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Macau Light Festival
The Macau Light Festival was first held in 2015. This former Portuguese colony comes alive in December when the festival takes place. Organizers install lighting systems on skyscrapers across Macau's districts, use apps, and organize games to create a dazzling and magical festival atmosphere.
Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), Lyon, France
The Fête des Lumières is one of the oldest festivals of lights in the world. The festival originated in 1643, when the city escaped the devastation of the bubonic plague that was sweeping across Europe at the time. The townspeople lit candles and created a large procession to thank the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Since then, the festival has grown into one of the world's largest light festivals, featuring artists from across the planet and employing incredibly spectacular lighting equipment. Held annually in December, the festival is a tradition for locals to light a candle outside their windows throughout its duration.
Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taipei, Taiwan
The festival is held annually to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival in Pingxi, a suburb of Taipei, is one of the largest in the world, with thousands of lanterns lit and released into the sky three times an hour, between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
The festival features lanterns of all shapes and sizes, often depicting images of Chinese zodiac animals. As people release the lanterns into the sky, they offer prayers for a happy and lucky new year.
Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Loy Krathong festival is usually held in November every year. The Loy Krathong festival marks the end of the rainy season and gives thanks to the Water Goddess. Special lotus-shaped baskets are lit and released into the river as a symbol of bidding farewell to the bad things that happened in the old year and praying for good fortune in the new year.
Krathongs (flower baskets) made from coconut shells create a spectacular sight as they float along the rivers of Chiang Mai. Traditional Thai performances and concerts are also an important part of the festival.
Light and music festival in Sydney, Australia
Every year in May and June, Sydney comes alive with a 23-day festival of light and music. The city is filled with concerts and spectacular, renowned light installations. Most spectacular are the 3D mapping projects in the city center and around the Opera House. The iconic sailboats on the river contribute to the perfect backdrop for all kinds of lighting displays, from butterflies to traditional Indigenous art.
Amsterdam Light Festival, Netherlands
Images of canals, houses, and ancient bridges in the heart of Amsterdam are a common sight at the Amsterdam Light Festival. The effects of the water fountains, walking tours, or boat trips along the festival route are unforgettable experiences for visitors. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place in winter, around December each year.
Birgu Festival, Malta
In Birgu, one of Malta's oldest cities, there is the traditional Birgu Fest. It's an annual arts and culture festival that culminates in the city lights being switched off and replaced by narrow streets illuminated by candles.
Concerts are held on street corners, and street vendors sell traditional Maltese food at the autumn festival. Visitors will be impressed by the sight of performers wandering the winding streets, entertaining street audiences under the shimmering, magical candlelight.
