Top International Festivals to Experience While Traveling in 2025

Posted on: Mar 6, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Top International Festivals to Experience While Traveling in 2025

2025 is likely to be the year of festivals. As humans step into the new year, several cities are celebrating numerous festivals, making it the perfect time to attend. From their cultural tapestries to music and so much more, these international celebrations are to offer it all.

Travelers and adventure seekers are on the edge of experiencing something extraordinary this year with the vast array of festivals that are to be hosted. These festivals and international celebrations showcase the destination’s creativity, culture, traditions, and so much more. However, amidst all this, it is essential to indulge in the best celebrations safely.

If you're planning to travel to any of these destinations during the festivals, make sure to get travel insurance online. The insurance is going to protect you in case anything goes haywire.

Top Festivals to Experience in 2025

This year, you must not miss out on the beauty of experiencing festivals from different cultures and cities. Each of these festivals that you attend is likely to make your trip an experience worth remembering.

Here are some of the top festivals you must be attending in 2025:

1. Lunar New Year, Hong Kong City (January 29 to January 31)

2025 is going to be the Year of the Snake in Chinese Culture, and Hong Kong City is ready to welcome it. The streets of Hong Kong City are going to be bustling with lion dances, red lanterns, and other festivities. The New Year festivities in Hong Kong City are going to be marked by grand fireworks and extravagant feasts.

The Chinese New Year Parade at the Tsim Sha Tsui area is definitely the highlight of the festivities. If you're planning to travel to Hong Kong City to witness this, you will have to get your tickets for the spectator stand from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centre in Kowloon. As for the fireworks, you must visit Victoria Harbour to witness them on the second day of the celebrations.

2. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany (September 20 to October 5)

Do you love chugging down a huge glass of beer? If yes, then Oktoberfest to be held in Munich should be on your list of must-visit destinations. Oktoberfest is indeed one of the biggest beer festivals to be held in the country with pretzels, beer steins, lederhosen and so much more. You just can’t miss out on this one of the most fun and adventurous festivals.

Oktoberfest’s history starts in 1810. Initially, it was started as a wedding celebration and to date the tradition is continued as a homage to Bavarian culture. When you’re visiting Oktoberfest, make sure to have your travel insurance online so that you don’t have to be worried about any of your belongings being permanently lost. Learn a bit of German, especially Prost when you’re finishing the huge glass of beer and enjoy with other fellow travellers.

3. Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul, South Korea (Late March to early April)

As the beautiful cherry blossoms start blooming, Seoul, South Korea, will be covered in pink. The calmness and beauty that these flowers bring about is something you won't ever forget. The Cherry Blossom Festival held in Seoul is known as beotkkot and often has several people coming together to witness the beauty.

At Yeouido Hangang Park, there are 2000 cherry festivals, where most people gather to witness this beauty. You can either visit the park or take a cruise trip on the Han River to explore this beauty. When you're visiting Seoul to experience the beautiful Cherry Blossom Festival, make sure to try the delicious and unique desserts such as the Onion Pickle Burger Cake made of sweet onion cream, American cheese, pickles in salty buns, and chocolate cake patties.

4. Carnevale, Venice, Italy (February 14 to March 4)

Carnevale is a one-of-its-kind masked event held in Venice, Italy, boasting of the rich culture, art, and beauty here. The elaborate costumes and intricate masks are one of the major attractions at the festival. The unique masks and decorations turn the entire city into something vibrant and very colourful.

Gliding through the narrow canals and pizzerias, you're likely to experience a lot of wonders here. If you're a photography enthusiast, you're going to have the time of your life here. Masquerade balls are held in the courtyard, and classical music is playing in the background. You must witness Volo dell' Angelo during your trip to watch the costumed figurines marking the opening of the festivals. These figurines come down on a zipline from the St. Mark’s Basilica Bell Tower.

5. WorldPride, Washington DC, United States (May 17 to June 8)

Colouring the entire city of Washington DC in rainbow, WorldPride might as well be one of the most grand and vibrant events to witness in 2025. The nation's capital is going to be a considerable point that marks the collision of cultures between the North and South of the United States.

The events calendar is packed here, and a wide range of events are hosted at Pennsylvania Avenue. Diversity is likely to be celebrated and brought forward with unique culinary experiences at the event. Some of the must-try dishes during your visit include pandan lattes, Ethiopian kitfo, blue-crab falafel, and hummus. Make sure to go drinking as well because you'd be surprised to try a lot of new things.

6. Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (February 28 to March 4)

It's time you get your overseas travel insurance and head straight to Rio de Janeiro to participate in Carnival. One of the most popular festivals hosted in Brazil, Carnival is often referred to as the largest party in the world. The best thing you'll experience here is the extravagant culture, such as samba parades and unique costumes.

Carnival is of significance in Catholic culture, where this is a pre-lent extravaganza before diving into 40 days of repentance. However, the rhythm and fun that you'll experience during this time are likely to sweep you off your feet for the coming few months. If you're visiting this festival for the first time, make sure to participate in the samba parades and experience the fun firsthand.

7. Songkran, Thailand (April 13 to April 15)

Held only for two days but leaves you with memories of a lifetime, Songkran in Thailand is definitely worth the visit. This is the perfect time to visit Thailand with your friends and family because of the fun experiences you're going to have. There's a nationwide water fight held with buckets of water where you can not only enjoy but also interact with fellow tourists.

According to Thai culture, water is considered to be a sign of purity. Therefore, holding this festival is a sign of washing away the sins and bad luck that one may be facing. Anyone who crosses your party during this festival time, you can soak them up, and they won't mind. So, make sure to always carry your water gun. Don't give into the boredom of dry clothes; be a part of fun and adventure with soaked clothes.

Conclusion

Numerous festivals are to be held all around the year in different parts of the globe. No matter which festivals you want to be a part of, you must always focus on your safety. For this, you must consider getting overseas travel insurance. So, irrespective of the destination you're travelling to, you're always protecting yourself. Thus, you can take part in all the fun and revelry with peace of mind.

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

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