Best Festivals Around The World In May

Welcome to the merry month of May, where the world comes alive with vibrant celebrations and cultural extravaganzas. From the whimsical to the profound, May offers a plethora of festivals that cater to every taste and interest. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best festivals around the globe, ensuring you have an unforgettable May filled with joy, music, and cultural immersion. Are you ready for a good wacky festival? If so, you may be in luck. Many of these festivals are being held in the United States this May. Get ready for outlandish costumes, odd events, and a lot of fun.

May The Fourth Be With You, May 4, Worldwide

May The Fourth Be With You, affectionately known as Star Wars Day, is a global celebration of the iconic space opera franchise. Originating from a witty newspaper ad in 1979, this unofficial holiday gained momentum in 2011 with the rise of internet culture. London Evening News then ran an ad stating, “May The Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.” Many years later, this unofficial didn’t take a storm until 2011, thanks to the internet, when Toronto Underground Cinema in Canada organized a film festival and costume contest. Since then, Disney World began the tradition of running Star Wars Weekends in May, where you encounter Star Wars celebrities and characters for shows, presentations, and more. Festivities range from film screenings to costume contests, culminating in Disney World’s Star Wars Weekends, where fans mingle with beloved characters and celebrities from the galaxy far, far away.

Cinco De Mayo, May 5, Mexico

Cinco De Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. This festival may only be one day long, but there’s a lot packed into it. While primarily observed in Mexico, this festive occasion has gained popularity worldwide. It’s officially considered to kick off when the parade starts at 11 a.m. The parade in and of itself is massive, with float after float going by for hours on end. Afterward, there are a variety of dance and theatrical performances as well as people dressed up in elaborate costumes. Year after year this event gets more massive. In fact, the days leading up to and following the event are often filled with a variety of celebrations of some kind. Keep an eye out for a future post that talks about Cinco de Mayo in depth. Beyond the festivities, Cinco De Mayo serves as a reminder of resilience and national pride.

Feria de Abril, May, Spain

The Feria de Abril, or April Fair, is a colorful and lively festival celebrated annually in the city of Seville, Spain. Despite its name, the Feria de Abril actually takes place in the month of May, typically two weeks after the Easter holiday. The exact dates vary each year, as they are determined by the lunar calendar. The Feria de Abril kicks off with the lighting of thousands of colorful lanterns, illuminating the fairgrounds and creating a magical ambiance. The fair takes place in a sprawling area known as the Real de la Feria, which is transformed into a bustling city within a city during the festivities. Throughout the week-long celebration, the streets of Seville come alive with parades, horse-drawn carriages, and flamboyantly dressed locals showcasing their finest traditional attire. Women don colorful flamenco dresses adorned with ruffles, frills, and intricate embroidery, while men don traditional suits known as trajes cortos or trajes de corto.

Vesak, mid May

Vesak, also known as Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima, is one of the most important Buddhist festivals celebrated worldwide. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (or parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The festival typically falls on the full moon day in the month of May, although the exact date may vary depending on the lunar calendar used in different Buddhist traditions. During Vesak, Buddhists gather at temples and monasteries to participate in various religious activities and ceremonies. One of the central rituals involves offering prayers, chanting sutras (Buddhist scriptures), and making offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at Buddhist shrines and altars.

Cannes International Film Festival, May 16-27, Cannes France

The Cannes International Film Festival is the epitome of glamour and cinematic excellence. Happens annually in the picturesque French Riviera in mid-May and lasts for 12 days. It showcases films and documentaries from across the world. The red carpet event is heavily covered by the media to see a whos whos of actors and directors. This prestigious event attracts film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and celebrities from around the world. Numerous celebrity parties also raise money for charities during this time.

Lightning In A Bottle, May 21-25, California

Lightning In A Bottle transcends the traditional music festival experience, offering a blend of art, spirituality, and community. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of California, this transformative event features interactive art installations, yoga workshops, and visionary talks. More than just a music festival, Lightning In A Bottle fosters personal growth and collective consciousness in a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and exploration.

Mawazine, May 20-28, Morocco

Mawazine, Morocco’s largest music festival, captivates audiences with its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere. This somewhat controversial event takes place in Rabat. It attracts more than 2 million people, about three times the city’s population. This festival was created in 2001 to promote Morocco as being more liberal than some other countries in the Middle East. The event features over 100 concerts, and past big-name artists have included Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones. Many up-and-coming artists are also in attendance, hoping to get their “big break.” Showcasing both local talent and international stars, Mawazine celebrates cultural diversity and artistic expression. From electrifying concerts to pulsating street performances, this festival offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the soul of Morocco’s music scene.

Hay Festival, May 25-June 4, Wales

The Hay Festival is a literary extravaganza that celebrates the written word in all its forms. Held annually in the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, it is a celebration of literature and the arts. The festival features a variety of events, including author readings, panel discussions, and concerts. It has been called the “Woodstock of the mind” and attracts book lovers, authors, and thinkers from around the globe, a wide range of attendees, from literary enthusiasts to families looking for a fun day out.

Sasquatch!, May 27-30, Washington

Sasquatch! Music Festival offers a unique blend of music, nature, and community spirit in the heart of Washington state. Held at the breathtaking Gorge Amphitheatre, this iconic festival showcases a diverse lineup of musical acts against a backdrop of majestic mountains and scenic vistas. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning surroundings, Sasquatch! promises an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend experience. This festival started in 2002 as a way to promote the local music market. Each year, dozens of artists perform for a crowd of about 20,000 people. This event is so popular that tickets often sell out within a few hours of going on sale.

Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling, May 25, England

Cheese isn’t just for eating, it’s for rolling too in Brockworth. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling is a quirky British tradition that combines adrenaline-fueled competition with comedic charm. As many as 40 individuals participate in the actual cheese rolling event. Participants have to chase an 8-pound wheel of cheese down a very steep hill. The first one down wins the cheese and bragging rights. The wheel of cheese has been known to reach speeds of 70 mph and injure a few people on the way down. This festival gets a lot of attention worldwide as videos posted on the internet have gotten over 3 million views. After all of the cheese racing is over, festival goers hang out and have a good time eating, drinking, and celebrating.

Chelsea Flower Show, end of May, England

The Chelsea Flower Show is a prestigious event hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in London, United Kingdom. It is held annually in the month of May, typically towards the end of the month. The show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a historic venue in the heart of London. Garden designers, landscapers, florists, and nurseries from across the UK and beyond come together to create breathtaking exhibits that captivate and inspire visitors. From elaborate show gardens to intricate floral arrangements, the Chelsea Flower Show offers a feast for the senses and a wealth of gardening inspiration.

Even if you aren’t near any of these festivals, why not check out a festival near your hometown? The weather in May is usually pretty good, which makes for a great time outdoors. May is a month of celebration and discovery, offering a kaleidoscope of festivals that showcase the diversity and richness of global culture. Whether you’re a film buff, a music enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure, there’s a festival waiting to enchant you this May. Embrace the spirit of festivity, immerse yourself in new experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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