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The festivals in May are filled with celebrations and joy across the world. These events reflect the cultural traditions and historical significance. These festivals let individuals celebrate the occasions of harmony and religiousness. Some festivals may reflect diversity whereas others resemble the unity of humans. Whether individuals attend the festival of Cinco de Mayo or Moatsu Festival, these occasions in May celebrate significant historical events. Individuals come together to celebrate the changing seasons, important events and significant traditions.
Top 10 Festivals In May
Here’s a list of some of the exciting festivals in May. Each festival is unique and brings people together in terms of celebrations and traditions.
1. Moatsu Festival
Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Moatsu Festival is basically a three-day festival celebrated widely by the Ao Nang Tribe of Nagaland. This festival marks the end of the sowing season and honors the land’s fertility. This festival also nourishes the bond of individuals and builds community bonding. Moatsu Festival is particularly celebrated in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland. Cultural celebrations include cleaning and preparation for welcoming, firewood gatherings, traditional folk dances and feasts. After collecting firewood, bonfires are prepared and prayers for the same are made.
Celebrated On: May 1st to 3rd
Duration: 1 – 2 days
2. International Flower Festival
Photo: Yeon So Jeong / Wikimedia Commons
The International Flower Festival, also known as the Madeira Flower Festival takes place in Praco do Povo in the month of May. A key highlight of this festival is the Wall of Hope where children place flowers. Visitors can also admire the flower carpets made on the street. A parade is organised during this festival where hundreds of attendees participate and move with aromas. Dozens of floats are decorated with flowers. There are competitions held for the best decoration.
Celebrated On: Between May 1st to May 25th
Duration: 3 – 4 days
3. Maharana Pratap Jayanti
Photo: Arastu Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Maharana Pratap Jayanti, also known as Pratap Jayanti, is a Hindu festival celebrated in May. This festival is a public holiday, especially in the state of Rajasthan. Maharana Pratap Jayanti.
It marks the birth anniversary of the mighty Indian ruler, Maharana Pratap who is worshipped by several royal families in Rajasthan. Today, he remains a symbol of bravery and courage. This day observes poojas and decorations along with processions and rallies.
Celebrated On: May 9th
Duration: A few hours
4. Cannes Film Festival
Photo: John Sears / Wikimedia Commons
The Cannes Film Festival is an international film festival which is held in France, particularly in Cannes. This festival previews films of all genres across the globe. The films include documentaries too. This festival is one of the Big Three European Film Festivals. One of the key highlights of this festival is the official selection of movies, motion pictures, live screenings, documentaries, short films, classic works and programmes. Cannes Film Festival hosts a masterclass, an exhibition, and a producer’s network for all.
Celebrated On: May 13th to 24th
Duration: 3 – 4 days
5. Cinco de Mayo
Photo: Missvain / Wikimedia Commons
Cinco de Mayo is an important festival as it marks a significant event in the history of Mexico. This day celebrates Mexico’s history over the Second French Empire. This festival is more popular in the United States than in Mexico and is truly associated with the celebration of Mexican-American Culture. The city of Puebla hosts several events, festivals and also, the reenactment of the battle which occurred. On this day, Mexican culture, food and dance are globally appreciated.
Celebrated On: May 5th
Duration: A few hours
6. Hamamatsu Kite Festival
Photo: Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association / Wikimedia Commons
Hamamatsu Kite Festival is a Japanese festival held every year in Hamamatsu City. Kite battles happen among the natives of the region throughout the days it is held. This festival strongly reflects Japanese culture through food, music, decoration and general items which are put up for both display and purchase in the stalls. This festival is the largest festival in Japan and attracts nearly 2 million people yearly. During the festival, special kite-flying battles take place and the festival later moves towards the downtown area.
Celebrated On: May 3rd to 5th
Duration: 1 – 2 days
7. Vivid Sydney
Photo: Sardaka / Wikimedia Commons
Vividly Sydney is Sydne’s most iconic festival conducted in the month of May. This festival is also known as the annual festival of light and music and it includes stunning outdoor decoration of immersive light installations and projections. There are performances of both local and international musicians and artists. A few of the key highlights of this festival are the Starscape Tunnel, Vivid Sings and Tumbalong Nights, MonoNeon Tumbalong Nights and Circular Quay and the Rocks.
Celebrated On: May 23rd to June 14th
Duration: 5 days maximum
8. Chithirai Festival
Photo: Jeyavigneshvaran / Wikimedia Commons
This festival is among the prominent Hindu festivals celebrated in South India. Chithirai Festival is also known as The Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival. This occasion is a Tamil-Hindu celebration carried out in the city of Madurai. The festival is a one-month celebration, it starts in the month of April and ends in May. The first fifteen days mark the celebration of the coronation of Meenakshi as the main goddess of Madurai. The later half marks the celebrations of the journey of Aḻagar who is one of the forms of the god Vishnu from his temple to Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai itself.
Celebrated On: May 8th, 9th and 10th
Duration: 1 day
9. Buddha Purnima
Photo: Payel Gol / Wikimedia Commons
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, Buddha Jayanti or Buddha’s Birthday, is a significant festival for the Buddhist community. This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth and death of Lord Buddha. It is believed that three important events took place on this day, his birth, his death and the enlightenment which he achieved. Buddhi Purnima is celebrated with music enthusiasm in India, Nepal, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Malaysia. This day is a public holiday in countries with a majority population.
Celebrated On: May 12th
Duration: A few hours
10. Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Photo: Laszlo Ilyes / Wikimedia Commons
Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a lively Chinese festival which is celebrated in Hong Kong. This festival is renowned for its unique bun-snatching competition. In this competition, participants scramble a tower which is totally covered in buns. Participants aim to catch as many as possible. This festival is thoroughly rooted in the Taoist traditions. Besides the competition, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival also hosts several parades, dances and rallies.
Celebrated On: May 3rd to 6th
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Indeed, May month is brimming with multiple festivals and events which are hosted internationally. This month highlights both cultural and historical values. While some festivals mark important events in history, some offer opportunities for reflection, appreciation and connection. Now that you know about the top festivals in May, book a trip with TripXL to these exciting destinations and have a journey which promises unforgettable memories.
Cover Photo: Roi Solomon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
