The Top 10 Festivals To See In 2022
With the Covid-19 Pandemic hopefully fading behind us, we can begin to hope there will be a return to some normalcy in 2022 and with that being said that means festivals. Here are my top picks for the top festivals to checkout around the world in 2022.
Mardi Gras (USA-New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mardi Gras is held annually in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana in the Southeastern United States. For 2022, the date is March 1, but festivities begin about two weeks before with the most lively period the weekend before up to Fat Tuesday. It's a great time to have some fun, get some beads, eat some delicious local cuisine, and of course have a few drinks such as the famous Hurricane.
2. Carnival (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is an incredible festival that will take places this year from April 20-30. There is a huge parade over the course of several days that show off amazing parade floats as well as incredible dancers from the local samba schools.
3. Ultra Music Festival (USA-Miami, Florida)
The Ultra Music Festival will take place between March 25-27, 2022 in Bayside Park in Miami, Florida. This festival brings together some of the most famous DJs from around the world including Tiesto and David Guetta. If you love EDM, then you have got to go to Ultra at least once.
4. Holi (Vrindavan, India)
Holi is the Festival of Colors and will take place on March 18 this year. Although there are many great places to celebrate this festival in India, I recommend the one that takes place in Vrindavan. It's an incredible experience unlike anything else and I recommend wearing some clothes you don't need afterwards as they will get soaked in all the colors.
5. Songkran (Thailand)
Songkran is the name for the Thai New Year. It is a festival that takes place in 2022 from April 13-15. The whole country basically turns into a massive water fight. It's great fun to be had with locals and tourists alike.
6. San Fermin (Pamplona, Spain)
The Festival of San Fermin also commonly referred to by one of its main events, the Running of the Bulls, is a huge festival that takes places each year in Pamplona, Spain. For 2022, the dates of the festival are July 6-14. There is great fun to be had whether you decide to participate in the Running of the Bulls or just enjoy as a spectator. The run is less than 2 minutes so it's quick, but its well worth seeing. I recommend renting a balcony for the most comfortable views. Also, don't forget to wear the festival colors of red and white.
7. La Tomatina (Buñol, Spain)
La Tomatina is held annually in the town of Buñol, Spain. For 2022, the festival takes place on August 31. La Tomatina is probably the messiest festival on this list, even considering Holi is on here as well. Since it involves the throwing of tomatoes at every person you can come across. I recommend this for only the true thrill seekers as this is messy, but its a lot of fun.
8. Burning Man (USA-Black Rock Desert, Nevada)
Burning Man is a festival that at its core is about creativity and self expression for roughly 70,000 people over the course of several days. For 2022, the dates are August 28-September 5.
9. Fantasy Fest (USA-Key West, Florida)
Key West is normal a fun place to begin with, but when its time for the island's version of a Halloween Party known as Fantasy Fest, it can get pretty wild and there is lots of body paint and nudity. Keep in mind that this is an adult oriented festival so no kids on this trip.
10. Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany)
Without any doubt, Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is by far my favorite festival. I have been here once in 2019 and unfortunately due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, that was the last one since 2020 and 2021 were canceled. I am optimistic that there will be an Oktoberfest this year in 2022. Its a great time to be had, with great German beer, traditional music, great local food and just an incredible place to make new friends. You will be mingling with both locals and tourists here, but after you leave everyone you sat with will feel like family. For 2022, the dates are September 17-October 3.
Now you are ready to experience the best festivals to see in 2022. I wish you a wonderful journey. Please don't hesitate to share with me your thoughts about your overall travel experience. I look forward to reading your comments!