Traveling offers so many exciting opportunities to soak in the wonders of a new country; whether through food, culture, or adventure, we live for it all. But let’s focus on the topic at hand, you’re here for the spectacular. epic. mind blowing. best parties and festivals around the world. So, would you rather rave in an igloo or dance in the biggest street party on earth? Whatever floats your party boat, this 2020 bucket list of events is sure to inspire your next crazy venture across the globe.
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
Location: Heilongjiang, China
Dates: January 5 – February 25
Celebrating its 36th year, the Harbin Ice Festival is said to be one of the world’s top winter festivals. The spectacular frozen kingdom of sculptures was created with over 58 million gallons of ice. The festival offers a ton of activities including sculpture competitions, ice skating, skiing, ice soccer, hockey, dance performances, trade fairs and so much more.
Want more “snowcation” inspo? Check out my winter bucket list ideas here!
Trinidad Carnival
Location: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Dates: February 24 – 25
Rocking the title of the “biggest street party on earth,” Trinidad continues to set the bar for Caribbean Carnivals. Thousands of masqueraders dress up in dazzling costumes and parade down the island roads. Sounds of steel pan, calypso, and soca music are sure to fuel your spirit with the exciting vibes of Carnival.
Brazil & Colombia Carnavals
Location: Rio de Janiero, Brazil / Barranquilla, Colombia
Dates: February 21-29 / February 22-25
If you’re looking to spice things up in South America for Carnaval, then book a trip to the world’s largest in Brazil. Attracting 90,000 visitors, the highlight of this epic celebration are the hundreds of musicians and dancers in radiant costumes, called Samba Schools. The schools parade through a massive venue called the Sambadrome, for a show like no other. The world’s second largest carnaval conveniently resides in Brazil’s neighboring country, Colombia, specifically in the city of Barranquilla. As both celebrations occupy similar dates, it would be pretty amazing to Carnaval hop for two unforgettable experiences.
Location: India
Dates: March 9-10
If you were one of those people posting new year memes about leaving negativity behind all 2020, then the famous Hindu Festival Holi is especially for you. Known as the “Festival of Color and Love,” people unite to release bad blood, resentment and rejoice in positivity. The day before Holi begins with a ritual bonfire lighting to symbolize the triumph of good over bad. Then the day of Holi is filled with dancing, happiness, and a rainbow of color.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Dates: March 13-17
Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was always an exciting holiday, full of parties, parades and my favorite color green. Although celebrated all across world, there’s nothing comparable to the cultural celebration in Ireland. Hundreds of thousands flock to Dublin for the ultimate authentic experience. So if you intend to go, prepare to share whiskey, beer and rowdy times with new friends you’re bound to drunkenly make.
Location: Mayrhofen, Austria
Dates: April 13-18
Earning the title of Europe’s biggest snow and music festival, Snowbombing continues the 21 year run of raving in the snow. The festival is located in Mayrhofen, Austria known for its ski resorts, but this list is bringing you the best parties and festivals around the world so you’ll be doing a lot more than just skiing. The Snowbombing lineup showcases live bands and international DJ’s bringing the party to some pretty dope locations like igloos and forests. If you want to step up your winter vacay game this is place to do it.
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Dates: May 8-11
When I set off for the islands of Spain last May, I decided to skip the famed Ibiza and went to the neighboring island of Palma de Mallorca. Although peaceful and nice, I did wish I experienced the hype of Ibiza. So, if you missed out on the Trinidad Carnival or want to experience a cultural mix of Caribbean and Spanish vibes, then the Ibiza Soca Festival is a must attend.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Dates: July 3-6
Essence Fest is an annual music festival known as the “Party with Purpose.” Over the years this major music event continues to expand featuring motivational seminars, comedy shows, celebrity chefs, a marketplace of black-owned brands, fashion, wellness and beauty exhibitions, and so much more. New Orleans draws in a half-a-million party people ready to celebrate all things black culture.
Location: Boom, Belgium
Dates: July 17-19 & 24-26
Taking the crown of best parties and festivals around the world, the insanity of Tomorrowland attracts a total of 400,000 attendees. Originally a one day event, the mega party had to expand over two weekends to satisfy demand. This fairy-tale festival is now one of the largest on the planet and never disappoints with tickets selling out in mere minutes. Click the title link to pre-register and finally knock this major event off your 2020 bucket list.
Location: Munich, Germany
Dates: September 19 – October 4
Beer lovers, you’re in for a mighty treat. Oktoberfest is a German folk festival that sees over six million visitors. A cultural haven for Bavarian tradition, the festival includes games, amusement rides, music, dancing, and beer tents pouring two million gallons of the coldest brews. So grab your lederhosen and try to go easy on the drinks because this is definitely an experience you won’t want to forget.
Loy Krathong
Location: Thailand
Date: November 1
Loy Krathong, is a traditional and picturesque Thai event known as the “Festival of Lights,” and translates to “float in a basket.” The festival is celebrated by lakes and rivers with the release of lotus-shaped baskets decorated with candles and flowers. This tradition symbolizes the willingness to release hatred and anger. Yi Peng, known as the Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival, is celebrated in Northern Thailand alongside Loy Krathong; however, rather than water and baskets, khom loi or “sky lanterns” are lit and released above.
Dia de los Muertos
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Dates: November 1-2
Dia de los Muertos translates to Day of the Dead, a seemingly morbid holiday in which Mexicans dedicate to the remembrance of deceased relatives. On the contrary, the holiday is quite joyous and full of exciting parades, colorful costumes, and masterful make up. So I’m thinking this year, why not celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead in Mexico?!
Location: Accra, Ghana
Date: December 26
The 2019 Afrochella caused some serious F.O.M.O. as attendees partied the year’s final nights away in Ghana. Despite being fresh to scene, the African music festival has grown fast as ever. The event first launched in 2017 with 4,000 attendees, then jumped to 10,000 in 2018 and continued to grow in 2019. Created to highlight African culture through cuisine, music and art, 50+ performances and dozens of vendors selling jewelry, food, and fashion, did just that and more. Additionally, Afrochellans were able to attend several charity events to help with and bring awareness to education and hunger efforts. Afrochella certainly earned it’s place on the list of best parties and festivals around the world.
Add to the list and comment below which parties/festivals you’re planning to attend this year!