- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
30+ Global Festivals Recognised By UNESCO: Festivals have played an important role in people’s lives for ages as they pass traditions, stories and practices from one generation to the next. A global group known as UNESCO stand as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation -works to protect such traditions by listing them as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This list features distinctive festivals, dances, traditional arts, rituals and celebrations from all over the world that serve as symbols of various communities' identities and ideals.
Deepavali (Diwali), one of India's largest light festivals, was recently added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This accolade shows how much people love the event, while highlighting its mix of traditions. Diwali stands for hope and happiness, bringing people together through faith; it’s seen when lamps glow at night instead of candles going out - fireworks pop, treats get passed around, light wins over darkness and evil.
Similar to Diwali, many celebrations around the world have been acknowledged by UNESCO due to their ability to maintain cultural heritage, long-standing traditions and community ties. From the Human Tower Festival in Spain, the Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut in South Korea, the Awa Dance in Japan and others, many festivals are added to this list. Every festival tells a story that captures the culture and history of its participants.
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30+ Global Festivals Recognised By UNESCO in Its Intangible Culture Heritage List
Learning about these global celebrations helps us appreciate the beauty of world cultures and encourages us to protect them for future generations. Here is the list of 30+ global festivals that UNESCO recognises. Check the list with their significance.
| Festival | Country/Region | Heritage Recognition Year | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deepavali | India | 2025 | world's biggest festival of lights, celebrated with Diyas and firecrackers |
| Kumbh Mela | India | 2017 | World’s largest peaceful religious gathering at the four holy rivers. |
| Durga PUja | India | 2021 | |
| Nowruz Festival | Iran, Central Asia, & others | 2009 | Persian New Year celebrates spring and harmony. |
| Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) | Mexico | 2008 | Celebration honouring the dead with art, food & music. |
| Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) | China | 2009 | Lunar New Year rituals symbolise prosperity and luck. |
| Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) | Peru | 2003 | Inca celebration showing respect to the Sun God. |
| Carnival of Oruro | Bolivia | 2001 | Ancient spiritual dance festival blending native and Catholic traditions. |
| Holy Week Celebrations (Semana Santa) | Guatemala, Spain, Philippines | 2009 | Massive processions remembering the Passion of Christ. |
| Dragon Boat Festival | China | 2009 | Boat races and rituals commemorating the poet Qu Yuan. |
| Flamenco Festival Tradition | Spain | 2010 | Cultural event showcasing music, dance and Spanish identity. |
| Gion Matsuri Festival | Japan | 2009 | Kyoto’s grand parade festival with heritage rituals. |
| Garifuna Festival | Caribbean, Central America | 2001 | Music, language and dance festival celebrating Afro-Indigenous culture. |
| Sukiyaki & Washoku Food Festival Traditions | Japan | 2013 | Ceremony celebrating Japanese culinary heritage. |
| Ramman Festival | India (Uttarakhand) | 2009 | Local ritual combining dance, theatre & folklore. |
| Naadam Festival | Mongolia | 2010 | Traditional "Three Manly Games" — wrestling, archery & horse racing. |
| Quechua Carnival | Peru/Ecuador | 2008 | Music, mask traditions & agricultural rituals. |
| Olive Tree Thanksgiving Festival | Greece | 2019 | An ancient Thanksgiving ritual to Goddess Athena. |
| Basel Carnival | Switzerland | 2017 | Colourful masked carnival showcasing folk satire. |
| Whistling Language Festival (Gomera Silbo) | Spain (Canary Islands) | 2009 | Festival preserving the whistling communication language. |
| Portuguese Fado Celebration | Portugal | 2011 | Traditional soulful music festival. |
| Kabuki Theatre Festivals | Japan | 2005 | Ritual dance-drama celebration of Japanese history. |
| Tango Festival | Argentina/Uruguay | 2009 | A festival celebrating the tango dance heritage. |
| Yalda Night Festival | Iran | 2022 | Celebration of the longest night with food & poetry. |
| Masopust Carnival | Czech Republic | 2010 | Folks parade with symbolic masks to drive away evil. |
| Sankirtana Festival | India (Manipur) | 2013 | Ritual dance and music praising God. |
| Sama Festival (Voladores Ritual) | Mexico | 2009 | “Flying Men” perform aerial acrobatics for rain gods. |
| Georgian Qvevri Wine-Making | Georgia | 2013 | Celebration of the ancient wine-making tradition. |
| Falconry Celebrations | UAE + 17 Countries | 2010 | Ancient falconry sport and ritual celebration. |
Festivals aren't only celebrations- but they carry stories of human history, faith and also shared identity. UNESCO's list of cultural heritage shows how rare such customs are while urging us to keep them alive somehow. Take India’s recent Deepavali honour, Spain’s tower-building fest, Japan’s lively Awa Dance, or South Korea’s ancient rites - each one pulses with local pride but still speaks a common tongue.
These worldwide festivals prove that even though we’re different, people everywhere honour life, connection, the earth, or customs in deep and personal ways. When we safeguard these practices - or value them - we also save shared legacies while passing down tales that add colour, variety and depth to our planet.
