7 Festivals From Around The World That You Cannot Miss

Posted on: Jul 8, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

7 Festivals From Around The World That You Cannot Miss

Adding these festivals to your itinerary will offer you an unforgettable travel experience. But before you embark on this international adventure, remember to secure travel insurance. International travel insurance can safeguard you against unexpected events, ensuring a smooth and colourful journey.

Here's a glimpse at some of the most dazzling top festivals in the world, guaranteed to leave you mesmerized:

1. Day of the Dead, Mexico

Venture beyond the realm of the spooky and step into the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Held every year on November 1st and 2nd, this isn't a mourning occasion, but a joyous reunion with deceased loved ones. Cemeteries transform into a riot of colour, adorned with marigolds (believed to guide spirits home) and sugar skulls, a playful representation of death. Families gather to create intricate altars laden with offerings and photos, keeping the memories of their ancestors alive. Witness vibrant parades featuring giant Catrinas (skeletal figures representing death), savour traditional pan de muerto (bread of the dead) with its sweet anise flavour, and experience a cultural celebration unlike any other.

Travel Tip: While the festivities are lively and welcoming, remember to be respectful of the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead. Avoid dressing up in costumes that could be seen as insensitive.

2. La Tomatina, Spain

If you're looking for a truly unique and messy experience, head to Buñol, Spain, for the La Tomatina festival. Held on the last Wednesday of August, this food fight extravaganza throws red in a whole new light. Participants engage in a massive tomato brawl, hurling squashed tomatoes at each other for an hour. Prepare to get drenched in red pulp and embrace the playful chaos! Remember, while participation is free, some events within the festival might require tickets. Make sure to check with organisers beforehand to get international travel insurance and factor this into your travel budget.

Travel Tip: This energetic festival attracts large crowds. If you're not a fan of tight spaces, consider arriving early to secure a good spot on the sidelines. Additionally, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting messy.

3. Hanami, Japan

Step into a world of delicate beauty with Hanami, the Japanese cherry blossom festival. Held between late March and early April, Hanami celebrates the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Parks become a mesmerising canvas of pastel pinks and whites as friends, families, and colleagues gather under the blossoming trees for picnics, sake, and contemplation. International travel insurance can provide peace of mind during this time, as unpredictable spring weather can sometimes cause flight delays. Consider booking your flights and accommodations well in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak bloom times.

Travel Tip: The best spots for Hanami can get crowded, especially on weekends. Research popular parks in advance and be prepared to arrive early to secure a good spot.

4. Mardi Gras, New Orleans

Indulge in the infectious revelry of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. This week-long pre-Lenten celebration culminates on Fat Tuesday with a parade extravaganza. Beads in vibrant colours, along with doubloons (gold-coloured plastic coins), are thrown from elaborately decorated floats, and costumed revellers dance to the infectious rhythms of brass bands. Mardi Gras is a sensory overload of music, costumes, and uninhibited fun. While travel insurance might not cover catching beads, it can protect you against other unforeseen circumstances during your trip, such as medical emergencies or lost luggage.

Travel Tip: Mardi Gras is a major tourist draw, so expect large crowds and inflated prices for flights and accommodations. Booking well in advance is crucial. Familiarise yourself with parade routes and choose your viewing spot based on your preferences. If you want to be in the thick of the action, be prepared to stand for long periods. For a more relaxed experience, consider spots further away from the main routes.

5. Chinese New Year, China

Usher in the new lunar year with the dazzling displays of Chinese New Year. Celebrated in late January or early February, this two-week-long festival explodes with colour and tradition. Cities are adorned with red lanterns and vibrant decorations. Lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and elaborate parades fill the streets with energy. Lucky red envelopes containing money are exchanged, and families gather for reunion dinners. International travel insurance can be especially useful during this peak travel season, as flights and accommodations tend to be more expensive. Additionally, it can provide peace of mind in case of travel disruptions due to large crowds.

Travel Tip: Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, so tourist attractions might be busier than usual. Consider planning your sightseeing around parades and cultural events. If you're interested in experiencing traditional festivities, some families welcome visitors to witness their reunion dinners, but it's important to be respectful and arrange this beforehand.

6. Rio de Janiero Carnival, Brazil

Immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. Held before Lent, this five-day extravaganza is a dazzling spectacle of samba, costumes, and music. Samba schools compete in elaborate parades, showcasing dazzling floats, vibrant costumes adorned with feathers and sequins, and pulsating rhythms that will leave you breathless. Travel insurance is highly recommended during Carnival, as large crowds and high demand for services can lead to unexpected situations, such as lost belongings or medical emergencies.

Travel Tip: Book your flights and accommodations well in advance, as Carnival is a major tourist attraction. Consider purchasing tickets for the Sambadrome, the official parade venue, to witness the dazzling displays up close. If you're on a budget, there are also free street parties throughout the city.

Conclusion

These are just a taste of the many colourful festivals that take place around the world. International travel insurance can be a valuable asset, offering peace of mind and protection against unexpected events. So, pack your bags, choose your festival adventure, and get ready to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of colours, cultures, and traditions!

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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