Discover how cultural festivals reveal the heart of a destination. Its traditions, values, and joy… and why they’re worth planning your travels around.
When people ask what I base my travel around, the answer often surprises them. Sure, I love an activity (hiking, surfing, camping) but the real pull for me has always been cultural festivals. Travelling has never been about ticking off landmarks or snapping the perfect photo (though I won’t lie, the excuse to dress up in costume is always welcome). It’s about diving into the living, breathing culture of a place, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a festival.
From the moment I started travelling (as I shared in Catching the Travel Bug and the Origins of MyGuideGuru), I wanted to experience destinations through their traditions. Festivals are the heartbeats of culture. They bring communities together, preserve heritage, and offer glimpses into what people truly value.
First, you discover the roots of a culture’s traditions and what continues to be important to that society. Festivals preserve ancient rituals, music, dress, and dance that might otherwise fade away. In Switzerland, the echo of the alphorn echoes centuries of history through its mountainous landscape. In Korea, the cherry blossoms are as much about natural beauty as they are about ‘Jeong’ (bringing people together). These events remind us that culture isn’t just studied; it’s lived.
Secondly, you see how traditions evolve over time. Thanksgiving is a perfect example. What began as a religious and historical observance has transformed into an inclusive, modern celebration. Today it’s just as much about football games, parades, and pumpkin pie as it is about gratitude. A blend of old and new that reflects changing values.
Finally, you uncover what truly makes a culture tick. In Switzerland, yodelling festivals fill valleys with echoes that feel timeless. In Seville, flamenco dancers stomp and swirl with raw emotion. In Brazil, football and carnival fuse into a national identity powered by music, movement, and joy. These moments capture a culture’s rhythm in a way no museum ever could.
Perhaps my fascination with cultural festivals comes from growing up in Australia, a relatively young nation still shaping its own traditions. Experiencing the deep roots of other cultures feels grounding. It’s a reminder that history, art, and community connect us all. Festivals aren’t just parties; they’re living stories, told through sound, colour, and connection.
That desire to uncover the why behind every tradition is exactly what inspired MyGuideGuru. Our app helps you dig beneath the surface while exploring at your own pace, uncovering stories and customs that make every destination unique.
If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t just look for landmarks, look for festivals! Time your trip to match the music, movement, and magic that define a culture. And if you’re curious to experience cities in their most vibrant moments, try pairing your travels with our Fun Facts and Culinary Delights in Portugal or Scandalous Secrets and Fun Facts Across Europe blogs for inspiration.
Because the best kind of travel doesn’t just show you the world, it helps you feel it.
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