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Beyond being resorts with white sand, golden sunshine, and crystal-clear waters, coastal regions around the world are also the stages for unique, sometimes unbelievable, cultural festivals. From massive water gun battles in the streets and giant fruit parties to concerts in Arctic caves, these bizarre festivals not only delight tourists but also offer insightful glimpses into the spiritual lives of the local people.
1. Lemon Festival (Menton, France)
Every year in February, the town of Menton on the French Riviera transforms into a vibrant orange and yellow wonderland. The Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival, is a time for locals to celebrate the fruit that has been a part of their lives since the 16th century.
Approximately 150 tons of lemons and oranges are used to create giant works of art: from sea creatures and castles to statues of historical figures. Street parades, light shows, and a variety of citrus-inspired dishes bring this small Mediterranean town to life in a uniquely romantic way. When the festival ends, much of the remaining fruit is used to make jam – a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of the festival.
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 melodies of Fiesta de la Candelaria – the Candelaria Festival – every February. This is one of the largest festivals in South America, combining Catholic beliefs with the indigenous rituals of the Andean people.
For two weeks, hundreds of bands and dance troupes parade through the streets, performing traditional dances, most notably the "la diablada" (dance of the devil) with its elaborate costumes and masks, steeped in mythology. The festival is not only a time for fun but also a sacred occasion, when people offer prayers to Our Lady of Candelaria and the Earth Mother Goddess (Pachamama).
3. Tremor Music Festival (Azores, Portugal)
Isolated in the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago boasts a mesmerizing, unspoiled beauty and is also home to one of Europe's most unique music festivals. Tremor, held 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 performance venues are always full of surprises. Audiences can enjoy jazz, rock, or folk music in breathtaking natural settings, without grand stages or dazzling LED lights – just music and nature as a backdrop. This is a festival for those who love creativity, exploration, and raw emotions.
4. Songkran Traditional New Year (Thailand)
As April arrives, the entire country of Thailand transforms into a giant "water arena" for the traditional Songkran festival. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and especially in coastal areas like Phuket and Krabi, locals and tourists alike join in endless water gun battles.
Songkran originated as a cleansing ritual to welcome the new year, but over time it has become a communal celebration. Under the early summer sun, the festive atmosphere is lively with laughter, music, buckets of ice water, and water balloons flying everywhere… Songkran is an unforgettable experience, where you're sure to get soaked but also filled with joy.
5. Trænafestivalen Music Festival (Norway)
Have you ever imagined attending a music party in a cave in the middle of the Arctic Ocean? Trænafestivalen – a music festival held in July on the remote Træna archipelago of Norway – will make that dream a reality.
With nearly 23 hours of daylight each day in the summer, the festival offers a non-stop partying experience amidst the wild Arctic nature. Performances take place in exotic locations such as the Kirkehelleren caves, forest edges, and rocky coastal areas. The combination of avant-garde music and pristine natural scenery makes Trænafestivalen one of the most memorable music festivals in the world.
6. Scilly Ocean Festival (UK)
Located approximately 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Scilly Islands boast picturesque beaches and a diverse marine ecosystem. Each August, they host the Scilly Ocean Festival, celebrating the close connection between the island's inhabitants and the ocean.
Visitors can participate in activities such as exploring the tidal lagoon, traditional gig racing, snorkeling to see shipwrecks, swimming at sunset, or kayaking around the small bays. On land, the island is teeming with wildflowers and peaceful coastal paths, ideal for relaxing after a day of water activities. This is a gentle festival, more focused on exploration and connection with nature than boisterous partying.
7. Hermanus Whale Festival (South Africa)
In late September, the Atlantic coast town of Hermanus, about 120 km from Cape Town, becomes a meeting point for hundreds of southern right whales returning after their long journey from colder waters.
The three-day Hermanus Whale Festival is not only a fantastic opportunity to spot whales from the shore – a rare sight in the world – but also includes a range of educational activities on marine conservation, science exhibitions, art fairs, and outdoor music. Blending nature, knowledge, and culture, the festival is a vivid testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the ocean.
