Fantastic festivals and where to find them!

We all feel it – the urge to celebrate, party, and shake things up once in a while. A bit of variety and colour goes a long way; almost every culture in existence engages in some kind of festivity – so why not join in on the fun?

Festivals embody many different forms and themes, what one culture sacralises another may dismiss, but the concept remains the same: an opportunity to unite people, infuse some fun into the air and share a collective experience.

So without further ado, here is a list of some of the greatest festivals from around the world and why they’re so significant:

Diwali (India)

Diwali (also known as Deepavali) takes centre stage in India: this “Festival of Lights” symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Lasting for five days, it involves the cleaning and decorating of homes with oil lamps (diyas) and intricate rangoli patterns.

Families gather for prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity from deities like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The night sky comes alive with fireworks, the aromas of unique dishes permeate the air and people exchange gifts and confection. The lighting of lamps and uproar of fireworks signify the dispelling of negativity.

Cherry Blossom Festival (Japan)

Little else drums up the image of Japan quite like the famous Cherry Blossom Tree – people from around the world flock to parks in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo to witness the delicate pink and white petals in full bloom…

The Cherry Blossom Festival a time when Japan’s landscapes transform into a dreamy sea of pink and white. The blossoms (also known as sakura) represent the transient nature of life, lending to the brief and ephemeral time in which they bloom. People engage in hanami, the tradition of picnicking under the cherry blossoms, streets are adorned with lanterns and people reflect on the beauty and impermanence of life.

Songkran (Thailand)

Don’t wear your best clothes to this one, as they’re about to get wet and dirty! Songkran is a unique Thai water festival in which the streets come alive with water fights as people joyfully splash water on each other, symbolising purification and the cleansing of bad luck.

Additionally, traditional rituals take place at temples, where people pour scented water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders to seek blessings.

Carnaval de Barranquilla (Colombia)

Often referred to as Colombia’s answer to Mardi Gras, Carnaval de Barranquilla is a lively and colourful extravaganza. This high-energy celebration features vibrant parades, traditional music, and stunning costumes.

The festival offers an array of events, including the Battle of Flowers, where dancers in elaborate costumes fill the streets, The Carnival Queen competition and the Great Parade are also highlights, showcasing the artistry and creativity of the visitors. Its influence is so far-reaching it’s recognised as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Cape Town International Music Festival (South Africa)

A harmonious fusion of music and culture, the famed Cape Town International Jazz Festival features world-renowned jazz artists and talents. With the picturesque Table Mountain serving as a backdrop, the festival provides a wonderful setting for music enthusiasts.

Held annually in March or April, the festival is held for two days and showcases a wide array of styles and genres. Beyond the music, festivalgoers can explore the vibrant city of Cape Town and even sample its delicious cuisine (if that sounds appealing, check out our new Great Culinary Escape to South Africa)!

Bali Arts Festival (Bali, Indonesia)

Spanning an entire month, the Bali Arts Festival is an extravagant showcase of Indonesian culture, coalescing artists and performers from across the archipelago to display their talents within music, dance and art. The festival epitomises Indonesia’s rich culture and includes colourful parades and performances.

From Balinese dance and gamelan music to intricate batik textiles and woodcarvings, it presents a unique opportunity to delve into Bali’s artistic and performative spirit…

If you would like the opportunity to visit any of these festivals, check out our destination pages (linked on each subheading) to browse itineraries or contact us directly to plan your personalised trip – email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or give us a phone call (+44 117 313 7070)!