8 International Festivals You Should Add to Your Bucket List

We love fiestas. From town celebrations to metro street parties, we never miss a chance to dress up, eat good food, and dance in the streets. So, it’s no surprise that international festivals hold a special charm for us, too. 

The world is brimming with vibrant celebrations, many of which happen in countries we already love to visit. If you’re planning a trip abroad soon, why not schedule it around one of these iconic festivals? Go festival-hopping for a next-level travel experience? 

Here are 8 must-experience international festivals that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list:

1. Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo, Japan) 
   February

Photo by Alex Mesmer on Unsplash

The Sapporo Snow Festival transforms Sapporo in Japan into a magical winter wonderland. It’s a week-long event every February that features jaw-dropping snow and ice sculptures—some the size of entire buildings. For a tropical country like ours, attending a winter event like this can be both enchanting and heartwarming. It typically happens in three different sites and admission is free of charge. 

What to bring with you: 

Insulated Jacket PHP 7990
Columbia Sportswear

Fleece Cap PHP 2790
Topo Designs

2. Carnaval (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
   February to March

Photo by Ferran Feixas on Unsplash

Brazil’s Carnaval is the biggest party on the planet. It’s held before the start of Lent. Picture samba dancers in glittering costumes, epic street parades, and music blasting from every corner of Rio de Janeiro. Filipinos who love dance and spectacle will feel right at home in the energy of Carnaval. Be ready to move, groove, and join the crowd.

What to bring with you: 

Comfortable Footwear PHP 6490
Allbirds

Insulated Water Bottle PHP 2990
Hydro Flask

3. Adelaide Fringe (Australia)
   February to March

Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s largest arts festival, and it’s wonderfully unpredictable. Spanning a whole month between February and March, the city comes alive with pop-up theaters, comedy shows, street performances, art installations, and even cabaret. Those who appreciate local talent and indie vibes, this festival is a great way to explore Australia’s creative scene. It’s laid-back yet vibrant, perfect for travelers who love discovering something new.

What to bring with you: 

Folio Bag PHP 3490
Timbuk2

Tote Bag PHP 2990
Roxy

4. Las Fallas (Valencia, Spain)
   March

Photo by Marcelo on Unsplash

Valencia’s Las Fallas is one fiery celebration. Every March, the city fills with towering ninots or satirical papier-mâché sculptures, which are later set ablaze in dramatic bonfires. It’s a celebration of Saint Joseph and an ode to artistry and satire. It offers a mix of pageantry and pyrotechnics that feels both foreign and familiar—like a giant fiesta combined with New Year’s Eve. 

What to bring with you: 

Sling Bag PHP 3790
Hellolulu

Face Mask PHP 335
Wanderskye

5. Coachella Music Festival (California, USA) 
   April 

Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash

Coachella has been a pop culture phenomenon that’s included in every millennial and Gen Z’s bucket lists. Held in the Colorado Desert every year, it draws global artists and fans for two weekends of non-stop live music, art, fashion, and celebrity sightings. Music fans, both indie and mainstream, save up just to secure tickets to Coachella and make the trip happen. Expect hot days, good vibes, and the chance to see your favorite artists live, all backdropped by sunsets and palm trees.

What to bring with you: 

Multi-Compartment Mini Bag PHP 5290
Hellolulu

Foldable Chair, Available in-store
Poler

6. Songkran Festival (Thailand)
   April 13 to 15

While the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai has gained popularity among Filipinos in recent years, another Thai celebration is slowly becoming an annual festival tourists look forward to. Think of Songkran as Thailand’s version of a massive water fight. Celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran turn their cities into splash zones. Locals and tourists take to the streets with buckets, hoses, and water guns. Attending this festival is the perfect way to experience how Thais welcome another year. 

What to bring with you: 

Water-Resistant Footwear PHP 4990
Birkenstock

Pocket Towel PHP 1690
Sea To Summit

7. Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany)
   September to October 

Photo by Kimia on Unsplash

Beer lovers, this one’s for you. Oktoberfest is a world-famous beer festival that’s more than just giant mugs of lager. There’s traditional Bavarian music, folk dancing, hearty food (hello, sausages and pretzels!), and tons of camaraderie. It’s the ultimate social experience abroad. Wearing a dirndl or lederhosen is optional—but highly encouraged for the full vibe!

What to bring with you: 

Waist Pack PHP 1790
World Traveller

TSA-Approved Luggage Lock PHP 990
Travelon

8. Día de los Muertos (Mexico)
   October 31 to November 2

Photo by Lilit Bagdasarova on Unsplash

Día de los Muertos is a beautiful, soul-stirring celebration honoring Mexico’s departed. Remember Coco the movie? You’ll instantly connect with its themes, much like how we visit cemeteries for Undas. In Mexico, however, it’s a more colorful tribute with marigolds, sugar skulls, and festive processions. It’s not somber—it’s joyful and deeply moving, celebrating life and memory in a way that resonates with our own traditions.

What to bring with you: 

Backpack PHP 24,990
Peugeot 

E-Organizer Panel PHP 1390
Eagle Creek

These festivals are more than just events. They're cultural experiences that will make your travels unforgettable. As you plan your next overseas adventure, consider syncing your trip with one of these celebrations. 

And remember: always #KnowBeforeYouGo: read up on customs, pack right, and get into the festive spirit to enjoy every moment to the fullest.