Festivals in Asia are something that need to be experienced.
Yes, you can easily experience some in the States, festivals in Europe that reach back hundreds of years, and beautiful celebrations in Central and South America.
But the culture festivals in Asia are on a whole different level.
And while there are hundreds of them, I wanted to focus on just a few that stand out amongst the others.
These are the ones that are going on my bucket list.
They have so many colors, beauty, culture, and incredible traditions. They’re the kind of festivals that you make sure happen because you don’t wanna go the rest of your life without experiencing them.
1. Boryeong Mud Festival – South Korea
When Does it Happen? July.
In 1998, a festival was started as a way to promote the Boryeong mud cosmetics. But after a successful first run, the festival became a hit and was then made as an annual celebration.
People can come to Boryeong to lounge and relax on the beach, or they can come to have fun in the crazy inflatable mud slides and mud wrestling.
But if you’re looking to be a bit more laid back, then there are activities that aren’t as intense. You can opt for body painting, mud facials, and other fun activities that take place at the fair.
Important Note: K-Pop stars will perform at this festival, so keep your eyes open for anyone famous. And make sure to enjoy the fireworks, cultural performances, and parades!
2. Songkran – Thailand
This is basically the world’s biggest water fight, and one of the most popular festivals in Asia.
People of all ages come out on this day with:
- Water guns
- Water hoses
- And buckets full of water
It doesn’t matter if you’re just passing by on a moped through the city, you will get splashed and doused. So be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time on a hot day then having a giant water fight with the entire city.
When does it happen? The festival takes place each year and happens between the 13th and 15th of April because it’s said to be the hottest time of the year. So be sure to book a room in Chiang Mai early, this is a very popular festival in Thailand.
Other great places to celebrate this would be Bangkok or even some of the Thai islands like Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Important Note: Be careful of the water people throw at you. Some people get their water from the river which is not clean to drink, so just be sure to close your mouth as they douse you.
3. Holi – India
Holi or “Festival of Colors” is a celebration in the month of Phalgun which usually falls on March. It marks the arrival of spring, celebrates the “blossoming of love,” and is a bright and lively event.
The celebration starts the night before Holi with a bonfire where people gather together to sing and dance.
The next day, the color fights begin!
Just like Songkran in Thailand, this is a festival for people of all ages to come out and spray each other with water guns, colored water balloons, and of course colored powder.
Also, if you’re looking for more unique experiences, then check out these other amazing things to do in India here.
4. Thai Lantern Festival (Yi Peng) – Thailand
Thailand has a special lantern festival in the month of November, where everyone lifts up a lantern into the night sky as apart of a religious ceremony.
Golden colors lift high into the air for an amazing experience.
Said to represent letting go of the previous year’s misfortunes, this amazingly beautiful festival is something you need on your bucket list!
5. Winter Lights Festival – Japan
Set in the Kuwana city’s Nabana no Sato, a beautiful botanical garden, Japan has created one of the most beautiful light festivals in the winter.
With over seven million LED lights, light tunnels, and flower fields lit up in color, this festival really is an amazing experience!
When does it happen? The Winter Lights Festival can run from October to May, so you have plenty of time to see this beautiful display of lights. However, you’ll still wanna make sure those are the correct dates; it might change each year.
6. Ati-Atihan – Philippines
In the Philippines, there is a beautiful and colorful festival called Ati-Atihan that’s celebrated with various festivities and parades.
The locals of Kalibo want you to join in with their festivities; they welcome all outsiders to celebrate with them and watch their dances and parade.
Also, there are lots of events that lead up to the main parade such as street festivals and fun cultural activities.
When does it happen? It happens in January which means it’s a great way to leave the cold winter weather behind for the tropical Philippines.
7. Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival – India
When Does it Happen? It usually takes place either in April or May, so make sure to keep up to date.
This festival is more than 200 years old and has around 30 colorful and ornately dressed parading elephants at the Vadakkunnathan temple.
Also, the men take part in the Kudamattam ritual where 2 rows of fifteen elephants stand face to face, and they start showing up off their beautiful designed parasols. It’s kind of a fun and friendly rivalry between the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples.
The festival lasts 36 hours and you might just tire yourself out visually and physically from all there is to see and do.
Important Note: A fireworks display goes off at three in the morning and continues on for three hours. Also, temples celebrate with folk dances, amazing food, drum beats, and cultural activities.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.