Full of colours, food, music and joy, the month of August is so vibrant! Explore the world and join the celebrations at twenty of the most famous festivals spread across continents. These festivals are a reflection of the traditions and history of the respective countries. Get a feel of myriad cultures as you celebrate the twenty wonderful festivals listed here.
A Guide to The Top 20 Famous Festivals Around the World in August
Join the celebrations in Dubai in the month of August by booking one of the many Dubai holiday packages. Apart from Dubai’s celebrations, learn about festivals celebrated in August in other destinations including Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan, Bali, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
1. Dubai Summer Surprises (Dubai, UAE)
Celebrate the ‘City of Gold’s’ unparalleled shopping and entertainment culture with your family in August all through August. Bag the huge discounts offered at Dubai’s Malls while enjoying live shows and kids’ activities. Escape the summer heat of August by enjoying the fun of shopping at air-conditioned malls.
2. Abu Dhabi Summer Season (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Abu Dhabi joins Dubai in celebrations in August with its very own summer festival. You’ll love the cultural shows showcasing Emirati heritage. You can also enjoy comedy nights and shop till you drop at shopping promotions.
3. Gabala International Music Festival (Azerbaijan)
Bringing together musicians from all around the world, the Gabala International Music Festival celebrates varied musical genres including jazz, classical music and traditional performances in an open-air setting in the lap of nature.
4. Bali Kite Festival (Bali, Indonesia)
Giant traditional kites fill the skies over Bali with a burst of colours in August. Rooted in thanking the gods for good harvests, this cultural event attracts local and international kite flyers. Admire the craftsmanship of the kites from the beaches watching them soar in the skies.
5. Wafaa El-Nil Festival (Egypt)
The ancient land of Egypt celebrates the Nile river being flooded with water that once ushered in fertility in the plains here. Egyptians still mark the occasion with family gatherings, traditional songs and storytelling even though modern dams have changed the river’s behaviour.
6. Hungry Ghost Festival (Hong Kong)
This solemn festival is in honour of the spirits that are believed to return from the afterlife and it’s rooted in the rich traditions of the Chinese. The festival is marked by people burning paper offerings, performing opera shows and offering food for the appeasement of the wandering souls.
7. George Town Festival (Malaysia)
A creative blend of art, dance, music and theatre, this cultural festival is held in Penang. It’s a celebration of the rich tradition Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site is so proud of. Performances and exhibitions make the city streets buzz with life.
8. Maulidi Festival (Lamu, Kenya)
The Maulidi Festival often falls in August even though the dates change based on the Islamic calendar. It honours the Prophet Muhammad’s birth and it’s celebrated on Lamu Island. The setting is traditional Swahili and the festival is celebrated with poetry dhow races, and spiritual gatherings.
9. Tbilisi Open Air (Georgia)
This open-air festival, usually held during late summer, is one of Georgia’s most popular music events. Bringing thousands of music lovers to Tbilisi, artists from around the globe perform rock, indie and electronic music. Choose from Georgia tour packages in August and join the celebrations.
10. Independence Day Celebrations (Maldives)
While Maldives commemorates its independence from British rule on 26th July, it celebrates the occasion till early August. National pride fills the islands as the day is celebrated with parades and traditional dances.
11. Ganesh Chaturthi (Mauritius)
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Mauritius in August even though it’s a Hindu festival celebrated with a lot of fanfare in India. People bring Lord Ganesha’s clay island and immerse them in water later. Feel the community spirit and devotion at the festival.
12. Pierogi Festival (Krakow, Poland)
The Pierogi Festival in Krakow sees Poland’s love for dumplings take centre stage. Serving both sweet and savoury versions of pierogi, local chefs are at the best of their culinary skills. Enjoy the delicious food, live folk music and dance.
13. National Day (Singapore)
Grand parades, fireworks and patriotic songs mark the celebrations of Singapore’s national day on the 9th of August. The Marina Bay is the centre of attraction with red and white, the Singapore national flag’s colours taking over the streets.
14. Hungry Ghost Festival (Singapore)
Singapore joins Hong Kong in the celebration of the Hungry Ghost Festival. Neighbourhoods see temporary stages being put up for getai performances, puppet shows and Chinese opera. These are offerings for the entertainment of spirits from afterlife.
15. Mother’s Day (Thailand)
Celebrated nationwide as Mother’s Day, Thailand honours the Queen Mother on 12th August. The queen’s portraits and blue flags decorate the streets and buildings. Enjoying family time with local ceremonies, people pay respect to their mothers.
16. Hıdırellez and Folk Festivals (Turkey)
Some folk music and regional cultural festivals extend into August in rural Turkey even though Hıdırellez is traditionally held in May. Offering a glimpse into the country’s traditions, these events include dancing and singing.
17. Victory Day (Turkey)
Marking a crucial battle in its War of Independence, Turkey celebrates Victory Day On 30th August. Cities like Istanbul and Ankara come alive with parades, speeches, and fireworks. Patriotism rings the air at this historical observance.
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18. Mid-Autumn Festival Preparations (Vietnam)
Vietnam begins its colourful preparations in August although the Mid-Autumn Festival falls in September. Children start rehearsing traditional dances, lanterns appear in markets and delicious mooncakes are made.
19. Vu Lan Festival (Vietnam)
A day for honouring deceased ancestors and showing gratitude to parents, Vu Lan is also called the Ghost Festival. People offer food and flowers and temples across Vietnam hold ceremonies during this peaceful and deeply spiritual time.
20. Independence Month Cultural Shows (Malaysia)
Events take place throughout the month even though Malaysia celebrates its independence on 31st August. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang see celebrations in the form of patriotic parades, exhibitions, concerts and cultural showcases.
Final Thoughts
Cultures around the world come alive through festivals in August, a month that’s more than just about summer holidays. Every celebration, from music to national pride, sees people coming together. Choose a package to any of the destinations mentioned here with a travel agency in Dubai and join the festivities. Come, experience a country’s heart and soul by joining its festival.