Holidays and festivals in the world: what are celebrated in different countries in April and May?
The most interesting aspect of traveling is getting to know the traditions of other cultures, and the best way to do that is to take part in local festivals. Major cultural festivals include fireworks, parades, displays of traditional clothing, dance and cuisine.
These festivals are celebrations of history, art and culture, and the local population is generally extremely open about sharing their traditions with visitors. Save this epic list in your travel files – you’ve probably never heard of these cultural events!
April festivals
- The King's Day
- Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- When: April 27
This annual festival, dedicated to the birthday of King William Alexander of Orange, symbolically transforms Amsterdam in orange.
Most of the city becomes a pedestrian zone and turns into a giant market. Street vendors and individuals are coming out to sell everything imaginable on an epic scale. The boat parade passes through the famous canals. Public squares are animated by DJ performances and live music performances. Sweet pastries with cream, called tompus, are sold at every corner, and in general there is an atmosphere of happiness. That's all a fairytale birthday should be!
- Songkran Water Festival
- Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- When: April 13-15.
Songkran is the celebration of the Thai New Year. Events last up to a week and traditionally mark the end of the dry season... hence the water.
In traditional Buddhist sects, the Buddha statue is poured with water for good luck, and young people wash the hands of old people in exchange for this blessing. The finale is a giant water fight in the streets! Don't stay here unless you want to get wet.
- Assembly of peoples
- Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- When: Fourth weekend of April.
Since 1983, the Assembly of Nations has been held to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Native American tribal groups. Members of more than 800 tribes come from across the U.S. and Canada to join the massive celebration.
Traditional dance competitions, drum competitions, the Miss Indian World contest, the market of Indian merchants, and a parade of regalia on horses and horseback riding are just some of the many activities you can enjoy at this public cultural event.
- Semana Santa
- Where: Spain and Latin America
- When: A week before Easter
Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is celebrated in most predominantly Catholic societies. Giant celebrations are held throughout Spain, as well as in Antigua, Guatemala and throughout the Latin world.
From the reconstructions of the Passion to the processions of the cross and candle processions of penitent Catholics, called Nazarenes, to giant carpets of colored rice and beans, the celebrations are extensive. Although the details of the ceremonies vary around the world, the jubilation is the same.
May festivals
- Prague Beer Festival
- Where: Prague, Czech Republic
- When: mid-to-late May
Czechs are proud of their beer and often claim to have the best beer on the planet.
Mid-to-late May Prague I’m even more interested in beer than usual. The 17-day festival fills the city centre with tents and open-air bars serving more than 120 beers. Baristas in national Czech costumes serve beer in real glass mugs, so as not to spoil the contents with plastic. Sausage is poured in abundance, almost corresponding to a drink, and no festival visitor will go hungry... or sober!
- Cannes Film Festival
- Where: Cannes, France
- When: Dates vary in May
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the world. What started as a movie screening to attract tourists has now turned into a massive competition. Unlike Sundance, Cannes is a glamorous and luxurious event. Celebrities and tourists walk the streets of Cannes in the latest fashion, and newcomers attract the attention of the industry elite.
In 2024, the festival turns 77 years old, and it will definitely be great. Watch free movies on the beach or walk down the red or blue carpet. Join a party at one of the grand hotels or grab cheaper drinks at the Petite Majestic Bar and stroll along the Croisette waterfront.
- Stars of the White Nights
- Where: St. PetersburgRussia
- When: May-July
On the longest days of the year, St. Petersburg never sees the dark, and they use it. The festival is a series of classical events, from ballet to opera and orchestras. In addition to the incredible performances, along the Neva River, groups of street gypsy artists take place, swallowing swords and eating fire.
Numerous carnivals and marathon before the celebration of "Scarlet Sails" - a night of impeccable fireworks and holidays dedicated to the end of the school year. The tradition includes a ship with scarlet sails sailing amid fireworks, a fabulous ending to a night of water shows such as rowing, racing and pirate battles!
Text: personalguide, photo: unsplash
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