Every country has its own culture and traditions. Some of the biggest festivals in the world will undoubtedly make you travel to that place. People travel miles to observe the festivals’ religious values, customs, and uniqueness. Here is a list of the top 10 biggest festivals celebrated worldwide.
1. Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is rooted in 1810, when Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese celebrated their grand marriage ceremony. This festival is the world’s largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and carnival. Oktoberfest is held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, in the mid- or last week of September. Large quantities of Oktoberfest beers are consumed. Many attractive games, side stalls, traditional savouriesand amusement rides exist.
2. Yee Peng Lantern Festival
Yee Peng is a Thai lantern festival that falls on the 12th full moon in the Lanna time frame. When King Mongkut (Rama IV) resigned from the kingdom, the Brahmin ceremony was celebrated along with the Buddhist ceremony. People light lamps and lanterns and chant prayers and keep them overnight until the early morning meals of the monks. During this festival, people pay homage to 3 gods: Pra Narai, Pra Prom and Pra I-Suan. These beautiful 24 lanterns known as khomloi are simultaneously released into the water at the same time. This festival symbolizes letting go of all ills, mistakes and bad luck. This festival is best observed in Chiang Mai town with adorable decorations, delicacies and fireworks.
3. Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is an amazing festival celebrated in New Orleans, US. It falls on the last day of carnival and before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is a French name for Fat Tuesday. It started during the Medieval European period. Three signature colours are important in this festival: green, Gold and purple. All these colours hold significance: Green resembles hope, Gold symbolizes power, and purple represents hops. There are beautiful parades going on the streets of the US. People use masks and different costumes of Faries, animals, mythological characters and clowns and perform with grace.
4. Songkran
Songkran is the biggest water splashing festival celebrated in Thailand. It marks the beginning of a new year and is celebrated in the month of April. Songkran means ‘Approaching’ in Sanskrit and depicts the symbol of zodiac signs. This festival is similar to Holi celebrated in India. Younger children and adults throw water balloons at each other. They soak one other in water, which begins a new year by cleansing themselves. The festival demonstrates washing off all the evil, negativities and bad luck and welcoming the new year.
5. Dev Diwali
Dev Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India. It is the festival of light, celebrated every year for five days, and marks the return of Lord Ram from his 14 days of exile (Vanvas). People clean their homes, light lanterns, and prepare traditional delicacies. Small children indulge in bursting crackers. The streets are decorated with charming lanterns and lamps. This festival glorifies the victory of good things over evil.
6. Cherry Blossom Festival
Japan’s’ San Francisco celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival with great enthusiasm. This festival is the biggest, rooted in 1912. Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo presented 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C., as a token of friendship. Since then, this festival has been celebrated as a symbol of love and companionship. Watching the gorgeous park bloom with delicate pink and white cherry blossom flowers is a scenic view. The festival takes place for two long weekends in April Month. The Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program takes place during the first weekend at the Kabuki Theatre. Japanese women present their breathtaking talents. In the Sunday parade, the queen and princess of Japan are honoured.
7. Rio De Janeiro Carnival
Rio de Janeiro Carnival is among the biggest carnivals in the world. Millions of people come to the streets of Brazil for 10 days of nonstop samba dancing, street shows and spread madness all over. Rio de Janeiro Carnival began in 1723. The Sambodromo’s paid parades are unique and showcase a heartwarming performance on Sunday and Monday. More than 200 students from samba schools in Brazil demonstrate their unique culture and tradition. The atmosphere has a wonderful samba rhythm, delightful costumes, and an electrifying parade.
8. Holi
Holi is a festival of colours celebrated in March. It marks the victory of goodness over negativity. Small kids enjoy playing with pichkaris (water guns) and throwing water-filled balloons and colours at one another. This festival marks the commencement of spring season. Sweet desserts like puranpoli (sweet chapati) and thandai are prepared during this day.
9. Glastonbury
Glastonbury is a five days festival of performing contemporary arts. It is held in Pilton, Somerset, England, during the summers. Top legends, artists and performers perform rock bands and pop songs. The first Glastonbury festival occurred at Worthy Farm and was known as Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival in 1970. Around 1500 people attended the festival at that time. In today’s era, more than 2 lakh people attend this festival yearly.
10. La Tomatina
It is a crazy festival that is celebrated in Spain at Bunol. Lakhs of people gather together and throw tomatoes at each other. This festival is said to be one of the biggest food fights in the world. La Tomatina emerged in 1945 and started during the last week, Wednesday, in August. This festival began when a group of young friends came to spend their leisure time in Times Square attending the Giants and Big-Heads figures parade. One of the participant’s big heads fell off, and he angrily started throwing tomatoes at the crowd and this is how the festival came into being.
Conclusion
Festivals around the world offer a vibrant window to showcase cultural diversities. From the religious significance of Diwali to the electrifying energy of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, these celebrations bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether you want spiritual significance or appreciate artistic expression, these world’s biggest festivals await discovery.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
