9 Must-Experience Festivals Around the Globe

The desire to celebrate is perhaps the most fascinating trait we share as humans. For millennia, whether to pay homage to deities or mark the end of a harvest, people have found countless reasons to revel. Traveling for a festival offers a glimpse into the history and customs of a region, showcasing the distinctive ways cultures celebrate joy. And let’s face it—they're just plain fun!

Interested in a flower crown-filled festivity in Sweden or a tiger-themed celebration in India? Discover these nine festivals that are definitely worth experiencing around the world.

1. Fox Hunt Festival

Equador

The yearly Cacería del Zorro in Ibarra, Ecuador, is a thrilling mix of horse racing, tag, and fox hunting. “Instead of navigating hedges and moors, riders tackle mountain roads and steep cliffs (known as piñearoles),” reports Dinogo contributor Karen Catchpole. “Those who manage to stay mounted and unscathed then race on a specially designed track, where they chase a rider dressed as Zorro instead of a fox. What could possibly go wrong?”

The Zorro Hunt originated in 1972, reportedly inspired by traditional deer hunts, and has since become a beloved event. Spectators enjoy the show from the stands, sip on plenty of beer, and revel in the festivities that take place every first week of October.

2. Latvian Song and Dance Festival

Latvia

Singing folk songs and dancing in vibrant, traditional outfits plays a crucial role in preserving culture in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. These celebrations of song and dance have historically served as expressions of identity—and even independence—and are recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In Latvia, thousands will convene in the capital to sing, dance, and celebrate their heritage during the Latvian Song and Dance Celebration, which dates back to 1873 and occurs every five years (the next event will be in 2028). The 2023 festival attracted 40,000 participants and half a million spectators—putting it into perspective, Latvia's population is approximately 1.9 million.

3. Midsommar

Sweden

Each summer solstice, enchanting scenes unfold during Sweden's Midsommar: people don floral crowns, young women place flowers under their pillows to dream of their future partners, and maypoles are raised with wooden pikes. This annual festival honors the bond between humans and nature, steeped in tradition. To truly immerse yourself, venture beyond the city to countryside towns like Enviken and Rattvik, where a variety of customs await. Enjoy fresh potatoes (known as färskpotatis) with dill, sing drinking songs, and partake in lawn games such as croquet.

4. Onam

India

Historical records indicate that the town of Thrissur has been celebrating its harvest festival, Onam, since at least 300 C.E. The highlight of this event in Kerala (one of India's southern states) is the Pulikali—commonly referred to as the Tiger Dance—where participants don tiger costumes and perform traditional folk dances for a large audience.

For over two centuries, this cultural spectacle has primarily featured male performers, but in 2016, the event officially welcomed women, allowing everyone to partake in the celebrations. During Pulikali, local groups known as deshams bring together anywhere from 10 to 50 “tigers” for folk dance performances. As noted by Dinogo contributor Nikhita Venogupal, these performances depict scenes where participants take on the roles of hunters and tigers, synchronizing their movements to the beats of traditional percussion instruments like the thakil, udukku, and chenda.

5. Venice Biennale

Italy

Renowned for its rich contributions to art and culture, Italy is an ideal destination to experience the Venice Biennale, which takes place every two years (the next one runs until November 24, 2024). This over 120-year-old celebration is famed for its national pavilions, where various countries display their artistic achievements. These pavilions are located in two main areas: Giardini hosts about 30 permanent pavilions, while the Arsenale features mostly temporary exhibits.

The city offers numerous spots to step off the tourist path if you're looking to escape the bustling crowds.

6. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Louisiana

“At most festivals, you might see a few bands. But at Jazz Fest, they draw you in,” says Dinogo deputy editor Tim Chester. “Music surrounds you. It’s inescapable.”

It's no wonder that New Orleans's Jazz & Heritage Festival is a vibrant celebration (hello, Mardi Gras!)—this city is the birthplace of jazz, after all. The festival pulls out all the stops each spring, featuring internationally acclaimed artists—2024's lineup included Hozier, the Foo Fighters, and the Rolling Stones—alongside local talent. When the festival wraps up for the night, make your way to the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street to keep the festivities alive.

7. Fiesta of Sant Joan de Ciutadella

Spain

Travel to Minorca, located off the east coast of Spain, and discover more than just stunning beaches. This Balearic island is the birthplace of the Minorcan horse. Every June, this striking coal-black breed prances through the streets of Ciutadella during the San Juan festival. Riders, known as caixers, mount up to honor St. John, the city’s patron saint. Spectators often reach out to touch the horses’ chests for a bit of good fortune.

8. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

New Mexico

The International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico began with modest beginnings in 1972, when 13 hot air balloons took flight from a parking lot. Now, over 500 balloons grace the skies during this nine-day event held every October. It kicks off with the Dawn Patrol around 6 a.m., where pilots assess the weather for safety. About an hour later, all participating balloons ascend to the melody of “The Star Spangled Banner” in what’s called the Mass Ascension.

Yet, the highlight of the fiesta is undoubtedly the Special Shape Rodeo. Here, whimsical hot air balloons shaped like animals, cartoon characters, and other imaginative designs are launched into the sky above Balloon Fiesta Park.

9. Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Scotland

You may not know about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but it's likely you've heard of notable actors and comedians who launched their careers here, such as Judi Dench, Jude Law, and Rowan Atkinson (famous for his portrayal of Mr. Bean). Each August, the world's largest performing arts festival features thousands of shows across hundreds of venues for nearly four weeks. In 2023, the Fringe presented over 3,000 performances and attracted 2.4 million attendees. Events are held in diverse locations, from restaurants and schools to open-air spaces. The vibrant pulse of the festival beats along Edinburgh's High Street, where theater companies engage passersby with live performances in the pedestrian zone.