Top 10 Most Unique Festivals Around the World

This traditional Thai festival marks the beginning of the new year with water fights, parades, and cultural ceremonies. During the three-day celebration, millions of liters of water are used to cleanse homes, streets, and temples. In 2015, over 14 million liters of water were used during the festivities in Bangkok alone. The festival's origins date back to the 13th century, when it was believed that the water brought good luck.

This beautiful festival takes place on full moon nights and involves creating intricate lanterns from banana leaves and floating them down rivers and streams. The floats are typically decorated with candles, flowers, and other ornaments. In 2019, over 4 million krathongs were created in Thailand, with many being released into the rivers and streams of Chiang Mai. The festival is believed to have originated as a way to honor the Buddha.

This vibrant Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring with colorful powders, music, and dance. During the celebrations, people gather to throw colored powders at each other, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In India alone, over 2 million tons of colored powders are used during the festivities each year. Holi is often referred to as the "Festival of Colors" in Hindi.

This unique Viking-themed festival takes place on the last Tuesday of January and involves torch-carrying processions, music, and dancing. The festival marks the end of Yule season and features burning effigies of "oddballs" (mischievous spirits). In 2018, a record-breaking 40,000 people attended the festivities in the Shetland Islands. The origins of Up Helly Aa date back to the Viking era.

This Mexican festival honors the deceased with elaborate altars, parades, and traditional foods like pan de muerto. During the celebration, families gather to visit cemeteries, decorate skulls, and leave offerings for their loved ones. In 2019, over 20 million people attended the festivities in Mexico City alone. The Day of the Dead festival dates back to the Aztec era.

This unique Italian festival involves creating elaborate masks and costumes, then parading through the canals of Venice. The carnival features music, dance, and acrobatic performances, while also showcasing the city's beautiful architecture. In 2019, over 100,000 people participated in the festivities, which date back to the 16th century. Masks are a central part of the carnival, with some selling for thousands of dollars.

This beautiful festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms in Japan and Korea. During the celebrations, people gather to admire the stunning pink blooms, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and enjoy delicious foods like sakura-shaped cookies. In 2019, over 1 million visitors attended the festivals in Tokyo alone. The festival dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE).

This vibrant New Orleans festival celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, parties, and masquerade balls. During the celebrations, people gather to wear colorful costumes, dance to jazz music, and indulge in delicious Creole cuisine like gumbo and jambalaya. In 2019, over 3 million visitors attended the festivities, which date back to the 18th century. The festival features elaborate parades with floats, marching bands, and giant balloons.

This ancient Norse festival celebrates the summer solstice with bonfires, feasting, and singing. During the celebrations, people gather to dance around the fire, make wishes, and enjoy traditional foods like pickled herring and strawberries. In 2019, over 100,000 people attended the festivities in Reykjavik, Iceland. The Midsummer Festival dates back to the Viking era.

This Persian New Year festival celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, music, and traditional foods like sabzi polo (herbed rice). During the celebrations, people gather to decorate eggs, wear traditional clothing, and participate in traditional games like wrestling and archery. In 2019, over 20 million people attended the festivities across the globe, which date back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran).