What major festivals happen in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands host numerous festivals year-round including Carnival (February–March) — the second largest in the world after Rio — music festivals, food festivals, and cultural celebrations. Each island has its own unique festival calendar.

When is the best time to visit for festivals?

Carnival season (February–March) is the biggest festival period. Summer months (June–August) have numerous music festivals and outdoor events. Each island also celebrates its patron saint festival with unique traditions.

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Festivals in mauritius

mauritius, Mauritius

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About this experience

Festivals in Mauritius is a year-round calendar of religious and cultural celebrations reflecting the island's Hindu, Tamil, Christian, Chinese, and Creole communities. Major events include Maha Shivaratri, Thaipusam, Cavadee, Holi, Divali, Eid, Chinese New Year, and the Cavadee procession to Grand Bassin. These festivals are held at temples, beaches, and public squares across the island, with dates set by lunar calendars.

What to expect

Maha Shivaratri draws over 500,000 pilgrims to Grand Bassin, a sacred lake, with devotees carrying decorated bamboo kanvars over 50 kilometres on foot.
Thaipusam and Cavadee feature piercings, fire-walking, and processions of devotees carrying milk pots and wooden arches to Tamil temples, often accompanied by drumming and chanting.
Divali illuminates homes and streets with clay oil lamps (diyas) for five days, with families sharing sweetmeats like gâteaux piments and katli.
Chinese New Year in Port Louis includes dragon dances, firecrackers, and the sharing of traditional dishes such as waxed duck and rice cakes at the pagoda on Rue La Bourdonnais.
Holi sees crowds throwing coloured powders and water in public parks and streets, with music and street food stalls selling bhajia and alouda.
Festival dates shift annually; visitors can attend multiple events in one trip, with each celebration lasting from a single day to a week, and most are free to observe from public spaces.