World Festivals You Can’t Miss: From Rio to Burning Man

I mean, what better way to learn about a new place’s culture and tradition than actually experiencing it first hand. How do you do that? By respecting their customs and traditions, which might come to mean participating in their festivals.

If you’re the type who lives for unforgettable experiences, crazy vibes, and stories you’ll be telling for years, then pack your bags and dive into the world’s wildest, quirkiest, and most vibrant festivals you should add to your bucket-list right now.

1. Rio Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When: 28th February 2025-8th March 2025

Kicking off with a bang, Rio Carnival is the biggest show of the season. Think dazzling costumes, samba beats that make your heart race, and a whole city that feels like it’s been sprinkled with magic. 

This festival is the ultimate blend of culture and chaos, with parades rolling through Rio’s streets, and you get to soak up the waves of color and energy in a whirlwind of foot tapping and spins. The festival itself, which is a fusion of African, European, and indigenous traditions, is celebrated before Lent, to honor the history, culture, and traditions of the people of Brazil.

Get a ticket to the Sambadrome for the parades or hit the street parties (blocos) if you want to mingle with the locals. Either way, bring your dancing shoes and your stamina—you’ll need both.

2. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain

When: Last Wednesday of August

If throwing tomatoes at each other is your idea of a fun time, don’t wait for your friend’s confirmation and book a flight to Buñol, Spain. Since the festival is only a one-day affair, there won’t be any vacancies to speak of if you make it any later. La Tomatina is the messiest, most hilarious food fight you’ll ever experience. Thousands gather in Buñol, Spain, armed with squishy tomatoes, ready to paint the town red—literally.

The day starts calm enough with music and festivities, but once the trucks roll in with the tomatoes, all bets are off. Pro tip: Wear old clothes, goggles, and a big grin. And don’t worry, the town hoses everyone down after the chaos.

3. Burning Man – Black Rock City, USA

When: August 24, 2025-September 1, 2025

Burning Man isn’t just a festival; it’s an experience. It’s a week-long celebration that takes place the week preceding Labor Day. 

One day Nevada’s Black Rock Desert will just be a hot bare land with nothing to see for miles, and then another day (August 24th to be clear), a whole city will pop up in the middle of the desert with sculptures and art installations protruding from the earth, and hundreds of parked camps and campers. Here, creativity reigns supreme, and the vibe is all about self-expression, community, and leaving no trace behind.

And if you’re planning to go, the 2025 Burning Man theme is “an invitation to imagine the future in new ways, and to make it real through our collective actions.”

4. Holi – Across India

When: March (dates vary according to the lunar calendar)

Dubbed the “Festival of Colors,” Holi is pure joy in powdered form. Across India, people take to the streets armed with brightly colored powders, ready to drench anyone and everyone in a rainbow. Add water balloons, music, and drinks, and you’ve got a day that’s all about celebrating life, love, and new beginnings.

Respecting the folklore and the traditions when you go to India is significant. Also, be respectful of the elders and people with allergies, because that color can do some serious damage, especially if it refuses to come off.

5. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

When:  September 20–October 5, 2025

If you’re a beer (& fun) lover, you’re no stranger to Oktoberfest. Held in Theresienwiese in Munich, this 16-day festival is all about giant steins of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian charm. The atmosphere is electric, with live music, traditional outfits (lederhosen and dirndls), and massive beer tents filled with merry crowds. But regardless of the amount of beer flowing, the festival is kid-friendly. There are other things to enjoy, like roller-coaster rides, bumper cars, dozens of side-shows, a ferris wheel among more.

6. Songkran – Thailand

When: April (Thai New Year)

Another fun festival where you get to throw things at each other. In this case, it’s water. This Thai New Year celebration turns the entire country into a giant splash zone. Armed with water guns and din sor pong (white powder made from talc and water), locals and tourists alike drench each other in the streets to wash away the past year’s misfortunes. Get ready for music festivals, parades amidst water fights.

Chiang Mai is a hotspot for the festivities, with parades, parties, and water fights galore. Just remember to respect the tradition and waterproof your important belongings.

Wherever you go, remember to respect the tradition and the culture of the place, in addition to respecting the people of the place and their beliefs. And what else? Right, have fun!