In this travel blog, go for a light show tour of the top 10 light festivals around the globe.
#10 Vivid (Sydney, Australia)
To experience a lively haven in Australia when it hosts certain fancy activities, be sure to schedule a trip in either the month of May or June. This is when the Sydney Opera House glimmers with fantastic light as Vivid is celebrated. Vivid is a 23-day festival full of glimmering lights, interesting music, and a refreshing vibe. There are also spectacular 3D projections where the entire venue is lit up with colorful butterfly wings and breathtaking indigenous art.
#9 Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (Japan)
This grand yet mythical event happens from the 2nd to the 7th of August every year. During that time, Japan conducts a summer festival with marvelous parades in the city of Aomori. At this light festival, marvelous floats roam the entire town where there are exceptional Japanese gods and mythological figures being displayed on the streets. The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri has eerie designs of floats that can remind you of popular fictional stories.
#8 Night of the Witches (Mexico)
In the town of Catemaco in Mexico, a fantastical and peculiar festival is held where witches and healers gather in one area to showcase a performance that depicts a cleansing ceremony to get rid of negative energies that ruin people’s lives. The Night of Witches mythical celebration is held every first of March. Prepare a costume to add to your aura while strolling the streets.
#7 Amsterdam Light Festival (The Netherlands)
For a magical light show spot, consider checking out this dazzling haven in The Netherlands. Be sure you plan to visit this nation during Dutch winter for the festival of lights. The Amsterdam Light Festival is an iconic celebration in the country where you can appreciate the collaboration of the historical center and the genius installation of fancy figures in the water that make use of their stunning reflections. You can go on walking tours while exploring the town, and it is highly recommended to take a canal boat that passes along the festival route for a remarkable experience.
#6 iLight Marina Bay Festival (Singapore)
In Singapore, you can walk through countless impressive eco-friendly and sustainable light art creations. The iLight Marina Bay Festival is held at the waterfront area of Marina Bay and has an astonishing exhibition of a dazzling array of multi-colored lights. For when to witness this gorgeous presentation of light, be sure to check out their website for exact dates. It is typically conducted during the month of March. You may also want to go to an interesting light and water show hosted by one of Singapore’s elegant resorts, the Marina Bay Sands. This 15-minute event called “Spectra” has a = = variety of majestic arts.
#5 Medellín Christmas Lighting Festival (Colombia)
Hearing the name of this town, you might think that it is only famous for its splendid Feria de las Flores or Flower Festival event, but check out how they celebrate the epic season of Christmas. The Medellín’s Christmas Lighting Festival or what they call El Alumbrado in Spanish is a sign that the holidays have begun. This majestic festival in Columbia normally starts every 7th of December and is known for its larger-than-life occasions. There are 3D adorable dancing figures on the river, luxurious ornaments on the tree canopy, and a magical fireworks display.
#4 Loy Krathong (Thailand)
Mostly celebrated every November, Loy Krathong marks the end of the rainy season. Buddhist monks gather in a sacred area to give respect and honor to the Goddess of Water. During this special event, astounding lotus-shaped baskets are fantastically lit up before being released in the river. This act is a symbol of removing the bad things one encountered and religiously asking for good luck for the following year. If you want to witness this fantastic celebration, make sure you have time in November. Check online for the exact dates before heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand.
#3 Pingxi Lantern Festival (Taiwan)
At this festival, you can write a special message intended for you or someone else on a lantern before releasing it into the sky. The Pingxi Lantern Festival in Taiwan is held every year in order to celebrate the end period of the Chinese New Year. The lanterns have a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. You can have your Chinese zodiac sign as your lantern for luck. Feel the amazing vibe of good fortune as you watch thousands of lanterns floating in the sky. To catch this astounding moment, head over to this haven before the new year or before the Chinese New Year comes to an end.
#2 Fête des Lumières (France)
The marvelous Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France is one of the oldest light festivals in the world. In 1643 there was a successful escape of the city from the terrific ravage of the plague across Europe. During that time, the local folks of the town lit candles as they formed a procession to give honor and thanks to Mary, Mother of God. Since that iconic event, this town has held large light festivals featuring light displays and impressive projections crafted by prominent artists from different parts of the world. As the month of December comes around, every local resident in this town is expected to light up a candle and place it on their window for the celebration of this fascinating festival.
#1 Diwali (India)
When the festival week is coming for this event, locals are busy planning, preparing, and scheduling various activities for it. This Hindu festival in India is said to be among the biggest. For five days straight, people have fun celebrating the iconic festival of lights called “Diwali”. The remarkable occasion symbolizes the spiritual triumph of light against darkness, and goodness over evil. It has a fantastic fireworks display as well as charming diyas or small clay lamps and candles lined up in every one’s homes. The main attraction is the incredible and splendid lights that fill the nation of India. Take note to bring something like mithai or sweets and any other fruits and nuts as it is a traditional thing between families and friends to have a customary exchange of gifts exclusive to this festival. To know about the exact dates, check online as they change every year.
Thanks for reading, Revellers! A celebratory light festival can be a memorable experience. There are lots of them in different places in the world! Which of these most wonderful light festivals would YOU like to attend the most? Comment below, we’d love to hear which one you’d most like to go to!
