08.07.2024
The Most Interesting Festivals in the World in 2025
Everyone loves holidays, fun, and joy. Festivals are a great way to spend time with people who share your interests. Every year, various countries host such events, attracting many people. World festivals are often dedicated to a particular theme or event, and they are eagerly anticipated by many. The loudest festivals gather thousands of tourists who want to share this celebration with everyone.
What attracts people to festivals? Which events are worth attending to see everything firsthand? Let's explore the best festivals in the world.
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
This beer festival has been held for 200 years in Munich. It was first organized to celebrate the wedding of Ludwig I and Princess Therese. Later, it became a true tradition, and now every autumn, Germans and tourists eagerly await its start.
The exact date changes yearly. In 2025, it is set for September 21, and the festival will last until October 6. During this time, guests can enjoy the "Brewers' Parade" and other spectacular events, as well as taste real Bavarian beer with delicious snacks.
Tickets for Oktoberfest sell out very quickly. Millions of beer lovers gather at the international festival to relax and have fun. You won't experience any autumn depression if you head to the festival and unwind with like-minded people over a pint of beer.
By the way, special beer is brewed for Oktoberfest, which is unavailable for purchase on other days. This natural malt product has an alcohol content of 5.8-6.3%, with a unique taste and a high foamy head. Additionally, besides adults, children can also enjoy themselves. They are treated to sweets and desserts, juices, and drinks, as well as attractions and other exciting activities.
Traditional snacks for beer during the festival include Munich sausages, roast chicken, salty pretzels, and grilled fish. To enter a beer tent, you need a special ticket; otherwise, you won't be able to get in. Hundreds of beer enthusiasts gather inside to celebrate at comfortable tables.
Those who wish to spend bright days and nights at Oktoberfest should take care of purchasing tickets in advance. Some travel agencies organize trips with transfers, hotel accommodations, and translator support. This highly anticipated event will leave many memories for years to come.
Festival of Lights, Lyon, France
In 2025, the Festival of Lights will be held on December 5 and will last for 4 days. Traditionally, it is held in Lyon, and there are historical reasons for this. This festival has been shining for over three centuries, gaining new lights and colors each year. During these days, millions of tourists flock to enjoy the spectacular event. The city turns into a fairy tale, glowing with hundreds of thousands of lights.
The history of the Festival of Lights began when the plague was raging in France, affecting many cities. The people of Lyon prayed to the Virgin Mary to save them from this disaster and promised to always glorify her. A miracle happened – the plague subsided without reaching Lyon. The priests kept their promise, built a golden statue of the city's protector, and held a celebration. Suddenly, a storm broke out, threatening to spoil the glorification of the Virgin Mary. But the residents were not disheartened; they lit candles to show their determination and devotion.
Since then, traditional illumination celebrations have become permanent. Thanks to modern technologies, special effects have evolved. During the festival, you can see:
Fireworks and light shows
Candles in every window
Light shows on buildings
Various other lanterns everywhere
Every year, hundreds of lighting engineers and designers compete in their craftsmanship. Animations, film scenes, video games, TV series, and cartoons are projected onto iconic architecture and residential buildings, captivating the audience.
Holi, India
Holi is considered a celebration of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is usually scheduled for March, but the exact date changes yearly. In 2025, it falls on March 25, so the event has already concluded. However, it's worth getting to know the Holi Festival of Colors to prepare for the next year.
There are several legends about the origin of the festival. They differ significantly, and everyone can believe in their own version. But the essence lies elsewhere. The Holi Festival is meant to lift the mood after winter, have fun, and color the streets with vibrant hues.
Each region celebrates the Festival of Colors differently:
In the south, the festival often involves young people, while the older generation visits friends or stays at home.
In the central regions, fires are lit on rooftops, and orange flags symbolizing fire are hung.
In the north, the festival is celebrated most joyfully and dynamically. People dance, have fun, participate in parades, and engage in color powder battles.
The powder is made simply by adding natural dyes of orange, red, and green colors to corn flour. Houses are decorated with patterns and adorned with fresh flowers. This looks fantastic, attracting many tourists to enjoy the incredible spectacle and participate.
La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain
Every August, when tomatoes are fully ripe, the town of Buñol in Valencia province turns into a real mayhem. Tomato rivers flow through the streets, and every passerby is smeared with juice, seeds, and tomato skins. If you see this, you know the La Tomatina Festival has begun.
It all started with a trivial fight between two young men in 1945. Since then, every last Wednesday of August, the town's streets turn into a real tomato battleground. The festival is held in three stages:
The festival opens unusually – the quickest and most skillful participant must climb a slippery pole to the top and grab a piece of ham. After this, the start of La Tomatina is announced.
The second stage is the most exciting – the tomato fights. They start at 11:00 and are broadcast on all TV channels. Some participants wear white clothing to highlight the red tomato stains.
The final stage involves cleanup activities. People wash the streets, buildings, and themselves. Such an energy release relieves stress and tension, bringing a sense of ease and calm.
But the festival doesn't end there. Although the tomato fight is the most anticipated part, the celebration continues. It lasts for another week with performances, music, dancing, and fireworks. This tradition has been adopted by several other cities in different countries.
Seoul Lantern Festival, South Korea
The annual Lantern Festival is held in South Korea's capital at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. Until 2022, it was located near the Cheonggyecheon Stream but later moved to the iconic Gwanghwamun Square. The date has also changed – now the event will start in December. But until these changes take effect, let's get acquainted with the more familiar version of the festival.
Some inexperienced tourists confuse the Seoul Lantern Festival with the Lotus Lantern Festival. It's not surprising, as both events take place in Seoul and involve lanterns. The difference is that the Lotus Lantern Festival is celebrated in May and dedicated to different events, while the new festival takes place in autumn-winter.
The Lantern Festival doesn't have as deep roots as its twin. It began only in 2009. However, it was not without controversy. The city of Jinju accused the Seoul organizers of plagiarism since they have a similar festival dedicated to soldiers who died in battle at Jinju Fortress in 1593. This memorial day has been celebrated since 2000, justifying the refusal of Seoul's event.
As a result, the parties agreed to rename the festivals. The festival in Seoul continues to flourish, attracting even more guests. If you want to see a bright row of over 35,000 lanterns along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, come and enjoy the sight, then participate in fairs and other festivities.
By the way, the Lantern Festival is dedicated to the unity of brotherly countries: South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Japan. The lanterns are crafted to reflect the country they belong to.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
Want to step into a real fairy tale? Then head to Albuquerque, New Mexico. On two hundred acres of land, real magic begins. The event starts in October and lasts for 9 days. Many people come to see this event. It's worth booking tickets in advance as they quickly sell out to tourists from all over the world.
The popular airshow has been held for over 40 years. Each participant tries to outdo the others. They use all possible technical resources. Additionally, a lot of creativity is needed to make their hot air balloon stand out. The organizers do not limit the teams in any way. Therefore, you can see various shapes in the sky:
Superheroes and cartoon characters
Balloons in the form of the sun, beer cans, food
Aliens, various monsters
Motor vehicles, carriages, and much more
Hot air balloons slowly ascend into the sky and stay up for a while. Up to 800 balloons participate each day. Admission to the grounds is paid, but the fee is symbolic. Children under 12 years old get in for free. Besides the airshow, there are various festivities, fairs, carnivals, and music.
The drone light show, which starts at 5:45 am, is particularly spectacular. Later, the "Dawn Patrol" takes off, and at 7:00, the event officially opens. There are entertainment competitions in chainsaw carving and an auction of finished products. The bravest perform parachute jumps, and everything concludes in the evening with fireworks.
By the way, when the airshow was first held in 1972, only 13 balloons ascended. Today, it's more challenging to get to the event as hundreds of enthusiasts line up, and each aeronaut's participation is arranged in advance.
Conclusion
Any festival is not just a celebration and fun. It brings people together, allows finding like-minded individuals, relieving stress, and gaining new impressions. Many countries host such cultural events connected to traditions and history. It's another opportunity to promote one's country and attract tourists.
Many festivals require serious preparation and organization. Tourists enjoy the spectacles and participate in them. Whether it's the beer Oktoberfest or tomato fights, each event has its unique charm, which is best experienced firsthand by attending the celebration.