Introduction:
Festivals have been a fundamental part of human culture for centuries, allowing people to celebrate, come together, and share experiences. Have you ever wondered which festivals attract the largest crowds? The biggest festivals in the world aren’t just local events; they’re global celebrations that pull in millions of people from all corners. Whether it’s music, religion, or culture that brings people together, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences.
In this article, we’ll journey globally, from Brazil’s pulsating Carnival to India’s spiritual Kumbh Mela. Here are the top 10 biggest festivals in the world that you can’t miss. Get ready to dive into events that will blow your mind!
Also Read: Top 10 Strangest Landforms Around the World
Top 10 Biggest Festivals in the World:
1. Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Regarding the biggest festivals in the world, the Rio Carnival reigns supreme. Held yearly before Lent, this Brazilian festival sees over 2 million people hit the streets daily. It’s considered the largest carnival in the world, with samba dancers, flamboyant costumes, and street parties that last for days.
Why It’s Famous: The heart of Rio Carnival lies in its samba parades, where schools compete to create the most stunning and elaborate performances. The city comes alive with music, dance, and contagious energy.
Key takeaway: If you’re a fan of music, dance, and lively atmosphere, Rio Carnival should be at the top of your list.
Fact: The parade attracts over 70,000 participants, making this one of the world’s largest festivals.
2. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is synonymous with Bavarian culture and is the largest beer festival in the world. Held annually in Munich, Germany, this global celebration of beer and traditional German culture brings in more than 6 million attendees.
Why It’s Famous: Beer tents, Bavarian folk music, and traditional foods like pretzels and sausages create a festive atmosphere that is hard to resist. Participants wear traditional attire like lederhosen and dirndls, and the beer flows non-stop.
Key takeaway: Oktoberfest is necessary for those who love beer, cultural traditions, and a lively communal spirit.
Fun Fact: Around 7 million liters of beer are consumed yearly at Oktoberfest!
3. Holi – India
Often called the “Festival of Colors,” Holi is one of the largest festivals in the world, celebrated enthusiastically across India and by millions globally. This vibrant Hindu festival marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil while also celebrating love and the unity of people.
Why It’s Famous: Holi is renowned for its joyful atmosphere, where people gather to throw colored powders at each other, drench in water fights, and dance to festive music. Bonfires are lit the night before the main event to symbolize the burning of evil, while the day itself is filled with laughter, music, and sweet treats.
Key takeaway: Holi is a lively celebration that represents love, joy, and the spirit of unity, transcending social boundaries.
Fact: The festival of Holi spans two days, beginning with Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to symbolize the victory of good over evil, commemorating the legend of Prahlad and Holika. The second day, Rangwali Holi, is when the streets come alive with people joyfully throwing colored powders and water balloons and celebrating together.
4. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
Mardi Gras is one of the most exciting and biggest festivals in the U.S., and it draws in visitors worldwide. Held in New Orleans, this celebration has its roots in French Catholic traditions but has since evolved into an eclectic mix of parades, music, and colorful costumes.
Why It’s Famous: Known for its lavish parades and bead-throwing festivities, Mardi Gras offers a unique cultural experience infused with jazz music, vibrant floats, and endless street parties.
Key takeaway: Mardi Gras is a festival known for its energy and mix of tradition and fun.
Fact: Mardi Gras draws around 1.4 million visitors each year, making it one of the world’s largest festivals by attendance.
5. Chinese New Year – China
Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by over 1.5 billion people around the globe, making it one of the biggest global celebrations. This 15-day festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, feasts, and vibrant traditions.
Why It’s Famous: Chinese New Year is rich in cultural significance, from dragon and lion dances to fireworks and lantern festivals. It’s a time to usher in good fortune, wealth, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Key takeaway: This festival offers a deep dive into Chinese culture and tradition, with celebrations spilling into major cities worldwide.
Fact: In major Chinese cities, up to 500,000 fireworks are set off every night to welcome the new year.
6. Glastonbury Festival – England
Glastonbury is the pinnacle of music festivals. This event draws over 200,000 attendees each year and is renowned for hosting some of the biggest musical acts in the world. Held on a farm in Somerset, England, Glastonbury is one of the largest festivals in Europe.
Why It’s Famous: Known for its diverse musical genres, from rock and pop to electronic and folk, Glastonbury is a cultural melting pot of music, arts, and performance.
Key takeaway: If you’re a music lover, this is one of the most important festivals to attend.
Fact: The festival lasts five days and covers 900 acres of land!
7. Hajj – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Hajj is the largest religious pilgrimage in the world. Millions of Muslims journey to Mecca yearly to fulfill one of Islam’s five pillars. If they are physically and financially able, every Muslim must make this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
Why It’s Famous: Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey, with millions of people converging on Mecca in a display of faith and unity.
Key takeaway: Hajj is one of the most significant religious events on the planet, symbolizing devotion, sacrifice, and communal unity.
Fact: More than 2.5 million pilgrims attend Hajj annually, making it one of the world’s largest festivals.
8. Coachella – California, USA
Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, attracting over 250,000 attendees over two weekends. It’s famous for its A-list performers, art installations, and the blend of music and fashion.
Why It’s Famous: Coachella sets the standard for music festivals in the U.S. It’s not just about the music but the entire experience—from food trucks and pop-up shops to celebrity sightings.
Key takeaway: Coachella combines entertainment, art, and fashion like no other festival.
Fact: The festival started in 1999 and has become a cultural phenomenon.
9. Kumbh Mela – India
Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful gathering in the world, with over 50 million people attending during its peak days. This Hindu pilgrimage is held every 12 years and rotates among four sacred rivers in India.
Why It’s Famous: Kumbh Mela is a religious gathering and a festival of spiritual purification, with millions of pilgrims bathing in holy rivers.
Key takeaway: Kumbh Mela is a massive, culturally significant event representing faith, purification, and spirituality.
Fact: 2013 the festival saw a staggering 120 million attendees over two months.
10. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina is perhaps the most unique festival on this list. Held in the small Spanish town of Buñol, it attracts tens of thousands of participants for one reason: to throw tomatoes at each other.
Why It’s Famous: This food fight-turned-festival is a joyful, chaotic celebration of life, during which participants hurl overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets.
Key takeaway: La Tomatina is pure fun and an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves quirky traditions.
Fact: Around 150,000 tomatoes are used during the hour-long food fight.
Conclusion
These biggest festivals in the world offer more than just a chance to party—they are a window into different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Whether you’re looking to explore vibrant music festivals or dive deep into religious traditions, there’s a global celebration for everyone. So, when planning your next adventure, include one of these festivals on your bucket list!
What is the biggest festival in the world in terms of attendance?
The Kumbh Mela in India is the largest festival in the world regarding attendance. It draws over 50 million people on peak days and saw over 120 million attendees during its 2013 event.
Which festival is considered the largest music festival in the world?
Glastonbury in England and Coachella in the USA are among the largest and most popular music festivals globally, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually.
What is the main reason people attend these global festivals?
People attend these global celebrations for various reasons: to experience different cultures, enjoy music or art, participate in religious ceremonies, or simply to be part of an unforgettable event.
Are all the biggest festivals in the world religious in nature?
No. While some of the biggest festivals, like the Hajj and Kumbh Mela, are religious, others, like Rio Carnival, Coachella, and Oktoberfest, are cultural or music-related events.
What is unique about La Tomatina compared to other festivals?
La Tomatina is a quirky, playful festival where participants engage in a massive tomato fight in the streets of Buñol, Spain. It’s not tied to religious or historical significance, making it unique among the world’s largest festivals.
When is the best time to attend Rio Carnival?
Rio Carnival occurs every year before Lent, typically in February or March. It lasts five days, but the most popular events, like the samba parades, happen over the last two days.
