As you head out on your summer travels, July's cultural festivals will leave you nothing short of inspired. Imagine immersing yourself in unique traditions, mesmerizing performances, and lip-smacking local cuisine. These festivals are a window into the soul of a nation, offering a glimpse into its history, and values. Whether you're a culture vulture or an adventure seeker, these events will make your journey unforgettable. So, pack your bags and get ready to soak up the essence of these incredible celebrations!
1. Calgary Stampede
When: July 5 to 14, 2024
Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Experience the Wild West at its finest as Calgary transforms into a cowboy's paradise. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping rodeo events, live music performances, and a plethora of mouth-watering food stalls serving up classic Canadian fare. As the largest rodeo in the world, the Calgary Stampede is an unforgettable spectacle that will leave you in awe of the cowboy culture.
What's special: This year, the Calgary Stampede welcomes actor Owen Crow Shoe as the 2024 Parade Marshall, celebrating Indigenous heritage. Don't miss the heart-stopping action at the Monster Energy Compound, where motocross athletes push the limits with thrilling stunts and aerial feats.
2. Bastille Day
When: July 14, 2024
Where: France
Join the French in their jubilant celebration of liberté, égalité, fraternité as military parades, fireworks, and live music fill the streets. Savor the flavors of French cuisine at outdoor food stalls, and raise a glass of wine to toast the nation's birthday. As the Eiffel Tower sparkles with a dazzling light display, you'll be swept up in the infectious joie de vivre of the French people.
What's special: Champs-Élysées will host a spectacular Bastille Day military parade, featuring troops from across France, while the Seine River will come alive with a flotilla of decorated boats. As the night unfolds, the Eiffel Tower will be the centerpiece of a dazzling fireworks display, synchronized to French music classics.
3. Gion Matsuri
When:July 1 to 31, 2024
Where: Kyoto, Japan
The enchanting world of traditional Japan unfolds as Gion Matsuri transforms Kyoto's streets into a vibrant spectacle. Majestic floats, adorned with intricate fabrics and lanterns, glide through the city, captivating all who witness them. Local delicacies like yudofu and matcha sweets tempt the taste buds, while traditional Japanese tea houses offer a serene retreat. As night falls, the soft glow of lanterns illuminates the narrow streets.
What's special: This year, the grand parade of floats (Yamaboko Junko) will be held on July 17 and 24, or the evening procession of portable shrines (Mikoshi Togyo) on the same days. Enjoy the lively Yoiyama evenings from July 14-16 and 21-23, when Kyoto's downtown area transforms into a vibrant festival hub filled with food stalls, drink vendors, and festive displays from 6pm to 11pm.
4. Running of the bulls
When: July 7 to 14, 2024
Where: Pamplona, Spain
In Pamplona, participate in the thrill of the Running of the Bulls as daredevils sprint alongside fierce Toros Bravos. The narrow streets reverberate with the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd, creating an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Savor the rich flavors of Spanish tapas and wine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed festival. As the night unfolds, join the revelers in the Plaza del Castillo, where music, dancing, and fireworks paint the town red.
What's special: As the bulls run, the city's historic center transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, with giant puppets, fireworks, and live music performances. The traditional peñas groups, adorned in colorful costumes, add to the festive atmosphere, while the sound of drums and trumpets echoes through the streets.
5. Puri Rath Yatra
When: July 7, 2024
Where: Puri, India
The majestic procession of ornate chariots, adorned with flowers and glittering decorations, makes its way through Puri's streets, carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The air is thick with the sweet scent of incense and the sound of chanting as devotees pull the chariots with ropes, symbolizing the bond between the divine and humanity. This ancient ritual is also the origin of the word "juggernaut," meaning an overwhelming force, derived from Lord Jagannath's name.
What's special: As the chariots move, you’ll hear the rhythmic beating of drums and cymbals, accompanied by the chanting of sacred mantras. The atmosphere is electric, with devotees from all walks of life coming together to participate in this ancient ritual.
6. Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
When: July 20 to 21, 2024
Where: Isan, Thailand
Ubon Ratchathani is a festival celebrated in Thailand’s northeastern province. The Candle Festival marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, three months of spiritual renewal. On Asanha Bucha day, the candles are taken to Thung Si Mueang, a park in the middle of the city, where they are decorated and then exhibited in the evening. The night market offers a chance to sample Isan cuisine's bold spices and fresh ingredients, and shop for unique souvenirs, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display.
What's special: The highlight of the festival is the magnificent candle procession, where towering wax sculptures, some reaching up to 10 meters tall, are paraded through the streets.
7. Fiesta de la Tirana
When: July 15 to 16, 2024
Where: La Tirana, Chile
In the Atacama Desert, La Tirana's vibrant Fiesta de la Tirana honors the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of Chile. Dressed in colorful costumes, dancers perform the traditional Diablada, a mesmerizing display of music and movement. As the night wears on, the festivities reach a fever pitch, with fireworks illuminating the desert sky and traditional Chilean cuisine like pastel de choclo and chupe de mariscos tantalizing the taste buds.
What's special: The beats of the Diablada drums echo through the streets, drawing in revelers from far and wide. Amidst the beautiful chaos, the Virgin of Carmen's statue is carried through the crowds, a symbol of devotion and celebration.
8. Naadam Festival
When: July 11 to 15, 2024
Where: Mongolia
In the Mongolian steppes, the Naadam Festival bursts to life with a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and athleticism. Witness the ancient traditions of archery, horse racing, and wrestling, as the country's finest athletes compete for glory. The festival celebrates Mongolia’s independence and rich cultural heritage. As the competitions unfold, the air is filled with the smell of traditional Mongolian barbecue, and the sound of morin khuur, the national instrument, resonates through the festival grounds.
What's special: The opening ceremony's grand procession, featuring traditional costumes and folk performances, sets the tone for the festivities. Be sure to try the traditional airag, a fermented horse milk beverage, and sample the local delicacies, such as boortsog and khorkhog.
