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Festivals around the world you've never heard of but should experience once
While millions flock to popular festivals like La Tomatina, Holi, and Coachella, the true magic of travel often lies in the lesser-known, the festivals that haven't yet hit every influencer's grid but remain rich with local flavor, tradition, and unforgettable experiences. If you're seeking immersive cultural adventures and brag-worthy stories, these under-the-radar festivals around the globe are your beauty of these hidden festivals lies in their authenticity: They're not tailored for tourists but proudly preserved by communities. Whether it's a flaming Viking ship in Scotland or a river of lanterns in Korea, these offbeat cultural treasures offer unforgettable stories and genuine connections. So before you book that ticket to a mega-event, consider traveling off the beaten festival path, and let the world surprise Jinju Lantern Festival – South Korea
Each October, the Nam River in Jinju is transformed into a glowing wonderland during the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. Originally held to honor the souls lost in a 16th-century battle, this lantern festival now invites visitors to float messages of peace and hope down the river in thousands of handmade OctoberWhere: Jinju, South KoreaWhy Go: Picture-perfect visuals and deep emotional resonance.2. Boryeong Mud Festival – South KoreaIt may sound messy, and it is, but that's the charm. Held every July on Daecheon Beach, this gloriously mucky event attracts thrill-seekers who flock to mud wrestling pits, slides, obstacle courses, and live K-pop concerts, all in the name of fun and skincare (yes, the mud is mineral-rich).When: JulyWhere: Boryeong, South KoreaWhy Go: Equal parts chaotic, therapeutic, and Surva Festival – BulgariaIn the small town of Pernik, Bulgaria, ancient pagan rituals come alive during the Surva Festival. Locals don fur costumes and eerie masks as they perform dances to scare away evil spirits and welcome a prosperous new year. It's as haunting as it is Late JanuaryWhere: Pernik, BulgariaWhy Go: A portal into Europe's pagan past and raw cultural storytelling.4. Monkey Buffet Festival – ThailandYes, it's exactly what it sounds like. In Lopburi, Thailand, thousands of monkeys are honored with a lavish vegetarian buffet spread laid out on temple grounds. This bizarre-yet-charming event celebrates the animals that draw tourists year-round and are seen as spiritual Last Sunday of NovemberWhere: Lopburi, ThailandWhy Go: Surreal and joyfully chaotic, with monkeys stealing the show.5. Inti Raymi – PeruDating back to the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi is the Festival of the Sun celebrated in Cusco with dramatic reenactments, traditional music, colorful parades, and ancient rituals that honor Inti, the sun god. It's a deeply spiritual and theatrical June 24Where: Cusco, PeruWhy Go: Step back in time and witness living history in the Andes.6. Fete de l'Escalade – SwitzerlandGeneva's quiet streets explode with medieval pageantry during this December festival, commemorating a 1602 victory over invaders. Locals don period costumes, pour molten chocolate 'cauldrons,' and march with torches through the Old Mid-DecemberWhere: Geneva, SwitzerlandWhy Go: A blend of history, chocolate, and Swiss spirit.7. Hadaka Matsuri – JapanOne of Japan's wildest festivals, the Hadaka Matsuri sees thousands of men wearing only loincloths scrambling to catch sacred sticks thrown by priests. It's a spiritual test of endurance and a bid for good FebruaryWhere: Okayama, JapanWhy Go: A raw and intense cultural spectacle unlike any other.8. Gion Matsuri – JapanWhile this is well-known in Japan, Gion Matsuri often slips under the radar for international travelers. This month-long Kyoto festival features massive wooden floats, ancient rituals, and street food galore, a UNESCO-recognised living JulyWhere: Kyoto, JapanWhy Go: Japan's most elaborate festival that somehow still feels local.9. Up Helly Aa – ScotlandMove over Viking cosplay, this is the real deal. In Shetland, fiery processions and full Viking regalia honor Norse heritage during this epic fire festival. The climax? The burning of a giant Viking Last Tuesday in JanuaryWhere: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, ScotlandWhy Go: A dramatic blend of fire, folklore, and fierce community Cheung Chau Bun Festival – Hong KongThis quirky Taoist festival features tower-climbing contests on bamboo structures covered in buns, parades with giant papier-mache deities, and martial arts performances. It's whimsical, spiritual, and completely May (aligned with Buddha's birthday)Where: Cheung Chau Island, Hong KongWhy Go: A photogenic oddity with spiritual roots and carnival energy.
