15 unique festivals around the world that must go on your bucket list

Each culture is rich in traditions and customs. Festivals are one such custom which are not just a celebration, but a way of life and a defining feature of each society.

India for example, sees the festival of Holi annually during which, the colour, food and mythology of a region is captured. Similarly, such rich, fascinating and unique festivals can be found in every corner of the world.

Here are 15 festivals across the globe that need to be added to your bucket list. Get packing!

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA

The nine-day festival is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and takes place in early October every year. The sky is transformed into a colourful canvas as 750 balloons are released together.

PHOTO: REDDIT

2. Jaipur Elephant Festival, India

As per Rajasthani tradition, elephants are a sign of royalty. The festival takes place on the day of Holi, which typically occurs in March. During the festival, elephants are adorned in bright coloured cloth and jewelry. The festival now also hosts camels and horses.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

3. Winter Light Festival, Japan

This festival has come to be known as Japan's finest light festivals. The festival takes places at Nabana No Sato, a floower-based park and occurs normally from mid November to mid March. The festival also features a hot spring, a string of popular restaurants and a famous tunnel of light.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

4. Floating Lights Festival, Hawaii

The Floating Lights Festival marks Honolulu's Memorial Day and stands for honouring loved ones and offers great hope and love towards the future. The festival comprises music and the ceremonial lighting of the 'Light of Harmony' -- the lanterns floating on water-- which isthe primary attraction of the event.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

5. Ágitagueda Art Festival, Portugal

Rows of colourful umbrellas are hung in a promenade across the streets of Agueda to mark this festival every July. Although a very recent tradition, the festival has gained popularity and people try to add new aspects to it each year, so it doesn't become repetitive.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

6. The International Highline Meeting Festival, Italy

During this festival, people are seen slackening on tight ropes running across the Italian Alps. A kitchen, a bar and even private jamming sessions are also available during this extreme sporting festival. The festival takes place annually in September.

PHOTO: REDDIT

7. Songkran Water Festival, Thailand

This two-day festival generally marks the hottest days of Thailand, and people celebrate by throwing water on each other using water guns, balloons, hoses, and just about anything. The also smear each other's faces by chalk and menthol believing them to be signs of good luck.

PHOTO: WEB SAMBA

8. La Tomatina, Spain

The festival involving tomatoes is one that marks fun, entertainment and energy. Taking place on the last Wednesday of August, the festival is celebrated by throwing tomatoes at each other. The event however has no connection with any ancient tradition.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

9. The Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil

Celebrated between February and March, the popular carnival parade comprises floats, revelers and decorations. Usually students practicing Samba participate in this colourful festival. Every year this world famous festival registers a footfall of around 2 million people per day.

PHOTO: YOGASMOGA

10. Carnival of Venice, Italy

The 900-year-old tradition occurs from February through till March and allows people to express their true self. Participants wear masks and do what they please without the feeling of guilt. Venice turns into a vibrant place with jugglers, bands and boats on canals dominating every public place.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

11. Running of The Bulls, Spain

In an unusual and dangerous form of celebration, people run ahead of a dozen bulls who are let loose on the course. As a result, at least 200 people are every year during the event, but what comes out as a definite winner is the thrill quotient.

PHOTO: DACAST

12. Baby Jumping Fiesta, Spain

The festival occurs in May or June every year during which men dressed in red and yellow, portraying devil spirits, jump over babies that are born in the previous 13 months. The men carry a whip in their hands while the infants lie on the mattress beneath. The festival marks the cleansing of sin from the newborn's body, helping him or her to follow a true path and also stay free from sicknesses.

PHOTO: BORED PANDA

13. Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan

The whole Pingxi district of Taipei is beautifully decorated during this festival which takes place between February and March. The aim of the festival is to keep away any evil forces and diseases. People release lanterns that contains messages and pictures from the owner, marking the town safe and secure.

PHOTO: SCOOP WHOOP

14. Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand

Fruits, vegetables, cookies and candy are donated to 3000 monkeys during the buffet festival which takes place at the end of November. People visit Thailand from all over the world to take part in the festival.



15. Chinese New Year, China

This festival marks China's most significant day and the longest holiday in the Chinese calendar. People take to the streets to celebrate with dragons , fireworks, traditional clothing, flowers and lanterns. It is celebrated from the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar to the 15th day of the first month.

PHOTO: DIGIPRAIM

This article originally appeared on ScoopWhoop