Traveling is not only about seeing new places and trying new cuisines, but also about experiencing different cultures and their customs. Cultural festivals and events provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditions of a country, and to gain a deeper understanding of its people. Here are some of the top festivals and events around the world that are a must-visit for cultural travelers.

• Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil is famous for its vibrant and colorful Carnival, which takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. The streets of Rio de Janeiro are filled with music, dancing, and elaborate costumes as locals and tourists alike join in the celebration. The Samba parade is the highlight of the event, with performers from different samba schools competing for the title of the best school.

• Holi Festival in India

Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is a time to forget grudges and forgive others, and to spread joy and happiness. The festival is marked by the throwing of colored powder and water, and by dancing and singing. The cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, in northern India, are known for their elaborate celebrations.

• Chinese New Year in China

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, and it is celebrated with great fervor and excitement. The festival lasts for 15 days, and it is a time for families to reunite, to eat traditional foods, and to exchange gifts. The most famous tradition of Chinese New Year is the dragon and lion dances, which are performed in the streets to scare away evil spirits.

• Oktoberfest in Munich

Germany Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, and it is held annually in Munich, Germany. The festival dates back to 1810, and it is a celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bavarian food, such as sausages and pretzels, and drink beer from the six local breweries. The festival also features parades, music, and carnival rides.

• Day of the Dead in Mexico

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and it is a time for families to come together and remember their ancestors. The celebration involves creating ofrendas, or altars, that are decorated with flowers, candles, and food. It is believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living during this time, and the celebration is a way to welcome them back.

• Songkran in Thailand

Songkran is the Thai New Year, and it is celebrated with a water festival that lasts for three days. People splash water on each other as a way to purify themselves and to bring good luck. The festival also involves religious ceremonies and parades.

• Venice Carnival in Italy

The Venice Carnival is a famous festival that dates back to the 12th century. It is a time for Venetians and tourists to don elaborate masks and costumes and to attend masquerade balls and parties. The festival is known for its opulence and extravagance, and it is a celebration of Venice’s rich cultural heritage.

• Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, is a celebration of the arrival of spring in Japan. The festival is marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms, which are a symbol of renewal and hope. People gather in parks and gardens to admire the blossoms and to have picnics under the trees. The festival also features parades