Festival Calendar of Global
Events by Continent and Country

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Whether you're looking for the perfect beach, a picturesque city, a snobby film fest or just some different things to do, check out our festival calendar by country. We're hoping that will help to get your world party tour started. Hopefully, there will be a little something for everyone here.

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Click Festivals Calendar by Date if you would like to see this list sorted by date of the event. This one is designed for those of you who know when you're taking time, but don't know where you're taking it yet. It's also for those of you who like a little variety: some physical activity, some cultural, or something culinary — all tied in to one action packed week or month or three.

Click Calendar Events by Type designed to suit those who prefer to admire from afar, and those who really like to roll up sleeves and get dirty!

Something missing? We're always ready to hear about other world events. Share your globe-trotting experiences with the Whirled right here: Global Calendar of Festivals and Events - Share Your Experiences.

Global Festival Calendar by Continent and Country

These are generally organized by large, geographic regions or continent, and then by country, and in some cases by state or city. Look for Religious Observances under the International heading.

Africa

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
Africa: Kenya	AUG 24, 2013 to AUG 26, 2013	Maralal Camel Derby	CONTEST or RACE: Major camel race, professional jockeys. Amateurs may compete as well, but don't expect to do well. The event boasts other festivities and contests, including a cycling race for those of you who compete on wheels instead of hooves.
Africa: South Africa	APR 26, 2013 to APR 28, 2013	South African Cheese Festival	FOOD or LIBATIONS: Because apparently, cheese is big in South Africa.
Africa: South Africa	APR 26, 2013 to APR 28, 2013	South African Cheese Festival	FOOD or LIBATIONS: Because apparently, cheese is big in South Africa.

Asia

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
Asia: Kuala Lumpur	MAR 22, 2013 to MAR 24, 2013	Formula 1 Races Malaysia	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 2nd race of the 2013 series.
Asia: China: Hong Kong	SEP 29, 2013 to OCT 1, 2013	Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival and Fire Dragon Dance	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: The harvest moon festival and celebration of a 14th century rebellion against Mongol overlords is on Sep 30. Head for a public park to take in the colorful surroundings alight with thousands of paper lanterns. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon commemorates a symbolic ritual to rid a coastal village of plague and livestock-eating pythons. The dragon dance takes place over three days.
Asia: China: Shanghai	APR 12, 2013 to APR 14, 2013	Formula 1 Races China	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 3rd race of the 2013 series.
Asia: India: Jaipur	JAN 24, 2013 to JAN 28, 2013	Jaipur Literature Festival	ARTS: International writers, celebrities and Nobel Prize Winners from Bollywood and beyond flock to Diggi Palace for the event.
Asia: India: New Delhi	FEB 8, 2013 to FEB 10, 2013	Comic Con India	CONVENTION or TRADE SHOW: Inspired by Comic Con San Diego, this convention isn't nearly as big. But it is growing fast. Here's a sampling of what you'll find there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_comics
Asia: Japan: Sapporo	FEB 5, 2013 to FEB 11, 2013	Sapporo Snow Festival	ARTS: Two million people gather in Sapporo to watch snow and ice sculptures take shape. Teams of three from around the globe compete. Music and bushwalkig on skis, authentic local cuisine and entertainments abound.
Asia: New Delhi	OCT 25, 2013 to OCT 27, 2013	Formula 1 Races India	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 17th race of the 2013 series.
Asia: Singapore	SEP 20, 2013 to SEP 22, 2013	Formula 1 Races Singapore	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 14th race of the 2013 series.
Asia: Suzuka	OCT 11, 2013 to OCT 13, 2013	Formula 1 Races Japan	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 16th race of the 2013 series.
Asia: Thailand	APR 14, 2013 to APR 17, 2013	Songkran 2013, Thailand	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: The word Songkran has roots in Sanskrit and means to pass or move into. It''s really the Thai New Year and a time to clean house, honor Buddhist monks, and sprinkle water on elders in a sign of respect. Anyone not an elder though, is fair game for a MASSIVE water fight. Celebrations occur throughout the country.
Asia: Yeongam	OCT 04, 2013 to OCT 06, 2013	Formula 1 Races Korea	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 15th race of the 2013 series.
Asia: China: National Celebration	FEB 11, 2013 to FEB 15, 2013	Spring Festival	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: Citizens of China have seven days off for the Chinese Lunar Year. Primarily family-oriented, Chinese expats return home to be with loved ones. Expect very full planes, trains and automobiles. Dates subject to lunar calendar.
Asia: China: National Celebration	FEB 24, 2013 to FEB 24, 2013	Lantern Festival	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: It's like Rapunzel in "Tangled", but different. A lunar holiday, the Chinese hang lanterns everywhere, and some will include riddles and a shopkeeper's address. Answer correctly and you may earn a small gift!

Australia, New Zealand & Southern Hemisphere

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
New Zealand/ So.Hemisphere: Auckland	MAR 2013 to MAR 2013	Pasifika Festival 2013, Auckland	ARTS: Two days of food, music, arts and dance representing 10 different cultures of Polynesia. Exact dates TBA.

The Baltics & Russia

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
Baltics & Russia: Sochi	FEB 7, 2014 to FEB 23, 2014	2014 Winter Olympics	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Tickets should go on sale late 2012. If you need to be the first to know when they are available, register on the Official Sochi 2014 site.
Baltics & Russia: Estonia	JUL 2014 to JUL 2014 (TBD)	Estonia Song and Dance Festival	ARTS: An 18,000 voice choir, and a 10,000 member dance troupe, this festival has origins in the 19th century. Held at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, it happens once every five years, and is declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Baltics & Russia: Moscow	DEC 15, 2012 to JAN 15, 2013 (approximate)	Moscow Winter Festival	ARTS: Russian festivals abound throughout the country, but the Winter Festival in Moscow is the largest. Expect public performances, crafts, food, games and ice sculputres.

Europe

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
Europe: Budapest	JUL 26, 2013 to JUL 28, 2013	Formula 1 Races Hungary	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 11th race of the 2013 series.
Europe: Bunol	AUG 28, 2013 to AUG 28, 2013	La Tomatina, Spain	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: Possibly the world's largest fruit fight, this giant festival has been going on since World War II. The City Council instructs that you must squash your 'maters before you throw them, throw nothing but 'maters, and try not to rip anyone's shirt off in the process.
Europe: Catalunya	MAY 10, 2013 to MAY 12, 2013	Formula 1 Races Spain	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 5th race of the 2013 series.
Europe: England: London	JUN 24, 2013 to JUL 7, 2013	Wimbledon Wildcard Matches to Finals	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: The 2013 Championships marked the 127th anniversary of Wimbledon play, known in the tennis world as the grandaddy of all tennis tournaments. It's the oldest, and the most prestigious.
Europe: England: London	JUN 24, 2013 to JUL 7, 2013	Wimbledon Wildcard Matches to Finals	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: The 2013 Championships marked the 127th anniversary of Wimbledon play, known in the tennis world as the grandaddy of all tennis tournaments. It's the oldest, and the most prestigious.
Europe: France	SEP 20, 2013 to SEP 22, 2012	Fete De La Gastronomie	FOOD or LIBATIONS: This is an international celebration of French cooking, with gastronomic events slated throughout France, as well as in Tokyo and in New York.
Europe: France	OCT 30, 2012 to NOV 3, 2012	Salon du Chocolat, Paris	FOOD or LIBATIONS: The best chocolatiers of the world meld at the Versailles Exhibition Center every year. Expect over 400 vendors and exhibitors, tastings, and the world famous Chocolate Fashion Show. Someone tell Lady Gaga so she can finally give up the meat dresses.
Europe: Ireland	OCT 23, 2013 to NOV 3, 2013	Wexford Festival Opera	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: Music, food and unfolding tragedy since 1950. This is a two week festival for those who want to dress up and watch high art on stage. Daytime packages include short form opera and musicales.
Europe: Monte Carlo	MAY 24, 2013 to MAY 26, 2013	Formula 1 Races Monte Carlo	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 6th race of the 2013 series.
Europe: Monza	SEP 6, 2013 to SEP 8, 2013	Formula 1 Races Italy	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 13th race of the 2013 series.
Europe: Pamplona	JUL 6, 2013 to JUL 14, 2013	Running of the Bulls	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: Bully for you, if you want to run with the bulls. But know that this festival is dangerous, and you should be saying your prayers to San Fermin if you give it a go.
Europe: Silverstone	JUN 28, 2013 to JUN 30, 2013	Formula 1 RacesGreat Britain	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 8th race of the 2013 series.
Europe: Spa-Francorchamps	AUG 23, 2013 to AUG 25, 2013	Formula 1 Races Belgium	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 12th race of the 2013 series.
Europe: TBD	JUL 5, 2013 to JUL 7, 2013	Formula 1 Races Germany	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 9th race of the 2013 series.

International Celebrations

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
International	JAN 24, 2013 to JAN 24, 2012	Prophet Mohammed's Birthday	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. The Shias celebrate five days earlier than the Sunnis, while many Muslims do not recognize the occasion as a holiday at all.
International	SEP 4, 2013 to SEP 4, 2013	Rosh Hashanah	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, in which observers typically spend the day in synagogue.
International	SEP 13, 2013 to SEP 13, 2013	Yom Kippur	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: The most important Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur is a Day of Atonement.
International	NOV 5, 2013 to NOV 5, 2013	Al-Hijira	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Al-Hijra is the Islamic New Year, a time to make resolutions and reflect on the Prophet Muhammad's move from Mecca to Medina.
International	NOV 14, 2012 to NOV 14, 2012	Ashura	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Ashura marks the day Noah disembarked from his Ark, and the day that Allah saved Moses from the Egyptians.
International	NOV 27, 2012 to DEC 5, 2012	Hanukkah	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights with deep, historical roots dating back to Alexander the Great, subsequent Jewish oppression by Antiochus IV, and keeping lights burning in the Temple of Jerusalem throughout the night.
International	DEC 25, 2013 to DEC 25, 2013	Christmas	RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Whether secular or religious, Christmas usually means at least one day off for many around the world. Many businesses will be closed.

Island Vibes

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
Islands: Trinidad	FEB 11, 2013 to FEB 12, 2013	Carnival of the Caribbean	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: A world-renowned pre-Lenten festival that takes place Trinidad, Dominica, Haiti, Martinique and other islands. Each island has something slightly different to offer, but Trinidad hosts the largest party.

Middle East

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
Middle East: Abu Dhabi	NOV 1, 2013 to NOV 3, 2013	Formula 1 Races United Arab Emirates	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 18th race of the 2013 series.
Middle East: Israel	MAY 2013 to MAY 2013	Jacob's Ladder Festival	ARTS: Jacob's Ladder Festival is a world music extravaganza featuring every genre of music from bluegrass to Irish folk, to Balkan and world rock. Limited hotel rooms, but free camping included in ticket purchases. Music workshops, crafts, concerts and more.
Middle East: Sakhir	APR 19, 2013 to APR 21, 2013	Formula 1 Races Bahrain	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 4th race of the 2013 series.

North America

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
North America: Austin	NOV 15, 2012 to NOV 17, 2012	Formula 1 Races Texas, USA	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 19th race of the 2013 series.
North America: Montreal	JUN 7, 2013 to JUN 9, 2013	Formula 1 Races Canada	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 7th race of the 2013 series.
North America: New Orleans	FEB 3, 2013 to FEB 3, 2013	Super Bowl XLVII	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: The Super Bowl has been played since 1967. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET, but many fans will be drinking long before then.
North America: USA: Atlanta	OCT 16, 2013 to OCT 18, 2013	Humanoids2012	CONVENTION or TRADE SHOW: The International Conference on Humanoid Robots will take place in Atlanta this year. Proposal deadline for workshops is June 1.
North America: USA: Colorado	OCT 10, 2013 to OCT 12, 2013	Great American Beer Festival - Denver	FOOD or LIBATIONS: The Great American Beer Festival is in the Convention Center in Denver. Aside from sipping beer in many styles, one of the highlights of the festival is the beer competition, in which a panel of judges will vote for America's best. Be sure to check out the Silent Disco, especially if you've been imbibing!
North America: USA: Florida	FEB 14, 2013 to FEB 18, 2013	Miami Boat Show	CONVENTION or TRADE SHOW: Billed as the greatest boat show in the world, over 200 exhibitors and a quarter million boat enthusiasts from all over the globe converge in South Florida every year for this event. The hotels are packed.
North America: USA: Las Vegas	JAN 16, 2013 to JAN 19, 2013	AVN Adult Entertainment Expo	CONVENTION or TRADE SHOW: Held every January in Las Vegas, this is a trade show exhibit to be held for three days in the Hard Rock Hotel.
North America: USA: Louisiana	FEB 12, 2013 to FEB 12, 2013	Mardi Gras New Orleans	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: Mardi Gras occurs on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent for Christians. But festivities leading up to Fat Tuesday start two-three weeks before then. Stock up on beads.
North America: USA: Massachusetts	JAN 18, 2013 to JAN 21, 2013	Arisia	CONVENTION or TRADE SHOW: Complete with Masquerade contest, Arisia is a gathering of science fiction and fantasy fans and dealers.
North America: USA: New Jersey	APR 5, 2013 to APR 6, 2013	Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival 2013	FOOD or LIBATIONS: Tickets available through TicketMaster. But don't let that deter you.
North America: USA: New York	OCT 10, 2013 to OCT 13, 2013	ComicCon 2013, New York	CONVENTION or TRADE SHOW: Comic book convention for all fans.
North America: USA: New York	OCT 17, 2012 to OCT 20, 2012	New York City Wine and Food Festival	FOOD or LIBATIONS: Year number 5 of Food & Wine's gastronomical fest to benefit Share Our Strength and Food Bank of New York City. Get tickets for individual culinary experiences, or buy a pass to sample a selection of dinners and tastings.
North America: USA: Santa Barbara	JUL 18, 2013 to JUL 20, 2013	California Wine Festival - Santa Barbara	FOOD or LIBATIONS: Wine, song, chocolate. Yum.
North America: USA: Maine	OCT10, 2013 to OCT 10, 2013	Wife Carrying Championship - North America	CONTEST or RACE: Married or not, this race is open to male and female competitors to celebrate an old Finnish (or possibly caveman?) tradition in which robbers were said to have carried off women when marauding villages. The world championship is held in Finland in July.
North America: USA: Massachusetts	FEB 16, 2013 to FEB 17, 2013	Boston Wine Expo	FOOD or LIBATIONS: Special events and vintner hosted dinners, the greatest wine growing regions of the world are all represented here in Boston. Learn about wine at seminars for amateurs and connoisseurs, or watch celebrity chefs steam up two special stages.
North America: USA: Pennsylvania	FEB 2, 2013 to FEB 2, 2013	Groundhog Day	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: Since 1887, people have been trekking out to Gobbler's Knob to pull poor Puxsutawney Phil out of his hibernation hole. . . just so he can forecast the weather. Instead of trekking out to PA in the middle of winter, we suggest you watch the movie, Groundhog Day, instead, starring Bill Murray.

Central and South America

Continent and Country	Beginning/ End Dates	World Festivals and Events	Description
South & Central Americas: Sao Paulo	NOV 22, 2012 to NOV 24, 2012	Formula 1 Races Brazil	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: Formula One's 20th race of the 2013 series.
South & Central Americas: Rio de Janeiro	FEB 8, 2013 to FEB 12, 2013	Carnival, Rio de Janeiro	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: The world famous Carnival of Rio is held every year just before the Christian Lenten season. Expect magnificent parade floats and costumes, as neighborhoods come up with competing themes to win top honors in the parades. Aside from the major parades and balls though, a variety of smaller street festivals offer slightly quieter entertainments. Overall, it's probably the largest party in the world.
South & Central Americas: Brazil: Various Cities	JUN 12, 2014 to JUL 13, 2014	FIFA World Cup	PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: The Federation of International Football Association's World Cup will be hosted in multiple venues in Brazil.
South & Central Americas: Rio de Janeiro	FEB 8, 2013 to FEB 12, 2013	Rio de Janeiro Carnavale	PUBLIC FESTIVAL: It's not just one Samba parade, it's a series of parades. And street parties. And mingling, mingling, mingling.

World Calendar Events by Type

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Festivals Calendar by Country

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Festivals Calendar by Date