Life is all about experiencing wonderful things and creating everlasting memories. It's a new year, so why not try something new? Learn to speak a foreign language, take dance lessons, find a new hobby. And don't forget trying something new that's fun. Definitely consider attending one (or more!) of these festivals.
From throwing tomatoes at people, to gigantic electronic music gatherings, here is a list of 30 festivals and parties that you should attend! These following events have gathered millions of people from all over the world. Why not add some of them to your bucket list?
The best part about these festivals is they're spread out enough where you can have something to do, no matter what time of year it is.
#1. Winter Light Festival - Kuwana City, Japan (October to March)
This festival is said to be known as the biggest light show in all of Japan. The incredible LED landscapes will definitely leave you amazed
#2. Snow & Ice Festival - Harbin, China (Jan 5th to Feb 5th)
Known as the world's largest snow and ice festival. This event features some really amazing ice sculptures.
#3. Electric Daisy Carnival - Las Vegas (June)
This 3 day electronic music festival host an average of 400,000 people each year.
#4. Rio de Janeiro Carnival - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (February to March)
The world famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival draws in over 2 million people each year. It is considered to be one of the biggest parties in the world.
#5. Boryeong Mud Festival - Boryeong, South Korea (July)
A popular cosmetic company in South Korea released a line of products that contained mud from the famous Boryeong mud flats. Unwilling to spend money on basic marketing strategies, the company created the Boryeong Mud Festival, which allows their consumers to get a real feel for the mud that is being used in their products.
#6. Chinese New Year - Hong Kong (February)
There is no event like The Chinese New Year. Each year millions of people flood the streets of Hong Kong celebrating peace and happiness. It is said to be the happiest place in the world.
#7. Transahara - Sahara Desert, Morocco (April)
It will cost you $200 to party in the Moroccan desert for 5 days. The Transahara festival hosts only 1,000 people each year. Not many people can say they went to a crazy party in the desert!
#8. Tomorrowland - Boom, Belgium (June)
This dance music festival is one of the largest events in the world. Each year 100,000 people from all over the world visit Belgium to experience what Tomorrowland has to offer
#9. Saint Patrick’s Day Festival - Dublin, Ireland (March 17th)
Today, Saint Patrick's Day is an world-wide event that celebrates the Irish culture. What better place is there to celebrate the holiday than in Ireland?
#10. Ultra Music Festival - Miami, Florida (March)
The Ultra Music Festival is the fastest growing electronic event in the world. It attracts over 300,000 people each year and lasts a whole week.
#11. The Carnevale - Venice, Italy (January/February)
During 1162, the republic of Venice successfully defeated an invasion. People gathered in San Marco Square to celebrate their victory. Soon after, it ended up becoming a tradition. Today the people of Venice along get dressed in masks and celebrate The Carnevale.
#12. Splendour in the Grass - New South Wales, Australia (July)
Despite the cold weather, people from all over the world go to Australia just to experience Splendour music festival.
#13. Bay to Breakers - San Fransisco, California (May)
Bay to Breakers was originally established as a race to lift peoples spirits after the 1906 earthquake. Today, over 100,000 get dressed up in crazy costumes, drink, and party throughout the race.
#14. Roskilde Festival - Roskilde, Denmark (June/July)
The Roskilde Festival attracts over 100,000 people each year. If you are ever planing a trip to Denmark, and love music, this should definitely be on your list.
#15. Garma Festival - Northern Territory, Australia (July/August)
The Garma Festival is an indigenous event held annually in Northern Australia. It's purpose is to celebrate the Yolngu knowledge and culture.
#16. Day of the Dead - Mexico (October 31st to November 2nd)
Each year, from October 31st to November 2nd, people gather to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This holiday involves people paying tribute to their lost relatives and friends.
#17. Coachella - Indio, California (April)
Coachella is one of the big name music festivals of the world. It features the top names in music and attracts just about everyone.
#18. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - New Mexico, USA (October)
In this 9 day festival, over 750 hot air balloons give New Mexico a colorful skyline. It is a beautiful sight to see... unless you're afraid of heights.
#19. Snowbombing - Mayrhofen, Austria (April)
The Snowbombing festival centers around hitting the slopes during the day, and parties during the night.
#20. KaZantip - Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine (July/August)
KaZantip is a huge party in the Crimean Peninsula that lasts 6 weeks. The event consists of 21 hours of partying each day. Bring your Advil
#21. Full Moon Party - Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand (During full moons)
Each time there is a full moon, people gather on Haad Rin Beach for one huge party in Thailand.
#22. Wanderlust Festival - Squaw Valley, California (July)
If you like yoga, music, and food, you should definitely attend the Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley, California.
#23. Glastonbury Music Festival - Pilton, UK (June)
The Glastonbury Music Festival takes place annually on a dairy farm in Pilton, UK. The festival is a huge hit. Tickets sell out in minutes.
#24. Mardi Gras - New Orleans (Tuesday before Ash Wednesday)
Mardi Gras has slowly turned into the biggest party in the United States. The streets of New Orleans turn into a party zoo.
#25. Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany (September/October)
Oktoberfest is beyond epic. Over 6 million people from all over the world come to Munich for the celebrations. If you are an avid beer lover, then this 16 day event is for you.
#26. Lantern Festival - Pingxi, Taiwan (February)
Have you ever seen thousands of lanterns being released into the night sky? Me neither! It is considered to be an incredible sight and a wonderful experience.
#27. La Tomatina - Buñol, Spain (Last Wednesday in August)
During a parade in 1945, people started throwing fruits and vegetables at each other. That event created the infamous La Tomatina... an annual festival where people throw tomatoes at each other for fun!
#28. Burning Man - Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA (August/September)
Close to 50,000 people gather in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada each year, and tough out the harsh conditions. People from all over the country come here to create art, barter, and express themselves.
#29. Holi Festival - India, Nepal, Sri Lanka (March)
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival. It is held to celebrate the end of winter, and the start of spring. It's called the Festival of Colors because everyone throws colored powder on each other.
#30. Holy Ship! - The Caribbean (January)
The Holy Ship Festival was started in 2012. In it's short existence it has already generated quite a buzz. It's a 3 day luxurious cruise through the Caribbean, with dance musics biggest names on board. On top of that. A beach party in the Bahamas is part of the itinerary. This years Holy Ship sold out in just 28 hours and left over 10,000 on a waiting list.
Have you ever been to any one of these festivals? Tell us how it was in the comments, was it worth the hype and would you recommend it to others?