Best Countries for Experiencing Traditional Festivals

MG Quinn
Sep 17, 2025
4 min read

Festivals are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich cultures and traditions of a country. Whether it’s colorful parades, ancient rituals, or joyous celebrations, these festivals give travelers an authentic experience of local life. Here are the best countries where you can experience traditional festivals:

1. India: Holi and Diwali

India is known for its vibrant festivals that celebrate culture, religion, and seasonal changes. Two of the most famous are:

Holi (March)

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is celebrated in India with lively and colorful displays of powder paint, music, dancing, and delicious food. The festival marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

Best For: Those looking for a fun, energetic, and colorful cultural experience.

Diwali (October/November)

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu holidays, where people light lamps, share sweets, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness. The atmosphere is festive with firework displays and family gatherings.

Best For: Cultural enthusiasts, food lovers, and photographers.

2. Spain: La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls

Spain hosts numerous exciting festivals filled with passion, excitement, and unique traditions.

La Tomatina (August)

Held in the small town of Buñol, La Tomatina is the world’s biggest food fight. Thousands of participants throw tomatoes at each other in a chaotic yet fun celebration.

Best For: Those looking for a unique, messy, and adventurous experience.

Running of the Bulls (July)

The famous Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona during the San Fermín Festival. Brave participants run in front of bulls through narrow streets—a thrilling spectacle for both participants and spectators.

Best For: Adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies.

3. Brazil: Carnival

Brazil’s Carnival is one of the largest and most famous festivals in the world, taking place before Lent. It’s a colorful celebration of music, dance, and vibrant costumes, especially in Rio de Janeiro.

Carnival (February/March)

During Carnival, the streets come alive with samba, street parties, parades, and spectacular costumes. The famous Sambadrome parade is the highlight, where samba schools compete in dazzling performances.

Best For: Partygoers, music lovers, and those seeking vibrant, high-energy celebrations.

4. Thailand: Songkran

Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, is celebrated with fun, water-based festivities, marking the start of the traditional Thai solar calendar.

Songkran (April)

The most iconic aspect of Songkran is the water fights, where people throw water at each other in the streets, along with visits to temples, family gatherings, and street parties. It’s an exciting and refreshing way to ring in the new year.

Best For: Water lovers and families looking for a fun, interactive celebration.

5. Mexico: Día de los Muertos

Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a beautiful and spiritual celebration honoring deceased loved ones.

Día de los Muertos (October/November)

This festival combines indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, with families creating altars, decorating graves, and offering food and beverages to their departed relatives. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with marigolds, candles, and sugar skulls.

Best For: Culture lovers, photographers, and those interested in unique, spiritual festivals.

6. Japan: Gion Matsuri

Japan is home to numerous traditional festivals that celebrate its culture, religion, and seasons.

Gion Matsuri (July)

Held in Kyoto, Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous festivals, known for its massive, beautifully decorated floats paraded through the streets. The festival originated in the 9th century to appease spirits during a plague, but today it’s a colorful, lively celebration.

Best For: Those interested in traditional Japanese culture, history, and photography.

7. Scotland: Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Scotland is home to a number of traditional festivals, but the Edinburgh Festival Fringe stands out as a celebration of the arts.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August)

The world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe showcases theater, music, comedy, and dance performances from around the world. It’s a hub for creativity and artistic expression, with thousands of performances taking place in venues across the city.

Best For: Art and theater lovers, and those looking for a creative, artistic experience.

8. Italy: Carnevale di Venezia

Italy is famous for its incredible festivals that often involve music, dance, and, of course, food. The Venetian Carnival stands out for its historical significance and elaborate costumes.

Carnevale di Venezia (February)

The Venetian Carnival is famous for its grand masquerade balls, colorful parades, and beautiful masks. It’s an elegant, glamorous festival set against the backdrop of Venice’s stunning architecture.

Best For: History buffs, fashion lovers, and those seeking a sophisticated cultural experience.

9. Nepal: Dashain and Tihar

Nepal celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Dashain and Tihar, which honor different aspects of Nepalese culture and Hindu beliefs.

Dashain (September/October)

Dashain is Nepal’s largest Hindu festival, similar to Diwali, where families gather for prayer, feasting, and blessing ceremonies. It marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.

Tihar (October/November)

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Tihar celebrates the bond between humans and animals. Families light oil lamps, decorate their homes with flowers, and honor animals like cows and dogs for their importance in Nepali culture.

Best For: Culture and history enthusiasts, and those looking to experience the heart of Nepalese traditions.

Which festival would you love to experience? Share your dream festival destination in the comments!