1. Coachella Music and Arts Festival
Held annually in April since 1999, the Coachella Music and Art Festival, set in Indio, California, has become something of a household name. The Festival consistently features some of the most prominent names in rock, indie, hip hop and electronic music. In addition to musical performances, the Coachella Festival includes art events.
2. Burning Man
Called an “experiment in society and art” by its organizers, Burning Man is a nine-day festival set in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The event in the western region of the USA has been held annually since 1986 at the end of August-beginning of September. Although each year features a different theme, the main event is, of course, the burning of a large effigy of a wooden man. Attendees live in campsites, caravans or other temporary shelters, participate in a wide range of arts and music events, and often dress in costumes. To attend this unique event, check the festival calendar and get your ticket to Las Vegas now!
3. Tomato Festival – La Tomatina
Held in Buñol, Spain on the last Wednesday of August every year, the Tomato Festival is a raucous event. Known as the world’s biggest food fight, the Festival starts in the morning as trucks filled with tomatoes arrive at the event site. Attendees follow the trucks…and then the tossing of the tomatoes begins! At the end of the day – after every part of the town has been splashed red – the participants start cleaning. The Tomato Festival, around 13 kilometers from Valencia, is perfect for those who seek a completely different festival experience.
4. Carnival of Venice – Carnivale di Venezia
Possibly one of the most famous festivals worldwide, the annual Carnival of Venice also showcases its beautiful host, Venice, and its many picturesque canals. The Carnival features various events and masquerade balls and, most important, a contest for the best mask. Prepare your own costume and mask, buy a ticket to Venice and head to this gloriously colorful and historical festival.
5. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland, one of the world’s largest dance and music festivals, is held every year in Belgium’s Boom region. The Festival draws thousands of attendees, who come to hear world-renowned musicians and bands – and enjoy the parties. The area also has camping sites. To get to Boom and Tomorrowland, you can purchase a ticket to Brussels and then rent a car.
6. Formula 1
The exhilarating Formula One World Championship races are held in some of the world’s most beautiful cities and attended by tens of thousands of spectators. You can watch the races – and enjoy the city – in race locations such as Shanghai, Barcelona, Baku, Budapest, Singapore and Sao Paulo.
7. Comic-Con
Comic-Con International is held annually in San Diego and attended by comic aficionados from all over the world. The Festival, which takes place in July, features workshops, awards ceremonies and a film festival, as well as numerous exhibitors and appearances by artists and writers. Many of the thousands of attendees dress up as their favorite superheroes or other characters.
8. Rio Carnival
The Rio Carnival, one of the most colorful events in the world, is held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil every year in February and March. The streets are thronged with festival-goers and the excitement reaches a peak with dance performances by Rio’s famous samba schools.
9. Holi Festival
Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is observed in India on the last full moon of the winter months to celebrate the arrival of spring. The Festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil and celebrants toss powdered colors and water over each other. Holi is also celebrated in more than 50 countries today.
10. Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most prestigious film festival, is held annually in Cannes, France in May. Films – from all over the world and spanning a range of genres – compete at the Festival, which is also considered among Europe’s most important cultural events. The Cannes Film Festival draws a star-studded roster of actors, directors, writers and celebrities.
11. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held in New Mexico in the USA, is the world’s largest balloon festival. The nine-day Fiesta has been held annually since 1972, and features more than 800 types of balloons every year, along with interesting events and competitions. It is an excellent alternative for those seeking a different kind of festival experience!
12. Boryeong Mud Festival
The annual Boryeong Mud Festival began in 1998 and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The Festival was originally launched to promote cosmetics made from the region’s mud, which is considered beneficial for human skin. The mud is brought in trucks from Boryeong to the Dacheon beaches, where the event takes place. We can’t think of another festival where getting muddy is also so much fun!
13. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin Snow and Ice Festival is held in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjang province and one of the coldest regions in China. As one of the largest winter festivals worldwide, the Harbin Snow and Ice Festival features enormous ice sculptures, which are illuminated at night. The two-week event takes place around January-February and is truly a visual feast!
