Oktoberfest, Germany
This world-famous and the largest beer festival takes place in Munich and is an incredible celebration of all things Bavarian. Interestingly, it begins in mid-September and ends by the 1st or 2nd day of October. It is forbidden to drink any beer other than the Munich-brewed beer at the Oktoberfest, and is slightly stronger than the normal beer one must be used to.
Months to Visit: September – October
Grand Prix, Monaco
The Monaco Grand Prix is the most glamorous and famous motor race in the Formula One. Known for its meandering course and exciting turns it is a highly anticipated event in the world. The weekend following the Grand Prix is marked with exclusive parties and celebrations and is often combined with the Cannes Film Festival, which finishes during the preceding week.
Month to Visit: May
New Orleans Mardi Gras, USA
Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration the city of New Orleans hosts every year. The Carnival traditionally begins the 12th night after Christmas, and after weeks of annual parades, costume balls and parties, Mardi Gras is witnessed on the last day of the Carnival, which is also a Tuesday. It symbolizes the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the season preceding the Easter.
Months to Visit: February – March
Sydney New Year's Eve, Australia
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are an unforgettable experience and create a magical night, once at 9pm and then at midnight. One can view the fireworks from one of the Sydney Harbour Island parties or the Darling Harbour. Another alternative location is on a cruise on Sydney Harbour where you can enjoy great food and wine and 360-degree views of the city.
Month to Visit: December
Rio Carnival, Brazil
The world-famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the biggest of its kind, and is a spectacle of vibrant parades, elaborate costumes and extravagant dancing. It is held for 5 days and almost 2 million people take to the streets during this festival. The event is registered on the Guiness Book as the biggest carnival in the world and interestingly, 10 million litres of beer is consumed every year only during this event.
Months to Visit : February – March
Venice Carnival, Italy
Venice, with its picturesque scenery, and a rich program of events including theatrical performances, fashion shows, masquerades and the wonderful display of the typical Venetian costumes is one of the most surreal events of its kind. The Carnival started as a tradition of the noble people to hide behind masks and costumes to mix with the commoners.
Months to Visit: February – March
Tomorrowland, Belgium
This is an electronic music festival that was first held in Belgium in 2005. Since then it has become one of the world’s largest music festival, and is hosted after renting grounds from 20 different local farmers in Boom, Belgium. World renowned David Guetta is the only artist who has been performing from the very first Tomorrowland festival.
Month to Visit: July
Holi, India
This festival is played with colors and water with fervor and signifies the beginning of spring and end of cold winter days. It is one of those rare festivals where people participate irrespective of their religious inclinations. Rightly called the festival of colours and the festival of love, Holi has won hearts not only in Asia, but even in the farthest corners of Europe and the United States.
Month to Visit: March
