A Traveler’s Guide to Global Festivals

Ever dreamt of dancing through the streets of Rio or seeing thousands of hot balloons in Albuquerque? Festivals are the heartbeats of cultures, offering unique, immersive experiences that no guidebook can fully capture. So grab your dancing shoes (and maybe some bathing suits), because we're about to explore some of the world’s most dazzling cultural festivals.

Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

First stop: Rio! Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the mother of all street parties, renowned globally for its sheer scale and festive spirit. With roots dating back to the 18th century, Rio’s Carnival evolved from European traditions such as “Entrudo,” a celebration brought by Portuguese colonists that involved water fights and mischief before Lent. Over the centuries, Carnival absorbed influences from African and Indigenous cultures, which infused it with the vibrant samba rhythms and elaborate costumes we see today.

Held in February or March, this festival epitomizes Brazil’s passion, joy, and diversity. The streets of Rio turn into a sea of colors, as samba music fills the air, and the famous Samba Parade captivates the crowd at the Sambadrome. Each year, samba schools compete with elaborate floats and dazzling costumes in a high-energy display of Brazilian creativity and pride. Picture dancers clad in glittering costumes, feathers, and headpieces so intricate they belong in a museum. Outside the Sambadrome, the city hosts hundreds of blocos (street parties) where everyone, locals and tourists alike, join in the merriment.

To experience Carnival, it’s wise to book flights and accommodations well in advance as prices soar during the season. Budget for a week during Carnival is around $1,500 to $2,500, depending on how much you indulge in Rio’s street food and spontaneous purchases (like a souvenir feather boa).

Diwali – India

Next, we light up your itinerary with Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights." With over 2,500 years of history, Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Hindu culture, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil. At the heart of Diwali is the story of Lord Rama returning to his kingdom after 14 years in exile, triumphing over the demon king Ravana. The festival also commemorates the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

During Diwali, homes and streets are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), and colorful rangoli patterns made of rice, flour, or flower petals adorn the entrances of homes. Families gather to exchange gifts, enjoy festive sweets like laddoos and jalebi, and offer prayers. The night sky bursts into color as fireworks light up the horizon, creating a magical atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike.

While Diwali is celebrated across India, Varanasi (on the banks of the Ganges) and Jaipur (known for its dazzling palace lighting) are among the best places to witness the spectacle. Flights to India generally range from $800 to $1,200, with accommodation and local festivities being incredibly affordable, often costing less than $100 a day.

Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

From lights to lagers, we head to Oktoberfest in Munich. First celebrated in 1810 to mark the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, Oktoberfest has grown into the world’s largest folk festival, attracting over six million visitors annually. Held from late September to the first weekend of October, this 16- to 18-day festival is not just about beer—it’s an immersive cultural experience that celebrates Bavarian traditions.

Festival-goers can enjoy traditional Bavarian music, indulge in hearty German food like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken, and dress in traditional costumes such as lederhosen (for men) and dirndls (for women). While beer is central to the festivities, families will also enjoy the festival's lively atmosphere, filled with carnival rides, parades, and dancing.

To get the most out of Oktoberfest, plan ahead! Hotels and flights book up quickly. The average cost of a trip, including flights, accommodation, and meals, is around $1,000 to $1,500, depending on your beer consumption and indulgence in Bavarian attire. For deals, check our Discover page for early bookings.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival – China

Next, we head to Harbin, in northeastern China, for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, the largest of its kind in the world. What started in 1963 as a local ice lantern festival has grown into a spectacular event showcasing massive ice and snow sculptures. These intricate sculptures range from towering castles to lifelike statues, and at night, they light up in dazzling colors that transform the icy city into a winter wonderland.

Harbin's cold winters, once influenced by its time as a Russian outpost, lend themselves perfectly to this festival, with some sculptures replicating Russian landmarks. The festival runs from January to February, when the sub-zero temperatures make it possible for artists to carve and maintain these breathtaking works of art.

Flights to Harbin cost around $600 to $900, and with affordable accommodations and local street food, the entire trip can be managed for around $1,200.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – USA

For a high-flying adventure, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico is a must-see for anyone fascinated by aviation or colorful visual spectacles. First launched in 1972 with only 13 balloons, the event has since grown to feature over 500 balloons, making it the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.

Held annually in October, the highlight of the fiesta is the Mass Ascension, where hundreds of hot air balloons launch into the sky simultaneously, creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the desert landscape. Spectators can enjoy balloon rides, photography contests, live music, and fireworks displays in the evenings.

Flights to Albuquerque are reasonably priced, around $300 to $500, and with budget-friendly lodging, the total cost of attending the fiesta is around $800 for a few days of sky-gazing. For travel deals and accommodation, check our Discover page.

Songkran Water Festival – Thailand

Ready for a splash? Songkran is Thailand’s New Year celebration and the most famous festival in the country. Held in April, the festival is rooted in Buddhist traditions and originally involved pouring water on Buddha statues and on people’s hands as a sign of respect. Over the years, it has evolved into a nationwide water fight, where everyone from locals to tourists takes part.

The water is believed to wash away sins and bad luck, symbolizing renewal. While Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the most popular destinations to experience Songkran, the festival is celebrated across Thailand. The streets fill with revelers armed with water guns, and the joy of celebration is contagious.

Flights to Thailand average around $700 to $1,000, and once you're there, daily costs for food and accommodations are quite low, averaging around $30 to $50 per day. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and get ready to join the fun!

Inti Raymi – Peru

For a dose of history, the Inti Raymi festival in Peru takes you back to the time of the Inca Empire. This ancient Festival of the Sun, held annually on June 24, celebrates the Inca Sun God, Inti, and marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. It was once a vital part of Inca culture, designed to ensure the fertility of the land and a good harvest.

Today, Cusco, the former Incan capital, becomes the center of festivities. The event includes processions, dances, and elaborate costumes, with the main ceremony staged at Sacsayhuamán, an impressive archaeological site overlooking the city. Although the Spanish banned Inti Raymi after their conquest, it was revived in the 20th century and is now one of the most important cultural festivals in Peru.

Travelers can expect flights to Peru to range between $600 and $1,000, and with affordable accommodations in Cusco, a weeklong trip will cost around $1,200.

Naadam Festival – Mongolia

Next, gallop over to Mongolia for the Naadam Festival, held every July. This festival dates back to the time of Genghis Khan, celebrating Mongolia’s warrior culture and nomadic traditions. Naadam is centered around the Three Manly Games: archery, horse racing, and wrestling—all ancient sports that Mongolians have excelled at for centuries.

Naadam is more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of Mongolian identity and pride, with participants donning traditional clothing, music performances, and cultural rituals adding to the festival’s atmosphere. The festival is held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, but smaller celebrations take place throughout the country.

Flights to Mongolia can cost between $800 and $1,200, but once there, local accommodations and food are budget-friendly, with an estimated total trip cost of $1,500. For travel deals, visit our Discover page.

Carnival – Trinidad and Tobago

And finally, no list of festivals is complete without mentioning the vibrant Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. Being half Caribbean myself, this festival holds a special place in my heart. Known as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” Trinidad's Carnival rivals Rio de Janeiro's for its colorful costumes, lively music, and electrifying atmosphere. This festival takes place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, with celebrations beginning months in advance, as locals prepare for the big event.

Carnival in Trinidad has deep cultural roots. Dating back to the 18th century, it was introduced by French colonists and evolved into a fusion of African, European, and Caribbean traditions. Today, it's a celebration of freedom, emancipation, and unity. The highlight is the grand parade known as "Mas" (short for masquerade), where participants, called masqueraders, dress in elaborate feathered costumes and parade through the streets, dancing to the beats of soca and calypso music.

For travelers, experiencing Carnival in Trinidad is not just about watching the parade—it's about joining the festivities. Whether you’re jumping in a “band” (group of masqueraders) or participating in J’ouvert, the pre-dawn party where revelers cover themselves in mud, paint, or chocolate, this festival is a true cultural immersion.

Flights to Trinidad can range from $500 to $1,200 depending on where you're traveling from, and accommodation can fill up quickly, especially in Port of Spain. Budget around $1,500 to $2,500 for the entire trip, depending on your participation in events and the cost of your costume if you decide to "play mas."

Ready to pack your bags? With our app, you can book your entire festival experience—from flights to accommodations—and organize your itinerary all in one place. Head over to btravelrs.com/discover and let your festival adventures begin! Booking through us allows BTravelrs to remain free to use and me free to bring more amazing articles like this! 😉

Happy Travels!

Holi – India

Next on the list of vibrant cultural celebrations is Holi, the Hindu "Festival of Colors" that paints the streets of India (and many other countries) in bright hues of joy. Celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (usually in March), Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as well as the end of winter. The festival is associated with Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Prahlad and the demoness Holika, who was defeated by devotion to Lord Vishnu. The bonfires lit the night before Holi, known as Holika Dahan, commemorate this victory.

What sets Holi apart is its free-spirited nature. Participants throw colorful powders (gulal) into the air and on each other, dance to traditional music, and celebrate with sweets like gujiya and thandai. It’s a day of unity where social boundaries blur, as everyone is covered in color, from friends to strangers. It’s also believed that the colored powders have medicinal properties, traditionally made from herbs and natural ingredients.

While cities like Mathura and Vrindavan (believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna) are especially famous for their Holi celebrations, you can experience this festival across India, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the palatial backdrops of Jaipur. Travelers can expect flights to India to range from $800 to $1,200, and once there, the cost of food and accommodations is affordable, usually under $100 per day.