top festivals around the world to celebrate in February
around the world in 2024. February brings several diverse festivals on your plate that will give you much-needed fun, especially after Christmas and the New Year.Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada
When: January 25 to February 11, 2024
Where: Québec City
Mark these dates on your calendar as January 25 to February 11, 2024, bringing home the largest winter carnival in the frosty Quebec region. Harsh winters, lively festivities, and active communities do not derail the celebrations in any form, making it among the top winter festivals in the Canadian region. The vibrant parade cars, snow sculptures, and spirited music shows will keep you awake all night.
Chinese New Year in China
Image Credit: npr.org
When: February 10, 2024
Where: China
February 10 is the date accounted for the Chinese New Year. Each Chinese family shares rituals, traditions, and activities to strengthen its beliefs and values. As you browse through the Chinatown streets, you will truly experience the magical ambiance and amplitude of the Chinese New Year. You can feast on sweet Chinese cakes, delicious dumplings, and yummy local delicacies.
Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taiwan
When: February 24, 2024
Where: Taiwan
You can surely try your luck at the Taiwan Lantern Festival, expected to be held in Taiwan on February 24, 2024. It combines the age-old tradition of the Yanshui fireworks festival with the ancient Pingxi Sky Lantern festival. Witness the beautiful lanterns airborne as they head into the open skies, bringing good luck and fortune to the respective populations.Tapati Rapa Nui in Chile
When: February 9 to 17, 2024
Where: Chile
The two weeks in February 2024, starting from 9 until 17, will be blocked for the celebration of this distinctive cultural festival in Chile. There is much to explore beyond the traditional heart-thumping music, unlimited drinks, and buoyant dance moves as you witness the authentic spirit of the islander culture. Visitors and tourists are actively encouraged to participate in this unique cultural festival where two families lock their horns to be crowned as the Queen of Tapati.
Bergen International Literary Festival in Norway
When: February 7 to 11, 2024
Where: Bergen, Norway
Literature lovers have loved welcoming this warm literary festival since 2019. The festival dates this year are from February 7 to 11, 2024. The Bergen International Literary Festival celebrates the works of both fictional and non-fictional writers from different corners of the world as the authors walk you through talks and readings about their respective books. There are also several inspirational youth programs where you get to encourage young writers to pursue writing as a profession and dive deep into the evolution of literature over the last decade or so.
Lemon Festival in France
When: February 17 to March 3, 2024
Where: Mention, French Riveria
You won’t believe there is a festival dedicated to lemons until you witness the weird food festivals held in France between February 17 and March 3, 2024. The Menton is a high-quality breed of lemons grown in the French Alps region, where the locals have celebrated the harvest of citrus fruits since 1934. Besides a vast array of lemons and other citrus fruits of diverse colors, shapes, and arrangements on display, the festival also hosts lively evening shows. So be sure to carry some citrus-yellow lemons back home.
Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar
When: February 9 to 11, 2024
Where: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Get ready to dive deep into the culture of Zanzibar as you indulge in this stimulating February festival that will be held from February 9 to 11, 2024, at the timeless Old Fort in Stone Town. You can experience traditional African music mingle with modern genres and diverse elements to form a proactive musical genre with exuberant vibes for the perfect musical holiday ambiance. Enjoy dancing your favorite moves between comedy shows, film screenings, and essential, riveting live performances.
Adelaide Fringe in Australia
Image Credit: adelaidefestival.com.au
When: February 16 to March 17, 2024
Where: Adelaide
Get ready to bask in the beachside ambiance at Adelaide’s classical southern Australian city from February 16 to March 17, 2024. It is the region’s second-largest annual arts festival and among the top things to do in Australia in February. You can also break all your stage fear shackles by performing live in front of an enthusiastic audience. Other key highlights include riveting dance performances, comedy acts, rare circus acts, and lively cabaret performances.
Rio Carnival in Brazil
When: February 9 to 17, 2024
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As we move towards the latter half of February, you can look forward to celebrating this iconic carnival that lures in millions of tourists with each passing year. The dates for 2024 have been announced from February 9 to 17, where you will witness five days packed with colorful and vibrant parades, gaudy costumes, exuberant dances, and flamboyant parties across the streets of Rio de Janeiro. This must give you the ultimate reason to visit Brazil to enjoy the joyous festivities of this iconic carnival.
Carnival of Venice in Italy
When: February 3 to 13, 2024
Where: Venice
This is Italy’s version of the Rio Carnival in Brazil, which comes into prominence before the lent season. Held from February 3 to 13, 2024, it is celebrated to wade off any class differences among the local population. The city streets will witness people dressed in elaborate peacock masks, painted faces, twirling skirts, and jester hats as they chase across the countless water bridges here. So, get ready to fall into an alternative universe of this iconic festival that is among the most popular festivals globally.
Saidaiji Eyo Hadakka in Japan
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When: February 17, 2024
Where: Okayama, Japan
February 17, 2024, is focused on luck and happiness. Priests share random objects among thousands of visitors and tourists to fight over in this 5,000-year-old festival. Brave men dressed in simple loincloths and tabi socks run for about an hour around the temple to purify their bodies and souls. You can even pay respects and homage to the goddess of mercy at the respective temple that acts as the first stopover of the Chugoku Pilgrimage.
Taj Mahotsav in India
When: February 18 to 27, 2024
Where: Agra, India
Take any list of spectacular places to travel in India; Agra and its Taj Mahal will secure the top spot. Looking for a reason to visit here in February? This annual festival is celebrated in India across ten whopping days in Agra this month each year. The festival dates for 2024 will be from February 18 to 27. It offers a great opportunity for people to understand the unique facets of food, craft, culture, dance, art, and music elements spread across the country. Placed in Agra, this celebration offers a fresh lease of color to the region with all the crowds, noise, and vibrancy.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India
When: February 22 to 24, 2024
Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
This is another popular festival to be held in India during February 2024. This desert festival draws several visitors and tourists to Jaisalmer, one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. Being a platform to showcase your artistry and creativity, this festival lets you participate in a variety of quirky contests. From idyllic festivities like turban flying to camel racing to ranking the longest mustaches in the audience, you will never get to count a second as you browse through the various cultural elements of this festival.
Envision in Costa Rica
When: March 4 to 11, 2024
Where: Uvita, Costa Rica
Enjoy a rigorous week full of happening goodness with the Envision festival in Costa Rica. It will be held in February or March every year. In 2024, it’s from March 4 to 11. The celebrations as part of the festival embody its seven pillars: Sustainability, Music, Spirituality, Movement, Health, Art and Education.
Noise Pop Festival
When: February 22 to March 3, 2024
Where: San Francisco, US
The Noise Pop Festival has been one of San Francisco’s most anticipated annual events for over three decades. As it is now all set to celebrate its 31st edition from February 22 to March 3, you can experience the brilliant musical talents of both local and international performers.
Almond Blossom Festival
Image Credit: michelangelotravel.blog
When: February 22 to 25, 2024
Where: Agrigento, Italy
There are many wonderful places to visit in Italy, and one of the most unmissable among them is Agrigento, in Sicily. Visit here in February during this festival to admire its lush landscape at its best. It is when the region’s almond trees begin to bloom, which is marked by a packed calendar of folk performances, music shows, traditional puppet shows, and gastronomic experiences filled with desserts and delicacies containing almonds.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
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When: February 2 to 4, 2024
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most unique destinations, known for its enchanting landscape and laid-back ambiance. If you are traveling here in February, don’t miss this colorful festival to marvel at the region’s unspoiled beauty in its entire grandeur. Besides striking floral parades, you can witness live performances and beauty pageants during this three-day festival.
Berlin International Film Festival
When: February 15 to 25, 2024
Where: Berlin, Germany
Berlin holds some of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Europe. But it is more than that; come here in February to see the city transform into the ultimate hub of movie enthusiasts. The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film events, and its 74th edition will occur from February 15 to 25.
There are many festivals across the world to attend throughout the year. Check out the list of festivals to experience before you turn 30 for more inspiration.
FAQs
1. What are some of the top festivals to attend in February?
Some must-attend festivals in February are Brazil’s Rio Carnival, Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada, the Berlin International Film Festival, and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival.
2. Is there any globally recognized music festival to participate in in February?
February is one of the best times to be part of amazing music events, including Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar and Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. They are among the best music festivals worldwide.
3. What are the best family-friendly festivals in February?
From the Lemon Festival in France and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival to the Taiwan Lantern Festival, February brings some exciting events that are ideal to enjoy with all family members.
Conclusion
February brings amazing festivals worldwide on your plate as you browse past the dreamy winter season and the festivities of Christmas and the New Year. Each festival brings unique perspectives and deeper insights into the region’s local culture and age-old traditions.
I live in Quebec and let me tell everyone, it is a superb festival. The atmosphere is so lively and everyone is so happy, you won’t even feel the chill.
Completely agree with you. It is one of the most awaited festivals in North America.
I am really intrigued by the Envision Festival in Costa Rica. It seems like a music festival. But is it different from other music festivals like Coachella?
Yes, it is a music festival, but quite different. It is more on the lines of Burning Man and Woodtsock. It is supposed to be very spiritual in nature.
I happened to be in Italy during the Carnival of Venice and let me tell you, it is one of the best and most entertaining carnivals I have seen.
I am glad you had so much fun.
I am thinking of going to the Taj Mahotsav in Agra. What can I expect from the festival?… How long is the festival going to be?
The Taj Mahotsav is amazing. Apart from food, culture, and art. You can expect great music by some of the best artists in India.
The Chinese New Year celebrations were great this year. I took my kids for the first time. My old relatives even gave them the red envelope with money. They loved it!
Glad you had a good time. Yes, the red envelope tradition is loved by the kids.