Traveling to experience festivals is a unique way to immerse yourself in a culture's traditions, music, food, and community spirit. Here are some of the best festivals around the world that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

1. Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When: February or March (before Lent)

Highlights: Samba parades, elaborate costumes, street parties, and vibrant floats. Rio's Carnival is the world's biggest and most famous, a dazzling celebration of life and culture.

2. Diwali, India

When: October or November (varies by lunar calendar)

Highlights: Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali features beautiful light displays, fireworks, traditional sweets, and family gatherings. Cities like Jaipur and Varanasi offer spectacular celebrations.

3. La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain

When: Last Wednesday in August

Highlights: The world's biggest food fight where participants throw tomatoes at each other, turning the streets into a sea of red. It’s a fun and messy tradition that attracts thousands of people.

4. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

When: Late September to the first weekend in October

Highlights: The world's largest beer festival with traditional Bavarian music, food, and beer. Enjoy the festive atmosphere in giant beer tents and join in the lively celebrations.

5. Holi, India and Nepal

When: March (full moon day)

Highlights: The Festival of Colors marks the arrival of spring. Participants throw colored powders and water at each other in a joyful celebration of love and renewal.

6. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA

When: February or March (before Lent)

Highlights: Parades, masquerade balls, street parties, and the iconic beads. New Orleans' Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant and eclectic celebrations, rich in history and culture.

7. Chinese New Year, China and Chinatowns Worldwide

When: January or February (varies by lunar calendar)

Highlights: Lion and dragon dances, fireworks, lantern festivals, and family reunions. Major cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore offer grand celebrations.

8. Day of the Dead, Mexico

When: November 1-2

Highlights: A celebration honoring deceased loved ones with colorful altars, sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and traditional music and dance. Oaxaca and Mexico City are prime locations to experience this unique festival.

9. Glastonbury Festival, England

When: Last weekend in June

Highlights: One of the largest music festivals in the world, featuring a diverse lineup of artists, impressive performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a must-visit for music lovers.

10. Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain

When: July 6-14

Highlights: Part of the San Fermín Festival, the running of the bulls is a thrilling event where participants run ahead of a group of bulls through the streets of Pamplona. The festival also includes parades, fireworks, and traditional music.

11. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland

When: August

Highlights: The world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances by artists from around the globe. Enjoy theater, comedy, dance, and music in this vibrant cultural event.

12. Carnival of Venice, Italy

When: February or March (before Lent)

Highlights: Known for its elaborate masks and costumes, Venice's Carnival is a glamorous and historic celebration. Enjoy masquerade balls, parades, and artistic performances in the enchanting city of Venice.

13. Songkran, Thailand

When: April 13-15

Highlights: The Thai New Year, celebrated with large-scale water fights in the streets. It's a fun and refreshing way to welcome the new year, with festivities happening across the country, particularly in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

14. Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, USA

When: Late August to early September

Highlights: A unique festival focused on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. Experience large-scale art installations, performances, and a temporary city in the desert.

15. Tomorrowland, Boom, Belgium

When: July

Highlights: One of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in the world, featuring top DJs, impressive stage designs, and a fantastical atmosphere. A must-visit for EDM fans.

16. St. Patrick's Day, Ireland

When: March 17

Highlights: Celebrations of Irish culture with parades, traditional music, and lots of green attire. Dublin offers the largest and most festive celebrations.

17. Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan

When: March to May (varies by region)

Highlights: Viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, a tradition known as hanami. Top spots include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

18. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA

When: October

Highlights: The largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with hundreds of balloons filling the sky. Enjoy mass ascensions, night glows, and balloon rides.

19. Diada de Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain

When: April 23

Highlights: Also known as the Day of the Book and the Rose, this festival celebrates love and literature. Streets are filled with book and flower stalls, and there are various cultural events.

20. Up Helly Aa, Shetland Islands, Scotland

When: Last Tuesday in January

Highlights: A Viking fire festival featuring torch-lit processions, the burning of a Viking longship, and traditional music and dancing. It’s a unique and dramatic celebration of the islands' Norse heritage.