Discover the TOP 10 most unique festivals in the world in 2025: from colorful Holi to the ice palaces of Harbin. Dates, tips, countries, interesting facts - everything you need for an unforgettable trip

The world is full of colorful festivals and traditions that transform cities into vibrant scenes of joy and freedom. We have collected for you the TOP 10 most unique festivals in the world that are worth visiting in 2025 - from the extravaganza of colors in India to the ice palaces of Japan. These events attract not only locals, but also tourists from all over the world, which emphasizes their global popularity and cultural significance.

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La Tomatina (Spain)

- Where: Buñol, Spain

- When: August

La Tomatina is an incredibly fun festival that takes place in the small Spanish town of Buñol. This festival gathers tens of thousands of travelers every year who want to feel real adrenaline and arrange a large-scale tomato battle, turning the streets into a real sea of ​​​​red. This event is filled with laughter, joy and a little madness that leaves unforgettable memories.

Tip: wear old clothes, grab goggles, and leave your electronics at home—everything will be in the sauce. There’s also a high risk of injury at the event, so don’t forget to take care of your health insurance.

Burning Man (USA)

- Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevada

- When: August–September

Burning Man is not just a festival, but a real gathering of a community of creative ideas that gathers in the Nevada desert for a week. There’s an atmosphere of freedom of expression here: from huge art installations to unique costumes and performances. Participants live in a temporary city where everyone can become an artist and create something of their own.

Tip: prepare for extreme conditions (from +40 during the day to freezing at night), stock up on water, dust protection, and an open heart.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (China)

- Where: Harbin

- When: January–February

Every winter, Harbin turns into a magical ice country, where thousands of ice sculptures shine in the rays of neon lights. Here you can walk among the frozen palaces, visit an ice slide or enjoy outdoor light shows. The atmosphere here is fabulous, and this festival seems to transport you to a winter fairy tale.

Tip: it is best to come for the opening - then the largest number of sculptures and shows. Dress in layers, because temperatures down to -30°C are not uncommon.

Carnival of Venice (Italy)

- Where: Venice

- When: February

The Venetian Carnival is a grand show with masks, luxurious costumes and theatrical mystery that fills the narrow canals and squares of the city. For several days, visitors and locals participate in balls, street performances and parades, recreating the atmosphere of the Renaissance. Every corner of Venice is filled with music and mysterious looks from under masks. To feel the spirit of the holiday, it is recommended to rent a costume and plan to participate in official events.

Tip: book accommodation in advance.

Diwali (India)

- Where: All over India

- When: November

Diwali is a festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and filling the cities of India with the glow of thousands of lamps and fireworks. People decorate their homes with bright Rangoli, give sweets and gather together with family. The streets are filled with the aroma of spices and sweets, and the evenings are filled with music and dance.

Tip: go to Jaipur or Varanasi - the festival there is especially spectacular.

Oktoberfest (Germany)

- Where: Munich

- When: September–October

The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest beer festival in the world, bringing together millions of guests ready to enjoy traditional German drinks, food and fun. Giant beer tents, cheerful songs, parades in traditional costumes and endless toasts create an incredible atmosphere of friendship and celebration. In addition to beer, guests can taste classic dishes such as pretzels and sausages.

Tip: book tables in the tents a few months in advance. And - be sure to try the pretzel and Weisswurst.

Holi Festival (India)

- Where: Mathura, Vrindavan, etc.

- When: March

Holi is an explosion of colors and joy, when people shower each other with bright colors, celebrating spring and friendship. This festival is filled with laughter, music and dancing in the streets, where all social barriers disappear. Every year, Holi is ranked as one of the most unique festivals in the world, and for good reason. It is a real explosion of color, joy and a sense of unity.

Tip: Buy white clothes so that the bright spots leave memories, and also take care of protecting your eyes and equipment.

Gion Matsuri (Japan)

- Where: Kyoto

- When: July

Gion Matsuri is one of the oldest and grandest festivals in Japan, lasting a whole month in Kyoto. It is famous for its colorful processions, where giant wooden carts are carried through the streets, accompanied by music and traditional dances. The atmosphere combines solemnity and cheerfulness, and street stalls offer delicious Japanese cuisine. This festival is the perfect way to get to know the depth of Japanese traditions and art.

Tip: Find a guesthouse near the walking route so you don't miss the sights.

Day of the Dead (Mexico)

- Where: Mexico City, Oaxaca

- When: November 1-2

Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and memory of ancestors with unique colorful rituals, flowers and aromas. The streets of the city are filled with parades of skeletons, costumes and live music, which creates a unique atmosphere of respect and joy. People come to the graves of their relatives with gifts, food and flowers, turning cemeteries into places of celebration. Evening walks through cemeteries leave a deep impression - this is a time of warmth and unity with ancestors.

Tip: do skull makeup, visit cemeteries in the evening - it's not scary, it's beautiful.

Up Helly Aa (Scotland)

- Where: Lerwick, Shetland

- When: January

Up Helly Aa is a Viking fire festival held in the Shetland Islands, where hundreds of participants in Viking costumes march through the night streets with torches. The grand show ends with the burning of a longship - a huge ship that symbolizes the strength and traditions of the ancestors. It is a real immersion in medieval history with drive and magic of fire.

Tip: book your ferry seat in advance and don’t forget warm clothes - winter in Shetland is harsh.

Practical advice for travelers planning to visit one of the festivals

- Plan ahead: Many 2025 events for travelers have a limited number of tickets.

- Documents: check visa requirements, some countries have seasonal restrictions.

- Insurance: Be sure to take out travel insurance that covers not only medical expenses, but also trip cancellation, lost luggage, and participation in high-risk festivals (such as Holi or Burning Man).

- Budget life hacks: book flights 3-6 months before the event, stay in hostels or through Couchsurfing exchanges, use festival cards.

Festivals are more than events. They are an excuse to travel, discover other cultures, meet new people, and feel the heart of the planet beating to the rhythm of songs, colors, fire, or the calm light of lamps. In 2025, each of the 10 festivals is a chance for an adventure that will stay with you forever.

To make your trip truly carefree, don't forget about travel insurance that covers participation in mass events, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and even unforeseen events during the festival. You can apply for a policy in a few minutes online at Visit Ukraine – it is valid worldwide.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Also find out about the TOP 10 places for health holidays in Europe in 2025 – recharge among mountains, forests and sea coasts.

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