🎭 Top 8 largest festivals in the world in 2024
Samba carnival, strong beer and world famous films. What do these phenomena have in common? Thematic carnivals that are dedicated to each of them. We say with full confidence that the programs and traditions of other modern holidays will definitely not leave you without emotions. It's only February on the calendar. This means you will still have time to attend every event from our selection. It's just a matter of small things – choose a destination and book your tickets and don't forget to get a visa.
Venice Carnival (Italy)
Date: January 27 – February 13
How many times have you dreamed of seeing an ancient Italian city, boarding a cozy gondola and sailing along the famous canals? Tens, hundreds or even thousands. But we propose to get acquainted with Venice during the carnival. Through it you will learn everything about the culture and character of the city.
Every year, the organizers announce the theme of the festival, and in 2024 the events are dedicated to the famous navigator Marco Polo. Think carefully about the image: prepare masks and costumes in which you will go out into high society. Be sure to check out the Carnival program, which is filled with live performances in the squares, balls, opera performances and parades. By the way, before traveling to Italy, do not forget to read our tips to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Date: February 9-17
If Carnival in Venice is worth going to for the luxury and decoration, then in Rio a completely different picture will appear. The brightest, largest and most incendiary festival in the world is literally waiting for you. From year to year, Brazil becomes a magnet for travelers who dream of becoming part of a large-scale holiday and remembering it for many years.
Do the locals know how to have fun? Of course they do, and they will try to prove it from the first day of the carnival. The central event of the holiday takes place at the specially built Sambodrome. Dance schools demonstrate the best samba performances and prepare colorful floats for the procession. 100-200 artists perform there. At the same time, you cannot go on the platform in last year’s costumes, because the jury evaluates not only the technique, but also the appearance of the participants.
For a week, Rio becomes not only the center of samba on the planet, but also one of the most popular cities in the world. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of tourists join Brazil’s main feature every year. We'll tell you what to do in the city after the holiday ends here.
Berlin Film Festival (Germany)
Date: February 15-25
Experienced cinephiles closely monitor new releases, discuss them and highlight their favorites. At the same time, some films are released not in cinemas, but at festivals. One of the largest events in the film industry is the Berlinale. In 2024, the festival will take place in the German capital on February 15th. Thanks to the efforts of the organizers, the program is already known. Another plus for the event: its status is in no way inferior to its “colleagues” from Cannes and Venice.
The good news doesn't end there! The Berlin festival is one of the most accessible for ordinary spectators, which can be accessed even without accreditation. Don't miss the chance to stroll around the city, which is decorated with themed bears that reference the Berlinale's main award, the Golden Bear.
You can go to a film from the main competition program or choose thematic sections including Encounters, Panorama or Berlinale Shorts. In addition, we recommend studying all the details of the cinema. Just imagine having the chance to find yourself in a monumental building with velvet curtains, elaborate balconies and decades of history. But we leave the full list of sites here.
Holi (India)
Date: March 24-25
Did you dream of coloring everything around as a child, but never realized your plan? Believe me, in India no one will stop the flight of fantasy, and with it the bright colors. The locals came up with the Holi holiday in honor of the beginning of spring and the change from the cold season to the warm one.
As a rule, there is no single start date, because it depends on the occurrence of the full moon. The festival lasts for five days, during which Hindus generously shower each other with colorful powders and come to visit. At the same time, the decoration of cities deserves special attention. Locals believe that there is no such thing as too much color, and they try to make every centimeter of space as bright as possible.
On the first day of Holi, a ritual of burning an effigy is performed, which symbolizes parting with bad memories and events. But people, on the contrary, have fun with all their hearts and organize large-scale dance shows. Would you risk jumping through the fire with them?
Comic Con (USA)
Date: July 25-28
Initially, this event was conceived as a comic book exhibition, but over time it grew into a larger event. What is Comic Con now? This is a whole world of anime, manga, superhero stories, computer games, films and TV series, where fans come from all over the world. Moreover, not only culture lovers come to San Diego, but also famous writers and actors who present the results of their creative work and organize large-scale meetings. By the way, this is where the best masters of their craft often make important announcements about upcoming films or TV series.
Don't forget to choose the image of your favorite hero. Have you already decided what outfit you will wear to the USA? I bet no one will recognize you as Wonder Woman, Albus Dumbledore or Shrek. Be sure to check which iconic actors are planning to attend Comic Con as guests and have a few questions ready for them. You can also combine a trip to the festival with a visit to other attractions, so pay attention to summer tours.
Fringe (Scotland)
Date: August 2-26
Scotland is not only a land of kilts and bagpipes. In August, one of the largest art festivals will take place here. For 3 weeks, Edinburgh will turn into the cultural capital of the world, and we are not exaggerating. At the end of summer, artists from all over the world will gather here to surprise audiences with bright and creative performances. Where will the performances take place? On stages located right in the city.
Fringe provides an opportunity for recognized masters and beginning performers to prove themselves. But there are no restrictions on genres. You can choose between theatre, circus, cabaret, opera, exhibitions, musicals, dance and other shows. At the same time, entry to some events will not cost a penny. By the way, we have previously included Fringe in the top 15 things to do in Scotland.
Oktoberfest (Germany)
Date: September 21 – October 6
The Germans know a lot not only about cinema, but also about beer. Every year at the end of September the famous Oktoberfest starts in Germany. However, foreigners love this holiday no less than locals.
The main part of the events takes place in Munich. The festival opens with a themed parade, during which brewers and their families appear in front of the public on carts with barrels of drinks. But the right to uncork the first barrel is given to the city mayor. A rich cultural program awaits you with a procession in national costumes, family events, worship services and orchestra performances.
However, the main role in Oktoberfest is given to signature beer. They begin brewing the drink in March, in order to bring it to a strength level of 6.5% by September. We recommend booking tent sites in advance. Due to the large influx of tourists, you simply cannot find free tables, and it is not customary to drink while standing at the festival. Be sure to order traditional German treats to accompany your beer. Salty pretzels, sausages, knuckle and potato salad go well with a glass of foam.
Day of the Dead (Mexico)
Date: November 1-2
Have you seen photos of brightly decorated figures of skulls and skeletons? No, this is not a ritual of sacrifice, but the Mexican Day of the Dead. Locals show love for departed relatives and care for them, have fun and dance, enjoy life, and are not sad because of separation from loved ones.
Each family sets up its own altar. After all, Mexicans believe that it is through these sources that the souls of the dead enter the world of the living. Mandatory attributes of the structure are a bottle of water, lush flowers, candles and the deceased’s favorite food. On the first day they remember the children who have passed away, and the next day is dedicated to the older generation. In addition, at night, Mexicans dress up in themed costumes, paint their faces and march to the cemetery with traditional songs. The traditions don't end there. Locals prepare the traditional sweet bread of the dead, and the shops are filled with unique souvenirs, including the main symbols of the Day of the Dead, skulls and personalized coffins, symbolizing happiness.
Getting to every festival is not the easiest task, but we will tell you how to cope with it in no time. First, decide which route option will be the most optimal and book tickets at an affordable price. Then check whether you need a visa and book comfortable accommodation for your holiday and rich cultural program.