Events & festivals

Events & Festivals: A quickfire way to discover the heart and soul of a country...

Join the world’s biggest water fight at Songkran. Every April, Thailand holds a two-day traditional new year celebration where the streets come alive with laughter, smiling faces, music and BBQ’s as tourists and locals get wet and wild with buckets and super soakers. Grab a water gun and get involved or if getting wet isn’t your thing, hail a tuk-tuk, head out of town and visit a temple or shrine where you can pay your respects and watch on as Thai Buddhists hold bathing ceremonies in honour of Buddha.

If you’re looking for a perfect excuse to dress up and dust off your dancing shoes, head to Rio de Janeiro for Rio Carnival. As you explore the streets, see parades of Samba dancers making their way through the city dressed head to toe in feathers and sequins on lavishly decorated floats. Taste the best of traditional street food as you soak up the electric atmosphere and mingle with the locals who pull out all the stops for this famous annual celebration.

Some of the world’s best events are shaped purely by Mother Nature. During two weeks in spring, cherry blossom petals fall like snow from the south to the north of Tokyo, creating picture-perfect scenes across the city. Over this period, you can sample a wide variety of cherry blossom based teas, confectionery and foods.

For wildlife fanatics, few natural events can compete with The Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa. From mid-December to March, prepare to be spellbound as over 1.5 million Wildebeests migrate across the golden plains of the Serengeti. Set off on a magical safari tour at sunrise and witness one of the world’s greatest spectacles.

Adding a special festival or event to your trip itinerary is highly recommended. Due to the popularity of many of these events and festivals, places can get booked up and busy fast. Our Destination Specialists are on standby to arrange everything you need to indulge on a fun packed, fuss-free activity holiday, planned from the moment you land.

Join the party with festivals worldwide

Or try these inspiring itineraries

Here’s a selection of popular itinerary suggestions to give you an idea of what’s available. Call us now and we’ll create an amazing holiday just for you.

9 days

Highlights of Japan Tour

Guide Price £3,299 pp

Explore the unique culture of Japan on this nine day journey. Combine old and new, from bustling cities to authentic Ryokan stays and traditional tea ceremonies. With a combination of guided and self-guided days this is the perfect way to...

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City holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

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What carnivals do you recommend?

If you want to experience carnival, it’s got to be Rio Carnival or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Rio de Janeiro’s main event takes place before Lent, and is the biggest carnival in the world. Mardi Gras runs for several weeks in the lead-up to Shrove Tuesday, AKA Mardi Gras.

Can you help book a trip to the Formula One abroad?

We can certainly help make your Formula One dreams a reality. Head to Yas Island, for example, and you can time your visit to coincide with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Just let our Destination Specialists know which F1 event has caught your fancy.

What events are there in New York for Christmas?

New York at Christmas is an absolute must, and there’s a huge mixture of free and ticketed events. Don’t miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular – shows run throughout the Christmas season – and the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

More inspiration for worldwide celebrations

Ideas, advice and recommendations from our Destination Specialists following their travels.

Blog

10 amazing festivals worldwide

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Blog

World Carnivals and Cultural Events

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Blog

New Year celebrations and customs from around the world

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Why choose Hayes & Jarvis for…Events & Festivals?

We’ll tailor make a holiday that involves as many global festivals or events as you wish. We’ll arrange accommodation and transport to make travel safe and effortless to your chosen event, so you can relax and enjoy all there is to see and do. Our Destination Specialists are experienced globe trotters, and can recommend all the best experiences, helping you plan your trip to include any upcoming festivals and events. Give us a call to and we’ll talk you through the list of celebrations happening at your desired time of travel.

How we tailor make your holiday

1. Browse

Look through our website for inspiration, then call our Destination Specialists

2. Create

We'll listen to your wish-list and use our knowledge to design a unique itinerary

3. Customise

We'll keep on refining until we've created your perfect personalised holiday

Talk to our experts

01293 762404

The Hayes & Jarvis Way

We’ve been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations  to choose from, talk to us and we’ll listen to your travel ideas to create  unforgettable holiday experiences.