From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout August.
Nebuta Matsuri is a large festival held in Aomori City with a parade of enormous lantern floats, flanked by large taiko drums, musicians, and dancers. The Nebuta Matsuri together with Akita’s Kanto Matsuri and Sendai’s Tanabata make up the Tohoku Sandai Matsuri (Three Great Festivals of the Tohoku Region).
The Angkor Empire Marathon is an event held in Siem Reap, north-western Cambodia. Distances of 3 km, 10.5 km, 21.1 km, and the full marathon distance of 42.195 km are available. The route offers participants the opportunity to run alongside the breathtaking landscapes and ancient temples of Angkor, creating a memorable sporting event in one of Cambodia’s most iconic destinations.
The Kanto Matsuri, also known as the ‘pole lantern festival’, is held in Akita and is one of the Three Great Summer Festivals of Tohoku. The festival showcases the impressive skills of kanto performers, who balance long bamboo poles decorated with beautifully lit paper lanterns. The spectacular night parades are the main highlight, with performers demonstrating their precision and balance as they carry the towering displays through the streets.
At the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri Festival, visitors can admire elegant decorations made from paper and bamboo that fill the streets with colour and creativity. The main highlight of the festival is the giant, vibrant streamers displayed throughout the shopping district, creating a spectacular atmosphere. The celebration is rooted in the traditional Tanabata legend and offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage.
The Baliem Valley Festival in Papua celebrates the rich heritage of the Dani Tribe. It features mock tribe battles between the Dani, Yali, and Lani as they send their best warriors to the arena, wearing traditional regalia. The festival is complemented by a pig feast, earth cooking, and traditional music and dance.
This celebration features the National Day Parade (NDP), showcasing military contingents, cultural performances, aerial fly-pasts, fireworks, and mass community participation. Festivities take place across the island, with heartland celebrations, concerts, and fireworks viewing points bringing communities together. Red-and-white decorations fill neighbourhoods and landmarks, reflecting national pride and unity.
O-bon is also known as the Festival of Souls when lanterns are hung in front of houses to guide the ancestors’ spirits. Obon dances (bon odori) are performed, graves are visited, and food offerings are made at house altars.
The Yamaga Lantern Festival sees the city lit up by thousands of lanterns in a very scenic and beautiful festival. With a lively atmosphere, visitors can watch performers pass by in traditional ‘yukata’ as they dance gracefully to ‘yoheho’ music.
The Bidar Boat Race is one of Indonesia’s most anticipated cultural events, taking place in the Palembang region of South Sumatra. Teams compete by racing large traditional boats crafted from hardwood trees, showcasing local heritage and community spirit.
The Seven Sisters Festival is informally known as ‘Chinese Valentine’s Day’ and has its origins in the two stars Altair and Vega. The festival is traditionally celebrated with needlework competitions, the burning of incense, and young women making offerings to the lovesick goddess weaver and her cowherd beau.
The Boat Racing Festival is a big day in the city of Luang Prabang’s calendar as boats from the different villages compete to win the honour of the fastest boat on the river.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is one of several traditional festivals to worship ancestors, with highlights including Chinese operas. Special ceremonies are performed to avoid the wrath of the ghosts such as putting the family’s ancestral tablets on a table, burning incense, and preparing food three times that day to feed the hungry ghosts.
George Town Festival (Date TBA, Malaysia) in Penang is dedicated to celebrating and preserving local arts, culture, and heritage. It features artistic performances, including dance, music, theatre, photography, and heritage exhibitions.
At the Tana Toraja Funeral Festival (Throughout July – mid September, Indonesia), fascinating and elaborate funeral rites are conducted to send the spirit of the dead to the afterworld and prevent misfortune for the deceased’s family. Expect plenty of chanting and dancing that honours the deceased and bids them farewell.
Singapore Food Festival (Date TBA, Singapore) is a week-long festival that celebrates Singapore’s multicultural heritage through delicious and diverse food from around the island.
The Tomohon International Flower Festival (Date TBA, Indonesia) on the coast of North Sulawesi is a unique flower show that exhibits the most colourfully decorated parade floats brought over from various districts around the country for people to enjoy.
Our destination specialists across Asia are on hand to share local knowledge, travel expertise and practical support.
