You can find buffalo racing in several countries in South-East Asia, but in Thailand's Chonburi there's a whole festival dedicated to it. — Pexels
There are so many fascinating festivals around the world that travellers often plan entire trips just to experience them.
In South-East Asia, for instance, Thailand’s Water Festival (Songkran) and Lantern Festivals (Loy Krathong and Yi Peng) draw millions of visitors each year, while in Indonesia, the festival of Nyepi in Bali, also known as the Day of Silence, is a deeply cultural experience that many tourists take part in.
In other parts of the globe, events like Scotland’s Viking-inspired Up Helly Aa, Turkiye’s Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling and Spain’s La Tomatina – a massive tomato “fight” on the streets – show that sometimes, festivals can be really fun for spectators too.
These annual celebrations are a feast for the senses and a way to experience local cultures, giving visitors a fresh perspective on the places they visit.
While many festivals celebrate human traditions, others shine a spotlight on animals.
Malaysia, for instance, hosts a festival celebrating animals in the Sarawak capital of Kuching, affectionately known as the City of Cats. As you may have guessed, the festival is all about ... cats.
Held in September, the Kuching International Cat Festival evolved from its earlier concept, the Cat Show, following growing public interest over the years.
The festival commemorates cats while encouraging awareness on animal welfare. Cat lovers gather to enjoy cat shows, watch grooming demonstrations and take part in interactive sessions.
Last year’s event welcomed both local and international visitors.
Pet abandonment and growing stray animal populations are continuous issues faced by many countries, so festivals like this one in Kuching play an important role in educating people. Educational activities and adoption drives also help promote responsible pet ownership and give cats – and other pets – a second chance at finding loving homes.
If you are looking for a meaningful and memorable way to explore a destination, check out these animal festivals around the world.
Edmonton International Cat Festival (Canada)
Just like in Kuching, Edmonton in Alberta, Canada celebrates its feline friends through the yearly Edmonton International Cat Festival.
Held in late May, the festival celebrates the joy of having cats as companions in hopes that those that are in shelters get adopted.
Founded in 2014 by animal enthusiast and community organiser Linda Hoang, the festival became Canada’s first large-scale event dedicated entirely to cats and remains the only one of its kind in Alberta.
The event is every cat lover’s dream, with cat-themed merchandise, adorable photo opportunities, and appearances by well-known feline personalities organised each year.
You can also learn about responsible cat care and feline health through talks led by veterinarians and animal welfare advocates. Proceeds will be used to fund medical care, adoption programmes and support local rescue organisations.
In Nepal, dogs are often associated with protection and blessings. — ALISH BHANDARII/Wikimedia Commons
Kukur Tihar (Nepal)
Nepal may be famous for Mount Everest, but the country also bursts into life every year with a festival celebrating its loyal dogs.
Kukur Tihar, or the Day of the Dogs, takes place on the second day of the five-day Hindu festival of Tihar between October and November.
The tradition, which has been observed for generations, honours dogs not just as pets but also as sacred beings in Nepali culture.
Legend has it that dogs are regarded as guardians and are thought to bring protection and blessings.
People across Nepal decorate their four-legged companions with marigold garlands and place a “red tika” mark on their foreheads to show respect and gratitude.
Strays and pets alike are bathed, fed and celebrated for their service and loyalty.
Tourists flock to Nepal during Tihar to witness the joyful spectacle of dogs being adorned and honoured in homes and on the streets.
Camels take part in beauty contest, showcasing their beautiful decorations. — Meetu1980/Wikimedia Commons
Bikaner Camel Festival (India)
Hundreds of camels – in vibrant fabrics, jingling bells and decorated saddles – dot the golden sands of Bikaner in India’s Rajasthan state on the second Saturday and Sunday of every January.
Each camel is carefully groomed with intricate shaved patterns, all ready for a lively celebration called the Bikaner Camel Festival.
Though its exact origins remain a mystery, this annual festivity has been celebrated for many years to honour the desert animals, which have long shaped Rajasthan’s history and culture.
Camels traverse the endless desert, carry heavy loads and help with farming, playing a vital role in the everyday life of the communities.
During the festival, camels take part in beauty contests and parades, with owners proudly showing off their intricate grooming and colourful decorations.
The streets come alive with the sounds of folk music, traditional dances and more, giving visitors a glimpse into Rajasthan’s desert tradition.
Meanwhile, the Pushkar Fair, another annual camel-themed event in Rajasthan, focuses mainly on trading camels and cattle.
Alpabzug (Switzerland)
The last weeks of summer are a good time to visit Switzerland, because this is when herds of cows are led by farmers from the mountain pastures back into the valleys. This centuries-old tradition is called the Alpabzug.
Celebrated annually in September, you will see cows wearing flower crowns and large bells that jingle as they walk, parade through the towns. Farmers and children in traditional attire walk alongside their beloved animals.
The sounds of yodelling and folk music fill the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Local communities also take part by hosting markets, where visitors can browse handmade crafts and sample local specialities like Alpine cheese and other milk products.
The Alpabzug honours the role of cows in Swiss Alpine culture.
You will see cows decorated with flowers and large bells at the Alpabzug festival in Switzerland. — Pexels
Birds of Chile Festival (Chile)
Imagine kayaking along the Pacific Coast as seabirds soar overhead, or walking through a forest while birds dart between the trees, their songs filling the air.
The Festival de Aves de Chile, or Birds of Chile Festival, takes place every October and celebrates the country’s rich birdlife.
Founded in 2008 by Rodrigo Tapia, a member of the Chilean Ornithologists Union, the festival aims to raise public awareness on Chile’s avian diversity.
The country is home to more than 500 species, several of which are found nowhere else in the world.
One of the most unique species is the Magellanic woodpecker, a striking black-and-white bird with a bright red head that’s only found in Chile and Argentina, according to the Birds of the World organisation (birdsoftheworld.org/bow/home). This makes spotting one a rare treat, even for experienced birders.
The event is hosted by the Vina del Mar Heritage Unit and focuses on education, conservation and hands-on activities.
Visitors can join guided walks through parks and forests, go on kayaking trips to observe seabirds and attend talks on wildlife protection.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a beginner, the festival encourages people to explore and learn while highlighting the importance of protecting fragile habitats.
Beyond this event, Chile also hosts several other bird-themed celebrations throughout the year, including the Festival de Aves del Maipo, Global Big Day Chile, and Feria de Aviturismo del Rio Maullin.
The Surin Elephant Round-Up festival celebrates elephants. — Pexels
Surin Elephant Round-Up (Thailand)
Every November, Surin in Thailand organises a lively celebration of elephants.
The Surin Elephant Round-Up festival is a tribute to the deep bond between people and elephants, showcasing how intelligent, strong and culturally important these animals are.
The multi-day event kicks off in the middle of the week with an opening ceremony in the city, where you’ll see floats carved from fruits and vegetables being paraded through the streets.
Make sure you don’t miss the Elephant Breakfast, where hundreds of elephants gather for a feast of fruits. You will marvel at how cleverly they peel and eat with their trunks.
Locals can also feed the animals, and any leftovers are shared with the community, making everyone part of the celebration.
As the week continues, elephants in bright, colourful costumes march through the town, filling the streets with excitement.
Another equally entertaining experience would be when the elephants and their mahouts (elephant trainers) display their skills through playful performances: football matches, tug-of-war contests and even re-enactments of battles.
Soma Nomaoi Festival (Japan)
Did you know that during Japan’s annual Soma Nomaoi Festival, riders don a full samurai armour while on horseback?
Held in late May in Fukushima Prefecture, this one-of-a-kind event is considered one of Japan’s oldest traditional festivals, with a history dating back more than 1,000 years.
A tribute to Japan’s samurai heritage and the role of horses in the country’s history, the festival began in the 10th century as a form of military training under samurai leader Taira no Masakado. The training is aimed at honing warriors’ cavalry skills and is also said to honour the bond between warriors and their horses.
Today, the festival lasting three days brings this piece of history to life.
Clad in traditional samurai armour, hundreds of riders parade through the streets on horseback.
One of the highlights is the armoured horse race at the Shinki-soudatsusen, where riders race at full speed, recreating historic battle training.
Japan also boasts other horse-themed festivals such as Yabusame and Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival.
El Jaleo in Menorca is a unique equestrian tradition in Spain. — Som Menorca website
El Jaleo (Spain)
Spain has an ancient equestrian heritage that dates back some 30,000 years ago. So it’s no surprise that there are festivals here that celebrate horses.
During the summer months on the island of Menorca, townsfolk come together to celebrate “ses festes”, also called the patron saint festivals, held across the island from June to September.
Towns on the island such as Sant Antoni, Sant Bartomeu and Mare de Deu de Gracia host their own celebrations and festivals to honour horses.
At the heart of these events is El Jaleo, a celebrated display of horsemanship that many eagerly look forward to.
Riders guide their horses through busy town squares, with the air filled by lively traditional music from local bands.
One of the most captivating scenes is when the trained horses rear up on their hind legs, leaving the crowds in awe.
Most of the horses in El Jaleo are native Menorcan horses, typically known for their elegant black coats. These animals are bred and trained specifically for these festivities, making them a proud symbol of Menorca’s cultural identity.
For travellers, experiencing El Jaleo provides a window into Menorca’s traditions and community life.
Buffalo Racing Festival (Thailand)
From thrilling races to beauty contests and colourful parades, Wing Kwai, also known as the Buffalo Racing Festival, puts water buffalo in the spotlight every October in Chonburi, Thailand.
These animals, once the backbone of Thai agriculture, draw visitors from near and far to watch their impressive displays.
During the festival, the buffaloes sprint over short distances, showing off their strength and skill.
Besides races, buffaloes also take part in beauty contests, where judges assess their overall appearance.
The streets come alive with music and dancing as locals and visitors gather to celebrate the festival.
It also gives visitors an opportunity to experience Thailand’s countryside up close.
