FESTIVALS 2025
Antalya Piano Festival (Antalya – Turkey) November/December
International Antalya Piano Festival, which is one of the most important art and culture events of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, is the most important music festival that has contributed to the art life of Antalya for more than 20 years.Every year, the festival brings together local and foreign world famous artists to Antalya art lovers and offers a rich program from classical music to flamenco.The International Antalya Piano Festival plays an important role in promoting the rich history, the cultural diversity and the unique nature of Antalya through concerts and various events.
International Aspendos Opera And Ballet Festival (Antalya – Turkey) June/July
Another most interesting festival in Turkey is International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival which is conducted annually. The festival is celebrated at nearly 2000 years old Roman Aspendos Theatre, located outside of Antalya. Aspendos is one of the most preserved theatres in the world and is known for featuring some of the best international operas and ballet companies.
The Carnival of Venice (Venice – Italy) 22 February to 4 March 2025
One of the oldest and most famous festivals in Europe is the Carnival of Venice. This traditional festival features a gala ball and colorful elaborate masks. Though the roots of this festival are ancient, it became more prominent in 1979 to restore the Venetian culture. The duration of this festival is around twenty days and is generally held in February each year. Several competitions are held during this festival, such as Popularity Contest, Best Mask Design Contest, Grand Ball, and others.
The Carnival of Venice originated in 1162. This festival was celebrated as a mark of victory in Venice over its enemy. The citizens of Venice gathered at San Marco or Saint Marks Square to dance and celebrate their victory. Ever since then, this festival is celebrated on Venetian streets. But in 1797 – this festival was outlawed. Even using the mask was banned. Still, during the 19th century, this festival was celebrated privately without much fanfare. But in 1979, the Italian government decided to revive its festival heritage to restore the economy and culture of Venice.
Oktoberfest (Munich – Germany) Saturday, Sept 20th – Sunday Oct 5th 2025
It is a world-famous folk festival. One of the must-visit festivals in Europe – Oktoberfest, began in 1810 in Munich. While the beer tents serve alcohol, they also play traditional Bavarian music. People dress in traditional Bavarian costumes to highlight its culture. Though the focus of this festival is beer – but there is much more about the culture than beer.
Oktoberfest was first held two hundred years ago to commemorate the union of Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen and Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig. On October 12, 1810, they exchanged vows. The wedding was celebrated over many days with feasting, drinking, and horse races.
La Tomatina Festival (Buñol – Valencia – Spain) 27th August 2025
It is one of the biggest European food festivals held in Bunol – Spain. The crux of this festival is a food war on the streets in which over-ripe tomatoes are smashed by each other, including locals and tourists. Before you delve into this fun festival – you should be aware of all the rules of La Tomatina. Some of them are to squash the tomatoes before throwing them, not to carry sharp objects or bottles, not to tear t-shirts, etc. There is no set age limit for La Tomatina, however, it is advised not to bring young children as the celebration can become very chaotic.
The bizarre La Tomatina food-fighting festival began in 1945, but why is unknown. Locals have many beliefs, including the widely held belief that furious citizens attacked city councilors during a local festival. It may, however, is linked to anything from an anti-Franco rally to a friendly food battle between friends. Regardless of how it began, the people of Bunol enjoyed it so much that it became an annual event. Eventually, it became an officially recognized holiday in 1952. Despite being canceled momentarily in the 1970s due to its lack of religious importance, it has reappeared year after year.
Tomorrowland (Alpe d'Huez, French Alps) March 15 to March 22, 2025
One of the most thrilling and largest electronic music festivals in Belgium– Tomorrowland is a globally renowned festival. Each year music lovers from all over the world visit this festival to experience the best electronic dance music. However, it is not just about the music but the dynamic cultural event that displays the best of Belgian hospitality and culture. One of the most famous music festivals in Europe, Tomorrowland brings the biggest stars in the electronic music industry to its magical wonderland town of Boom in Belgium. Tomorrowland is the zenith of all worldwide electronic music festivals.
Manu and Michiel Beers, two Belgian brothers, launched Tomorrowland in 2005. This festival was held in Boom – a little town near Brussels. In its first year around nine thousand people attended this festival. Tomorrowland festival stands out from other music festivals as its focus is on offering a unique and engaging experience for attendees. The stunning visual effects, decorative stages, and innovative use of technology are the main highlights of the event. Despite its mammoth size and international reach – the festival maintains its uniqueness. It offers attendees a memorable experience that cherishes the power of music.
St. Patrick’s Day (Dublin – Ireland) Mon, Mar 17, 2025
The major cultural festival of Ireland, the 5-day St. Patrick’s Day, is an enormous celebration in Dublin. It draws more than 100,000 visitors annually. When this time of year rolls around, the streets transform into one big party area. During this renowned festival in Europe, all landmark buildings are lit in green to create a joyful atmosphere. The celebration features a range of events, including a carnival in Merrion Square, a road race, sporting events, a treasure hunt, local craft merchants, and both contemporary and Gaelic music bands. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is by far the highlight of this festival.
St Patrick’s Day was first celebrated almost fifteen hundred years ago. Since then, this festival has had a rich and long history. The name of this festival is rendered from St. Patrick as he was influential in introducing Christianity in Ireland in the fifth century. St. Patrick’s Day is a significant festival and one of the best spring festivals in Europe. It includes parades and other celebrations, especially in Dublin, where the Irish Volunteers march and is most notably defined by the color green of the shamrock.
Amsterdam Light Festival (Along the Amsterdam canal) November 28, 2024 to January 19, 2025
One of the best light festivals in Europe – the Amsterdam Light Festival, attracts tourists from all over the world. As the name suggests, this festival takes place in Amsterdam, a city renowned for its stunning architecture and picturesque canals. To have the utmost fun and experience of this event, go for an Amsterdam light festival boat tour along the canals. Witness the beautiful artwork and the stunning light installations around the city. During this twelfth season, 20 spectacular works of art are on display throughout the Amsterdam canals. If you intend to visit the Capitals of Europe, such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, etc.
Winter Magic Amsterdam in 2010 featured a boat parade and many other events. A group led by Raymond Borsboom was in charge of management. After three weeks of lighting up the famed Skinny Bridge, world-renowned light designer Rogier van der Heide suggested that the festival shift its attention to light art in the future. As a result, the Amsterdam Light Festival received a new focus.
Dubai Shopping Festival (Dubai, UAE) 13th December, 2024 to 19th January, 2025
Dubai Shopping Festival, which is often referred to as DSF, is an ultimate retail extravaganza by Dubai Tourism that captures the heart of travelers from around the globe. With each passing year the festival continues to redefine the shopping experience in the vibrant city. In the year 2025 DSF promises to get bigger and better with amazing discounts, deals, live events, and fireworks. Shoppers can explore a vast array of high-end boutiques, traditional markets, and contemporary malls, each offering an extensive range of products from designer fashion and electronics to unique local crafts.
DSF was first launched in 1996 to promote Dubai as a retail destination and since then it is UAE’s arguably the biggest Dubai Shopping Festival. During the festival, Dubai transforms into a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of participating retailers, from luxury boutiques to traditional souks and massive shopping malls, offering attractive discounts and promotions. Shoppers can find deals on everything from high-end fashion and electronics to jewelry, cosmetics, and more. The DSF Dubai is known for its daily and weekly raffles with substantial prizes, including luxury cars and cash rewards.
Below are the top places to visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival:
- Global Village
- Al Rigga Street
- Dubai Mall
- Gold Souk
- Promenade at Dubai Festival City
- Al Seef Street
- Mall of the Emirates
- Deira City Centre
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Festival Waterfront Centre
- Mercato Shopping Mall
Chinese New Year (Singapore) Wed, Jan 29, 2025 – Thu, Jan 30, 2025
The Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Asian countries. CNY 2025 in Singapore is the Year of the Dragon. The Lunar New Year is more than just a modern-day celebration; it is rich with tradition and symbolism. The first and the best place to revel in this festival is Chinatown in Singapore. Every year, bright ornaments, banners, and red lanterns lit up the area – symbolizing prosperity and good luck. Explore the colorful lanes, savor authentic street food, enjoy the carnival, and buy gifts and souvenirs. Apart from Chinatown, attend the Chingay Parade – the biggest float parade and street performance in Asia at the F1 Pit Building. Watch the River Hongbao event at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. The list is endless to explore and enjoy this festival while in Singapore.
The key attractions of Chinese New Year in Singapore
- Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration
- Chingay Parade At the F1 Pit Building
- Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay Sands
- River Hongbao At Gardens By The Bay
- Countdown Party Experiences
- Lion and Dragon Dances
- CNY Family Fun at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
- Dahlia Dreams At Gardens By The Bay
- Festive Markets and Bazaars
- Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024
Chilam Joshi Festival (Chitral Pakistan) 11-May-2025 to 25-May-2025
One of Pakistan’s most important cultural events is the Chilam Joshi festival. The Kalasha tribe observes numerous celebrations all year long. Uchal (summer festival), Choimus (winter festival), and Chilam Joshi (spring festival) are the three principal Kalash festivals. In the Hindukush Himalayan ranges, the Chilam Joshi spring festival is a breathtaking cultural event. In November 2018, the Kalash culture was recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The decision was made public during the 13th Intergovernmental Committee meeting of UNESCO, which was held in Mauritius.
Choimus Kalash Winter Festival (Chitral Pakistan) 15-Dec-2025 to 29-Dec-2025
One of Pakistan’s most renowned cultural events is the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival. The Kalasha tribe observes numerous celebrations all year long. Uchal (summer festival), Choimus (winter festival), and Chilam Joshi (spring festival) are the three principal Kalash festivals. The Hindukush mountain ranges offer a wonderful cultural experience at the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival. In November 2018, the Kalash culture was recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The decision was made public during the 13th Intergovernmental Committee meeting of UNESCO, which was held in Mauritius.
Uchal Kalash Summer Festival 2025 (Chitral Pakistan) 19-Aug-2025 to 02-Sep-2025
One of Pakistan’s most prestigious cultural events is the Uchal Kalash Summer Festival. The Kalasha tribe observes numerous celebrations all year long. Uchal (summer festival), Choimus (winter festival), and Chilam Joshi (spring festival) are the three principal Kalash festivals. The Hindukush mountain ranges offer a wonderful cultural experience at the Uchal Kalash Summer Festival. In November 2018, the Kalash culture was recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The decision was made public during the 13th Intergovernmental Committee meeting of UNESCO, which was held in Mauritius.
Shandur Polo Festival (Chitral Pakistan) 04-Jul-2025 to 17-Jul-2025
One of the wildest polo festivals in the world is the Shandur Polo Festival. The Shandur Polo Ground is situated in the North West and Chitral District of Gilgit-Baltistan, in the Ghizer district. It is a shared, common pass that connects these areas. Shandur is a level plateau that serves as both a border between Gilgit-Baltistan and the province of KPK. Shandur Polo Ground hosted the first-ever polo match in 1936. Since then, it has developed into the best polo field in the entire North Region. The distances between the polo ground and Chitral Town are roughly 155 km and 200 km, respectively.
