Everyone enjoys celebrating, so here are 21 of the best Asia festivals to add to your bucket list!
There is no better way to really experience and try to understand a culture than to participate in a local Festival. The memories of the music, food, ceremonies and traditions will stay with you forever.
There are so many unique experiences in Asia and amazing Asian festivals throughout the year to experience. So here is our bucket list pick of the 21 most popular festivals of Asia that offer something for everyone.
N.B. We will updating this list regularly, so if you have experienced any festivals, events or celebrations in Asia you think should make the list, please let us know.
21 of the Best Asia Festivals
Here are the best festivals is Asia and celebrations to add to your bucket list travel calendar.
Festivals in Cambodia
The festivals in Cambodia are not only a time for celebration and merriment but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich traditions and customs of this enchanting country.
1. Bon Om Touk / Siem Reap Water Festival – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Where: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
When: Annually in October or November: 26 – 28 November, 2023 |14 – 16 November, 2024 | 4 – 6 November, 2025
Duration: 3 days
The Siem Reap Water Festival is an annual event in Cambodia that takes place in the city of Siem Reap. It is a celebration of the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season.
At its core, Bon Om Touk is a traditional Cambodian festival that commemorates the remarkable phenomenon of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers reversing their flow. This extraordinary event takes place during the months of October or November, immediately following the rainy season in Cambodia.
Specifically, it occurs on the full moon of Kadeuk, which falls on the 12th day of the Khmers lunar calendar, a significant time in the Buddhist calendar.
The festival is held on the banks of the Siem Reap River and attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike. The highlight of the festival is the boat races, where teams from different villages compete against each other. The boats are beautifully decorated and the races are filled with excitement and cheer.
In addition to the boat races, there are also cultural performances, traditional music and dance shows, fireworks, and food stalls selling delicious local cuisine.
If you find yourself in Siem Reap during the festival, make sure to join in the festivities and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Check availability on accommodation options in Siem Reap below:
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Festivals in India
India is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, and one aspect that truly showcases this is its myriad festivals. From Holi, the festival of colours, to Diwali, the festival of lights, there is no shortage of celebrations throughout the year.
These festivals are marked with joyful gatherings, elaborate rituals, traditional dances, and mouth-watering delicacies. Festivals in India not only foster a sense of unity and joy but also provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the country.
2. Kutch Desert Festival / Rann Utsav – Rajasthan, India
Recommended by Raksha at ‘Solo Passport’
Where: Kutch, Rajasthan, India
When: Annually in November through to February: 1 November, 2023 to 25 February, 2024
Duration: 3 to 4 months
Celebrated in the Thar Desert of Gujarat, the Kutch Festival or the Rann Utsav is an annual celebration of local dance, music, food, and art. The festival is celebrated for 3 to 4 months every year during the winter season starting from November / December till February.
It is to promote and cherish the beauty of the White Rann and the tribal art and culture of Kutch. Almost all the cultural activities involve the local villagers. The White Rann is a desert made up of salt flats and has the reputation of being one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
There are plenty of things that can be done at Rann Utsav. Visitors can visit the neighbouring villages, take part in cultural activities, shop for locally made products, and relish the local cuisine and food.
It also provides an opportunity to see the unique wildlife in the region, including the flamingos and the wild asses. And for adventure seekers, there are organised paramotor rides for an extra charge.
There are four set packages to attend the festival: 1 night/2 days, 2 nights/3 days, 3 nights/4 days or 4 nights/5 days. These packages have detailed itineraries with the stay in luxurious glamping facilities inside the Tent City.
The bookings must be made online on Rann Utsav’s official website, and it is best to book well in advance as the festival is quite popular and gets sold out very quickly. To make the most of the festival, it is advisable to stay at the Tent City for at least 2 nights.
Top Tip: The best time to visit the festival is during the full moon as the White Rann is spectacular and magical under the full moon.
Check availability on accommodation options in Gorewali below:
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3. Holi Festival – All Over India
Recommended by Lavina at ‘Continent Hop’
Where: All Over India
When: Annually in March: 8 March, 2023 | 25 March, 2024
Duration: 2 days
Holi is the most exciting, entertaining, and most popular festival in India. It is celebrated all over the country, largely in the northern regions of India. It is celebrated for two days or more, every year in March.
According to the Hindu culture, Holi has great significance as it celebrates the destruction of demoness Holika and serves as a reminder that selfless devotion never goes unanswered. Along with this tale, Holi also celebrates the harvest season with the beginning of spring. This is a time of joy and bidding farewell to winter.
The celebration begins with Holika Dahan, a sacred tradition in which people light bonfires to imitate the burning of demoness Holika which symbolises the burning of all the evil that exists within us. Holika Dahan takes place on the night of the first day of the festival.
The second day is all about colours, delicious food and fun. This is the day when the air in India is coloured in various beautiful colours. People throw colours at each other and dance while enjoying traditional music.
The colours are usually natural dyes that include gulaal, kumkum, turmeric, etc but people also use other artificial or naturally made dyes today.
Holi is celebrated uniquely in every Indian state. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, this festival may last up to 16 days. Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Mathura where women come together with Lathis (sticks) to lightly hit the men, imitating the Hindu tale of the Gopis (women of Vrindavan) hitting the Gops (the men) when they tried to invade their land to play Holi with them.
People from all over the world come to Mathura every year to catch a glimpse of Lathmar Holi.
In the state of Maharashtra, the second day is known as Rang Panchami and people celebrate using colours and water balloons. Some northern regions celebrate Holi by using flower petals instead of colours and it is a sight one must witness. The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan is where you can go if you wish to witness this unique celebration.
Goa celebrated Shigmo Holi, a wonderful festival which is celebrated for 14 days. It is a fun-filled experience and a traditional festival of Goa. The festival is celebrated all along the beaches of the state.
The city of Mumbai celebrates Holi in one of the most quirky ways. From camping events in the wilderness to luxurious staycations in beach resorts, Holi in Mumbai has an event to suit every type of party goer.
It is a great time to visit India in March for you can not only experience Holi, but also explore the country as the temperatures are moderate and comfortable.
Holi also includes a lot of tasty, traditional food. People prepare gujiya, a unique sweet dish. filled with dry fruits and nuts along with other traditional foods such as jalebi, laddoos etc. These sweets are enjoyed together among family and friends.
Top Tip: To celebrate a Holi in India, make sure to head out early so that you can avoid crowds and reach your destination on time. Most people wear white or old clothes so you can wear white to blend in with the locals.
Apply oil to your body parts and hair to protect them from the colours and chemicals and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Have fun and stay safe!
Check availability on accommodation options in India below:
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Festivals in Indonesia
Indonesia, a vibrant and culturally rich country, is renowned for its extravagant festivals. These celebrations showcase the diverse traditions and customs that make Indonesia truly unique.
4. Kecak Dance in Uluwatu – Bali, Indonesia
Recommended by Soline at ‘On the Road Diary’
Where: Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia
When: Daily at 6:00pm
Duration: 1 hour
One of the most fascinating and enjoyable cultural experiences you can have in Bali in Indonesia is attending a Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu Temple.
The north of Bali has loads of stunning nature spots, but Uluwatu in the south of the island has lots to offer as well.
The Kecak traditional art is a drama dance show that brings to life the legendary Ramayana story. The main characters are Rama, a prince, Sita, his wife and Laksmana, his brother.
This awe-inspiring dance drama is performed by a group of talented male dancers, beautifully combining the art of movement and the enchanting power of chants, without any instrumental music.
They sing the word “cak” in unison, wear incredibly beautiful costumes, dance and run into the fire… Everything about this performance is absolutely mesmerizing.
The performance includes a variety of dances, human-made sounds and theatrical movements that tell the story in vivid detail. As if it wasn’t enough, the Kecak dance is performed in an amphitheatre in the Uluwatu Temple, on a cliff facing the Ocean, at sunset.
Top Tip: We recommend arriving one hour and a half before the show so you can visit the Temple and find a good seating spot.
Check availability on accommodation options in Bali below:
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5. Nyepi – Bali, Indonesia
Recommended by Gladis at ‘Happiness on the Way’
Where: Bali, Indonesia
When: Annually in March: 22 March, 2023 | 11 March, 2024
Duration: 6-day long festival, the “silent day” falls on Day 3
In the heart of vibrant Bali lies a serene festival—Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. Nyepi marks Bali’s New Year. It falls on the day after the new moon in the ninth month of the Balinese calendar. It is a day of silence and meditation for the Balinese Hindu community.
On the day of Nyepi, all activities are stopped, and the island essentially shuts down. People remain indoors, lights are dimmed, and you won’t hear any noise from vehicles or people. The goal is for everyone to engage in self-reflection and spiritual renewal. It is considered a sacred day to honour the Balinese gods and reflect on one’s actions over the past year.
The night before Nyepi is marked by ogoh-ogoh statues paraded during Ngrupuk in villages around the island including the popular tourist area of Sanur. These colourful papier mache monsters represent the evil spirits that cause chaos. After the parade, the ogoh-ogoh are burned in huge bonfires to symbolize the exorcism of evil from the island. Then the next morning begins the 24 hours of complete silence and solitude.
Top Tip: While the day of silence may seem daunting, it provides a unique opportunity for inward contemplation. It is important to respect Nyepi and follow the rules. Avoid leaving your hotel, using electronics, lights, or making loud noises.
Take time to meditate, do yoga, or read a book to relax your mind and body. Overall, Nyepi offers a memorable chance to experience Bali’s rich culture and recharge your spirit.
Check availability on accommodation options in Bali below:
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Festivals in Japan
Throughout the year, each region in Japan has its own distinctive festivals, often featuring traditional music, dance, and sumptuous food. Attending these festivals is not only an opportunity to revel in the festive spirit but also a chance to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.
6. Kanamara Matsuri Festival – Kawasaki, Japan
Recommended by Michael at ‘Time Travel Turtle’
Where: Kawasaki, Japan
When: Annually in April: 7 April, 2024
Duration: 1 day
While the official name may be Kanamara Matsuri, most people just call it ‘The Penis Festival’ because that’s what this is a celebration of. Centred around a Shinto shrine, it began in some form in the 1600s when prostitutes would come here to pray for protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
Over the years, the festival morphed into prayers for fertility, long marriages, and healthy births – and these days even just a successful business or prosperous life!
Held each year at the Kanayama Shrine in the Japanese city of Kawasaki, just 20 kilometres south of central Tokyo. The main event is the parade through the streets where three large penis sculptures on altars are carried along the route by worshippers, led by local priests. But around these formalities is a carnival atmosphere.
One of the best ways to experience Kanamara Matsuri is to explore the stalls around the shrine selling penis-themed trinkets like masks, carved vegetables, and lollipops. There are also quite a few phalluses that you can pose with for photos and other games that are set up along the footpaths of the parade route.
The funds raised are donated to causes like HIV research, which is part of the way the event honours its origins. And although this is a religious event at its heart, it’s all a bit of fun – even for the worshippers who dress up in fancy costumes – and visitors are more than welcome to join for the festivities.
Check availability on accommodation options in Kawasaki below:
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Festivals in Korea
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience, the festivals in Korea offer an enchanting glimpse into the country’s culture and traditions.
7. Lotus Lantern Festival – Seoul, South Korea
Recommended by Melanie at ‘Postcards and Places’
Where: Seoul, South Korea
When: Annually in May: 26 – 28 May, 2023 | Around 15 May, 2024
Duration: approximately 3 days
Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival, also known as Yeondeunghoe, is an annual celebration of Buddha’s birthday. After being celebrated in Korea for over 1,200 years, Yeondeunghoe was officially added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.
Buddha’s birthday is an official holiday in South Korea, as Buddhism is one of the major religions of the East Asian country. The date of the Buddha’s birthday, and therefore the lantern festival, changes every year based on a combination of lunar and solar calendars, but typically falls in May.
In Seoul, there are many cultural events over the festival, but the highlight is the lantern parade. The evening lantern parade starts at Dongdaemun, one of the city’s old gates when it was a walled city. It then makes its way along Jongno Street, parallel to Cheonggyecheon, and finishes at Jogyesa Temple.
Expect to see colourful lanterns of different shapes and sizes, including dragons, lotus flowers, and spheres. Most participants, whether youth or uniformed monks, carry lanterns along the route, but some push large wheeled floats of large-size lanterns that are really impressive and beautiful to see.
Top Tip: Lanterns symbolize enlightenment of the mind. Making a paper lantern is like a prayer for happiness, for yourself as well as others. There are opportunities for visitors to make their own lanterns prior to the parade, and traditional lanterns are displayed for the couple weeks after the festival, especially along Cheonggyecheon, a restored natural stream that flows through downtown. Take time to wander and explore the area and admire the intricate lanterns.
Check availability on accommodation options in Seoul below:
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8. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival – Jinhae, South Korea
Recommended by Chloe at ‘Chloe’s Travelogue’
Where: Jinhae, South Korea
When: Annually in March / April: 25 March – 3 April, 2023 | 2024 dates have not been announced yet
Duration: 10 days during the peak cherry blossom season
South Korea is one of the best countries in the world to enjoy seasonal flowers and changing colourful foliage, thanks to its distinctive four seasons. When it comes to cherry blossoms, it is no exception.
There are many cherry blossom sites worth traveling to. But if you want to see Korea’s most gorgeous cherry blossoms, head to Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.
Jinhae is a district in Chanwon City in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula. It is a laidback town, where the Korean Navy is based at.
Since 1952, the Korean Navy has partnered with the city to host Gunhangje (Jinhae Naval Base Festival) during the cherry blossom season. The festival includes diverse Navy showcases, cultural performances, street food, and night markets.
There are more than 360,000 cherry blossom trees all around Jinhae. When they bloom together, it turns into the most romantic town in the world with breathtakingly beautiful pink blossoms!
However, cherry blossoms are fickle flowers. They bloom overnight and only last for 7 to 10 days. With one day of spring showers, all of them will be gone. Due to global warming, predicting the blossom season is trickier than ever. So tune in to the cherry blossom map issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration each year.
Top Tip: Also, be aware of allergies and air pollution in spring. If you have seasonal allergies, take medicine before going outdoors.
Check availability on accommodation options in Jinhae below:
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Festivals in Laos
Laos, a beautiful Southeast Asian country, is known for its vibrant and diverse festivals. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the festivals in Laos are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
9. The Festival of the Boats of Life – Luang Prabang, Laos
Recommended by Sarah at ‘A Social Nomad’
Where: Luang Prabang, Laos
When: Annually, usually in the first two weeks of October, culminating on the night of the full moon in the month: 29 October, 2023 | 17 October, 2024. N.B. The date change, because it is when Laos celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent AND it occurs on the night of the Full Moon in October.
Duration: 14 days
Boun Lai Heua Fai has several names in English. It is known as the Festival of Lights and the Festival of the Fireboats. It’s more correctly known as The Festival of the Boats of Light. Boun Lai Heua Fai celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent and the beginning of the dry season.
Boun Lai Heua Fai is celebrated throughout Laos, but it is at its most visual in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Families, social groups, and villages all come together and make bamboo and paper lanterns and decorate their houses, gardens, and temples (that’s why the Luang Prabang Fireboat Festival is such one to visit, as there are so many temples in a small area).
Each village builds a “fireboat” and each temple builds two “fireboats”. These fireboats are built of bamboo and brightly coloured paper and they are all different. They are lit from within (usually with candles) at night.
The festival culminates on the night of the full moon in October, when (after a panel of judges has decided which fireboat is the best), there’s a parade along the main streets in Luang Prabang.
Starting from the Royal Palace Museum and ending at Wat Xieng Thong, where the fireboats are taken down to the Mekong River, loaded onto boats and sailed down the river. Eventually, each of the fireboats is consumed by fire, usually by the candles that light them from within.
Top Tip: Visit the temples of Luang Prabang during the final week of the festival at night to see the fireboats. Leave it until later in the week so that you see the final fireboats. Grab a seat on the route of the parade to watch the fireboats go by. There’s music, great social interaction, and good fun. Go to the river and watch them float down.
Check availability on accommodation options in Luang Prabang below:
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Festivals in Malaysia
With such a diverse array of festivals, Malaysia offers a truly immersive cultural experience for locals and visitors alike.
10. Thaipusam Festival –Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Recommended by Teja at ‘Teja on the Horizon’
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (also in Penang and Ipoh)
When: Annually on the full moon day in the month of Thai in the Tamil calendar: 25 January, 2024
Duration: 2 days
Thaipusam is a Tamil religious festival celebrated in Kuala Lumpur at Batu Caves, where there is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Lord Muruga. Thaipusam honours the Hindu deity of war, Lord Muruga, for slaying three evil demons, representing the triumph of good over evil.
In Kuala Lumpur, on the first day of Thaipusam a procession accompanies a chariot carrying the idol of Lord Muruga to the Batu Caves Temple, where it is temporarily installed.
On the second day, devotees who have taken vows to Lord Muruga walk barefoot to the temple bearing offerings to the idol, following a month-long fast. Drummer troupes accompany them, playing an upbeat rhythm.
While the offerings might take the form of pots of milk and fruit, some devotees bear ornate frames called kavadi to fulfil their vows, often decorated with strings of flowers and peacock feathers.
However, the most visually arresting kavadi involve spikes and hooks that pierce the skin. These have come to be the most associated with the Thaipusam festival due to its memorably gruesome appearance, yet the bearers are not in pain, reflecting the fortitude of the faithful.
In Batu Caves, there is typically also a Thaipusam festival market in the run-up to the celebration. Stalls would sell Indian jewellery, snacks and sweets, as well as items for religious offerings.
Top Tip: The Thaipusam festival in Batu Caves pulls in a lot of people, Hindu faithful and tourists alike, as in a million people over the festive period. If you seriously want to see the procession, try and be in the vicinity ahead of time so that you can walk or bike over. All roads and public transportation going to Batu Caves will be congested, especially on the Public Holiday.
Check availability on accommodation options in Kuala Lumpur below:
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11. Chinese New Year – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Recommended by Tina at ‘Veganderlust’
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
When: Annually: 2 January, 2023 | 10 February, 2024
Duration: 15 day celebration
The whole city of Kuala Lumpur gets in a festive mood around the Chinese New Year, the most important celebration for the Chinese community. The Chinese New Year celebrates the coming of the new year according to the Chinese Lunar calendar and is an important celebration of tradition and culture.
In Kuala Lumpur, the traditional lion and dragon dance kicks off the New Year festivities, where dancers dress up in vibrant costumes and perform traditional dances. The dances are supposed to bring a good new year full of prosperity and luck.
The whole Chinese New Year celebrations last for fifteen days, but the first three days are the most important ones, and the first two days are public holidays in Malaysia, meaning most businesses are closed during that time.
You can see decorations all over Kuala Lumpur, from the streets to the shopping malls. Besides festive decorations, there are also lion dancers inside shops to ensure a prosperous new year. And fireworks… lots of fireworks! The main firework display is on Chinese New Year’s Eve, but individuals might set off fireworks during the whole festivities.
Top Tip: The best places to visit during this time are Chinatown in downtown Kuala Lumpur and the Chinese Thean Hou Temple. The Thean Hou Temple is one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. It’s always worth a visit when you’re in Kuala Lumpur, but especially during the Chinese New Year. With its festive decoration, the temple is the perfect photo opportunity in Kuala Lumpur.
Check availability on accommodation options in Kuala Lumpur below:
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Festivals in Nepal
Nepal, a land of enchanting beauty nestled in the Himalayas, is home to a plethora of festivals that showcase the vibrant cultural tapestry of the country.
12. Tihar Festival – Nepal
Recommended by Ellis at ‘Backpack Adventures’
Where: Nepal
When: Annually: 12 – 15 November, 2023 | 31 October to 3 November, 2024
Duration: 5 days
Tihar is the second biggest festival in Nepal and it is celebrated every year in October and November when the rice harvest in Nepal comes to an end. It is most famous as the festival of lights. Although it has some similarities to Diwali in India, it is celebrated very differently in Nepal.
Tihar in Nepal is a Hindu festival that not only celebrates the goddess of wealth Laxmi and the death god Yama, but also the strong bond between animals and humans, as well as between sisters and brothers.
The first day focuses on crows. People leave out food for the birds, believing they are messengers to the death god Yama. Keeping the crows happy will hopefully keep death away from their families.
The second day is about dogs. Dogs receive food, flower garlands and a vermillion tika on their forehead to thank them for guarding the underworld. The third day people pray to cows, being the most holy animal for Hindu people.
The third day is also the day that people pray to the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. To welcome the goddess into people’s homes, they are richly decorated with lights, oil lamps, rangoli patterns and flowers.
The final day of Tihar is dedicated to strengthening the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tika (a mixture of colours, rice, and yogurt) on their brothers’ foreheads and offer garlands of flowers and sweets. In return, brothers give gifts and blessings to their sisters.
During tihar, the entire country, and in particular Kathmandu, is adorned with colourful decorations, rangoli patterns and countless oil lamps that create a magical ambience.
Top Tip: To make the most out of your experience you can enjoy the festivities by walking through the streets in Kathmandu, especially around Ason Bazaar and Boudhanath.
Check availability on accommodation options in Nepal below:
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Festivals in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is renowned for its vibrant and diverse festivals, drawing in visitors from all over the world. They are a fantastic way to immerse yourself into the ancient culture of the country.
If you are planning on visiting Sri Lanka, we recommend following our Sri Lankan itinerary to ensure you see all the wonders this amazing country has on offer. Also, don’t miss trying some of the traditional dishes Sri Lanka is world renowned for.
13. Kandy Esala Perehera – Kandy, Sri Lanka
Recommended by Guillem at ‘Feast of Travel’
Where: Kandy, Sri Lanka
When: Annually in July and / or August: 21 – 31 August, 2023 |11 – 21 August, 2024
Duration: 10 days
The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as Festival of the Tooth, is a festival celebrated in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, in July and August. The festival is centered around processions to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which can be found in the Sri Dalada Maligawa temple in Kandy.
The festival, dating back to the 3rd Century, was originated to ask the gods for rainfall, but incorporated the homage to the tooth relic when it was brought from India on the 4th Century.
Today, the festival lasts for 10 days, starting with the Kappa, when a sanctified young Jackfruit tree is cut and planted on four temples dedicated to Hindu gods. The next 5 nights, processions take place in the premises of the temples, and is followed by 5 more nights of processions on the streets.
These processions consist of traditional local dances, fire dances and performances in whip-dance garments to the sound of Kandyan drums, as well as processions of adorned elephants. One of the elephants carries the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is the center of the festival. The festival ends with a water cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River.
Visiting Kandy during the Esala Perahera is not only a fantastic way to immerse into the ancient culture of the country, but an awe-inspiring moment when something truly unique happens. As dusk descends, the streets become alive with a radiant display of lights and colors. The air is infused with the rhythmic beats of the drums and the melodies of traditional music, creating a primal trance state shared with the hundreds of thousands of people celebrating together.
Participating in the Esala Perahera was one of the reasons to visit Sri Lanka for me and made me understand the country in a very special way!
Top Tip: Make sure you secure your spot to enjoy the processions early, since it can get crowded. You can also reserve a seat through your travel agency or accommodation for a perfect viewing spot.
Check availability on accommodation options in Sri Lanka below:
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Festivals in Taiwan
Taiwan is renowned for its vibrant and diverse festivals, drawing in visitors from all corners of the globe. From the exuberant Lantern Festival to the mesmerizing Dragon Boat Festival, there is never a shortage of cultural celebrations to partake in.
14. Dragon Boat Festival – Taiwan and China
Recommended by Simon at ‘Backpack Moments’
Where: All across Taiwan and China
When: Annually on the fifth day of the fifth money of the Chinese calendar: 22 June, 2023 | 10 June, 2024
Duration: 3 days
The Dragon Boat Festival is also known as Duanwu Festival (Double Fifth) because it falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in June.
In Taiwan, the festival is widely observed with various activities and customs such as Dragon Boat Racing, eating zongzi, wearing perfumed sachets, and many traditional performances and cultural events.
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of the famous Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period (400-200 BCE). Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who committed suicide by drowning himself in a river as a form of protest against the corruption and injustices of his time.
Legend has it that local villagers, upon hearing the news of his death, rushed to the river on boats to retrieve his body, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings (zongzi) into the water to prevent fish from eating his body.
The main event is the Dragon Boat races happening all across Taiwan. The dragon boats are traditional Chinese longboats where 1 person controls the tempo by beating a drum and 8 to 20 people row in unison. In Taipei, the race has become an international competition with many foreign rowing parties competing too.
Another tradition is the preparation and eating of zongzi – a type of sticky rice dumpling filled with chestnuts, pork belly, eggs, nuts, and mushrooms and shaped as a pyramid. The drink of choice during the festival is realgar wine, a slightly dangerous arsenic wine. Don’t drink more than one!
The number 5 plays an important role as food is made to include 5 ingredients and clothing – 5 colours.
Top Tips: To make the most of your experience, set yourself in one city for the Festival to avoid the millions travelling within Taiwan. Research the best place to watch the races and go hungry to enjoy some zongzi!
