Discover Philippine Festivals & Fiestas: A Colorful Journey into Filipino Culture

The Philippines is a country of vibrant traditions, heartfelt celebrations, and deep cultural heritage — all beautifully showcased through its countless festivals and fiestas. From grand religious processions to lively street dances and historical reenactments, each event tells a story of faith, resilience, and community.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these festivals offer an unforgettable way to experience the spirit of the Filipino people.

  Top Festivals in the Philippines to Experience Year-Round

 . Dinagyang Festival

When: Fourth Sunday of January
Where: Iloilo City

Dinagyang Festival is one of the most famous religious and cultural Philippine festivals. Aside from honoring the Sto. Niño, it also celebrates the pact between the datus (chiefs) and the locals. You’ll be treated to stunning performances, lively music, and a festive atmosphere during the grand celebration on the fourth Sunday of January.

Local Tip: To connect more with the locals during the festival, why not learn some useful Hiligaynon words and phrases?

 . Moriones Festival

When: Holy Week
Where: Marinduque

Celebrated in Marinduque during Holy Week, Moriones Festival is another famous religious festival in the Philippines. You’ll see men wearing masks called “moriones” to embody the story of Longinus, the blind Roman soldier who speared Jesus Christ. His eyesight was believed to be healed by the blood from the side where Jesus was pierced.

 . Pintados-Kasadyaan

When: June 29
Where: Tacloban City, Leyte

Also known as Pintados Festival, this cultural and religious event is held annually in Tacloban City to honor Sr. Santo Niño. It is based on the body-painting traditions of the ancient tattooed warriors called “pintados”.

Local Tip: While exploring Tacloban, impress the locals by speaking some basic Waray words and phrases.

 . Peñafrancia Festival

When: Third Sunday of September
Where: Naga City, Camarines Sur

Peñafrancia Festival is one of the grandest religious Philippine festivals, and Asia’s biggest Marian event. It honors the patroness of Bicol, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. On the feast day, there is a fluvial parade where the Virgin is carried on a float traversing the Bicol River.

Local Tip: During the festival, impress the locals by speaking some basic Bicolano words and phrases.

 . Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival

When: October
Where: Zamboanga City

Celebrated every October in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival or Hermosa Festival is one of the oldest Philippine festivals. It honors the Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar). Aside from the street dance competition, concerts, and trade fairs, the much-awaited event here is the Regatta de Zamboanga, where colorful vintas (traditional outrigger boats) of Zamboanga race against each other to win.

Local Tip: While you’re in Zamboanga City, why not learn some basic Chavacano words and phrases to better connect with the Zamboangueños?

 . Higantes Festival

When: Third Sunday of November
Where: Angono, Rizal

Higantes or Gigantes is the Spanish word for “giants”. With this, you can already imagine what you’ll see at the Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal. The parade of these gigantic papier-mâché puppets expresses the locals’ mockery to the abusive hacienda owners during the Spanish colonial era. The festival is also the Feast of St. Clement, the patron saint of the mariners.

 . Masskara Festival

When: Fourth Sunday of October
Where: Bacolod City

Masskara Festival is a huge celebration in Bacolod City every fourth Sunday of October. During the grand parade, street dancers wear attractive costumes and masks that reflect the joy of its people, making it known as the “Festival of Smiles”

Feast of the Black Nazarene

When: January 9
Where: Quiapo, Manila

This religious feast is celebrated in the heart of Manila, Quiapo. The Black Nazarene is believed to be miraculous, that’s why thousands of devotees come here to participate in the annual Traslación. Some brave souls even climb up the float to touch the statue and wipe their towels.

Local Tip: When in Manila, make sure to learn some basic Filipino as it is the national language of the Philippines. And, if you are looking for a place to stay in Manila, check out these Manila hotels with pools, hotels near MOA, hotels near NAIA 1, hotels near NAIA 2, hotels near NAIA 3, and hotels near NAIA 4.

 . Ati-Atihan Festival

When: Third week of January
Where: Kalibo, Aklan

Another religious festival in the Philippines in honor of Santo Niño is Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. During this Filipino festival, street dancers in tribal costumes smear themselves with soot to look dark and be like the natives that once lived in Aklan. When the procession starts, you’ll hear drums and whistles followed by the chant, “Hala Bira!”.

Philippine festivals celebrate there culture and history

Unbelievable  Festivals of Singapore

Where Cultures Collide: The Festival-Fueled Spirit of Singapore
Singapore is where the vibrant traditions of the East harmoniously meet the modern influences of the West. Known as the Lion City, this island nation is a true cultural mosaic—where centuries-old customs coexist with contemporary lifestyles. Walk through neighborhoods like Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, and you’ll feel as though you’re stepping through portals to different parts of the world.

With four official languages—English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil—Singapore doesn’t just tolerate diversity; it celebrates it. Its deep-rooted respect for human rights, multiculturalism, and equality has made it a welcoming home for people from all walks of life.

It’s no wonder, then, that Singapore’s calendar is bursting with festivals and cultural events all year round. From the dazzling lights of Deepavali, to the roaring parades of Chinese New Year, the soulful rhythm of Hari Raya Puasa, and the joy-filled celebrations of Christmas on Orchard Road, every festival here is marked with color, community, and contagious energy. In Singapore, there’s always a reason to celebrate—and travelers are always welcome to join the party.

 Thaipusam

When: 11th January 2025
What to Experience: Join the annual Kavadi Procession from Little India where it starts. Visit Sri Thendayuthapani Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple.

  Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival or the spring lantern festival is one of the most popular festivals in Singapore. It marks the last day of celebration of the Chinese New Year (15th day). During this day, the kids carry paper lanterns outside, lit them up and release it in the sky. Some paper lanterns are simple and traditional whereas some are of different shapes and sizes. Some even have quizzes on them for the kids to solve. It’s a magnificent sight to see several lanterns light up the night sky.

When: 12th February 2025
What to Experience: Visit Chinatown for the thousands of Lanterns decorated in the precinct. Enjoy the performances in the Moonfest Chinese Arts Festival. Savour the delicious Mooncakes to get the taste of the festival.

 Vesak Day

Vesak Day is celebrated all over the world by followers of Buddhism. It marks the enlightenment and death of Buddha. During this festival in Singapore, devotees are often found meditating and doing a significant amount of charity work. This day also allows people to self-reflect. Vesak day falls on the full moon during the month of Vesak.

When: 12th May 2025
What to Experience: Visit major Buddhist temples like the Lin Shan Shuang Lin Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple and many more. Don’t miss the ritual of Bathing the Infant Buddha.

6. Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival (also known as Duanwu Festival) or the Zhongxao Festival is a cultural festival of China that originated thousands of years ago. The festival is also called the Double Fifth Festival as it falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar. During this festival, dragon boats compete in races all over the world where Chinese communities are present, including Singapore. The boats compete at the Bedok Reservoir. People consume rice dumplings (zhongzi) and realgar wines during this day. The festival usually falls around the end of May to the first two weeks of June on the English calendar.

When: 31st May 2025
What to Experience: Catch all the action of the races in Bedok Reservoir and DBS Marina Regatta. There are fun games to keep you occupied and enjoying before the race.

  Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan – the month of fasting by the Muslims. Hari Raya Puasa means ‘The day of Celebration’. During this festival in Singapore, people visit the mosques and then the graves (to greet any family that passed away). They celebrate by wearing new clothes and visiting their families along with reciting takbir in mosques in the evening. Oil lamps are also lit up. The festival symbolises purification and renewal of an individual.

When: 31st March, 2025
What to Experience: Get to experience the extravagance of the delicious food in the Geylang Serai Bazaar. Catch a glimpse of the ritual of breaking the fast near the Sultan Mosque.

 Singapore National Day

The National Day of Singapore is one of the favourite festivals in Singapore. The day is celebrated by holding a parade, followed by choreographed dances and much more. Every Singaporean takes pride in their country, people and their harmony.

When: 9th August, every year
What to Experience: Be a part of the National Day celebrations at the Marina Bay or view the fireworks from the Singapore Flyer. Don’t forget to get your ‘Funpack’.

  Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji symbolises sacrifices made by Ibrahim (willingness to sacrifice his first-born). Volunteers from the mosque sacrifice goat, sheep and cows. One-third of the meat is given to the ones in need and the rest is given to the family of the people who offered the animals for sacrifice.

When: 7th June
What to Experience: Join the faithful in making the most out of this spiritual festival. Visit Mosques like the Sultan Mosque, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, etc. Spend the evenings with friends and family over a meal.

 Hungry Ghost Festival

The Hungry Ghost Festival is a festival celebrated by the Buddhists and the Taoists on the 15th night of the 7th month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the ghosts come out during this period from the lower realms. During this festival in Singapore, people visit the graves to meet their ancestors and deceased members of the family and offer them food. Offerings are made to the spirits of the deceased to take care of their materialistic needs even in their afterlives. It is said that the ghosts make mischief if they are ignored. What’s unique about the ghost festival in Singapore is that there are many entertainment sources available for the people. Large tents are set up during the festival, and many live performances are also conducted. The festival is also called Zhongyuan Festival or Yulan Festival.

When: The festival is celebrated between the last week of August and the first week of September – 6th September 2025
What to Experience: Take the Birth, Life and Death Tour in Chinatown, take a Tour with the Asia Paranormal Investigators (API) and visit the Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple to witness the festivities.

Other Events and Festivals in Singapore

  Singapore Art Festival

Singapore Art Week is a 12-day event that takes place every January. It is a celebration and a display for the lovers of visual arts. The event is held across multiple venues in Singapore. The event contains various exhibitions, numerous artworks, gallery openings, public art walks, lifestyle events and workshops. This is surely one of the festivals in Singapore that you must not miss.

When: 17th January 2025 – 26th January 2025

 International Festival Of Arts

When: The Festival is usually held at the end of June – 16th May to 1st June 2025

 Singapore Food Festival

When: TBA – October  2025

  Singapore Night Festival

Singapore Night Festival brings out the best of the city with its heritage sites adorned with colourful lights. The Night Festival takes place on two weekends every August. Bras Basah Bugis is an art enclave in Singapore’s civic centre that comes to life during the Night Festival. Watch international artists performing their original works on the streets. Some areas become only a pedestrian area to allow the festival to take place. The SNF (Singapore Night Festival) has a different theme every year, according to which the artists are chosen and decorations are selected. It’s an event not to miss if you’re in the city during August.

When: TBA

Chinese New Year

The first day of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in Singapore, falls on the new moon day. The Lunar New Year (as it is also called) is of great significance to the Chinese who clean their homes to get rid of the bad or the ill-fortune and make way for good luck. The celebration of this grand festival in Singapore continues for 14 days starting on the eve of the New Years. During this time, the Chinese locals visit their families and decorate their homes with red and gold colours. They also exchange gifts and give kids Hong Bao (red envelopes). The Chinatown comes to life through the celebration of festivities. Lion and dragon dances performed as a part of the celebration.

When: 29 January 2025
What to Experience: Head out to Chinatown where the street light up is famous along with the performances by the Lion dancers and Fire eaters. Don’t miss Singapore’s version of carnival called the Chingay Parade.

Deepavali (Diwali)

Deepavali or Diwali marks the day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom. It signifies the victory of the good over the bad. During this day, Little India is lit up with lights and the skies are filled with dazzling fireworks in the night. People wear new clothes and greet each other. Before the day, some families clean their houses and make new purchases.

When: 21st October 2025
What to Experience: Join the celebrations and pujas during the festival at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Go on a Diwali Shopping Spree in Mustafa Centre and the Festival Village.

Festivals in Laos

Festivals in Laos: A Cultural Celebration All Year Round

In Laos, where Buddhism is deeply woven into everyday life, festivals—known locally as “boun”—are not just events; they’re a reflection of the country’s spiritual heart and cultural rhythm. With a calendar rich in tradition, Laos celebrates vibrant festivals nearly every month, many of which are rooted in Buddhist beliefs, agricultural cycles, and the lunar-solar calendar.

These festivals offer travelers a unique opportunity to connect with the local way of life. Whether it’s witnessing candlelit processions at temples, joining water fights during Pi Mai (Lao New Year), or observing age-old rituals in rural villages, each celebration opens a window into the soul of Laos.

If you’re planning your holidays around authentic cultural experiences, timing your visit with one of these festivals is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Lao traditions, meet friendly locals, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s spiritual and social landscape.

Festivals in Cambodia

 Pithi Chrat Preah Neanng Korl or Royal Ploughing Ceremony

As an agriculture-based economy, rice growing is an essential aspect of Cambodia. Back to the XIII century, it was the same. Royal family members at that time had used a Hindu ritual in the ancient time to hold a ceremony to wish for a good harvest. It’s also believed to have fortune-telling ability, which allows people to forecast the weather and determine the best way to harvest.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony occurs on the fourth day of the sixth month in the lunar calendar. It is organized outside the Royal Palace in the capital state of Phnom Penh. During the ceremony, the King or a picked representative will till a plot of land with a plow driven by two oxen.

People give many kinds of treats, including ice, corn, green beans, sesame seeds, freshly-cut grass, water, and rice whiskey to the animals after three rounds. The oxen’s choice of food will predict the condition of the upcoming harvesting season. Rice wine represents a crime. Water forecasts flooding. Grass suggests animal diseases.

 Pchum Ben or Ancestors’ Day

While other festivals share some standard features with other traditions in other countries, Pchum Ben or Ancestors’ Day is a unique feature of Cambodia.

The word Pchum Ben means “to gather together a ball of food.” It’s the day for the Cambodian to show respect and gratefulness to the ancestors of seven generations. It happens on the 15th day of the 10th Khmer month, which is equal to October according to the Gregorian calendar. The exact date varies every year, so remember to double-check if you want to join in this mysterious festival.

Pchum Ben can be compared to Halloween in Western countries, but this former is more formal and serious. The Cambodian believe that the doorway to the hell will be opened on the first day of Pchum Ben, so the spirit of the deceased relatives can reenter the human world. That’s why they prepare a lot of offerings hoping their ancestor can find the merits. Many rituals aims to reduce the sins of the ancestors.

 Bonn Om Touk or Water Festival

Despite the similar name with Songkran, Thailand Water Festival, Bonn Om Touk takes place on a completely different day and in a completely different way.

Cambodian Water Festival is usually in November when the water flow from Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater in Southeast Asia begins to divert to the Mekong river. It marks the end of the rainy season, which brings about the prosperity to the biodiversity of Cambodia. The reversal of the flow from the Tonle Sap River to Mekong river is another aim of the festival.

During Bonn Om Touk, there is a wide range of festive activities in Phnom Penh. It is roughly estimated that upon a million Cambodians attend the celebrations in the capital city. Longboats are racing on the Mekong River. Parades with the water theme light up the streets. Fireworks displays make the nightlife more vibrant.

 Vesak Bochea or Buddha’s Birthday

Vesak Bochea is an as important day as Meak Bochea to Buddhists. It is a three-in-one event in which there are three milestones of the Buddha’s life happened. Vesak Bochea is not only the date of birth but also the day Gautama Buddha, the ultimate God got enlightened, and even the time when he passed over to nirvana, the ultimate heaven.

Cambodian celebrate Vesak Bochea on the full moon night of the sixth lunar month, about ten days after the Royal Ploughing Day.

To pay homage to the Buddha, the Cambodians will donate foods and clothes to the monks. Some people also go on a fastening day or week to display respect. Temples and pagodas in Cambodia welcome a huge number of visitors from all over the countries on this occassion.

 Meak Bochea

As mentioned above, most festivals in Cambodia have something to do with their religion and the first festival of the year, Meak Bochea is the second largest in Buddhism.

Meak Bochea is also known as Māgha Pūjā or Macha Bucha Day. It is celebrated on the fifth of March in the lunar calendar and in most of the Buddhist nations, for example: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka.

According to the legend, on this day the Buddha and 1,250 of the first disciples had gathered and created an ideal and exemplary community.

The Cambodian celebrate Meak Bochea in a very traditional way. On the early morning, local people will give offerings, including foods and other necessities to the monks. This practice is nothing different from what they usually do on the other days.

The Cambodian celebrate Meak Bochea in a very traditional way

However, the offerings on Meak Bochea tend to be more generous, but no money or precious things are given to the monks. Only foods and some necessary items such as clothes, towers.

After the sun sets, the native resident will flock to the nearby temple, listening to Buddhist preachings. Then they join a candlelit procession. People hold flowers, candle, and incense, walking around the temple for three times in a circle, which represent 3 Buddhist ideas: Buddha (the Holy God), Dharma (the community) and Sangha (the monks).

  Khmer New Year

Choul Chnam Thmey, which can be literally translated into “Enter New Year,” is the time for the Cambodian to celebrates the Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is a shared concept in many Asian nations like Vietnam, South Korea, China.

The thing is, Cambodian Lunar New Year doesn’t apply the lunar calendar to count the date. In fact, Choul Chnam Thmey is the only traditional festival in Cambodia to use Gregorian date and month. The holiday will last for three days with the first one falling either on April 13th or April 14th.

It coincides with the end of the harvest, and all people will return to their hometown for a family get-together. Peole clean up the house and prepare many traditional dishes. Native people also visit their ancestors’ shrines to light up candles and incense as an offering for the pass away.

More events of Cambodia

Festivals in Thailand

Chinese New Year

Because of the large Chinese population here, the Chinese New Year has become one of the most famous festivals in Thailand. It takes place in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. It is best celebrated in Yaowarat, which is the Chinatown of Bangkok. During these days, you’ll see firecrackers across the sky and traditional dragon dancers take over the streets. For those who enjoy Chinese cuisine, there are plenty of Chinese banquets on offer. It is typically a long weekend of merriment and gala. Before the celebrations begin, it is customary to visit temples (especially Wat Mangkok Kamalawat on Charoen Krung Street in Bangkok) to pay respects.

Dates: 29 January, 2025

Loy Krathong Festival

The Loi Krathong Festival is one of the most exuberant festivals celebrated in Thailand. The celebrations are a national event in Thailand, and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘festival of lights.’ Loi Krathong takes place on a full moon evening of the twelfth month, according to the Thai lunar calendar. The date changes every year, but it usually occurs in October or November, according to the Western calendar. The exact date is usually announced a month in advance. The annual festival is celebrated with many rituals at the Buddhist temples in the region. Makeshift steps are constructed in several rivers or water body areas to allow people to enter the water. One can see many stalls selling food, beverages, and readymade krathongs(floating baskets). The festival also includes some activities, such as boat races, lantern processions, and parades.

Dates: 5-6 November 2025

Songkran Festival (The Water Festival)

The water festival is a national holiday that marks the Thai New Year. It takes place on the 13th of April every year, although festivities stretch for at least a week. This is a festival where people clean their houses, pour water over Buddha statues, and drench each other to symbolize cleaning away sins of the past year. The festival is widely known for its culture of engaging in water fights with the use of water guns and balloons. It is celebrated all across the country, although the biggest festivities can be seen in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok. Before the water celebrations, Thai people first visit temples to thank god for the past year and pray for good fortune in the year to come.

Dates : 13 April – 15 April, 2025

 Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

The people of Thailand are fiercely devoted to the ruling monarch, and they mark the birthdays of their rulers as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in the country. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the Queen’s birthday, and Father’s Day on her husband’s. Both days are national holidays marked by festivities such as parades, music performances, traditional food stalls, and visits to the temple. On Mother’s Day, mothers are invited to their children’s schools, where songs and dances are performed in their honor. On Father’s Day, wearing yellow or golden attire is customary. Both days see huge decorations across the cities of Thailand, and people often put up large Thai flags and portraits of the king and queen in their homes.

Dates: 12 August – Mother’s Day , 5 December – Father’s Day

Asalha Puja (Asalha Bucha)

Asahna Bucha, also known as Asalha Puja, is the day when, over 2500 years ago, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath in India. It is a public holiday in Thailand, and the exact date for this festival is decided by the waxing moon and the lunar months, which typically come in July according to the Thai lunar calendar. It is an auspicious day and brings all the people to their nearest temples to celebrate the occasion. This day marks the beginning of the Vassa, the Buddhist lent period that lasts for three months. Like most festivals in Thailand, the people start the Asalha Puja by visiting their local ‘Wat’ (temple), which is mainly for merit-making ceremonies.

Dates: 10 July 2025

Visakha Bucha (Vesak)

Visakha Bucha Day is one of Thailand’s most important religious festivals. It is a public holiday and falls on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, thus usually taking place in May or June. Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. The country is swept in a peaceful wave of religious fervor, with local temples conducting various rituals and sermons. Tourists are also allowed to visit some of the temples to soak in the spiritual aura of the monks and locals.

Date: 11 May 2025

Boon Bang Fai (The Rocket Festival)

The rocket festival is observed in the Yasothorn province of north-east Thailand. It is one of the festivals in Thailand, popular amongst the farming communities, as the rockets are meant to encourage the gods to bless them with plentiful rains. Locals make elaborate rockets that are almost 20 feet long. These are first paraded around the city and then launched into the sky fuelled by sulfur and charcoal. The person whose rocket soared highest usually wins a prize of almost THB 10,000. Those people whose rockets failed to launch are playfully thrown into a mud-bath as punishment. There is plenty of live folk music here, and merriment is marked by drinking local rice wine.

Location : Yasothon Province, North-east Thailand
Dates : 9 May – 13th May, 2025

 Surin Elephant Festival

This festival is a celebration of Thailand’s friendly giants. Elephants have been an essential part of this country’s history. They were used in battle, they aided in agriculture, and they were even used for travel. In fact, the Hindu deity of Ganesha is hugely popular here, and his statues aren’t uncommon in most towns and villages. This elephant festival in northeast Thailand sees enormous parades of elephants that are lovingly fed with fruits and vegetables. These parades are followed by marching bands and elephant shows. These elephants are decorated with flowers and paste.

Location: Surin Province, Isan, Thailand
Dates: 21st November, 2025

 Wing Kwai (Water Buffalo Racing Festival)

This buffalo-racing festival of Thailand takes place in October in the province of Chonburi. It features a race course near Chonburi City Hall that is over 100 meters long. Dozens of jockeys take part in this festival, racing their buffalos bareback to the finish line. Other bovine-related activities include buffalo decoration and a quirky buffalo beauty contest. The province exudes a carnival-like atmosphere of merriment, along with games and food stalls. Chonburi is an hour’s drive from Bangkok and Pattaya, making Wing Kwai an easily accessible festival for tourists.

Location: Chonburi Province
Dates: October

 Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The vegetarian festival of Phuket gains its name from the abstinence of meat, garlic, onions, and other food groups for one month before the festival. It culminates in a massive celebration in October. It is considered one of the most gruesome festivals in Thailand as revelers take part in body mortification like face piercings, walking on hot coals, and laying on a bed of knives. There are also fireworks, energetic dancing, and chanting involved. Participants believe that this will convince the gods to protect you from harm. This festival sees ceremonies in Chinese temples like Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket. It is a fascinating experience to witness the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, but we wouldn’t recommend it for the faint-hearted.

Location: Phuket, Thailand
Dates: 21 – 29 October, 2025

Lopburi Monkey Festival

Legend has it that the Hindu deity Hanuman saved a god’s daughter from a demon in Thailand, and monkeys have been gladly welcomed here ever since. They are most commonly found in ancient towns such as Lopburi, which is located 150 kilometers north of Bangkok. In Lopburi, the local people conduct a huge monkey banquet every November as a celebration of these apes. The banquet has fruits, vegetables, and seeds kept on offer for the 3,000 monkeys that live in Lopburi’s temple area. It’s a pretty exciting sight to see these monkeys enjoy the festivities, though you should be careful to keep your distance, or else they climb onto you, too!

Location: Lopburi, Thailand
Dates: 30 November, 2025

 Mekong Naga Fireball Festival

The Mekong Naga Fireballs is one of the festivals in Thailand that fascinates people from around the world. Taking place beside the Mekong River, thousands of large reddish-pink balls of light are observed to rise into the night sky without a sound or seeming human interaction. They rise to 600 feet in the air. Locals believe this is the work of a serpent-like creature called Phaya Naga with divine powers, while scientists postulate that it is caused by the combustion of sulfur in the river’s marshy environment.  In recent years, the mysterious red balls of light are joined by bursting of firecrackers.

Location: Mekong River
Dates: 9 – 10 October 2025

 Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

This elaborate festival takes place in Ubon Ratchathani in southeast Thailand. It is held in July on Asanha Puja (commemorating Buddha’s first sermon) and Wan Khao Pansa (which marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent). Large wax sculptures are created to be paraded on massive floats during the Candle Festival. In recent years, these wax sculptures have been created through the influence of traditional and modern art aesthetics, while the candles represent different districts of Thailand. Some elaborate candles are carved with scenes of Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Regular-sized candles are placed around temples to dispel the gloom, while custom dictates that people donate food and clothing to monks. The parades include many dancing and traditional music performances while proceeding towards the temple premises.

Location: Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Dates: August 2025(Exact dates to be decided)

Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)

Called the ‘Ghost Festival’ of Thailand because of its embrace of the macabre, Phi Ta Khon takes place in the small town of Dan Sai. It is a three-day celebration marked by colorful masks. These masks are painted in gaudy, eye-catching colors, along with large phallic noses. It typically takes place in the 6th full moon of the Lunar calendar, which occurs in June or July. As the legend goes, Phi Ta Khon is meant to be a party that is so fun that both the living and dead want to attend. Locals believe that the loud noises will awaken the spirit of the Mun River, which protects their town. Massive parades, beauty pageants, and music performances are on the festival’s first two days, followed by a more somber day of Buddhist ceremonies. As Dan Sai is a small town, traveling there can be tricky, and accommodations fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to make bookings beforehand.

Location : Dan Sai, Loei Province, Isan, Thailand (450 km north of Bangkok)
Probable Dates:  From 27 – 29 July 2025

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, also known as the Farmer’s Day or simply the Ploughing Festival, officially marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. This annual ceremony is held in many Asian countries, such as Cambodia and Thailand. Also known as ‘Kan Phuetchamongkhon’ in Thailand, the festival is believed to strengthen the ties between the monarch, the government, and the farmers. It is observed on an auspicious day in early May, with the exact date being determined by monks every year. The royal plowing ceremony, which is both Buddhist and Hindu in origin, consists of aspects of both religions and has two parts. Cultivating Ceremony is the Buddhist part of the farmer’s festival and takes place at the Wat Phra Kaew or the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ in the Grand Palace Complex in Bangkok.

Location: The Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in front of the Grand Palace, Bangkok
Date: 9 May 2025

Khao Phansa Day

Khao Phansa or ‘Vassa’ is a day that marks the beginning of the 3-month monastic retreat by the monks during the rainy season. According to the Thai lunar calendar, it is observed on the day after the first full moon in the eighth month. This day is a national holiday in Thailand. This is the time when monks retreat to their temples and devote three months to meditation and study. On this auspicious day, many Thais fast and avoid alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and meat. It is also a vibrant, colorful festival where travelers would come across beautiful and elaborately carved candles, which turn out to be the center of the celebrations.

Date: 11 July 2025

Poy Sang Long Festival

Translated as the ‘Festival of the Crystal Sons’, Poy Sang Long is an exclusive ceremony meant for young to adolescent boys between the ages of seven and fourteen years of age. It is a popular traditional practice among the Shan people in Myanmar and Thailand, where Shan immigrants have introduced their cultural norms among the people of their sect. Poy Sang Long festival is majorly concerned with the young boys taking their monastic vows to initiate their monastery life. In Thailand, the vibrant festival is celebrated for three days.

Location: Varoius places in North Thailand, especially in Mae Hong Son
Date: 19 March to 14 April 2025

1. January 1: International New Year’s Day
2. January 7: Victory Over Genocide Day
3. March 8: International Women’s Day
4. April 13-16: Khmer New Year
5. April 22: Royal Plowing Ceremony

6. April 24: Visak Bochea Day
7. May 1: International Labor Day
8. May 13-15: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
9. May 19: King’s Father, King Norodom Sihanouk’s Birthday (Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh)
10. June 18: Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday
11. September 24: Constitution Day
12. October 5-7: Pchum Ben Day
13. October 15: Commemoration Day of King Norodom Sihanouk
14. October 23: Paris Peace Agreement Day
15. October 29: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day
16. November 9: Independence Day
17. November 14-16: Water Festival (Bonn Om Touk)
18. December 10: International Human Rights Day Cambodia

Traditional Festivals in Cambodia

Every country has its own unique national culture. Cambodia, as a small country in Southeast Asia, also has its ethnic culture which makes you feel curious and fresh. Apart from some international festivals, what do you know about traditional Cambodian festivals? If you want to travel to Cambodia, it is helpful to know some traditional Cambodian festivals.

In Cambodia, there are many festivals throughout the year, including New Year of Cambodia, Water Festival, Kite Festival, Fasting Festival, and Rainy Season. The Cambodian National Church is Buddhism, and most festivals are related to the Buddhist calendar. Ancestors’ Day (Pchum Ben), the Water Festival (Bon Om Tuk) and the New Year (Khmer New Year) are the three most important festivals in Cambodia.

1 New Year (Khmer New Year) in Cambodia – April

The Cambodian New Year is also called the Songkran Festival in Southeast Asia. The festival is usually in mid-April and it is celebrated for three days. The Cambodians go to the temple to get fragrant, sweep the house to remove dust and give each other gifts. Young and old splash water upon one another to mark the occasion. Wat Phnom (in Phnom Penh) and Angkor Wat (in Siem Reap) are the main venues for celebrations. Most temples are frantic during the New Year.

Unlike most Cambodian holidays which follow the lunar calendar, New Year in Cambodia follows the Gregorian calendar – celebrated for three days from April 13 to April 15.

2 Water Festival in Cambodia – October or November

The festival held in December of Buddhist calendar, is a traditional Cambodian festival, which is established to celebrate the end of the rainy season and the retreat of the river. It marks the end of the rainy season and the arrival of the fishing season. The Mekong River rises in the rainy season and brings a lot of fertile silt, which is beneficial to agricultural production. In order to pray for the harvest of the next year and thank the water god for bringing abundant water and natural fertilizer to the world during the rainy season, people hold grand regatta activities along the Mekong River, tour boats and moon festivals at night. The center of the event is in Phnom Penh. Kings, queens, and officials sit on the viewing platform built by the river to watch the game and watch the night scene. Thousands of people from all over the country to Phnom Penh to participate in activities. The celebration lasts for 3 days.

3 Ancestors Day in Cambodia – September

Ancestors’ Day is held from 1 October to 15 October in the Buddhist calendar (usually in the new calendar in September). It is roughly equivalent to China’s Qing Ming Festival. The main purpose is to trace the dead souls to worship the ancestors but with more Cambodian characteristics and religious colors. The last 3 days of the festival are statutory holidays, and neither the government nor the private sector usually go to work for about 7 days. The celebration lasts for 15 days.

4 Royal Ploughing Day in Cambodia – April/May

Royal Ploughing Ceremony held in the fourth month of the lunar calendar is a traditional agricultural festival held under the leadership of the royal family. It marks the beginning of the traditional rice season. The farming ceremony is held in front of the National Museum near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. It is said that the royal cow at the ceremony can use the nose to predict the quality of the annual banker’s harvest. After the king or the royal family go to the field to help the plow, they take the cattle to the rice, beans, corn, grass, water and wine prepared in advance and let them choose. According to what the cow eats, predict the harvest prospects of the year.

5 Buddha’s “Birthday” in Cambodia

On the June 15th of the Buddhist calendar, this is the day to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment and nirvana. The celebrations in Angkor Wat are the most grand. In this day, the monks march in parade in the Angkor Wat with candlelight.