(All photo credit: X)
Held annually in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Carnival is a riot of color, music, and dance, celebrated in the days leading up to Lent and showcasing the vibrant spirit of Brazilian culture.
Usually falling between October and November, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India and other parts of the world with Hindu populations and this festival marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
From late September to the first weekend in October, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere is filled with the sounds of oompah bands and the sight of colorful parades, making it a quintessential German experience.
Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Celebrations last for 15 days, starting with the New Year’s Eve dinner and ending with the Lantern Festival.
A spectacle of music, parades, and revelry, celebrated in the weeks leading up to Lent. The festival is famous for its colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and the iconic beads tossed to spectators.
Held annually on the last Wednesday of August, is a world-famous tomato-throwing festival. The event begins with a cannon blast, signaling the start of the tomato fight, where thousands of participants hurl overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Mexico from October 31 to November 2, honoring deceased loved ones. This vibrant celebration emphasizes life, memory, and the cycle of existence, making it a profound and joyous tribute to those who have passed.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival and showcases thousands of performances across genres, including theater, comedy, dance, and music, in venues scattered throughout the city.
Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous festivals, celebrating the city’s historical and cultural heritage and features majestic floats, known as Yama and Hoko, paraded through the streets, adorned with intricate decorations and traditional music.
The Thai New Year festival is celebrated from April 13 to 15, marking the start of the lunar calendar year. The festival is famous for its nationwide water fights, where people splash water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck.