Worldwide festivals to experience at least once

These festivals are full of culture, colour and fun. If you are lucky enough, you may experience a few of them.

1. Fourth of July – US
Held, unsurprisingly, on the 4th of July each year all over the United States. Barbecues, beer and the American flag are all a staple part of any good 4th of July celebration!

2. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, US
Beginning on January 6th and stretching until Shrove Tuesday, you have about 11 hours left to get to the best city for celebrating Mardi Gras!

3. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
A 16 day festival running from the end of September until the first week of October. A celebration of Bavarian culture, dress and of course, beer.

4. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
Held on the last Wednesday of August each year, this day consists mainly of throwing tomatoes at people. What a fun mess!

5. Diwali – Nepal, India
Also known as the Festival of Lights, this ancient Hindu tradition is held in autumn each year. The festival celebrates the victory of lightness over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.

6. St Patrick’s Day – Dublin, Ireland
I’m sure most of us know about this one and there is nowhere like Dublin on Paddy’s Day for fun, festivities and Guinness!

7. Holi Festival, India
This is also known as the Festival of Colours and is another ancient Hindu tradition. The festival has become increasingly popular with travellers and promotes community spirit as everyone is fair game in this colourful and friendly fight!

8. Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Held around the same time as Mardi Gras, before Lent, Rio is renowned for holding one of the most famous Carnival celebration.