9 Must-See Festivals Around the World

There’s no better way to experience a destination’s culture than by being part of its celebrations. From lantern-lit performances in Japan to colourful parades in Mexico, festivals offer a fascinating window into the traditions, stories and spirit of a destination. Discover nine incredible festivals around the world and how you can experience these unforgettable celebrations with Bunnik Tours.

Overview

• Ramparts Festival
• Akita Kanto Festival
• Aomori Nebuta Festival
• Pushkar Camel Fair
• Nagaur Cattle Festival
• Inti Raymi 
• Kandy Festival
• Day of the Dead
• Sapporo Snow Festival

Ramparts Festival

Held every two years since 1983, the Ramparts Festival brings the Middle Ages to life in the small town of Dinan, northern France. Set against the backdrop of Dinan’s exceptionally well-preserved medieval fortifications, the festival invites visitors to travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds and traditions of the medieval era. The town transforms into a lively celebration, featuring thrilling jousting tournaments, traditional medieval markets, live performances, workshops and a spectacular grand parade. Combining history, entertainment and local culture, the Ramparts Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the charm of medieval France.

Photo credit: Fête des Remparts, @Améliegraphie

Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival is a spectacular summer celebration in northern Japan. The festival showcases an impressive display as performers dressed in traditional attire hoist towering bamboo poles, reaching up to 12 metres high and decorated with glowing paper lanterns. The lanterns resemble golden ears of rice, illuminating the night sky. Using only their hips, shoulders or foreheads to support the heavy structures, performers parade through the streets to the sounds of flutes and drums. The festival holds deep cultural significance, with the tradition believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the harvest ahead.

Photo credit: Annintofu - Flickr

Aomori Nebuta Festival

The famous Aomori Nebuta Festival is a fire festival celebrated annually in Japan, honouring the regions legends, folklore, ancient myths and historical figures. The streets come to life with large, colourful floats known as Nebuta. Shaped like fierce warriors, historical figures and kabuki characters, these illuminated creations parade through Aomori in a spectacular display of artistry and tradition. Haneto dancers leap through the streets to the lively rhythms of Nebuta bayashi bands, creating an infectious atmosphere filled with music, dance and celebration.

Pushkar Festival

The Pushkar Festival, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, is an annual celebration of life, livestock and legends in Rajasthan, India. Set against the colourful backdrop of the desert, this exciting gathering brings together local communities, traders and visitors to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage. Camels take centre stage, decorated with colourful fabrics, bells and intricate paintings. The festival features traditional folk music and dance, bustling markets, cultural performances and games. With its vibrant atmosphere and blend of traditions, the Pushkar Festival offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Rajasthan.

Nagaur Cattle Festival

The Nagaur Cattle Festival is a celebration of Rajasthan’s rural heritage, bringing together cattle traders, farmers and visitors from across India. The fair is a colourful spectacle, with traders dressed in vibrant turbans and sporting long moustaches as they gather to buy and sell prized camels, horses, cows and bullocks. Around 70,000 animals can be seen during the festival, many beautifully adorned with traditional fabrics and decorative accessories. Beyond the bustling livestock markets, the festivities feature live entertainment, tug-of-war competitions and traditional games, offering a glimpse into the region’s rural way of life.

Inti Raymi Festival

The Inti Raymi Festival is a spectacular annual celebration held in Cusco, Peru, honouring the ancient traditions of the Inca Empire. Centuries ago, the festival was held to thank Inti, the Sun God, for his life-giving energy and to pray for his return during the winter solstice. Today, this remarkable event brings history to life through a grand theatrical re-enactment of ancient Inca ceremonies. Performers dress in elaborate, colourful costumes, gathering at historic sites throughout Cusco before the celebrations culminate at the Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex. This blend of cultural heritage, spirituality and performance, offers a unique opportunity to experience Peru’s enduring legacy of its Inca ancestors.

The Kandy Festival

Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured cultural and religious festivals, held annually in the city of Kandy. The celebration honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, where the highlight is a magnificent nighttime procession featuring decorated elephants, one carrying a golden casket representing the sacred relic. Accompanied by drumming, traditional dancers, fire performers and colourful costumes, the streets come alive. The celebrations unfold over 10 days and across three main phases, beginning with the traditional Kap planting ceremony, followed by the vibrant Kumbal and Randoli processions. The Kandy Esala Perahera offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist traditions.

Photo credit: Roy Bisson

Day of the Dead

Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a vibrant celebration honouring deceased loved ones and embracing death as a natural part of life. Communities come together to remember those who have passed by decorating cemeteries and creating colourful altars. Streets burst with colour, from delicate papel picado (decorative paper cut-outs) to bright flowers and glowing candles believed to help guide spirits home. Traditional foods are central to the celebration, including Pan de Muerto, a sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped designs, sugar skulls known as calaveras de azúcar, and favourite meals prepared in memory of departed loved ones. Blending heartfelt remembrance with music, art and joyful gatherings, Día de los Muertos offers a beautiful insight into Mexico’s enduring connection between the living and the dead.

Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most popular winter events, transforming the city into a magical wonderland of snow and ice. It began in 1950, when a group of high school students built statues in Odori Park, and has since grown into a spectacular annual celebration attracting visitors from around the world. The festival is famous for its enormous, intricately carved sculptures, with some towering over 15 metres high and stretching more than 25 metres wide. Blending artistry, winter charm and Japanese culture, the Sapporo Snow Festival offers a memorable way to experience the beauty of Japan in winter.

Photo credit: Sounkyo Tourism Association

Join the Celebration with Bunnik Tours

For travellers looking to experience these celebrations firsthand, Bunnik Tours Festival Departures offer the opportunity to discover destinations at their most vibrant. From Peru’s spectacular Inti Raymi to Frances’s historical Ramparts Festival, these journeys bring travellers closer to the traditions, people and stories that shape each destination. Travelling in a small group, you can go beyond the familiar sights and experience the atmosphere of these remarkable events while discovering the rich culture and heritage that make each journey memorable.