10 Biggest Festivals in the World: Find Out If Indian Festivals Made the List
Festivals are the heartbeat of cultures across the globe, offering a vibrant blend of traditions, music, food, and community spirit. From religious ceremonies to cultural carnivals, the world’s biggest festivals attract millions of visitors each year. These iconic celebrations not only showcase heritage but also unite people in joy and togetherness. Interestingly, India proudly secures a spot on this global list with its world-famous festivals like Diwali and Holi.
Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Rio Carnival is often described as the largest street party in the world. With samba dancers, dazzling floats, and extravagant parades, Rio bursts into life every year. This cultural extravaganza welcomes millions of tourists, making it one of the most spectacular festivals globally.
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
Known as the world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest in Munich is a two-week celebration of Bavarian culture. Visitors enjoy authentic German cuisine, folk music, and traditional costumes like lederhosen and dirndls - all while raising giant mugs of beer in true festive spirit.
Diwali – Festival of Lights, India
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most beloved celebrations. Symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, families decorate their homes with lamps, burst firecrackers, and share sweets. Diwali also attracts global attention, making it one of the most celebrated festivals in the world.
Also Read: Durga Puja 2025 Calendar: When is Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami? Check 5-Day Festival Schedule
Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a dazzling carnival filled with music, parades, masquerade balls, and colourful beads. Jazz rhythms echo through the city as locals and tourists join in the festivities, making it one of America’s most vibrant cultural events.
La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina is the world’s biggest food fight, where thousands gather in Buñol, Spain, to hurl tomatoes at each other. This quirky, fun-filled festival is less about tradition and more about laughter, energy, and creating unforgettable memories.
Holi – Festival of Colours, India
Holi is India’s iconic Festival of Colours, celebrated with music, sweets, and bursts of powdered colours. It marks the arrival of spring and is a joyous reminder of love, unity, and positivity. Holi has gained global popularity, with people around the world embracing its vibrant spirit.
Chinese New Year – China
The Chinese New Year is one of the grandest celebrations in Asia. With dragon dances, lantern displays, fireworks, and family feasts, it marks the start of the lunar calendar. Each year honours a zodiac animal, making it culturally rich and deeply symbolic.
Also Read: Which Countries Are the Top 10 Most Peaceful in the World in 2025?
Songkran – Thailand
Thailand’s Songkran Festival is a lively water festival that celebrates the Thai New Year. Symbolising purification and renewal, locals and tourists splash water on each other while also engaging in temple visits and traditional rituals. The streets transform into giant water parties, attracting visitors worldwide.
Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan
Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, celebrates the blooming of sakura trees. Families and friends gather under pink blossoms for picnics, cultural events, and music. This festival beautifully symbolises rebirth, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life, making it a global attraction.
Glastonbury Festival – United Kingdom
The Glastonbury Festival in Somerset is among the world’s most famous music festivals. Featuring legendary performers across rock, pop, and electronic genres, it draws massive crowds of music lovers. Its electric atmosphere cements it as a must-experience global event.
Why These Festivals Are the World’s Biggest
The biggest festivals in the world are not just about tradition or religion - they are about connection, cultural exchange, and celebration. From India’s colourful Holi to Brazil’s extravagant Carnival, these events showcase how festivals unite people across boundaries, spreading joy and cultural richness on a global scale.
Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Rio Carnival is often described as the largest street party in the world. With samba dancers, dazzling floats, and extravagant parades, Rio bursts into life every year. This cultural extravaganza welcomes millions of tourists, making it one of the most spectacular festivals globally.
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
Known as the world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest in Munich is a two-week celebration of Bavarian culture. Visitors enjoy authentic German cuisine, folk music, and traditional costumes like lederhosen and dirndls - all while raising giant mugs of beer in true festive spirit.
Diwali – Festival of Lights, India
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most beloved celebrations. Symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, families decorate their homes with lamps, burst firecrackers, and share sweets. Diwali also attracts global attention, making it one of the most celebrated festivals in the world.
Also Read: Durga Puja 2025 Calendar: When is Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami? Check 5-Day Festival Schedule
Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a dazzling carnival filled with music, parades, masquerade balls, and colourful beads. Jazz rhythms echo through the city as locals and tourists join in the festivities, making it one of America’s most vibrant cultural events.
La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina is the world’s biggest food fight, where thousands gather in Buñol, Spain, to hurl tomatoes at each other. This quirky, fun-filled festival is less about tradition and more about laughter, energy, and creating unforgettable memories.
Holi – Festival of Colours, India
Holi is India’s iconic Festival of Colours, celebrated with music, sweets, and bursts of powdered colours. It marks the arrival of spring and is a joyous reminder of love, unity, and positivity. Holi has gained global popularity, with people around the world embracing its vibrant spirit.
You may also like
- Head-on collision in north Afghanistan kills one, injures 11
BREAKING: Roksana Lecka: Evil nursery worker who attacked 21 babies in drug binge jailed- Legislative drafting soul of democracy, LS Speaker Birla tells Haryana lawmakers (Ld)
- 'You will see why we fight': QR code on Netanyahu's lapel links to October 7 footage at UN; claims hostages 'not forgotten'
Bobby Deol Denies To Comment On Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Filmmaking Style, “I Don't Think….”
Chinese New Year – China
The Chinese New Year is one of the grandest celebrations in Asia. With dragon dances, lantern displays, fireworks, and family feasts, it marks the start of the lunar calendar. Each year honours a zodiac animal, making it culturally rich and deeply symbolic.
Also Read: Which Countries Are the Top 10 Most Peaceful in the World in 2025?
Songkran – Thailand
Thailand’s Songkran Festival is a lively water festival that celebrates the Thai New Year. Symbolising purification and renewal, locals and tourists splash water on each other while also engaging in temple visits and traditional rituals. The streets transform into giant water parties, attracting visitors worldwide.
Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan
Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, celebrates the blooming of sakura trees. Families and friends gather under pink blossoms for picnics, cultural events, and music. This festival beautifully symbolises rebirth, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life, making it a global attraction.
Glastonbury Festival – United Kingdom
The Glastonbury Festival in Somerset is among the world’s most famous music festivals. Featuring legendary performers across rock, pop, and electronic genres, it draws massive crowds of music lovers. Its electric atmosphere cements it as a must-experience global event.
Why These Festivals Are the World’s Biggest
The biggest festivals in the world are not just about tradition or religion - they are about connection, cultural exchange, and celebration. From India’s colourful Holi to Brazil’s extravagant Carnival, these events showcase how festivals unite people across boundaries, spreading joy and cultural richness on a global scale.
Navratri 2025
More from our partners
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
