival, JapanYoshikazu TAKADA CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan (Cont.)

Another tradition called hanami, meaning “flower viewing,” involves assembling underneath the cherry trees to relish their beauty and celebrate. One of the most popular spots for viewing, with over 1,000 cherry trees, is Ueno Park, Tokyo.

Cherry Blossom Festival, JapanBernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rio Carnival, Brazil

This is a non-stop celebration with over 200 samba schools battling it out at the Sambadrome. Each school brings along many performers decked out in hand-made costumes weighing pounds. In 2024, it took place from February 9 to February 17.

Rio Carnival, BrazilRio Brazil Carnival 2024: the Biggest party on the planet! By the Brazil Show

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Rio Carnival, Brazil (Cont.)

On top of the big parade, there are street parties called blocos that pull in party-goers. And let’s not forget, King Momo is the one who kicks off all the fun. The origins of the Rio Carnival go back to 1641, initially resembling the masquerades of Paris. 

Rio Carnival, BrazilFernando Frazão, CC BY 3.0 BR, Wikimedia Commons

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico

As dawn breaks over New Mexico’s desert, numerous hot air balloons get ready to take off. You’ll see fun shapes, such as giant penguins or even Darth Vader’s head, floating in the sky. The first Balloon Fiesta was held in 1972 with just 13 balloons. 

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New MexicoEric Ward from Provo, Wikimedia Commons

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico (Cont.)

It’s known as America’s Most Photographed Event and covers 365 acres, with launch coordinators, or “zebras”, making sure everything goes smoothly. America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race takes place here where gas balloons compete to reach the farthest.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico John Fowler from Placitas, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Diwali, India

You know it’s the “Festival Of Lights” when you see plenty of clay diyas (oil lamps) flicker on windowsills and doorsteps. In Varanasi, the holy ghats by the Ganges River turn into a beautiful sight as 100,000 oil lamps flicker and float downstream like a river of flames.

Diwali, IndiaSumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Diwali, India (Cont.)

The festival basically symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The word Diwali  is from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights”. At night, the sky is filled with fireworks while family and friends exchange sweets and gifts.

Diwali, India Sriram Jagannathan, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Vivid Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s landmarks become massive canvases during this 23-day night spectacle. The Sydney Opera House sails dance with animated projections visible from miles away. Similarly, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is also illuminated with creative light installations.

Vivid Sydney, AustraliaAdam.J.W.C., CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

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Vivid Sydney, Australia (Cont.)

Each year, Vivid Sydney has a main theme that guides the artistic direction of the festival. For 2024, the theme was “Humanity”, which focused on love, kindness, compassion, and creativity. In 2009, the festival was officially inaugurated.

Vivid Sydney, AustraliaVivid Sydney 2024 - Top spots of Vivid, music, lights & food by Traveleat

Festival Of Lights, Berlin, Germany

The festival displays light artworks spread across more than 50 landmarks and buildings in Berlin. Famous places like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin TV Tower turn into artistic pieces. This debuted in 2008 with the Flames of Water light fountain spectacle.

Festival Of Lights, Berlin, GermanyMatthias Trautsch, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Festival Of Lights, Berlin, Germany (Cont.)

The 2024 theme for the festival was on “Celebrating Freedom”. It aimed to commemorate significant historical events like the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Festival Of Lights takes place in the months of September to October and starts around 7 PM every night and runs till 11 PM.

Festival Of Lights, Berlin, GermanyFestival of Lights 2024 | Berliner Dom by Festival of Lights

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Jokkmokk Winter Market, Sweden

Established in 1605, this market has over 400 years of tradition, originally initiated by King Karl XI to regulate trade and collect taxes in the region. The market now serves as a vital meeting point for the Sami people, the region’s indigenous population.

Jokkmokk Winter Market, SwedenÖkologix, Wikimedia Commons

Jokkmokk Winter Market, Sweden (Cont.)

Visitors enjoy activities, such as Reindeer races, Sami food tastings (reindeer stew), and Fashion parades of traditional Sami clothing. The Jokkmokk Winter Market usually begins on the first Thursday in February yearly. In 2025, it will be from the 3rd to the 9th of February.

Jokkmokk Winter Market, SwedenSkogsfrun, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lumiere Festival, Durham And London, UK

This fiesta made its London debut in January 2016, with light art installations set up in places like Piccadilly Circus, Grosvenor Square, and King’s Cross. Back in 2013, it featured a brilliant 3D projection of a walking elephant on the Elvet Bridge.

Lumiere Festival, Durham And London, UKBrian Minkoff- London Pixels, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Lumiere Festival, Durham And London, UK (Cont.)

In Durham, Lumiere began in 2009, inspired by the Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France. It’s put together by Artichoke, a creative company from London. In November 2023, it displayed over 40 installations and works from Ai Weiwei and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.

Lumiere Festival, Durham And London, UKLumiere Festival Durham 2023 by Lakes & Fells

Fête Des Lumières, Lyon, France

This event is held annually around December 8, overlapping with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It started in 1852 when locals put candles on their windowsills to celebrate the Virgin Mary. The festival exhibits numerous artistic light installations.

Fête Des Lumières, Lyon, FranceDmitry Djouce, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Fête Des Lumières, Lyon, France (Cont.)

A central tradition involves placing small lanterns called lumignons (candles in glass holders) in windows and on balconies. These candles symbolize solidarity and unity among the people of Lyon. Iconic locations include the Basilica of Fourvière and Place des Terreaux.

Fête Des Lumières, Lyon, FranceFlorian Pépellin, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland

Lake Geneva literally comes alive during this music festival. The extravaganza was launched in 1967 by Claude Nobs, along with Géo Voumard and René Langel, with support from Atlantic Records’ Ahmet.  It takes place on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland.

Montreux Jazz Festival, SwitzerlandSchaer Chris, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland (Cont.)

Over the years, it has hosted legendary artists such as Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Prince, Nina Simone, and many more. The first ever festival went on for three days with performances from big names like Charles Lloyd and Nina Simone.

Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland Montreux Jazz Festival 2021 – Best of week 2 by Montreux Jazz Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival Fireworks And Light Shows, UAE

At this event, 3D images made by synchronized drones light up the desert sky. The 2024 edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival will run from December 6, 2024, to January 12, 2025. It celebrates shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences in Dubai.

Dubai Shopping Festival Fireworks And Light Shows, UAESpectacular 2023 Dubai Shopping Festival Drone Show by Squidpaws

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Dubai Shopping Festival Fireworks And Light Shows, UAE (Cont.)

The festival is set to feature twice-daily drone shows at 8 PM and 10 PM at locations such as Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR.  Also, fireworks usually set up Dubai’s skyline every night around 8:30 PM at Dubai Festival City Mall.

Dubai Shopping Festival Fireworks And Light Shows, UAEDUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL (DSF) CELEBRATIONS | FIREWORKS AT JBR BEACH | Top Attractions of Dubai #dsf by Travel Appetite

Festival Of Lanterns, Shanghai, China

The Yuyuan Lantern Show, which takes place in Yuyuan Garden, presents a diverse collection of lanterns themed around dragons, which is important for the Chinese zodiac year 2024. Traditional activities like the Lion and Dragon Dance also happen.

Festival Of Lanterns, Shanghai, ChinaNorth sea deamer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Festival Of Lanterns, Shanghai, China (Cont.)

The Festival of Lanterns is celebrated on the 15th date of the first month of the lunar calendar. It underlines reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness and marks the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Some lanterns are also adorned with riddles.

Festival Of Lanterns, Shanghai, ChinaNorth sea deamer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Light Night Leeds, UK

Every October, the old Victorian arcades glow with projections that tell stories from the city’s industrial past. The 2024 edition was considered special because it celebrated the 20th anniversary of Light Night Leeds. One standout display was “The Museum Of The Moon”.

Light Night Leeds, UKLight Night Leeds 2024, Monad by Anastasia Isachsen, Leeds Dock. by RGfilms

Light Night Leeds, UK (Cont.)

It gave Leeds Dock a surreal blue light. In 2005, Light Night Leeds made its debut as a component of the Illuminate Cultural Festival, which took place around the region. It was largely influenced by the Nuit Blanche model from Europe.

Light Night Leeds, UKCarl Milner, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UK

Here is a celebration of folk, roots, and world music held in Glasgow. The main venue is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, but events also take place at the Old Fruitmarket, City Halls, and Barrowland Ballroom. Colin Hynd founded the festival in 1994.

Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UKTony2Times, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UK (Cont.)

This was mainly to fill a scheduling gap in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s post-Christmas period. The house band usually has Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, and the trio of Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, and John Doyle performing together.

Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UKThe Laurettes Live at Celtic Connections - New Song 'Burn' by The Laurettes

Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UK (Cont.)

Also, in February 2004, Robin Cook MP awarded Celtic Connections the “Good Tradition Award” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. This was in honor of the organization’s outstanding contribution to traditional music and culture. 

Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UKA Banda das Crechas & Tanxugueiras - Glasgow 2017 by jon scullard

Festival International Cervantino, Guanajuato, Mexico

This one began in 1972 as a small gathering to celebrate the work of Miguel de Cervantes, the well-known Spanish writer behind “Don Quixote”. Every edition features a guest country along with a guest state from Mexico to highlight their cultural contributions.

Festival International Cervantino, Guanajuato, MexicoCecygdl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Festival International Cervantino, Guanajuato, Mexico (Cont.)

For example, in 2024, the guest countries were Oaxaca and Brazil. You will find a couple of performances here, ranging from theater, visual arts, dance, music (classical and contemporary), and even literature-based ones. The festival is otherwise widely known as El Cervatino.

Festival International Cervantino, Guanajuato, MexicoSONES DE BETAZA en el festival CERVANTINO 2024 by Edwin Rosales

Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

This event flaunts hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, including massive structures exceeding 25 meters wide and 15 meters high. By 1955, the Japan Self-Defense Forces joined in to build large snow sculptures, establishing the festival’s reputation.

Sapporo Snow Festival, Japant-konno, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan (Cont.)

The Sapporo Snow Festival  (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is a winter function held annually in Sapporo, Japan, known for its exceptional snow and ice sculptures. The festival began in 1950 when local high school students created snow statues in Odori Park.

Sapporo Snow Festival, JapanU.S. Navy photo by William J. Turnbull, Wikimedia Commons

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Teuila Festival, Samoa

This true celebration of the Samoan people takes place in early September. The main events are held in Apia, the capital of Samoa, particularly at Matagialalua Friendship Park. Teuila Festival is named after the Teuila flower, also known as red ginger.

Teuila Festival, SamoaSamoa Teuila Festival 2011 by Tagata Pasifika

Teuila Festival, Samoa (Cont.)

Traditional dances such as Mauluulu (a seated dance), Sasa (a group dance), Faataupati (slap dance), Taualuga (the final dance performed by the chief) and Siva Ailao Afi (fire knife dance) are performed during the celebration.

Teuila Festival, Samoa TEUILA FESTIVAL 2023-Highlights - (September 8th 2023.) by Government of Samoa

Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

The Bali Arts Festival aims to show the rich diversity of Balinese art, music, dance, and literature. For 2024, the theme was “Jana Kerthi Paramaguna Wikrama,” which translates to “Uplifting Human Dignity and Excellence”. Sendratari, a theatrical work, is also performed.

Bali Arts Festival, IndonesiaBawa Keindahan Seni Sarawak Ke Mata Dunia : Bali Art Festival 2024 | TVS by TVS

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Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia (Cont.)

Since 1979, this month-long celebration has personified Bali’s artistic heritage at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre. It opens with a grand parade at Bajra Sandhi Monument and has performances of rare classical Balinese dances such as Barong and Kecak.

Bali Arts Festival, IndonesiaOne month-long Bali Arts Festival kicks off with multicultural parade by The Jakarta Post

Mid-Autumn Festival, China

It is also referred to as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. During this festival, families come together to enjoy meals and appreciate the full moon. Lanterns of all shapes and dimensions are illuminated and displayed. This is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.

Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinadoctorho, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Luminara Di San Ranieri, Pisa, Italy

The Luminara di San Ranieri is a festival held annually in Pisa, Italy, in order to honor the city’s patron saint, San Ranieri. The tradition dates back to 1688, when the urn containing the relics of San Ranieri was placed in a chapel in the Pisa Cathedral.

Luminara Di San Ranieri, Pisa, ItalySailko, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Luminara Di San Ranieri, Pisa, Italy (Cont.)

This event inspired the first illumination of the city. Many candles are placed in transparent glasses and arranged on wooden frames along the Lungarni (the riversides). In addition to candles on land, floating candles are released into the Arno River.

Luminara Di San Ranieri, Pisa, ItalyI, Lucarelli, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons


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