Incredible festivals and events to experience in 2025
The year 2025 is just around the corner, and with it comes a plethora of incredible festivals and events that are sure to provide unforgettable experiences. From cultural celebrations to artistic displays, these events showcase the best of what our world has to offer. Here's a list of some must-see festivals and events in 2025:
1. Midsummer Day (Northern Hemisphere): Celebrated on June 21st, this traditional event is marked by dancing around a maypole, creating and wearing flower wreaths, and enjoying a feast of pickled herrings, potatoes, salmon, breads, and accompaniments. Experience the magic of Midsummer Day in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, or any other country that embraces this festive occasion.
2. Rio Carnival (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Held annually in February or March, the Rio Carnival is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and colorful parades. Witness the incredible samba schools competing for the title of best performance, and join in on the street parties that make this event one of the most famous carnivals in the world.
3. La Tomatina (Buñol, Spain): This unique festival takes place on the last Wednesday of August every year. Thousands of participants gather in the town of Buñol to throw tomatoes at each other in a massive food fight. Join the fun and get covered in colorful, juicy tomatoes!
4. Diwali (India): This five-day festival of lights begins in late October or early November. Celebrate the triumph of good over evil with vibrant decorations, lanterns, and fireworks. Experience the beauty of Diwali through traditional dances, music, and mouthwatering sweets that symbolize prosperity and happiness.
5. Semana Santa (Spain): Taking place in March or April, Semana Santa is a week-long religious observance that commemorates the Passion of Christ. Witness intricate processions with statues, floats, and penitents dressed in traditional garments. This solemn and spiritual event is a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture.
6. Burning Man (Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA): Held annually in August, this unique event brings together artists, performers, and enthusiasts to create an entire temporary city in the desert. Participants build their own shelters, known as "tents," and engage in creative expression through art installations, workshops, and performances.
7. Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Edinburgh, Scotland): Running throughout August, this month-long event is the world's largest arts festival, featuring theater, comedy, dance, and music performances. Discover up-and-coming talent alongside established artists, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Scotland's capital city during this cultural extravaganza.
8. Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany): Celebrated from late September to early October, this world-famous festival is all about beer, food, and fun. Enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes and dance to the sounds of oompah bands while sipping on steins of delicious German beer.
9. Lantern Festival (Taipei, Taiwan): Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this stunning festival sees millions of colorful lanterns illuminating the night sky. Participate in this ancient tradition by releasing a floating lantern into the air as a symbol of letting go of your worries and hopes for the future.
10. New Year's Eve Celebrations (Across the World): Ring in the new year at one of these amazing global celebrations, from the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City to the fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. Experience the excitement and hope of a new beginning as you join millions of people around the world in welcoming a fresh start.
These incredible festivals and events are just a taste of what 2025 has in store for travelers. Join an Avalon Waterways river cruise, or a Globus or Cosmos tour in 2025 to experience these once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.