Festivals

Connected Sites: 69

WHS within which a culturally significant festival is or has in recent times been regularly held.

Connected Sites

  • Cuzco
    Cuzco
    Peru
    Inscribed: 1983
    3.85
    264
    9
    Inti Raymi (Sacsahuyaman) - Jun 24
  • Salvador de Bahia
    Inscribed: 1985
    3.35
    73
    4
    Mardi Gras
  • Venice and its Lagoon
    Inscribed: 1987
    4.52
    610
    19
    Venice Carnival
  • Edinburgh
    Edinburgh
    United Kingdom
    Inscribed: 1995
    4.00
    471
    17
    Edinburgh Festival: Theatre, Music, Opera, Dance and Visual Arts. Many events take place inside inscribed buildings. Also Military Tattoo in the Castle. (Aug-Sep each year)
  • Baalbek
    Baalbek
    Lebanon
    Inscribed: 1984
    3.99
    101
    5
    Baalbeck International Festival
    See en.wikipedia.org
  • Olinda
    Olinda
    Brazil
    Inscribed: 1982
    3.06
    45
    4
    Carnival
  • Old City of Acre
    Inscribed: 2001
    3.24
    157
    6
    Acre Theatre Festival
  • Carthage
    Carthage
    Tunisia
    Inscribed: 1979
    3.14
    170
    6
    The International Carthage Festival (music, theater) is held every other year in the Roman theater (July-August).
  • Costiera Amalfitana
    Inscribed: 1997
    3.91
    294
    7
    Ravello Festival
  • Orange
    Orange
    France
    Inscribed: 1981
    2.85
    230
    11
    Chorégies d'Orange, oldest festival in France
    See www.choregies.asso.fr
  • Wachau Cultural Landscape
    Inscribed: 2000
    3.37
    234
    12
    Donaufestival, Wachau Film Festival
  • Sydney Opera House
    Inscribed: 2007
    3.49
    289
    8
    Sydney Festival
    See www.sydneyfestival.org.au
  • Litomysl Castle
    Inscribed: 1999
    2.75
    141
    10
    Smetana opera Festival
    See www.smetanaoperafestival.com
  • Hwaseong Fortress
    Hwaseong Fortress
    Republic of Korea
    Inscribed: 1997
    2.96
    149
    19
    Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival - "Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is a landmark festivity held in the Suwon region every October in celebration of Suwon Citizen's Day. A range of events including the Reenactment of the Royal Parade of King Jeongjo the Great, Jangyongyeong Guards Ceremony, Citizens� Parade, and other traditional performances are held." - english.visitkorea.or.kr
  • Macao
    Macao
    China
    Inscribed: 2005
    3.07
    229
    12
    A-Ma Temple - "The temple is used especially during Chinese Spring Festival." - AB Document
  • Pearling
    Pearling
    Bahrain
    Inscribed: 2012
    2.16
    89
    6
    In earlier days the beach which connected the oyster beds to the main land was used as a location for special festivals in which the women folk of the pearling community and their children celebrated as the dhows left and returned to the shore. ... The grand festivals were called Rakbah on the day they left to sea and Quffal on the day they returned.
    See www.skyscrapercity.com
  • Taos Pueblo
    Taos Pueblo
    United States of America
    Inscribed: 1992
    3.23
    132
    13
    Jan. 1, Turtle Dance - Jan. 6, Deer or Buffalo Dance - May 3, Santa Cruz Feast Day - June 13, San Antonio Feast Day - June 24, San Juan Feast Day July 12,13,14, - 28th Annual Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow - July 25, Santiago Feast Day - July 26, Santa Ana Feast Day - Sept. 29, San Geronimo Eve Vespers - Sept. 30, San Geronimo Day, Traditional Pole Climbing - Dec. 24, Procession of the Virgin Mary - Dec. 25, Deer or Matachines Dance (Official Taos Website - Events)
  • Puebla
    Puebla
    Mexico
    Inscribed: 1987
    3.38
    156
    9
    Cinco de Mayo, a festival commemorating the May 5, 1862 defeat of a French expeditionary army by Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza. It was after this battle that the name of the city was changed to "Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza". The forts where the battle took place are a major tourist attraction of the city and the site of an annual month-long carnival marking the anniversary of the battle (wiki)
  • City of Bath
    City of Bath
    United Kingdom
    Inscribed: 1987
    3.57
    409
    13
    "The City [of Bath] hosts annual festivals including the celebrated Bath festival (of music) and the Mozart Festival". (Great Spas of Europe Nomination File, p. 442)
  • Val di Noto
    Inscribed: 2002
    3.35
    207
    11
    "The Piazza del Duomo [in Catania] is a focal point for the annual Festival of Saint Agatha, a three-day event that begins on February 3 with a procession known as "della luminaria", from the church of Sant'Agata alla Fornace to the Cathedral here. This is followed by an evening outdoor concert and fireworks." (Wikipedia)
    See en.wikipedia.org
  • Champagne
    Inscribed: 2015
    3.16
    220
    9
    Every two years, during the first weekend of July, Aÿ holds the Henry IV celebrations (fêtes Henri IV), in homage to Henry IV who owned a press in the village. (Nomination file, Tome III, p. 119)
    See fr.wikipedia.org
  • Jaipur City, Rajasthan
    Inscribed: 2019
    3.40
    207
    3
    Jaipur Literature Festival at the Diggi Palace
    See en.wikipedia.org
  • Hawraman/Uramanat
    Inscribed: 2021
    2.07
    8
    1
    Pir-e Shaliar festival
    See www.tehrantimes.com
  • Lamu Old Town
    Inscribed: 2001
    2.94
    32
    5
    "a significant centre for education in Islamic and Swahili culture as illustrated by the annual Maulidi and cultural festivals" (OUV)
  • Avignon
    Avignon
    France
    Inscribed: 1995
    3.63
    359
    9
    Festival d'Avignon
  • Mozu-Furuichi Kofun
    Inscribed: 2019
    2.12
    80
    5
    "A number of the nominated kofun are designated as Ryobo (mausolea of kings) and are managed by the Imperial Household Agency. These are highly revered within contemporary Japanese society, and are the focus of rituals of worship and festivals." (AB ev)
  • Tr’ondëk-Klondike
    Inscribed: 2023
    2.83
    13
    2
    "The Moosehide Gathering (every 2 years) is the signature event of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, held at Moosehide Village in July, and is open to the public. Over a four-day period, over 2,000 participants are ferried by boat to experience traditional games, crafts, talks, performances, feasts, dances, and potlatches. Visitors learn about the ongoing culture and strength of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and their First Nations neighbours." - Nomination File [Moosehide Gathering - Indigenous Yukon webpage] *Guests are invited to camp for free at Moosehide Village. Regular boat transportation is available for free from Dawson
    See indigenousyukon.ca
  • Provins
    Provins
    France
    Inscribed: 2001
    2.90
    187
    13
    La fête de la moisson
  • Goias
    Goias
    Brazil
    Inscribed: 2001
    2.43
    32
    5
    Procession of the Fogar
  • Churches and Convents of Goa
    Inscribed: 1986
    3.27
    93
    10
    Goa Carnival (introduced by the Portuguese)
  • Byblos
    Byblos
    Lebanon
    Inscribed: 1984
    3.16
    92
    4
    Byblos International Festival
    See www.byblosfestival.org
  • Mijikenda Kaya Forests
    Inscribed: 2008
    2.23
    21
    4
    yearly rain ceremonies are held at several of the kaya (AB ev)
  • Berat and Gjirokastra
    Inscribed: 2005
    3.54
    185
    7
    The Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival is an artistic festival taking place every five years at Gjirokastër Castle in Gjirokastër. The festival was first held in 1968 and is regarded as the most important event in Albanian culture. The festival showcases Albanian traditional music, dress and dance from Albania, the diaspora, and Albanian inhabited lands throughout the Balkans and Southern Italy.
    See en.wikipedia.org
  • Dougga/Thugga
    Inscribed: 1997
    3.66
    99
    3
    "Once a year, in the spring, the Aïn-El-Hammam cisterns and the area around the Severus Alexander arch come alive with a colourful crowd, on the occasion of «Lella Mokhola’s» «zarda». This is well-established ceremony of a religious and sacred nature amongst the inhabitants of Dougga and its surrounding region." (see link)
    See www.inp2020.tn
  • Okinoshima Island
    Inscribed: 2017
    2.34
    45
    5
    "Grand Festival and the Miare Festival (a revival of medieval tradition), during which the three goddesses re-join at Hetsu-miya." (AB ev)
  • Vienna
    Vienna
    Austria
    Inscribed: 2001
    4.02
    591
    20
    Wiener Festwochen, Viennale
  • Valletta
    Inscribed: 1980
    3.76
    383
    10
    Maltese Carnival
  • Val d'Orcia
    Inscribed: 2004
    3.23
    199
    11
    Monticchiello is known for its so-called "poor" theater (teatro povero) in which all the inhabitants are authors/actors that takes place in the summer, outdoors every year for over 50 years. (Nomination file, p. 104) - The Barbarossa festival is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in San Quirico d'Orcia. The festival recalls the meeting in 1155, between Frederick of Swabia called Barbarossa and the papal envoys to discuss the imperial coronation by the Pope in Rome.
    See it.wikipedia.org
  • Upper Middle Rhine Valley
    Inscribed: 2002
    3.67
    317
    12
    Koblenzer Karneval
    See wikipedia.org
  • Tlacotalpan
    Inscribed: 1998
    2.66
    44
    6
    Candelaria (Bull running) -30 Jan -9 Feb
  • Timgad
    Timgad
    Algeria
    Inscribed: 1982
    3.37
    38
    4
    Timgad International Festival of Music. Held from 1967 - 1986 and 1998 to present. Was originally held in Timgad's Roman Amphitheatre but UNESCO complained about damage to the structure and, since 2010, it has been held in a purpose built faux Roman amphitheatre just beyond the inscribed boundary
    See fr.wikipedia.org
  • Spissky Hrad and Levoca
    Inscribed: 1993
    3.16
    162
    15
    Levoca - Indian Summer Festival
  • Site of Xanadu
    Inscribed: 2012
    2.13
    19
    3
    Kublai Khan held special feasts for the Mongolian tribes lasting three days (the Jāma-yan) + Nadaam festival (AB ev)
  • Salzburg
    Salzburg
    Austria
    Inscribed: 1996
    3.75
    452
    17
    Salzburger Festspiele
  • Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
    Inscribed: 2023
    3.31
    24
    3
    "Channakeshava Temple ... more than 100,000 visitors are present at the complex during the annual fourteen-day religious festival of Belur."
  • Royal Joseon Tombs
    Royal Joseon Tombs
    Republic of Korea
    Inscribed: 2009
    2.66
    139
    9
    Danjong Culture Festival
    See www.mct.go.kr
  • Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
    Inscribed: 1998
    2.82
    302
    14
    An yearly organ music festival was founded at Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges Cathedral in 1975. (Nomination file) - The procession of the Miraculous Virgin of the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port in Clermont-Ferrand takes place every Sunday following May 15. It gives rise to a period of festivity for the basilica and its neighbourhood.
    See fr.wikipedia.org
  • Quebrada de Humahuaca
    Inscribed: 2003
    3.14
    62
    5
    Pachamama ritual and Carnival
  • Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
    Inscribed: 2009
    2.98
    140
    14
    Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
    See www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
  • Osun-Osogbo
    Inscribed: 2005
    2.53
    11
    10
    Oshun - end of 2nd quarter of each year
  • Nice
    Nice
    France
    Inscribed: 2021
    2.78
    353
    5
    Nice Carnival
    See fr.wikipedia.org
  • Namhansanseong
    Namhansanseong
    Republic of Korea
    Inscribed: 2014
    2.59
    101
    6
    Namhansanseong Cultural Festival (October)
    See namhansansung.or.kr
  • Luang Prabang
    Inscribed: 1995
    3.65
    191
    5
    Pii Mai (Laos New Year)
  • Kandy
    Kandy
    Sri Lanka
    Inscribed: 1988
    2.99
    190
    5
    Esala Perehera
  • Hahoe and Yangdong
    Hahoe and Yangdong
    Republic of Korea
    Inscribed: 2010
    2.83
    107
    7
    Andong Mask Dance Festival (Held annually in the Fall)
  • Gyeongju
    Gyeongju
    Republic of Korea
    Inscribed: 2000
    3.30
    145
    14
    Silla Cultural Festival - Events: National Classical Music concert at the Anapji Pond. The serene Kyerim Glade is the setting for a poem composition contest."Every year since 1962 a Silla Cultural Festival has been held in October to celebrate and honour the dynasty's history and culture. It is one of the major festivals of Korea. It features athletic events, folk games, music, dance, literary contests and Buddhist religious ceremonies." - wiki & eng.buddhapia.com
  • Great Spa Towns of Europe
    Great Spa Towns of Europe
    Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom
    Inscribed: 2021
    3.28
    442
    16
    Baden bei Wien hosts several festivals, e.g. "the traditional Festival of Operetta (existing for more than 120 years), the colourful Festival of Roses, and the biggest pan-European Fotofestival: LaGacilly-Baden-Photo." Františkovy Lázně hosts "the International Strauss Festival which is visited by tens of thousands of visitors." Karlovy Vary has "the International Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in the world". "The City [of Bath] hosts annual festivals including the celebrated Bath festival (of music) and the Mozart Festival". (Nomination File, p. 89, 127, 148, 442)
  • Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen
    Inscribed: 2000
    2.23
    87
    13
    Festivals are held yearly at all three Dolmen Sites."Ganghwa Dolmen Cultural Festival is the most famous of Ganghwa Island's festivals. It celebrates the island's dolmens, which have been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Dolmen Festival includes several performances, such as the reenactment of a traditional Korean funeral ceremony and a demonstration of how the dolmens were constructed." - english.visitkorea.or.kr
  • Florence
    Inscribed: 1982
    4.45
    587
    15
    Operas for the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino are also held at the Teatro della Pergola
    See en.wikipedia.org
  • Fertö/Neusiedlersee
    Fertö/Neusiedlersee
    Austria, Hungary
    Inscribed: 2001
    2.29
    185
    8
    Rust International Guitar Festival
  • Elephanta Caves
    Inscribed: 1987
    3.05
    115
    7
    Two-day Elephanta Festival of classical dance and heritage art forms
  • Coffee Cultural Landscape
    Inscribed: 2011
    2.97
    70
    7
    Carnival of Riosucio (ICOMOS AB Ev) (Nomination file, p. 50) – "Amongst the main festivals, some are related directly to coffee: the National Coffee festivals that take place in Calarcá; the Fiesta del Canasto, in Filandia; and the Fiestas de La Cosecha, in Pereira." (Nomination file, p. 50)
  • Belfries
    Belfries
    Belgium, France
    Inscribed: 1999
    2.95
    442
    17
    Every three years, the Kattenstoet ('Festival of the Cats') is organised in Ypres. "The parade commemorates an Ypres tradition from the Middle Ages in which cats were allegedly thrown from the belfry tower of the Cloth Hall to the town square below." Nowadays, "a jester tosses plush children's-toy cats from the Cloth Hall belfry down to the crowd, which awaits with outstretched arms to catch one."
    See en.wikipedia.org
  • Baekje Historic Areas
    Baekje Historic Areas
    Republic of Korea
    Inscribed: 2015
    2.42
    73
    8
    Baekje Cultural Festival
    See www.baekje.org
  • Australian Convict Sites
    Inscribed: 2010
    2.66
    180
    13
    Sydney Festival (Hyde Park Barracks)
    See www.sydneyfestival.org.au
  • Assisi
    Assisi
    Italy
    Inscribed: 2000
    3.76
    249
    8
    The Calendimaggio of Assisi is a festival that is celebrated every first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday after May 1st of every year, to welcome the arrival of spring. The two Parties into which the city is divided, the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto, challenge each other to win the palio, through the holding of processions in medieval costumes, re-enactments of medieval life in the city's alleys and musical performances. The Town Hall square (Piazza del Comune) is the centre of the event.
    See it.wikipedia.org
  • Ancient Nara
    Inscribed: 1998
    4.00
    290
    14
    Nara's Todaiji Temple for Omizutori festival
  • Santiniketan
    Inscribed: 2023
    1.65
    11
    3
    "The largest and most notable fair is the Poush Mela held at Santiniketan for three days from 7 Poush.[33] Devendranath Tagore with twenty followers accepted the Brahmo creed from Ram Chandra Vidyabagish on 21 December 1843 (7 Poush 1250 according to the Bengali calendar). This was the basis of Poush Utsav (the Festival of Poush) at Santiniketan" (wiki)
  • Ohrid Region
    Ohrid Region
    Albania, North Macedonia
    Inscribed: 1979
    3.41
    204
    7
    Ohrid Summer Festival