Not only a place to relax with white sand, golden sunshine and clear blue water, coastal areas around the world are also the stage of unique cultural festivals, sometimes so... unbelievable. From water gun battles in the middle of the street, giant fruit parties, to concerts in caves in the Arctic, these strange festivals not only delight tourists but also provide insight into the spiritual life of local people.
1. Lemon Festival (Menton, France)
Every February, the French Riviera town of Menton transforms into a dazzling orange and yellow wonderland. The Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival, is a time for locals to celebrate the fruit that has been with them since the 16th century.
Around 150 tonnes of lemons and oranges are used to create giant works of art, from sea creatures to castles to historical figures. Street parades, light shows and a range of citrus-inspired dishes make this small Mediterranean town come alive with a sense of wonder. When the festival is over, much of the remaining fruit is turned into jam – a great way to preserve the flavours of the festivities.
2. Candelaria Festival (Puno, Peru)
Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca - the world's highest lake, the town of Puno resonates with the vibrant tunes of Fiesta de la Candelaria - Candelaria Festival - every February. This is one of the largest festivals in South America, combining Catholic beliefs with indigenous rituals of the Andean people.
For two weeks, hundreds of bands and dancers parade through the streets, performing traditional dances, notably “la diablada” (the devil’s dance) with elaborate costumes and masks imbued with mythological nuances. The festival is not only a time for fun but also a sacred time, when people offer sacrifices to Our Lady of Candelaria and the Earth Goddess (Pachamama).
3. Tremor Music Festival (Azores, Portugal)
Secluded in the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is a wild and enchanting beauty and also hosts one of Europe's most unique music festivals. Tremor, which takes place in April on the island of São Miguel, is unlike any other music festival.
From ancient churches and abandoned quarries to hot springs and volcanic lakes, Tremor’s venues are always full of surprises. Audiences can enjoy jazz, rock or folk music in breathtaking natural settings, no grand stages, no flashy LED lights – just music and nature as a backdrop. This is a festival for those who love creativity, exploration and raw emotion.
4. Songkran Traditional Festival (Thailand)
April is also the time when the whole country of Thailand turns into a giant "water arena" for the traditional Songkran New Year. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and especially coastal areas such as Phuket, Krabi, people and tourists join together in endless water gun battles.
Songkran originated as a cleansing ritual to welcome the new year, but over time it has become a fun community event. Under the early summer sun, the festival atmosphere is bustling with laughter, music, buckets of ice water, water balloons flying in the air… Songkran is an unforgettable experience where you will definitely get wet but also full of joy.
5. Trænafestivalen Music Festival (Norway)
Have you ever imagined yourself partying in a cave in the middle of the Arctic Ocean? Trænafestivalen – a music festival held in July on Norway's remote Træna Islands – makes that happen.
With nearly 23 hours of daylight each day in the summer, the festival offers a non-stop party experience in the wild Arctic. Performances take place in exotic locations such as the Kirkehelleren caves, the edge of forests, and coastal rocks. The combination of avant-garde music and pristine natural surroundings makes Trænafestivalen one of the most memorable music festivals in the world.
6. Scilly Ocean Festival (UK)
Located about 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are home to picturesque beaches and a diverse marine ecosystem. Every August, they host the Scilly Ocean Festival, which celebrates the close connection between the island’s inhabitants and the ocean.
Visitors can enjoy activities like exploring the tide pools, gig racing, shipwreck diving, sunset swimming, or kayaking around the coves. On land, the island is filled with wildflowers and peaceful coastal paths, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. It’s a low-key festival, more about exploring and connecting with nature than partying.
7. Hermanus Whale Festival (South Africa)
In late September, the Atlantic town of Hermanus, about 120 km from Cape Town, becomes a meeting point for hundreds of southern right whales returning after a long journey from cold waters.
The three-day Hermanus Whale Festival is not only a great opportunity to see whales from shore – a rare sight in the world – but also includes a range of marine conservation education activities, science exhibitions, an art fair and outdoor music. Blending nature, knowledge and culture, the festival is a vivid testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the ocean.
