From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout July.
The Danang International Fireworks (30 May -11 Jul, Vietnam) showcase spectacular and innovative fireworks displays, filling the sky with an array of lights, sounds and colours. Local and international visitors gather to enjoy the show alongside activities such as boat parades, art installations, folk performances, and water sports
George Town Heritage Day (7 Jul, Malaysia) in Penang commemorates when George Town became a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. It celebrates the city’s rich cultural legacy through vibrant events and activities.
Ubon Ratchatani Candle Art Festival (9-13 Jul, Thailand) celebrates the onset of the rainy season. It features a parade of monks from local temples who ride decorative floats with carved candles depicting Buddhist motifs.
Boun Khao Pansa (10 Jul, Laos) marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent, which commences at the full moon in July and continues until the full moon in October. This is considered a particularly auspicious time for Lao men to enter the monkhood and is marked by numerous ordination ceremonies.
The Grand Sumo Tournament (12-26 Jul, Japan) in Nagoya provides the chance to catch the heavyweights in action at one of Japan’s most prestigious sumo events.
Bali Arts Festival (15 Jun – 13 Jul, Indonesia) celebrates the arts and culture of Bali with daily performances, handicraft exhibitions and other cultural activities during which time the whole of Bali comes to life with offerings of dance, music, and beauty.
Gion Matsuri (17 Jul & 24 Jul, Japan) the festival of Yasaka Shrine, is the most famous festival in Japan. It has many events taking place but the most popular is the grand procession of over 30 floats with music and live performances as they travel through the streets.
The Tenjin Matsuri (24-25 Jul, Japan) is Osaka’s biggest summer festival. It also claims to be the world’s largest boat festival with a land procession formed of a parade of over 3,000 people dressed in the imperial-court style of the 8th-12th centuries.
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival (25 Jul, Japan) dates back to 1733 and is one of the largest and most famous firework festivals in Tokyo. On top of traditional displays, a contest is held between new creative fireworks that always draw a large crowd.
The challenging Formula E event in Tokyo (25-26 Jul, Japan) is an 18-turn, 2.582km street circuit surrounding the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre – the largest venue in Japan also known as Tokyo Big Sight.
The International Kite Festival (Throughout July, Indonesia) is held along Sanur Beach, Bali. Traditional giant kites (4 metres in width and almost 10 metres in length) are made and flown competitively by teams from the villages (banjar) of Denpasar. The event is a seasonal religious festival intended to send a message to the Hindu gods to create abundant crops and harvests.
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.
The Yadnya Kasada Festival (Date TBA, Indonesia) is extremely important for Tenggerese tribes. Also known as the Javanese Volcano Festival, the celebrations are believed to help promote good health and appease Mother Nature.
Singapore’s Garden Festival (Date TBA, Singapore) showcases stunning floral displays, innovative garden designs, and sustainable landscaping. This biennial event celebrates horticultural excellence and is held at the award-winning Gardens by the Bay.
Our destination specialists across Asia are on hand to share local knowledge, travel expertise and practical support.
