How to choose a festival
Start with interest (food, music, sacred calendar), then check season and travel distance. Read the festival's detail page for meaning — not only dates — before you book.
- Match energy: quiet lantern night vs all-night parade
- Check whether peak days need tickets or local permits
- Leave room for neighbourhood events beyond the tourist postcard
Respect & etiquette
Ask before photographing people in ceremony. Dress for the place, not for a costume party, unless the festival itself invites costume. Follow local guidance on alcohol, sacred spaces, and where to stand.
Timing tips
Many festivals move with lunar or liturgical calendars. Use our calendar as a starting point and confirm closer to the year. Arrive a day early when streets close or transit reroutes.
What to prepare
- Comfortable shoes and weather layers
- Cash for street vendors; offline maps
- A short phrase of greeting in the local language
- Patience for crowds — celebrations are shared spaces
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