Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and exploring new destinations can be an incredible way to broaden our horizons and gain new perspectives. Travelling not only brings out the inner you but also makes you a better person.
While some travellers prefer to stick to familiar destinations, others crave something a little more adventurous, exciting, and colourful. If you fall into the latter category, then you’re in luck because there are some truly breathtaking and colourful places in the world that are just waiting to be explored.
There’s nothing quite like festivals of colours to inject a burst of colour and vibrancy into your travel experience. Across the world, communities come together to celebrate their culture, traditions, and history through vibrant displays of music, dance, art, and of course, colourful costumes. These celebrations are a chance to experience the joy and energy of culture in full swing and to immerse yourself in a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
From the glittering lights of Diwali in India to the colourful street parties of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, there are festivals of colours that offer a colourful and exciting addition to any travel itinerary. These festivals are not only a visual feast for the eyes, but they also offer an opportunity to connect with locals, learn about their traditions, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, if you’re looking to add some colour to your travels and experience the magic of a festival, then join us as we explore some of the most colourful celebrations around the world. From the rainbow-hued Holi festival in Nepal to the stunning lantern festivals of Thailand, these events are sure to captivate your senses and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures.
Get ready to be swept up in a whirlwind of colour and celebration, and create unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Holi is one of the most colourful and exuberant festivals of colours in India and is celebrated by millions of people across the country every year. Also known as the “Festival of Colours”, Holi is a time to let go of inhibitions, embrace joy, and welcome the arrival of spring.
During the festival, people come together to throw coloured powders and water at each other, dance to traditional music and enjoy delicious food and drinks. The vibrant colours, lively atmosphere, and infectious energy of Holi make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking to add a burst of colour and excitement to your travels, then Holi in India is a must-see event. Join the locals in celebrating this joyous occasion and creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
The Day of the Dead, or “Dia de los Muertos”, is a colourful and vibrant festivals of colours celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. This unique holiday is a time to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away and is characterised by colourful costumes, intricate altars, and lively parades.
During the festival, families gather to create “ofrendas,” or offerings, which are decorated with flowers, candles, food, and other items to welcome back the spirits of their loved ones. There are also traditional dances, music, and elaborate costumes, such as the iconic “Calavera” or skull makeup.
The Day of the Dead is a truly unique and unforgettable experience and a chance to connect with Mexican culture and traditions. If you’re looking to add a burst of colour and cultural richness to your travels, then the Day of the Dead in Mexico is not to be missed. Join the festivities and celebrate life and death in a truly unforgettable way.
La Tomatina is a vibrant and unique festival that takes place in the small town of Buñol, Spain, every August. This popular event involves a massive tomato fight, in which participants throw overripe tomatoes at each other, creating a scene of chaos and colour.
The origins of the festival are unclear, but it is believed to have started as a form of protest against the government in the mid-20th century. Today, La Tomatina has become a lively and joyful celebration, attracting thousands of people from all over the world who come to participate in the tomato fight, dance to live music, and enjoy traditional Spanish food and drinks.
If you’re looking to add a unique and colourful twist to your travels, then La Tomatina is an experience not to be missed. Join in the fun and become a part of the tomato-throwing madness, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. This will be, I promise, one of the most colourful festivals of colours.
Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday”, is one of the colourful and lively festivals of colours that takes place in cities throughout the United States but is perhaps most famously celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival is a celebration of excess and indulgence and is characterised by vibrant parades, colourful costumes, and delicious food and drinks.
During Mardi Gras, revellers take to the streets to catch beads, dance to live music, and watch the elaborate floats and parades pass by. The festival has a long and rich history, dating back to medieval Europe, and is now deeply ingrained in American culture.
If you’re looking to add a burst of colour and excitement to your travels, then Mardi Gras is an event not to be missed. Join the locals in celebrating this joyous occasion and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of New Orleans and beyond. Let loose, indulge, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important festivals of colours in China, celebrated by millions of people all over the country. The festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time to honour ancestors, reunite with family, and welcome the arrival of spring.
During the festival, streets and homes are adorned with red decorations, which are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. There are also dragon and lion dances, firework displays, and delicious food and drinks, including the iconic dumplings.
If you’re looking to add a burst of colour and cultural richness to your travels, then Chinese New Year is an experience not to be missed. Join in the festivities, learn about the traditions and customs of this ancient festival, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is one of the most iconic and vibrant festivals in the world and is celebrated every year in Brazil’s second-largest city, Rio de Janeiro. This is one of the most attractive festivals of colours, which is a colourful and exuberant celebration of music, dance, and culture that attracts millions of people from all over the world.
During the festival, samba schools compete in a parade with elaborately designed floats, intricate costumes, and infectious music, all set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning beaches and landmarks. There are also street parties, live music, and delicious food and drinks, making the Rio de Janeiro Carnival a truly unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking to add a burst of colour and energy to your travels, then the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is not to be missed. Join in the fun, immerse yourself in Brazilian culture and traditions, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Carnevale di Venezia, or the Venice Carnival, is one of the most vibrant and enchanting festivals of colours celebrated in the city of Venice, Italy. The festival dates back to the 13th century and is famous for its ornate masks and costumes, which add a touch of mystery and intrigue to the festivities.
During the festival, the city is transformed into a wonderland of colour and music, with parades, street performers, and elaborate balls. The highlight of the festival is the contest for the best mask, with participants donning incredible costumes and masks that have been crafted with precision and skill.
If you’re looking to add a burst of elegance and sophistication to your travels, then the Venice Carnival is an experience not to be missed. Join in the celebrations, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this ancient city, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, particularly cherry blossoms. It literally means “flower viewing,” with “Hana” meaning “flower” and “mi” meaning “to view.”
The cherry blossom season in Japan typically starts in late March and lasts for a few weeks. During this time, people gather with friends and family under cherry blossom trees to appreciate the delicate pink or white blossoms, which are seen as a symbol of renewal, hope, and beauty.
Hanami parties often involve a picnic, with food and drinks, and some people even dress in traditional Japanese clothing such as kimonos. In some locations, lanterns are hung from the trees, creating a beautiful atmosphere when viewed at night.
The custom of hanami has a long history in Japan, dating back to the Nara period (710-794), when aristocrats enjoyed viewing plum blossoms. Over time, the tradition shifted to cherries, and hanami became more widely practiced among the general public.
Today, hanami is a beloved tradition in Japan, and millions of people flock to popular hanami spots throughout the country to admire the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a popular monthly event held in the ancient town of Hoi An, located in central Vietnam. These festivals of colours take place on the 14th day of every lunar month, and the town is lit up with thousands of colourful lanterns, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
During the festival, the town’s residents and visitors gather along the Thu Bon River to release paper lanterns into the water, which is believed to bring good luck and happiness. The lanterns are decorated with wishes, prayers, and personal messages, adding to the festival’s sense of community and tradition.
In addition to the river lanterns, there are also traditional Vietnamese folk games and performances, food stalls selling local delicacies, and cultural exhibitions showcasing the town’s rich history and heritage.
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture. The Lantern Festival is a way to celebrate and preserve the town’s unique cultural identity. The festival is one of the most popular events in Hoi An, attracting both locals and tourists alike, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The Songkran Water Festival, also known as the Thai New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated in Thailand from April 13 to 15 each year. It is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Thailand and is celebrated with a lot of joy and enthusiasm.
The most iconic aspect of the Songkran Festival is the water throwing or splashing, which symbolises the washing away of the previous year’s bad luck and sins. People roam the streets armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses and throw water at each other, regardless of age or social status. Water throwing is also seen as a way to cool off during the hot and dry seasons in Thailand.
In addition to the water throwing, there are also many other traditional activities that take place during the Songkran Festival, such as visiting temples to offer food and alms to monks, pouring water on Buddha images for good luck, and building sand pagodas.
The Songkran Festival is celebrated across Thailand, but the most popular and lively celebrations can be found in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the beach towns of Phuket and Pattaya. The festival attracts both locals and tourists and is a great way to experience Thai culture and traditions, as well as have a lot of fun.
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is an annual event that takes place in Ireland on March 17th in celebration of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The parade is one of the largest and most popular events in Ireland, drawing hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to the streets of Dublin to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and traditions.
The parade features colourful floats, marching bands, street performers, and a variety of other performers, as well as representatives from local community groups, charities, and organisations. Participants often wear green, the traditional colour of Ireland, and the parade is known for its lively and festive atmosphere.
In addition to the parade, there are many other activities and events that take place in Dublin and throughout Ireland during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, such as traditional music and dance performances, food and drink festivals, and historical tours. Many pubs and restaurants also offer special menus and deals, and the night is often capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland is a beloved and iconic event that showcases the best of Irish culture and traditions and is a must-see for anyone visiting Ireland during the festival.
The Jinhae Gunghangje Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held in Jinhae, a city located in the southern part of South Korea. The festival is held in early April and is one of the most popular and celebrated cherry blossom festivals in the country.
During the festival, the streets and parks of Jinhae are adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, and visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery while taking part in various cultural and entertainment events. The festival includes a variety of activities, such as traditional Korean dance and music performances, food stalls offering local cuisine, and various exhibitions and contests.
One of the most popular events of the festival is the Jinhae Gunhangje Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, which reenacts the changing of the guards that once took place during the Joseon Dynasty. The ceremony features traditional costumes and music and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the festival.
In addition to the events, visitors can also take a stroll through the Yeojwacheon Stream, which is lined with cherry blossom trees, or visit the nearby Gyeonghwa Station, which is known for its beautiful cherry blossom tunnel.
The Jinhae Gunghangje Cherry Blossom Festival is a unique and vibrant event that showcases the beauty of South Korea’s natural scenery and cultural heritage and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country in the spring.
The Masskara Festival is an annual event held in Bacolod City, located in the western part of the Philippines. The festival is held in October and is one of the most colourful and lively events in the Philippines, celebrating the city’s resilience, creativity, and positivity in the face of challenges and adversities.
The festival is known for its elaborate masks, or “masskara”, that are worn by the performers and participants. The masks are adorned with bright colours, feathers, and other decorations and are a symbol of the city’s resilience and determination in the face of hardship.
During the festival, the streets of Bacolod City are filled with vibrant parades, music and dance performances, and street parties. There are also beauty pageants, food festivals, and cultural exhibitions showcasing the city’s rich history and heritage.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Masskara Queen beauty pageant, which showcases the beauty and grace of local women. The pageant is a major event in the festival and is attended by thousands of people from around the world.
The Masskara Festival is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of creativity and positivity and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the Philippines in October. The festival is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Filipino people and is a great way to experience the country’s culture and traditions.
The Loi Krathong Festival is an annual event held in Thailand on the night of the full moon in November. The festival is celebrated throughout the country and is a time for Thais to give thanks and make merit, as well as to seek forgiveness and let go of negative emotions.
The festival is named after the “Krathong,” which is a small, banana-leaf boat that is decorated with flowers, candles, and incense. The krathongs are floated down rivers and canals, symbolising the release of negative energy and bad luck.
In addition to floating krathongs, the festival includes fireworks displays, cultural performances, and food and craft stalls. Many temples also hold ceremonies and offer special prayers, and people can receive blessings from monks and make offerings to the Buddha.
One of the most spectacular parts of the festival is the release of floating lanterns, or “khom loi,” into the night sky. The lanterns are made of rice paper and are lit by a candle or small flame, which causes them to rise into the sky and create a beautiful display of light and colour.
The Loi Krathong Festival is a magical and enchanting event that showcases the beauty and spirituality of Thai culture. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting Thailand in November and offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to stay with visitors for years to come.
The Madeira Flower Festival is an annual event held on the island of Madeira, located off the coast of Portugal. The festival takes place in the spring, typically in late April or early May, and is a celebration of the island’s blooming flowers and vibrant colours.
The festival includes a series of parades and events showcasing the beauty and diversity of Madeira’s flora. The main attraction of the festival is the Flower Parade, a colourful procession of floats adorned with thousands of flowers, including orchids, roses, and other exotic plants. The parade also features marching bands, traditional dancers, and other performers.
In addition to the Flower Parade, there are various other events held throughout the festival, including exhibitions of floral displays, competitions, and performances of traditional music and dance.
The festival is not limited to the city of Funchal, the capital of Madeira, but extends to other towns and villages on the island, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the island while enjoying the festivities.
The Madeira Flower Festival is a unique and enchanting event that celebrates the natural beauty of the island and its rich cultural heritage. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting Madeira in the spring and is a great way to experience the island’s vibrant and colourful culture.
If you’re looking to add some excitement, joy, and vibrancy to your travels, attending colourful festivals around the world is a fantastic way to do so. From the Hanami Festival in Japan to the Masskara Festival in the Philippines, to the Holi Festival in India, and the many other festivals we’ve discussed, there’s no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures, witness unique traditions, and make unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the beauty and diversity of the world’s most popular festivals of colours!