Wondering where are the best festivals to go to to add a bit of pizzazz to your travels? Check out this list of the best cultural festivals to attend worldwide!

From the twinkling lights of a Christmas market to the lively vibes of age-old celebrations, these festivals promise unforgettable experiences that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Every autumn, Melbourne buzzes with the International Comedy Festival, one of the most famous cultural events since it started in the late 80s. Over three-and-a-half weeks, you can catch side-splitting acts from comedians worldwide, held across iconic venues like the Melbourne Town Hall.

Plus, you can participate in workshops or laugh at the comedy comps. Book your tickets early, as the top shows often sell out fast!

Awa Odori is a legendary dance festival in Tokushima prefecture, Japan. It’s one of the best festivals to attend in the world, running for several days alongside the Obon holiday. Expect to catch blokes and birds in traditional garb dancing away to tunes that’ve been around for over 400 years.

The atmosphere is electric, with everyone—from the young to the old, amateurs to pros—joining in the fun. Don’t just watch; get stuck in and dance with the locals!

Since 2003, the Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) has been more than your average festival. One of the best cultural festivals in the world, JFC showcases the locals' rich diversity and artistic flair.

Over three vibrant days, the city square bursts into life with a parade of stunning costumes by local artisans, alongside loads of themed performances to keep you entertained. With its global appeal, JFC attracts visitors from all corners, making it a must-see spectacle in Indonesia.

Source: unesco.org

Make your way to Manisa during the Mesir Macunu Festival to see how “mesir paste” is made, a historical remedy with a royal twist. Legend has it that this paste was once used as a healing concoction for Suleiman the Magnificent’s mother.

If luck’s on your side, you might catch some of the paste tossed from the mosque domes. Don’t miss the following spectacular parade, featuring a host of Turkey’s most influential figures and a lively celebration of local culture.

Running for three weeks in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Fringe is one of the best cultural festivals on the planet. With a whopping thousand performances, there’s plenty to dive into! From theatre and comedy to dance and everything in between, be sure to explore different venues around town to get the whole Fringe experience.

Source: capetownjazzfest.com

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is a top pick for jazz enthusiasts. Held at the International Convention Centre, it showcases brilliant performances from South African and global jazz legends.

With a lively atmosphere and world-class acts, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Book your tickets early, as they can sell out fast!

Source: tulipfestivalamsterdam.com

Prepare to be wowed by a sea of blooming tulips at the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam each spring. With more than 7 billion tulips displayed in a pop-up garden, it’s a flower lover’s dream.

And it’s not just about the blooms—there’s also the breathtaking Flower Parade and the chance to indulge in tulip-picking to your heart’s delight. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the arrival of spring and immerse yourself in Dutch floral culture.

Source: Facebook Pahiyas Festival

In honour of Saint Isidore the Farmer, Lucban puts on the Pahiyas Festival, one of the most popular cultural celebrations in the Philippines, every year. It’s a fantastic harvest festival that gives thanks for the bounty and features many cultural events and contests that light up the streets.

Don’t miss the impressive house decoration competition and join the mass that kicks off the festivities. Plus, you can't miss out on the local street food—it's a must at any harvest festival!

You’ll get into the festive spirit like never before at the Budapest Christmas Markets Festival. Sure, you’ll want to dive into some Chimney cake and browse local crafts, but there’s also a bunch of daily concerts and folklore performances to enjoy.

The Vörösmarty Square market is the show's star, but make sure to pop by the St Stephen's Basilica market too—it’s well worth the visit.

Inti Raymi, which translates to Festival of the Sun, is one of the best festivals to attend in Peru.

During this festival, thousands gather to witness the ancient ceremony honouring the Sun God at three significant spots: the Temple of Qoricancha, the Main Square, and the Esplanade of Saqsayhuaman. Immerse yourself in the enactment of the Inca Empire’s winter solstice celebration.

That’s a wrap—here are 10 top festivals worldwide to add sparkle to your travel plans. If you’re keen on something out of the ordinary, these are the ones to check out!

While you’re gearing up for all the best cultural festivals to attend, make sure your travel plans are as hassle-free as your fun! With Traveloka, you can book flights, find comfortable hotels and plan fun activities in one place. Don’t miss out—get your next adventure sorted with Traveloka, and let the fun begin!