Festivals Around the World in May: What to Attend

 

During May, as spring gives way to early summer, it is a time to color, celebrate and culture in most of the world.

May is a perfect month for cultural travelers in search of spectacular experiences, and in Europe, from flower festivals to Asia’s religious pilgrimages, or jazz rhythms from the Americas this is no exception.

May is shaping up to be a great month for travel or adventures while you are staying home with travel restrictions.

Here are some of the best festivals around the world you should take into account for adding to your travel bucket list.

1. Cannes Film Festival — France

When: Mid-May

Where: Cannes, French Riviera

Why Attend: Celebrities, cinema, and the glitz of the red carpet.

Cannes Film Festival is among the most glamorous and prestigious film festivals around the world.

Yearly, the festival takes place in the distinguished French Riviera town of Cannes, where it offers international cinema and premieres groundbreaking films by auteurs all over the world.

The screenings are mostly the domain of industry professionals, but the town itself becomes a star studded playground with red carpet moments, the best parties on a t yacht and an outdoor cinema.

Travel Tip: If you don’t score a ticket to any of the screenings, you can still see films at the Cinéma de la Plage: free, open­air screening area on the beach.

2. Buddha Purnima — Across Asia

When: Full Moon in May

Where: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and other Buddhist countries

Purpose: Spiritually enriching visit commemorating Lord Buddha.

Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death is observed as Buddha Purnima (Vesak) in various places.

Devotion for the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya in India is meanwhile becoming an epicenter of devotion for pilgrims from all over the world. During the festival, the prayers, sermons, meditation sessions and offerings to monasteries are made.

Monks chant sacred verses, devotees release lanterns and flowers and candles adorn stupas.

3. Chelsea Flower Show — United Kingdom

When: Late May

Where: London, England

Why Attend: An explosion of horticultural excellence and botanical art.

Any garden lover should attend The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the show succeeds in imaginative gardens, innovative landscaping and rare plant species.

It is a quintessently British event and members of the Royal Family are known to visit.

Pro tip: Get your tickets in advance since the event is often a sell out weeks before.

4. Cinco de Mayo — Mexico and the United States

When: 5th May

Where: Puebla (Mexico) and various U.S. cities

Why Attend: A lively celebration of Mexican heritage.

Unlike Cinco de Mayo, which honors the Mexican military’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, the celebration is larger elsewhere, with living representations from Mexican dance, music and cuisine and parades.

Traditional military parades and Mexico’s history come alive in Puebla.

A must try is mole poblano, which is a signature Mexican dish linked with Puebla.

5. Gnaoua World Music Festival — Morocco

Dates: May or June (varies)

Where: Essaouira, Morocco

Why Attend: Rhythmic trance music, cultural fusion, and coastal charm.

The Gnaoua World Music Festival held on the sea shore town of Essaouira is a celebration of the hypnotic music of the Gnaoua people, the descendants of Sub Saharan Slave.

The festival has evolved to include jazz, blues, reggae and rock in addition to traditional Gnaoua.

Picture warm beach drum circles, spiritual dances on my rooftop, and Moroccan sunset dinners with bright starry skies.

6. Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) — Japan

When: March to May (May in Hokkaido)

Where: Northern Japan, especially Hokkaido

What To See: Nature’s most poetic spectacle.

Primarily elsewhere in central and southern Japan, the cherry blossoms bloom earlier, while those in northernmost island of Hokkaido don’t peak until early May.

Parks with Picnics under the canopy of pink cherry trees are very popular both with the locals and tourists, especially those with the spaces such as Goryokaku Park and Matsumae Castle in Hakodate.

Cultural Note: Flower viewing is more than looking at flowers; Hanami means looking at flowers but also looking into oneself, turning one’s thoughts inward, and enjoying the season.

7. Africa Day — Across African Nations

When: 25th May

Where: Pan-African countries

Why Attend: Celebration of unity, heritage, and identity.

Africa Day was established to mark the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (the name was changed to the African Union) in 1963.

It is celebrated in different forms on the continent and in the diaspora through festivities such as art exhibitions, cultural performances, panel discussions and parades.

South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria host especially vibrant public celebrations.

Highlights: Experience includes traditional drumming, fashion shows and Afrobeat music festivals.

8. Shetland — Scotland (Deliberately Off-Season Mention)

Traditionally held in January, smaller events are reenacted for tourists in May.

Where: Lerwick and smaller Shetland towns

Why Attend: Viking reenactments and fiery pageantry.

Spring and summer visitors to the remote Shetland Islands can catch mini Up Helly Aa celebrations there in May.

They include the following: torchlit processions, and Viking longships that are ceremonially burnt.

Tip: According to other visitors, the North Sea winds can be quite strong and you need to dress warmly even in May.

9. Bali Arts Festival (Preview Events in Late May)

They: Officially June, but you can already get a look ahead in May

Where: Denpasar and across Bali, Indonesia

Why Attend: A deep dive into Balinese dance, music, and ritual.

Preparatory events for the Bali Arts Festival officially start up at the end of May, although the Bali Arts Festival is officially launched in June.

The dancers here provide a preview of Balinese tradition through Barong dances and gamelan music as well as the ceremonial costumes of temple arts.

Travelers who enjoy cultural storytelling penned for them will love Matter.

10. International Workers’ Day — Worldwide

When: 1st May

Where: Global

What to do at other times: Attend political rallies, marches and solidarity.

International Workers’ Day (May Day) is observed in more than 80 countries and celebrated to commemorate labor rights and work done by the working class.

Peaceful protests and festive parades are among the events that take place. Cities like Berlin, Havana, and Manila host some of the most active commemorations.

It’s interesting notes but you should also check your local advisories as there may be some travel disruptions due to some demonstrations.

Final Thoughts

May rolls out some of the most diverse expressions of humanity in cinema, flowers, faith, and folklore.

Across the globe, Cannes is rich in artistic finesse, Bodh Gaya is spiritual seduction and Essaouira offers a swing to ancestral rhythms and here are a thousand reasons to celebrate.

Choose a festival that resonates with you, pack your bags and make May the month of finding out more fun with MICEcafe Journey.