BEST FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD (FROM FESTIVAL LOVERS!)

Festivals are a great way to experience a destination in a unique and different way. And with several hundred festivals around the world every month – there’s plenty to choose from! This post is a world festival calendar and puts together a collection of The Best Festivals In The World, featuring 3 (or more!) festivals for each month of the year. Whether you’re looking for the best cultural experiences, the glamor of a film festival, or the excitement of a music festival – there’s something here for everyone. (And if you got here via our Best Festivals in the World web story according to visit us

WAKAKUSA YAMAYAKI (JAPAN)

The name of the festival literally means ‚Grilled Mountain‘ and on Saturday 4th January every year, the dead grass on the hillsides of Mount Wakakusayama is set on fire – but not until after an epic fireworks display. There are two theories of the evolution of festivals.

The first claims that the burning of the mountainside began during a border conflict between Nara’s great temples (Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji), while another claims that the fire was used to drive away wild boars. Once set on fire, the mountain can burn for up to an hour and because of the height of the mountain, it can be seen from anywhere in the city.

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL (USA)

Sundance is North America’s most famous independent film festival, appealing to non-conformist and rebellious film directors who don’t want to conform to Hollywood rules. Located in a relatively small town, first-time visitors may be surprised by the lack of glamor at the screening venue, but there is a certain buzz about sitting in an old theater watching a mold-strewn indie film and sitting next to an actor about to watch . achieve super fame. If you like tense, powerful films, Sundance might be just what you’re looking for.

CARNIVALE IN VENEZIA (ITALY)

I’ve been traveling around Italy in pursuit of festivals for several years, and the Venice Carnival is one of my all-time favorites. During the day, it’s fun to wander the city’s ancient streets surrounded by people in 18th century costumes – you’ll feel as if you’ve just plunged into the Eyes Wide Shut. Make sure you try to stay away from the busy streets around San Marco Square – the Cannaregio and Dorsoduro areas offer great options for partying with the locals, especially in the evenings when most day-trippers leave.

SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL (TAIWAN)

According to the elders of Pingxi, the Sky Lantern Festival originated in the Xing Dynasty, more than two thousand years ago. At that time, gangs of criminals often raided villages in the lowlands, forcing residents to flee to the mountains. Village guards used “fire balloons” as signals to tell residents that their homes were safe again and when those hiding in the hills saw the flames in the sky, they knew it was time to go home.

RIO CARNIVAL (BRAZIL)

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a festival held before Lent every year and is considered the largest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets. Rio’s typical carnival parade is filled with revelers, floats, and jewelry from the various samba schools located in Rio.