4 Cultural Festivals On My Bucket List
What better way to get to know a place than through it's most celebrated occasions?
Festivals are one of the best ways to experience a destination’s heritage, traditions, and sense of community. Some celebrations are centuries old, passed down through generations, while others are newer but deeply rooted in local culture.
This time, we’re highlighting four lesser-known cultural festivals—each offering a glimpse into a way of life, a connection to history, and a reason to travel somewhere unexpected.
🐕 Kukur Tihar | Nepal (October/November)
🐶 A festival that honors man’s best friend
In Nepal, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re considered loyal protectors and sacred beings. During Kukur Tihar, part of the Hindu festival of Tihar, locals dedicate a full day to celebrating and honoring dogs.
I don’t think I need to explain why this one’s on the list; my only regret is that I wouldn’t be able to bring my dog Gino to celebrate with me!
What makes this festival so special?
✔️ Every dog—stray or pet—is adorned with flower garlands and given treats as a sign of love and respect.
✔️ Dogs receive tika (a red forehead mark) as a blessing, symbolizing their deep bond with humans.
✔️ Families cook special meals for their canine companions and visit temples to pray for their well-being.
✔️ It’s a heartwarming, joyful event, with wagging tails, happy faces, and a true sense of appreciation for our four-legged friends.
📍 Travel Tip: While in Nepal, take time to visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, a UNESCO-listed site filled with temples, bustling markets, and intricate wood carvings.
🐄 Cow Festival | Netherlands (Spring)
🌿 The happiest day of the year… for cows!
After a long winter indoors, Dutch cows are released into the fields for the first time in spring, and their excitement is something to see! This quirky festival, known as Koeien Dans (Cow Dance), happens in the countryside across the Netherlands, where locals gather to watch cows jump, kick, and run with pure joy as they taste fresh grass again.
Why visit this charming festival?
✔️ It’s a feel-good experience, as thousands of people cheer for the cows' playful energy.
✔️ Farmers open their barns to visitors, offering tours, fresh dairy tastings, and insight into Dutch farming traditions.
✔️ Cheese lovers rejoice! Many farms sell artisanal Gouda, Edam, and other regional cheeses.
✔️ It’s the perfect way to experience rural Dutch culture, away from the typical tourist spots.
📍 Travel Tip: Pair this event with a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s most famous tulip displays, which blooms around the same time.
🤠 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering | Nevada, USA (January/February)
🎶 Keeping the spirit of the American West alive
On the other end of the spectrum from watching cows frolic in the Netherlands is the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada. Based in Elko, cowboys, ranchers, and storytellers from across the country come together to celebrate the traditions, music, and poetry of the American West. What began as a small gathering in 1985 has grown into a week-long cultural event that keeps cowboy heritage alive. Poetry, crafts and a celebration of the Wild West? Count me in.
What makes this festival a must-visit?
✔️ Live poetry readings—hear real cowboys and ranchers share tales of life on the range.
✔️ Western music performances, from bluegrass to classic cowboy ballads.
✔️ Workshops in traditional cowboy arts, including leatherworking and rawhide braiding.
✔️ Delicious chuckwagon-style meals, offering a taste of Old West cooking.
📍 Travel Tip: While in Nevada, take a road trip along the Cowboy Corridor, a stretch of I-80 lined with historic saloons, ghost towns, and stunning high-desert landscapes.
🎃 Púca Festival | Ireland (October 31 - November 2)
🔥 A Halloween celebration with ancient roots
Before Halloween became what it is today, it was Samhain (pronounced SAH-win), an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. The Irish Púca Festival revives those traditions in the towns of Trim and Athboy, where the holiday first began over 2,000 years ago.
Why visit this eerie, mystical festival?
✔️ Bonfires, torchlit processions, and storytelling sessions bring Ireland’s folklore to life.
✔️ Live music and theatrical performances capture the eerie magic of Samhain.
✔️ Ancient myths come alive—learn about the mischievous Púca spirit, believed to roam the countryside this time of year.
✔️ It’s an immersive Halloween experience, far from the commercialized celebrations elsewhere.
📍 Travel Tip: Stay in Dublin for the Bram Stoker Festival, a multi-day event honoring the author of Dracula, featuring gothic performances and eerie nighttime tours.
Step into a world of tradition
Whether it’s honoring our furry friends, celebrating cowboy culture, welcoming spring, or embracing ancient folklore, these festivals offer something rare—a chance to experience deep-rooted traditions in the places where they truly belong.
If one of these celebrations calls to you, let’s start planning your trip! Get in touch today to bring one of these cultural experiences to life.
Until next time,
Lauren