Festivals & Events

This important Hindu festival takes place in the pretty pilgrimage town of Kataragama in the south of the island. On the day/night of the full moon in July (somtimes in August), devotees subject themselves to various ritual torture techniques in a bid to appease their deities. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but certainly an unforgettable spectacle.

The 150-year-old Ghost Festival in the small Taiwan town of Keelung runs throughout the 7th lunar month, commonly known as the ghost month. Thousands of tourists stream into town to see the ornately decorated streets and houses, whilst Buddhists pray for peace, pay homage to ancestors, offer small sacrifices, and release water lanterns.

Held in the southern city of Salalah, the Khareef festival is celebrated during monsoon season from mid-July to the end of August. During monsoon season, Salalah becomes a verdant paradise with an abundance of Frankincense trees, living up to its reputation as the perfume capital of the world. Music and dance performances from different regions, exhibition and sale of Omani handicrafts, food displays, concerts, carnival games and sporting events take place in town.

Known as Eid Al-Adha across the Arab world, Kurman-Ait is a Muslim holiday in Kyrgyzstan, occurring on the tenth day of the month of Dhul Hijja. Known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” this day marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca, and is often spent going to mosque before sacrificing a sheep and giving out meat.

This three-day festival held in Rabaul showcases Papua New Guinea’s instantly recognizable mask culture. Groups from across the region display their masks, provide musical performances and host fire dances. Organized by the Cultural Commission, there really is no better place to see such a wealth of masks on live display.

Moginakan festival has a special significance to the Kadazandusun Murut community as it marks the anniversary of their original settlement and the crowning of their leader, Huguan Siou. Members of the ethnic group and visitors from all over come to Ranau for the bazaar, sporting competitions and traditional performances.

Translating directly to "The Fire and Violence Festival," this notable celebration takes place in Noto Peninsula. Majestic kiriko lanterns light up the night sky. Brave men climb into the sea to light three torches as the pinnacle of the festival. Celebrated throughout the summer, this collection of festivals is a delight for the eyes.

Ranked among the most famous festivals in Tokyo as well as one of the three largest – the Sendai Tanabata Festival celebrates the colorful Shogun culture. Reminiscent of the Edo Period (1603 – 1867) visitors enjoy stepping back in time as they observe intricate floats and extravagant parades for two full days.

A vibrant cultural festival held in the rarely visited region of Shatili, Shatiloba takes place in the highlands region of Khevsureti near Chechnya, featuring horse races, traditional music, Georgian wrestling and folk dancers. Attended by very few outsiders, the rugged region is famous for its adventure sports. 

Celebrating Indonesia’s cultural, beautiful local fabric, the Solo Batik Festival in Solo-Central Java is a colorful affair. Declared a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009, the unique, rare handicraft is worn and sold throughout the street carnival celebrating the country’s heritage.