Attending the local festivals is one of the many ways of experiencing a place and its culture. The best part about festivals is that you end up having a gala time in a foreign land celebrating with people you may have met for the first time. We are sure no traveler wants to miss out on this immersive experience. So, this article highlights some of the very famous festivals of America you should attend when your visit to the country coincides with the time of these celebrations.
The festivals of America celebrate anything and everything from watershed moments in history to culture, religion, art, music, and good harvest. Other than Independence Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving, here are some more popular ones worth checking out.
Mardi Gras:
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: February or March
Mardi Gras embodies the jubilant spirit of NOLA, a multicultural city that loves music, food, and partying. Marked by grand parades, giant floats, flashy costumes, (green, purple, gold) beads, masquerade balls, street parties, live jazz music, and overflowing food and booze, the two-week-long Mardi Gras celebrations reach a crescendo on Shrove Tuesday, the last day before Lent (a period of self-restraint).
Nearly 1.4 million people, i.e., three times the population of New Orleans, join Mardi Gras making it one of the most attended festivals of America. In fact, most travelers planning their New Orleans holiday book international flight tickets for travel in February/ March so as not to miss Mardi Gras.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival:
Where: Indio, California
When: April
Famous as Coachella Festival or simply Coachella, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is arguably the most famous music & arts festival in America. With a lineup consisting of some of the biggest names in the music industry along with emerging artists, this festival of America draws music lovers from all over the world. Every genre of music is played, from alternative rock, indie, and hip hop to electronic music.
The annual event also showcases beautiful art installations and sculptures that only get better and more spectacular with each passing year. Furthermore, you may find yourself standing right next to renowned celebrities that show up at this music festival held at Empire Polo Club in Coachella Valley.
Burning Man:
Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevada
When: August-September
Part community experiment, part art and cultural celebration, the Burning Man is a unique festival of America that is so unlike the ones you have seen. The event derives its name from the ritual of burning a huge wooden effigy at its culmination. At Burning Man, participants (Burners) explore various forms of artistic self-expression in line with the festival’s yearly theme. Radical inclusion, self-reliance, communal effort, civic responsibility, and gifting are among the 10 guiding principles of Burning Man.
There is art, performances, parties, camping, and much more at this event that takes place in a temporary city set up in the Black Rock Desert (whose trace you wouldn’t find after the 9-day celebration ends).
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
When: October
The world’s largest hot air balloon festival, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, is a sight to behold! Imagine watching scores of hot air balloons of all possible shapes, sizes, and colors gliding through the crisp fall air and filling the early morning sky. Obviously, the mass ascension that features over 600 hot air balloons soaring above the Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field is one of the world’s most photographed events.
Firework displays, live music, food, and one-of-a-kind twilight Balloon Glows complete the fiesta that lasts for 9 days. Wish to witness this visual feast? Tickets are available for purchase, so book both your fiesta tickets and cheap flight tickets before they are all sold out. Hurry up!
Aloha Festivals:
Where: Hawaii
When: September-October
Aloha Festivals is a series of cultural celebrations intended to keep alive the Hawaiian traditions. Celebrated across the island, this is the only statewide cultural festival in the US. The electrifying festivities kick off with a presentation of the royal court at the opening ceremony in Oahu and a variety of cultural events like Hula performances, block parties, floral parades, concerts, arts and craft exhibitions follow in different parts of Hawaii.
An air of exuberance sweeps the Hawaiian archipelago during the month-long festival and the infectious joy of revelers cheers up spectators instantly. Time your next Hawaii vacation to coincide with the Aloha festival and enrich your experience of the Aloha State by taking part in this exciting festival of America.
