Traveling is such a unique experience that brings us closer to the beautiful and unusual cultures around the world — probably ones that we have not even heard of! And one of the happiest ways to participate in these traditions is by getting tickets to the top festivals worldwide.
15 Best April Festivals Around the World to Add to Your Bucket-List
April is a pleasant time to set out on a travel spree. It is late spring in most parts of the world with the onset of summer. The festivals in April make it an even more ethereal experience. There is something about each festival; be it the spiritual ambiance of Dubai in Ramadan or the exuberant energy in Thailand during the Full Moon Party.
To help you decide your next holiday without breaking your head into the wall, we’ve mapped out the most popular festivals in April worldwide in one place:
1. Beltane Fire Festival
When: April 30, 2024
Where: Edinburgh
Why: An epic start to summer through the modern interpretation of ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual.
Held annually at Carlton Hill, outside Edinburgh’s city center, the Beltane Fire Festival is a lot more than what meets the eye. It is a carousal-cum-cavalcade that embraces history, mythology, and literature. Hosting live galas, dance shows, storytelling acts, and numerous other performances, the festival lights up Edinburgh’s skyline with a massive bonfire. This is one of the major outdoor European ritual spectacles, with everything from fire and drums to procession. So, you no longer have to spend your summer dull and miserable.
There are about 300 volunteers to help celebrate the end of darkness and the return of summer, purity, and fertility. You are allowed to bring your own drink and food.
2. Songkran
When: April 13 – April 15, 2024
Where: Thailand
Why: It marks the Thai New Year.
Attending this three-day, electrifying April festival is one of the best things to do in Thailand. It is an opportunity to come together, celebrate good times, and devour sumptuous meals. Thais deep-clean their homes, praying to God, and offering donations. One of the many interesting facts is that people pour water over Buddha statues during Songkran, as it symbolizes the washing away of misfortune. This idea has taken on a larger modern form as people team up in fun water fights and splash water on each other.
Both locals and tourists go berserk as they break into a boisterous celebration. Some of the places carry out the procession and decorate stupas with flowers, and even the elephants join the fun. So, don the goggles, slap on some sunscreen, and jump into these unique New Year festivities.
3. Songkran Kids Festival
When: April 1 to 30, 2024
Where: Singapore
Why: It’s an exclusive festival for kids with DJ and dance performances and water fights.
Traveling to Singapore in April with kids? Don’t miss the Singapore Kids Festival 2024, a soul-stirring carnival for your little ones. Although there are many festivals in Singapore all year round, April holds the fort. Get tickets to this exciting event at Wild Wild Wet Theme Park, with elephant-themed inflatables, dance parties, workshops, and DJ tryout sessions.
As the weather seems pretty and relaxing, there are tremendous things to do in Singapore in April. You can also gorge on delicious dishes as these festivals have a line of food trucks and stalls.
4. Eid Al Fitr
When: April 8 – April 10, 2024 (First Day of Shawwal)
Where: Across the World by Muslims
Why: The Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad for the first time during the sacred month of Ramadan. Hence, people observe fast during this month in remembrance of Allah.
Eid Al Fitr, or the feast of fast-breaking, is a joyous celebration of harmony and peace that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims all around the world observe Ramadan by fasting during the day, soaking in prayers, dedicating to charity, and abstaining from wrong deeds. One of the best places to observe this spiritual festival is Dubai. Dubai in April is beaming with exuberance and culture as the locals devote themselves to prayer and practice self-discipline. Be sure to read our guide to things to do in Dubai during Eid Al Fitr.
On Eid, people wear new clothes, arrange get-togethers, organize potlucks, shower gifts, and cherish the good times. The most notable food items are seviyan, sheer korma, shahi tukda, biryani, and haleem.
5. Full Moon Party
When: April 23, 2024
Where: Thailand
Why: The first Full Moon Party in Thailand was held in 1985 at Paradise Bungalows on Ko Kha Ngan Island to show gratitude to 30 travelers. From then on, it has been a tradition.
Full Moon Party in Thailand is one of the wildest April festivals around the world. It attracts backpackers who want to have raucous parties and blazing nightlife. As the sun sets, the entire place is engulfed in neon lighting and loud music. No wonder, you will never have a dull moment in this vivacious atmosphere with a lot of boozing and different sorts of music, such as hip-hop, pop classics, rocks, reggae, and more. Get ready to paint the town red.
The entry fee is TBH 100. You can reach the location on a ferry. There are catamarans in major cities like Bangkok and Phuket that drive you to this island.
6. Afrikaburn
When: April 29 – May 5, 2024
Where: South Africa
Why: Paul Jorgensen and Larry met at Burning Man in 2002 and decided to make a South African version of it. It officially started in 2007, and as the years progressed, several communities popped out to collaborate.
A close sibling to Burning Man of Nevada, Afrikaburn is a community/ regional event, just on a smaller scale. Thousands flock to Tankwa Karoo, tucked between the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. This swath of rugged desert comes alive during these week-long festivities. People revel in art, culture, and music under the open sky. An effigy is burned, and the participants gather around it to sing and twirl. It is a self-expressing festival that helps you escape the mundane life. It is a beautiful message to live your life on your terms; wear whatever you want, dance your heart out, and admire the most profound arts.
After seven days, this imaginary club just disappears with no mark of celebration left. The Afrikaburn non-profit community has civic responsibility throughout the year and extends its hands to deprived people.
7. Coachella
When: April 12 to April 21, 2024
Where: USA
Why: To bring together the biggest music legends and fans under one roof.
Love gigs? Sail to America’s biggest musical event, Coachella. It has one of the most exciting line-ups of singers – not for the faint-hearted. Recently, the event featured Billie Elish, Harry Styles, and Doja Cat. This time, the world is gearing up to witness Bad Bunny, Blackpink, and Frank Ocean. It was conceptualized in 1999, when the audience saw the headliners Beck, the Chemical Brothers, Rage Against the Machine, and Morrissey. The festival has garnered enormous support over the last decade and was extended for another week. Wear your dancing hat, glitter yourselves up, and let your hair down as your favorite singer rocks the stage.
It goes the extra mile for art lovers by installing large-scale art exhibits. Make it a dreamy experience by riding the Ferris wheel in the backdrop of the concert.
8. Cherry Blossom Season
When: Late-March to Mid-April
Where: Japan
Why: To enjoy the new season and cherish the transient nature of life
Visiting Japan in spring hits you in a different but good way! The vibrant, colorful cherry blossoms (Sakura) envelop the entire country. These eye-pleasing blooms create the rite of spring, transforming the country into a paradise. The appearance of these cherry blossoms is a way to convey that a new season has arrived. Locals set up a picnic with a barbecue under these gorgeous trees and spend a dazzling evening with friends and families. It is more like a community event where people gather to share food and memories.
It is slowly becoming one of the major worldwide festivals in April as other places have jumped on the bandwagon. Another amazing place to catch this romantic season is Jinhae, a small destination in Korea.
9. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Image Credit: nytimes.com
When: April 25 to May 5, 2024
Where: New Orleans
Why: It’s an extravaganza that lets you experience the region’s artistic, cultural, gastronomic, and musical heritage.
This musical festival has been a much-anticipated event on New Orleans’ events calendar for over 50 years. It boasts a dynamic setting that features more than just jazz, making it one of the best music festivals worldwide. From local talents to the who is who-is-who of the industry, join thousands of attendees to immerse yourself in exuberant performances.
Explore our curated list of top places to visit in the USA.
10. Koningsdag, Netherlands
Image Credit: amsterdam.net
When: April 27, 2024
Where: Netherlands
Why: It’s one of the country’s ultimate celebrations to experience Dutch culture and traditions.
April is considered the best time to visit Amsterdam. It’s when the region, especially the iconic Keukenhof, is awash with rows and rows of tulips, roses, orchids, etc. Add to this some exciting events, mainly Koningsdag, or King’s Day, when the whole city becomes lively with flea markets, special performances, exciting parades, fast food joints, and amazing fireworks show. Check out our three days in Amsterdam guide to plan your perfect trip here.
11. Festa das Tochas
Image Credit: portugalresident.com
When: March – April
Where: Portugal
Why: It allows you to be part of a one-of-a-kind Easter celebration.
Easter is celebrated all over the world, but it’s observed with a twist in Portugal’s Algarve. It’s fondly called Festa das Tochas (the Torch Festival of Flowers) here. Not to mention, you can be part of some unique yet fascinating traditions, from flamboyant processions carrying torches decorated with flowers to savoring endless food and participating in special workshops.
12. Semana Santa
When: March – April
Where: Spain
Why: It is one of the most significant events in Spain.
Spain is another destination where Easter is celebrated with utmost fervor. And this festival, also known as the Holy Week, is held a week before Easter. Witness processions, be in awe at astonishing costumes, enjoy traditional music, indulge in lavish feasts, and relish special desserts, among others, during this week-long celebration. Want to add more attractions and experiences to your Spain holiday? Take inspiration from our read on the top places to visit in Spain.
13. Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Image Credit: visitvictoria.com
When: March 27 to April 21, 2024
Where: Australia
Why: It offers the opportunity to enjoy some of the best local and international comedic performances.
See Melbourne turning into a comedy haven during this almost one-month festival, where thousands of brilliant artists come together to present uproarious performances like no other. Being one of the world’s largest and most prominent comedy festivals, it lets you watch over 500 shows that are sure to take you on a non-stop fun, laughter ride.
14. Snowbombing
Image Credit: snowbombing.com
When: April 8 to 13, 2024
Where: Austria
Why: It is a must-attend to experience the ultimate amusement and adventure on snow.
Snowbombing is a music festival that allows you to enjoy extraordinary performances representing diverse genres. But this festival is more than that; it caters to every preference, with its venue at the scenic Mayrhofer, magnificent snow-blanketed mountainous setting, colorful parades, endless dining offerings, and exhilarating activities like skiing, snowboarding, etc.
15. BaliSpirit Festival
Image Credit: balispiritfestival.com
When: April – May
Where: Bali
Why: It’s a unique festival to heal and nurture your body and soul.
It is one of the top festivals around the world for aficionados of spiritual and wellness practices. It gives you a rare chance to join numerous workshops related to meditation, martial arts, yoga, etc., connect with spiritual gurus, and relish nutritional delights. So, what better way to take a break from all and heal and reinvigorate your spirit?
FAQs
1. What are the top festivals to attend around the world in April?
Full Moon Party, Cherry Blossom Season, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Snowbombing are among the must-attend festivals in April.
2. Name the best cultural and religious festivals in April.
Afrikaburn, Eid Al Fitr, Songkran, Festa das Tochas, and Semana Santa
3. Which festivals made it to the list of premier music events in April?
Coachella, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Snowbombing
4. Are there other significant festivals worth attending in April beyond this list?
Apart from the above, there are many festivals to consider in April, such as Earth Day, the Moriones Festival (Philippines), Bisket Jatra (Nepal), and the National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, DC).
5. Is there a kid-exclusive festival in April?
One of the must-attend events for kids is the Songkran Kids Festival in Singapore from April 1 to 30, 2024.
Conclusion
When you look at these top April festivals around the world, you can find a unique flair. So, grab your passport and fly to your favorite one this month.
