Festivals
Events
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Naadam Festival
Naadam is a traditional festival marking Mongolia's independence from China. The 3-day holiday blends traditional arts and sports with wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions. Learn more here.
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Festival of Giants, France
During the beginning of July, the north of France celebrates Fêtes de Gayant (Festival of Giants). Most northern cities have a patron giant that is said to protect the city and its people. Carried through the streets, these giants are made of wood and measure between six and eight and a half meters in length…
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Kanto Matsuri, Japan
The Kanto Festival is an annual event held every year in Akita City, Japan. Eight-meter tall bamboo poles decorated with hanging lanterns are balanced by performers on their foreheads or lower backs. The lanterns are decorated to resemble bags of rice. This is a time for people to pray for a good harvest.
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Spicemas Festival, Grenada
Spicemas Festival is Grenada’s vibrant annual carnival, celebrated in early August. It blends African, French, and Caribbean traditions in a colorful display of culture, music, and community spirit.
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Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scotland's capital hosts the largest performing arts festival in the world. Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place annually in the month of August and is open to anyone, with any type of performance.
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Obon Festival, Japan
Obon or Bon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return to visit during this time, so families visit the graves and make food offerings at altars and temples. Chochin (paper lanterns) are hung to guide the spirits.
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The Hungry Ghost Festival, China
The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated during the month-long Ghost Month (August 13 - September 11, 2026). It is one of several traditional festivals in China to worship ancestors. It is believed that on this night, many lost and hungry ghosts come to visit the living. Families honor these spirits by offering food, burning incense…
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Double Seventh Festival
The Double Seventh Festival, also known as Qixi Festival or Chinese Valentine's Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It originates from a romantic legend about the love between a weaver girl (Zhīnǚ) and a cowherd (Niúláng), who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed…
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La Tomatina, Spain
La Tomatina is a food fight festival held every year on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain. Thousands of people make their way from all over the world to throw over-ripe tomatoes in the streets.
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Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals occur annually all over the state of Hawaii. These festivals are celebrated to acknowledge and preserve the unique traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. The celebrations are enjoyed for the entire month of September.