July is a month of summer love, vibrant celebrations, and cultural embrace. And what better way to explore a destination’s unique traditions and vibe than local festivals? Festivals are the gateway to unlimited fun and revels. Here are the top choices to help you decide your ultimate go-to festivals in July around the world.
Most Exciting Festivals in July Worldwide
1. America Independence Day
Date: 4th July
Location: Across the USA
Cheer for the historic day of the USA with friends and family on America Independence Day. It is a national holiday honoring the acquisition of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On this day, 13 American colonies were freed from British rule. With thousands of mugs of flowing beer, boat rides, marching bands, fireworks, and bonfires, you can bring in the day with laughter and joy. You can also sit by the barbecues and picnics, spreading out the blanket in the lush garden, such as Central Park and Golden Gate Park, some of the best places to visit in the USA. People often wear clothing featuring the colors and symbols of the American flag.
2. Canada Day Festival
Date: 1st July
Location: Across the Canada
Another day of national pride and reflection, Canada Day, marks the anniversary of the confederation of Canada. Initially called Dominion Day, on this day the country’s original provinces were unified. Several events and concerts are held in cities and towns across Canada that highlight Canadian culture, history, and diversity. The dazzling fireworks displays are the limelight of this big day.
3. Calgary Stampede
Date: 5th -14th July
Location: Calgary, Canada
Touted as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day festival that organizes one of the world’s largest rodeos and exhibitions. Attracting over 1 million visitors annually, the festival is a massive celebration featuring parades, stage shows, concerts, and competitions. The first fair of Calgary was set up in 1886, and since then, it has grown into one of the most extravagant rodeos. The whole city is immersed in the gala as the buildings and stores are painted in cowboy themes.
4. Osaka Tenjin Festival
Image Credit: japan-guide.com
Date: 24th – 25th July
Location: Osaka, Japan
A colorful summer festival, Osaka Tenjin Matsuri, also called as Tenjin Matsuri, invites you to watch Japan in its ultimate glory. Although the festival is held for a month, from late June to late July, the grandest occasions happen on the 24th and 25th of July. Prayer gatherings are held on the evening of 24th July for peace and prosperity. Lively music and dance performances are also arranged. The next day, a spectacular procession on the streets features over 3,000 participants. This land procession transforms by the evening as a flotilla of decorated boats carrying the Mikoshi deities sail down the Dotombori River. People wear their best attire and enjoy the shows.
5. Collisioni Festival
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Date: 5th – 31st July
Location: Barolo, Italy
A combo of musical concerts and food tasting, the Collisioni Festival is an annual literature and music festival. In the past, big names such as Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, and The Chemical Brothers have been in attendance. Besides the big music fest of a mix of Italian and international music acts, there are dozens of food stalls at the festival, serving everything from traditional Langhe dishes to international cuisine. Spend a longer time with talks, workshops and exploring the best places to visit in Italy.
6. Gion Matsuri Festival
Date: 1st -31st July
Location: Kyoto, Japan
The Gion Matsuri Festival is one of the most revered festivals in July in Japan. Dating back to 869, the city of Kyoto was hit by an epidemic, and to please the god, a purification ritual was done. Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural festival. It is celebrated on a massive scale where two grand processions of beautifully decorated floats, called Yamaboko Junkō, are carried out on the streets on the 17th and 24th of July, respectively. You will observe 34 giant floats reach up to 25 meters tall and weigh tons. Another procession takes place featuring portable shrines (mikoshi) carried by participants.
7. Exit Festival
Date: 10th-14th July
Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
Hosted in the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Exit Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in Europe. Founded in 2000 as a student moment to promote peace and democracy in Serbia, the festival has bloomed into an internationally recognized, award-winning event. The festival has an interesting music lineup and multiple stages throughout the fortress. It has non-stop entertainment for four days, and the festival-goers can camp nearby, with facilities provided to enhance the experience.
8. Kelburn Garden Festival
Image Credit: kelburngardenparty.com
Date: 4th -8th July
Location: Largs, Scotland
One of the most unique music festivals in July, Kelburn Garden Festival is a haven for creative art lovers. The majestic location of the 13th-century painted castle, Kelburn Castle, on Scotland’s West Coast makes it even more surreal. There is a diverse range of exciting music programs, from concerts to discos. You can tap your feet to jazz music or sing the blues. Get ready to find surreal and magical installations, performances, and interactive experiences that will surprise and delight you.
9. Hideout Festival
Date: 30th June – 4th July
Location: Pag, Croatia
Celebrated along the Zrće Beach, this electronic music festival is known for its picturesque location and top-tie lineups. Its eclectic musical setup in open-air clubs along the shoreline will transport you to heaven. There are boat parties, where the visitors can enjoy music while cruising the Adriatic Sea. Right from dancing under the morning sun, the fun continues into the early hours, with after-party parties in the clubs.
10. Bastille Day
Date: 14th July
Location: France
It is the French National Day, one of the revolutionary days in Paris. During the early months of the French Revolution, Paris was in a highly alarming state. Amidst the agitation, on 14th July, the local Paris people gathered around Bastille, a historic Royal fortress, and stormed into it. It was the first victorious effort of France, and since then, it has been observed as the French Independence Day. Processions are carried out, streets are buzzing with celebrations, and delicious food is served.
11. Jagannath Rath Yatra
Date: 7th July
Location: Puri, India
The famous Ratha Yatra or Ratha Jatra is one of the oldest, or, better to say, the largest, Hindu festivals. Organized annually, thousands of devotees gather to see the three deities (Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra) come out of the temple and are seated gracefully on the wooden, well-embellished chariots. As the gongs are beaten, the chariots are pulled for three kilometers and taken to Shree Gundicha Temple. The procession is held for nine days. Even getting a glimpse of these deities is considered extremely sacred and blissful. It also marks the beginning of the monsoon season in Odisha.
12. Montreux Jazz Festival
Date: 5th-20th July
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
The second biggest Jazz festival in the world, Montreux Festival, is a 17-day-long musical fiesta. Held annually, the festival has been running for the past 50 years with great pomp. You can revel in a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and pop, by the Lake Geneva shoreline. There are hundreds of discos, stage shows, and open-air concerts. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at the festival, including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, John Coltrane, and Deep Purple. The festival also includes a number of workshops, exhibitions, and film screenings across the best places to visit in Switzerland.
13. San Fermin
Date: 6th-14th July
Location: Pamplona, Spain
Also known as the Running of the Bulls, San Fermin is one of the top festivals around the world dating back to the Middle Ages and honors Saint Fermín, the patron saint of Navarre. Participants run ahead of a group of bulls through the streets of Pamplona to the bullring. The festival has a massive street party, a religious procession, traditional dances, night fireworks, and food snacks along the streets. Since you are in Europe, do enjoy ticking off some of the beautiful places to visit in Spain.
14. Asalha Puja
Date: 20th July
Location: Thailand
A Buddhist festival that takes place on the full moon of the Āsādha month (8th lunar month) honors and remembers the Buddha’s first sermon. The sermon was the foundation of four noble truths. On this day, observers visit temples, donate offerings, chant prayers, and listen to sermons. Monks lead the procession as they lit candles and chant scriptures. Other countries where you can enjoy this cultural festival in July are Indonesia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Do know that government offices and banks are closed on this day.
FAQs
1. What are the most famous festivals in July?
Some of the most famous festivals in July celebrated across the world are American Independence Day (USA), Calgary Stampede (Canada), Gion Matsuri (Japan), Gion Matsuri (Japan), and San Fermín (Spain).
2. Are there any music festivals in July?
Some of the famous music festivals in July are the Collisioni Festival, Exit Festival, and Kelburn Garden Festival.
3. What are the best festivals in July in Europe?
Running of the Bulls in Spain, Bastille Day in France, and Collisioni festival in Italy are some of the must-visit festivals in Europe.
4. What world event is happening 2024?
Summer Olympics and The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup are two biggest 2024 events.
5. How to participate in July festivals?
Participation can vary depending on the festival. For local festivals, you can join public celebrations, parades, and events. For international festivals, travel arrangements and understanding local customs are essential.
Conclusion
From the spectacular fireworks of Independence Day in the United States to the colorful parades of Canada Day, and from the spiritual observances of Rath Yatra in India to the exuberant celebrations of Bastille Day in France, these festivities bring communities together in joyous celebration.
