Festivals Celebrating Humanity
Light, music, art, dance, and even nature bring people together in these culturally beautiful festivals. After all, nothing compares to the experience of watching cities turn into living galleries of human creativity and in-grained tradition.
Carnival Of Venice, Italy
Take a trip to Venice every February if you want to experience a mix of mystery and history. The Carnival has its roots in 1162 when the Venetian Republic celebrated defeating the Patriarch of Aquileia. Masks are the central element during these festivities.
Carnival Of Venice, Italy (Cont.)
The Carnival usually happens in February, starting about two weeks before Ash Wednesday and wraps up on Shrove Tuesday, which is Mardi Gras. One of the highlights is the contest for la maschera più bella, or the most beautiful mask.
The Most Spectacular Moments of Venice Carnival 2024 by Stef & Bo
Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan
The tradition of releasing sky lanterns began during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) in China, where they were used for military signaling. Today, writing wishes and prayers on these lanterns before releasing them has become a custom.
Taiwanese flock to Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival | AFP by AFP News Agency
Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan (Cont.)
The best part is when everyone releases their lanterns at the same time; it creates a stunning constellation against the dark mountains. The event is mostly held in areas such as Shifen Sky Lantern Square, Jingtong, and Pingxi.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
Japan turns into a pink paradise when the cherry blossoms bloom all over. The cherry blossom, or sakura, symbolizes renewal, beauty, and the transient nature of life. At night, the trees are lit up by lanterns for Yozakura, which is a night viewing experience.
Yoshikazu TAKADA CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan (Cont.)
Another tradition called hanami, meaning “flower viewing,” involves assembling underneath the cherry trees to relish their beauty and celebrate. One of the most popular spots for viewing, with over 1,000 cherry trees, is Ueno Park, Tokyo.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rio Carnival, Brazil
This is a non-stop celebration with over 200 samba schools battling it out at the Sambadrome. Each school brings along many performers decked out in hand-made costumes weighing pounds. In 2024, it took place from February 9 to February 17.
Rio Brazil Carnival 2024: the Biggest party on the planet! By the Brazil Show
Rio Carnival, Brazil (Cont.)
On top of the big parade, there are street parties called blocos that pull in party-goers. And let’s not forget, King Momo is the one who kicks off all the fun. The origins of the Rio Carnival go back to 1641, initially resembling the masquerades of Paris.
Fernando Frazão, CC BY 3.0 BR, Wikimedia Commons
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico
As dawn breaks over New Mexico’s desert, numerous hot air balloons get ready to take off. You’ll see fun shapes, such as giant penguins or even Darth Vader’s head, floating in the sky. The first Balloon Fiesta was held in 1972 with just 13 balloons.
Eric Ward from Provo, Wikimedia Commons
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico (Cont.)
It’s known as America’s Most Photographed Event and covers 365 acres, with launch coordinators, or “zebras”, making sure everything goes smoothly. America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race takes place here where gas balloons compete to reach the farthest.
John Fowler from Placitas, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Diwali, India
You know it’s the “Festival Of Lights” when you see plenty of clay diyas (oil lamps) flicker on windowsills and doorsteps. In Varanasi, the holy ghats by the Ganges River turn into a beautiful sight as 100,000 oil lamps flicker and float downstream like a river of flames.
Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Diwali, India (Cont.)
The festival basically symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The word Diwali is from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights”. At night, the sky is filled with fireworks while family and friends exchange sweets and gifts.
Sriram Jagannathan, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vivid Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s landmarks become massive canvases during this 23-day night spectacle. The Sydney Opera House sails dance with animated projections visible from miles away. Similarly, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is also illuminated with creative light installations.
Adam.J.W.C., CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Vivid Sydney, Australia (Cont.)
Each year, Vivid Sydney has a main theme that guides the artistic direction of the festival. For 2024, the theme was “Humanity”, which focused on love, kindness, compassion, and creativity. In 2009, the festival was officially inaugurated.
Vivid Sydney 2024 - Top spots of Vivid, music, lights & food by Traveleat
Festival Of Lights, Berlin, Germany
The festival displays light artworks spread across more than 50 landmarks and buildings in Berlin. Famous places like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin TV Tower turn into artistic pieces. This debuted in 2008 with the Flames of Water light fountain spectacle.
Matthias Trautsch, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Festival Of Lights, Berlin, Germany (Cont.)
The 2024 theme for the festival was on “Celebrating Freedom”. It aimed to commemorate significant historical events like the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Festival Of Lights takes place in the months of September to October and starts around 7 PM every night and runs till 11 PM.
Festival of Lights 2024 | Berliner Dom by Festival of Lights
Jokkmokk Winter Market, Sweden
Established in 1605, this market has over 400 years of tradition, originally initiated by King Karl XI to regulate trade and collect taxes in the region. The market now serves as a vital meeting point for the Sami people, the region’s indigenous population.
Jokkmokk Winter Market, Sweden (Cont.)
Visitors enjoy activities, such as Reindeer races, Sami food tastings (reindeer stew), and Fashion parades of traditional Sami clothing. The Jokkmokk Winter Market usually begins on the first Thursday in February yearly. In 2025, it will be from the 3rd to the 9th of February.
Skogsfrun, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lumiere Festival, Durham And London, UK
This fiesta made its London debut in January 2016, with light art installations set up in places like Piccadilly Circus, Grosvenor Square, and King’s Cross. Back in 2013, it featured a brilliant 3D projection of a walking elephant on the Elvet Bridge.
Brian Minkoff- London Pixels, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lumiere Festival, Durham And London, UK (Cont.)
In Durham, Lumiere began in 2009, inspired by the Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France. It’s put together by Artichoke, a creative company from London. In November 2023, it displayed over 40 installations and works from Ai Weiwei and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
Lumiere Festival Durham 2023 by Lakes & Fells
Fête Des Lumières, Lyon, France
This event is held annually around December 8, overlapping with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It started in 1852 when locals put candles on their windowsills to celebrate the Virgin Mary. The festival exhibits numerous artistic light installations.
Dmitry Djouce, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fête Des Lumières, Lyon, France (Cont.)
A central tradition involves placing small lanterns called lumignons (candles in glass holders) in windows and on balconies. These candles symbolize solidarity and unity among the people of Lyon. Iconic locations include the Basilica of Fourvière and Place des Terreaux.
Florian Pépellin, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
Lake Geneva literally comes alive during this music festival. The extravaganza was launched in 1967 by Claude Nobs, along with Géo Voumard and René Langel, with support from Atlantic Records’ Ahmet. It takes place on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland.
Schaer Chris, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland (Cont.)
Over the years, it has hosted legendary artists such as Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Prince, Nina Simone, and many more. The first ever festival went on for three days with performances from big names like Charles Lloyd and Nina Simone.
Montreux Jazz Festival 2021 – Best of week 2 by Montreux Jazz Festival
Dubai Shopping Festival Fireworks And Light Shows, UAE
At this event, 3D images made by synchronized drones light up the desert sky. The 2024 edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival will run from December 6, 2024, to January 12, 2025. It celebrates shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences in Dubai.
Spectacular 2023 Dubai Shopping Festival Drone Show by Squidpaws
Dubai Shopping Festival Fireworks And Light Shows, UAE (Cont.)
The festival is set to feature twice-daily drone shows at 8 PM and 10 PM at locations such as Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. Also, fireworks usually set up Dubai’s skyline every night around 8:30 PM at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Festival Of Lanterns, Shanghai, China
The Yuyuan Lantern Show, which takes place in Yuyuan Garden, presents a diverse collection of lanterns themed around dragons, which is important for the Chinese zodiac year 2024. Traditional activities like the Lion and Dragon Dance also happen.
North sea deamer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Festival Of Lanterns, Shanghai, China (Cont.)
The Festival of Lanterns is celebrated on the 15th date of the first month of the lunar calendar. It underlines reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness and marks the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Some lanterns are also adorned with riddles.
North sea deamer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Light Night Leeds, UK
Every October, the old Victorian arcades glow with projections that tell stories from the city’s industrial past. The 2024 edition was considered special because it celebrated the 20th anniversary of Light Night Leeds. One standout display was “The Museum Of The Moon”.
Light Night Leeds 2024, Monad by Anastasia Isachsen, Leeds Dock. by RGfilms
Light Night Leeds, UK (Cont.)
It gave Leeds Dock a surreal blue light. In 2005, Light Night Leeds made its debut as a component of the Illuminate Cultural Festival, which took place around the region. It was largely influenced by the Nuit Blanche model from Europe.
Carl Milner, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UK
Here is a celebration of folk, roots, and world music held in Glasgow. The main venue is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, but events also take place at the Old Fruitmarket, City Halls, and Barrowland Ballroom. Colin Hynd founded the festival in 1994.
Tony2Times, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UK (Cont.)
This was mainly to fill a scheduling gap in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s post-Christmas period. The house band usually has Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, and the trio of Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, and John Doyle performing together.
The Laurettes Live at Celtic Connections - New Song 'Burn' by The Laurettes
Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, UK (Cont.)
Also, in February 2004, Robin Cook MP awarded Celtic Connections the “Good Tradition Award” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. This was in honor of the organization’s outstanding contribution to traditional music and culture.
A Banda das Crechas & Tanxugueiras - Glasgow 2017 by jon scullard
Festival International Cervantino, Guanajuato, Mexico
This one began in 1972 as a small gathering to celebrate the work of Miguel de Cervantes, the well-known Spanish writer behind “Don Quixote”. Every edition features a guest country along with a guest state from Mexico to highlight their cultural contributions.
Cecygdl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Festival International Cervantino, Guanajuato, Mexico (Cont.)
For example, in 2024, the guest countries were Oaxaca and Brazil. You will find a couple of performances here, ranging from theater, visual arts, dance, music (classical and contemporary), and even literature-based ones. The festival is otherwise widely known as El Cervatino.
SONES DE BETAZA en el festival CERVANTINO 2024 by Edwin Rosales
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
This event flaunts hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, including massive structures exceeding 25 meters wide and 15 meters high. By 1955, the Japan Self-Defense Forces joined in to build large snow sculptures, establishing the festival’s reputation.
t-konno, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan (Cont.)
The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is a winter function held annually in Sapporo, Japan, known for its exceptional snow and ice sculptures. The festival began in 1950 when local high school students created snow statues in Odori Park.
U.S. Navy photo by William J. Turnbull, Wikimedia Commons
Teuila Festival, Samoa
This true celebration of the Samoan people takes place in early September. The main events are held in Apia, the capital of Samoa, particularly at Matagialalua Friendship Park. Teuila Festival is named after the Teuila flower, also known as red ginger.
Samoa Teuila Festival 2011 by Tagata Pasifika
Teuila Festival, Samoa (Cont.)
Traditional dances such as Mauluulu (a seated dance), Sasa (a group dance), Faataupati (slap dance), Taualuga (the final dance performed by the chief) and Siva Ailao Afi (fire knife dance) are performed during the celebration.
TEUILA FESTIVAL 2023-Highlights - (September 8th 2023.) by Government of Samoa
Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia
The Bali Arts Festival aims to show the rich diversity of Balinese art, music, dance, and literature. For 2024, the theme was “Jana Kerthi Paramaguna Wikrama,” which translates to “Uplifting Human Dignity and Excellence”. Sendratari, a theatrical work, is also performed.
Bawa Keindahan Seni Sarawak Ke Mata Dunia : Bali Art Festival 2024 | TVS by TVS
Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia (Cont.)
Since 1979, this month-long celebration has personified Bali’s artistic heritage at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre. It opens with a grand parade at Bajra Sandhi Monument and has performances of rare classical Balinese dances such as Barong and Kecak.
One month-long Bali Arts Festival kicks off with multicultural parade by The Jakarta Post
Mid-Autumn Festival, China
It is also referred to as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. During this festival, families come together to enjoy meals and appreciate the full moon. Lanterns of all shapes and dimensions are illuminated and displayed. This is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.
doctorho, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Luminara Di San Ranieri, Pisa, Italy
The Luminara di San Ranieri is a festival held annually in Pisa, Italy, in order to honor the city’s patron saint, San Ranieri. The tradition dates back to 1688, when the urn containing the relics of San Ranieri was placed in a chapel in the Pisa Cathedral.
Sailko, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Luminara Di San Ranieri, Pisa, Italy (Cont.)
This event inspired the first illumination of the city. Many candles are placed in transparent glasses and arranged on wooden frames along the Lungarni (the riversides). In addition to candles on land, floating candles are released into the Arno River.
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