November 28, 2024
Traditional festivalsand cultural events in different countries are the highlights that can make a trip truly memorable. In the past, travelers often went to unique cultural events on purpose, such as world music festivals or national holidays in various countries. Nowadays, the abundance of such events allows you to seamlessly incorporate them into almost any itinerary.
Festivals and holidays for tourists have become an essential part of what we call event tourism. They serve as a link between the local population and their visitors, which is crucial for promoting open borders and fostering a deeper connection between people.
Why Attend Traditional Festivals while Traveling?
Participating in traditional festivals allows you to learn more about the culture of the region, while at the same time the festivals fit well with the idea of vacation that most tourists travel to another country for.
Cultural events in travel can include a wide range of activities: music festivals, traditional festivals of the region, food festivals that are becoming more popular, colorful masquerades, and even new ideas like the Festival of Lights in Japan, based on modern illumination in a light show. Booking participation in festivals can be a highlight of a travel plan, and in almost every country in the world there is an event to attend if you find out about it in advance.
Below, we have compiled a list of the most colorful activities you can participate in during your travels. Alternatively, you can choose from a range of traditional events for tourists in different countries to make your trip an unforgettable one.
Top Traditional Holidays in Various Countries
1. The Tulip Festival, Istanbul
The Tulip Festival takes place at the end of April in the heart of Istanbul. For this event, millions of flowers are planted throughout the city, creating a truly captivating scene. This festival symbolizes the coming of spring and is a must-see for those who love colorful shows and those who just want to take in the unique beauty of the cityscape. Every year, the festival attracts millions of tourists, so if you’re planning to attend, it’s best to book your spot in advance.
2. Vardavar, Armenia
Vardavar is an annual holiday that is celebrated on the 98th day of Easter. It symbolizes the end of the Flood. According to legend, on this day, Noah and his family were able to leave the Ark. In honor of this event, participants in the celebration pour water on each other on special platforms in the center of Yerevan. This holiday is very cheerful and will be a delight for all tourists who enjoy spending time with the locals.
3. The Camel Festival in the UAE
The unique desert festival, where camels have long been the main attraction, has become one of the most interesting in a list of traditional mass entertainment events in different countries. The festival is held every year in early April. The main event is camel racing, but during the cultural program, you can learn a lot about the crafts and ancient traditions of the Arabs.
4. Songkran, Thailand
Songkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated in the middle of April. This holiday is quite unusual, as it differs from all other similar celebrations of the beginning of the year by its vibrant carnival atmosphere. The highlight of the show is water fights, which both children and adults engage in using water pistols. For travelers, Songkran is not only one of the most exciting cultural events, but also an opportunity to have fun.
How to Find and Book Participation in Cultural Events
Nowadays, it’s easy to book cultural events using up-to-date online services.
The Puzzle Trip is a platform that aggregates all the best offers in event tourism, tours, and itineraries you can easily add to your travel plan.
You can find festivals or holidays for almost any time of year and any destination. Booking a program for the event makes your visit more organized and eventful.
Tips for Planning a Trip to a Cultural Event:
- Plan to attend the events in advance as they attract many guests from around the world.
- Use guided programs to help you enjoy the holidays from a better perspective and see the highlights.
- Sometimes, the number of participants can be really large, and attending a celebration can be difficult from an organizational point of view. If you’re not sure how to plan a trip to a cultural event with millions of participants, you can start with smaller festivals. They take place in large numbers all over the world almost all year round.
- Even on a regular trip, don’t miss the opportunity to see festivals and celebrations. They are very exciting, and to find them, you just need to learn about traditions of the region you plan to visit beforehand.
The tips for booking cultural events would be incomplete without the most important one: try to participate in such festivals not just as a spectator! It fills you with emotions, gives you a vivid experience, and stays in your memory for a long time.
Tourism becomes truly eventful when you participate in festivals and celebrations!