Have you ever fancied visiting a destination during its popular festivals? It's the perfect time to explore a city while experiencing its local customs first-hand. As someone who absolutely loves celebrations, various festivals around the globe have always inspired me to kick-start my dream journey. Go through my favourite pick of top festivals around the globe and add another dimension to your travels. 

Vivid Sydney

Location: Sydney, NSW

When: Mid-May to the second week of June

Aside from the incredible Mardi Gras, Vivid Sydney—the award-winning annual festival of light, music, and ideas—is a perfect example of Sydney’s love to dazzle. As we all know, Sydney is an uncompromising beauty laden with natural and urban attractions. During the festival, Sydney will come alive with breathtaking installations, which simply makes it a canvas of art. 

Sydney Harbour, home to the iconic Sydney landmarks, is one of the most popular precincts where you’d be bedazzled with amazing Vivid scenes. Choose one of the many Vivid cruises on the harbour to enjoy the prime views of the light projections and art displays on the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Customs House and more. It is incredible to see the harbour shoreline from a Vivid dinner cruise, which is literally a living work of art, highlighted in light, colour, and creativity. Some of the Vivid cruises will take place in the Vivid Light on Sydney Harbour– a spectacular parade of decked up cruising vessels moving in sync with the theme of the painting displayed on the Opera House. This will give you an opportunity to be immersed in the lights and the festive ambvience from the heart of it. What better way can you think of than this?  So plan your travels during Vivid Sydney, to experience Sydney at its vibrant and creative best! 

Holi

Location: India, Nepal, Pakistan

When: Between the end of February and the middle of March

Holi is one of the biggest religious festivals worldwide. Dubbed the festival of colours, Holi is a springtime celebration that marks the end of the winter season and the triumph of good over evil. Holi can also be seen as an anticipatory celebration of the abundance of the upcoming harvest season. 

Mathura, a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, northern India—where Lord Krishna is said to have been born— is one such destination where you can see people celebrating the day with religious performances, smearing coloured powder at each other and dancing under water sprinklers. For locals and tourists, Holi offers a carefree chance to play with their loved ones. Great emphasis is placed on Hindu tales, so Holi celebrations are usually kicked off with large bonfires on the eve of the festival.

Día de los Muertos [Day of the Dead]

Location: Mexico

When: Between 31st October and 2nd November

Día de los Muertos, Mexico’s most famous and colourful annual event, has evolved into a celebration that visitors should not miss. Don’t be misled by the name, it is not a gloomy or morbid occasion, but rather a colourful holiday. Families celebrate the day honouring their lost loved ones by making altars decorated with family photos, as well as their favourite food and drinks. 

Michoacan is one such Mexican city where you can see people celebrating these special days in the streets and alleys. You will see colourfully-costumed entertainers and skeletons dancing through the streets. The indigenous people of La Huasteca Potosina in San Luis Potosí celebrate the day with all aspects of the ‘Day of the Dead’ tradition called Xantolo including elaborate altars, marigolds and sugar skulls.     

Visiting our favourite destination during its most-loved festival is a perfect opportunity to experience and understand the land better. Plan your trips accordingly and spice up your sightseeing plans.