By Владимир Шеляпин – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19860995

Unique Cultural Events Around the World Worth Planning a Trip Around

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When you think about it, most trips start the same way. Whether you got some cheap flight tickets, found a nice hotel, or went to a place guided by an online “top 10 things to do” list.

But sometimes, it is a good idea to plan a trip a different way. So, instead of choosing the destination first, you choose the event. Sounds fun, right? 

Now, you’re not just visiting a place, but you’re stepping into something that happens once a year and sometimes once in a lifetime. We’re talking about big cultural events that bring tourists from all around the world. The best thing is that the place that you visit during such a cultural event comes to life, and it is very different than visiting it on a regular day.

So, if you’re tired of generic travel plans and want to spice things up a bit, here are some of the most unique cultural events around the world that are worth planning a trip around.

Major Horse Racing Events (United States)

Some of you would say that this isn’t a cultural event but a sport, but you’ve probably never heard or watched a Triple Crown race. These events are not just about the races. Horse racing is a sport that is surrounded by culture. In fact, the fashion, the food, and the celebration are often the biggest reasons that people go to such events.

Now, if you’re not a horse racing fan, finding the best race to attend can be difficult. We’ll simplify things. If you want the best of the best, you should head straight to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. But if you miss the Derby, you can go to the second Triple Crown race – the Preakness Stakes.

What’s so special? Well, thousands of fans show up, they dress nicely, the town comes alive, and you can place some bets and enjoy some good food. There is music, bars have unique offers, and events are on every corner, 2-3 days before and after the main race.

And don’t worry if you’re not a professional bettor, online sites have made things like betting on the Preakness Stakes simple.  You just have to follow the rules outlined on the site for the event you are betting on. 

The energy at horse racing events cannot be compared to any other sport.

Running of the Bulls (Spain) 

If you want an even more adrenaline rush than a horse race and probably something more dangerous, maybe you should go to Spain, where they let bulls run in the city. Yeah, sounds insane, and it is.

Every year during the San Fermin festival, people run through narrow streets while bulls charge behind them. Yes, on purpose and voluntarily.

Now, you don’t have to run near bulls. You can observe everything from your balcony. The point is that this is a unique experience, and the place comes alive.

And yes, there is some structure behind it. The route is planned, and there are safety measures in place.

Holi Festival (India) 

You’ve probably seen photos of people jammed together on the streets covered in bright powder colors. Well, that’s Holi.

And trust us, the pictures don’t do it justice. It is even more chaotic, more lively, and more energetic. Holi is a celebration of spring and renewal. People throw colored powders, splash water, dance, and literally paint the city.

The best thing here is that nothing is staged. There aren’t any areas reserved for only four tourists or safe zones. You just put on some older clothes, enter the crowds, and start throwing bright-colored powder. 

Make sure you bring goggles or sunglasses, since that powder can also get in your eyes.

Oktoberfest (Germany)

Do you like beer? Well, if you do, then there is no better place to celebrate this magical drink that’s been around us for thousands of years than Oktoberfest.

Even though most people think it’s just about beer, and yes… There’s a lot of that. But connecting it only to beer misses the point completely.

This is one of the largest cultural festivals in the world that attracts millions of visitors each year. There’s music, delicious food (German wurst that goes perfectly with beer), fun clothes, and friendly energy. Okay, maybe not that friendly when everyone is jumping around trying to get a table under the tents.

Rio Carnival (Brazil)

If you want to go to a place with a warmer climate and to a more spectacular cultural event, then the Rio Carnival is probably at the top of the list.

We’re talking about massive parades, detailed costumes, music everywhere, and a level of energy that doesn’t really compare to anything else.

But here’s what most people don’t realize. The parades you see on TV are just one part of it.

Street parties are happening across the city, some planned, some not, where the real atmosphere lives. And the preparation behind the scenes is just as impressive as the event itself, with samba schools spending months designing performances.

Naadam Festival (Mongolia)

Now, let’s switch things up. This isn’t a flashy cultural event, and that is probably the reason why you have never heard of it. 

Naadam is held in Mongolia and focuses on what are known as the “Three Manly Games”- wrestling, archery, and horse racing.

And this is where it gets interesting.

The horse racing events here are not like modern races you’re used to. They’re long-distance, often across open terrain, and many of the jockeys are children. It’s less about spectacle and more about endurance and tradition.

It’s fun, unusual, and a challenge that you can participate in.

As you can see, travel doesn’t always have to be about flashy hotels or the same old places. Sometimes, we need to chase the moment, and the best way to do that is to target cultural events all around the world.

The best thing is that every country has a specific cultural event, and some of them aren’t even that popular but are still worth visiting. So, did you book your tickets yet?