10 Must-Visit Music Festivals in Los Angeles

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2026

Have you ever eaten in Cape Town? You know how difficult it is to pick a favorite here.   Be it the award-winning dining places or the humble local eateries, it’s rare to find a bad meal in the city.   Also, there is so much variety in the South African delicacies Cape Town has to offer. Now, Braai, or the South African style BBQ, absolutely rules the food scene. Even TasteAtlas rates it a 4.3 out of 5.   You can even try Hoenderpastei, a savory pastry, Biltong, a cured beef snack, and the spicy Chakalaka stew.   So, it takes around a month, and to take a break from the rest of the world to understand the basics of the local food. And we did that!   A good problem to have here is the choice of so many eating places. But the same can also be overwhelming when you are on a short trip.   So, to make your life easier, I have discussed the best restaurants Cape Town has.  Let’s eat!  What Are The Best Restaurants Cape Town Has? Here Are My Favorites   Sustainable choices have always been important when it comes to food in Cape Town. Also, the history of the Cape Town CBD is incomplete without knowing the local food.   In 2022, the Economic Development Partnership had a walking tour of the food history, in association with SA Urban Food and Farming Trust and Food Dialogues 2022.   On this occasion, Andrew Boraine, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership, quoted Tony Karon, a celebrated writer and editor. He said,   “While it’s tempting to read South African cuisine simply as some kind of melting pot of the influences brought by those who migrated to the country, many of the country’s most notable and tasty dishes reflect histories of violent conquest, enslavement, and oppression.   But even as post-apartheid South Africa remains locked in an unfinished struggle to digest and resolve the consequences of its troubled history … its cuisine reflects the common humanity of its citizenry: their search for succour and comfort, identity, communion, and hope for a better day.”  So, knowing Cape Town and the food here is incomplete without discussing the local facilities in detail. Precisely, that’s why I will start my list with the local bests.   Also, I have divided my favorites into five sections.   The Lekker And Local  Where To Have The Best International Cuisines In Cape Town  Fish And Seafood Restaurants  Fine Dining Restaurants In Cape Town  Out Of Town Restaurants That Are Worth The Trip   1. The Lekker And Local   I have been doing a lot of food tours. From the spicy Tamilian and coastal cuisine of Jaffna to the soulful Luang Prabang food tour, these have been my ways of connecting with the local culture.   Local produce, South African flavors, and the most beloved chefs in the city – don’t miss out on these ‘lekker’ Cape Town restaurants.  • Seebamboes - Surf And Turf  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seebamboes (@seebamboes) Seebamboes, despite being new to the Cape Town food scene, has made a name for itself. Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn, the team behind GALJOEN and Belly of the Beast, have started it.   Surf and turf or a one-on-one between the sea and the land! This is how the owners have planned Seebamboes. The name itself is an extension of the theme.   You may call Surf and Turf old-fashioned, but I loved the surprise factor here. The flatbed with the octopus was amazing. It was perfectly charred and tender enough to cut with a fork. It was served on a flatbread that soaked up all the smoky juices.   Furthermore, the seaweed margarita marks the ideal start to your culinary journey here.   Also, keeping at its sustainable core, the restaurant serves abalobi sashimi. Abalobi in South Africa helps the small-scale fisheries in the country. So, it cannot get more sustainable or local.   Do you think that’s the end of it? Have some watermelon ice-lolly to cleanse your palette and try venison tataki with mussels. The dish comes with steamed dune cabbage. The steaming is done in a hollow seebamboos stem.   Moreover, the Surf and Turf theme is also present in the dessert served by the restaurant. An ice cream sandwich with a sea lettuce dust! Yes, this is what you get here.   • Upper Union  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Upper Union (@upperunion_restaurant) Upper Union is my favorite as it is a welcome break at Kloof Street. The house is beautiful, and so is the conservatory and courtyard.   Burnt aubergine yogurt and duckpastilla were the small plates we tried here. Though these did not replicate the authentic Moroccan food magic, they had the Cape Town touch I was looking for.   I think they did complete justice with their “creative and curious” concept. Also, the whimsical presentation may be a part of it.   The Urfa Biber Kingklip was a standout, and I also loved the Puglia burrata with flatbread. If you want something more authentic, order the ox tongue.   • Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chefs Warehouse & Canteen (@chefswarehouseandcanteen) Ever since Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen made a comeback, it has been ruling the pork dumpling scene in Cape Town.   Also, the venison tartare and pork belly with charred corn salsa are two other favorites here. And?  Don’t leave the restaurant without having the Chefs Warehouse Risotto.   • Hemelhuijs  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hemelhuijs (@hemelhuijs) The vibe of Hemelhuijs more than makes up for its location in the old part of Cape Town. The outside table is a place where you can be if you want to be here for some time, unfazed by the growing crowd.   Two or three locals came up to me and asked for money! That’s okay, and this does not take away the charm of the place.   The rice paper summer rolls were the highlights for me here. These had grapefruit, smoked trout, and crab filling. Another great dish was the panko-crusted artichokes.   I would have tried some other dishes here, but it was getting too crowded, and the introvert in me uttered, “Let’s leave now!”   • Elgr  View this post on Instagram A post shared by ëlgr restaurant (@elgr.restaurant) Though Elgar is on my list of the best local restaurants in Cape Town, it could also make it to the international section.   Why? For the perfect fusion of South African and Nordic flavors. Yes, Chef Jesper Nilsson has made this possible.   I loved the Boquerones, Nduja, and Ricotta the most here. I was so full, but I could not let the chocolate sorbet with olive oil go.   Also, I have heard great things about the cocktails here. But I hope I will make it the next time!  • Blondie Bar  I loved the effortlessness of the Blondie Bar. It was not trying to fit in, and the whole concept is quite new to Cape Town.   You can find the signature Brandy & Coke here, and the grapefruit ouzi slushies were the perfect summer refreshment we were looking for.   We had a whole roasted cauliflower there with tahini, and the trout we had was simple and amazing. However, for me, the baked and stuffed lamb pita was the ultimate.   Here, what you see on the menu is what you get.   • Pot Luck Club  View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Pot Luck Club (@thepotluckclubct) If Cape Town could win with its small plates or Tapas, the Pot Luck Club would have been the absolute star.   Further, its location in Old Biscuit Mill promises a stunning view of the city. Be here at night for some wonderful nightscapes.  • Massimo’s  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Massimo's Italian Restaurant (@massimosuae) Massimo’s has the best pizza in Cape Town, and it is a Hout Bay classic! You can also try various gluten-free versions of the pizzas. Of course, the salads and pastas here are great.   You can even try the pan-fried fish of the day.   However, Massimo’s is beyond a place to eat. It is one of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Cape Town, allowing dogs on leash. It has a dedicated vegan menu to make the food scene more inclusive.   Moreover, every time you have food here, a certain percentage goes to charity. Can it get cooler than this?  2. Where To Have The Best International Cuisines In Cape Town?  The food scene in Cape Town is truly international. With the Cape Malay influence at the core, it has bobotie, spices, and curries ruling the scenario.   Also, the seafood scene is ruled by the specialty from Mauritius and Saldanha Bay, along with local produce. The techniques are the perfect fusion of local and international techniques.   Want to cherish the international food scene? Eat at these places.   • Nikkei Japanese And Peruvian   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikkei (@nikkei_za) The name of the restaurant says it all! Along with the elegant setting, the cocktails and food here really up the game.   The classics, concoctions, and cocktails with pisco will win over any connoisseur.   Regarding the food, the restaurant keeps an element of surprise, in fact. Okamase, or the chef is going to do the real experiment, is the best way to eat here. However, you can also try the à la carte options.   The portion size here is great, and it is ideal for two people sharing. And the dishes to try here?   Lamb chops, fried tofu sushi, tuna ceviche, crispy squid, edamame! The list is endless, and you must end your meal with a matcha cheesecake.  • Scala Pasta Bar  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scala Pasta / Bar (@scalapasta) New to a place? The safest option to try? Pasta, of course.   So, I knew that Scala Pasta Bar was the first place I was going to visit. One of the best restaurants Cape Town has, actually the best for having pasta, is the Bay of Justin Barker and Luciano Monosilio.   And let me warn you! If your pants are too tightly fitted, you may need to open them halfway. So, wear something loose-fitted and allow yourself to have the ultimate foodgasm.   Even if you are struggling with your pants, the dim lighting will be your savior. Nobody cares either, as they will anyway look for another bite.   The pasta served here has the homemade comfort, and the Negronis are the perfect companions. Have the pastas for breakfast, lunch, and anytime you want!  Also, if you are here in the evening, try prawn crudo with tomato consommé, beef tartare, sardines, and antipasti. The meatballs could have been a little better, though, for the texture I like.   • Ouzeri  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ouzeri (@ouzeri_ct) A prominent name in the list of the World’s 50 best restaurants, Ouzeri is a Greek food paradise in Cape Town.   The white-washed walls of the restaurant add to the restaurant’s Greek vibe, and if you ask me, you must start with the Pewter carafe barrel wine and cherish the taste of the Swartland. Also, if you love Negronis, try the pepper Negronis brewed with sour cherries.   Furthermore, the dishes here may be Cypriot and Greek, but the ingredients used are native. Chef Nic Charalambous has inherited some of the recipes from his Cypriot grandparents.   The aubergine dish, the dumplings, and the tuna carpaccio are the stars here. However, my absolute favorite was the pork belly skewer.   Also, if you are a vegetarian, don’t forget to try the complex combination of whipped feta, hibiscus vinegar, dill oil, and green tomatoes.   Moreover, if you want to keep the mains simple, try some Namibian crab with ravioli. Wear your pants a little looser, and you are going to have a lot of food.  • Carne  It was love at first bite for the tortellini I had at Carne. Italian pasta, quality cuts, and a dream spread for a carnivore! This is what Girgio Nova, a  Milanese chef, offers at Carne.   I went to the Kloof Street restaurant to soak in the neighborhood feel, along with the great food. Also, I had a local intel that this branch is less crowded than the Keerom Street one.   Also, if you are here in the evening and it is wind-free, sit on the patio and enjoy your time with bistecca and fries.   Moreover, it’s a sin not to try the chocolate fondant here.  • Curry Club  Curry Club is one of the best restaurants Cape Town has for the food it serves and the journey it has had.   2020! The whole world was fighting against COVID-19, and then the Curry Club began its journey. It started as a “cook in your garage” service delivering food.   Furthermore, the London-style Punjabi flight kitchen concept of the restaurant is run by a team from Mumbai and led by a London owner.   I had amazing goat curry with rice here, and the interior is very colorful, reminding me of the place I belong!  • El Burro Taqueria  View this post on Instagram A post shared by EL Burro (@_el_burro) Love tacos? Cape Town impresses you with El Burro Taqueria. However, it’s not just about tacos; you can have margaritas, ceviche, and everything Mexican here.   The tortillas here are hand-pressed, and all the items are prepared and cooked fresh.   • TJING TJING TORII  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tjing Tjing House (@tjingtjinghouse) Bao and wine on a table, and a perfect Sunday afternoon with friends! This is what you will get at TJING TJING TORII.   It has been a seriously cool rooftop bar for the longest time. This time, it makes a name for itself as a restaurant with its Japanese street-style specials like gyoza and bao.   • Bao Down  The Korean fried chicken baos and prawn toast were the best things that happened to me at Bo Down.   You can also try the cauliflower cake here. The setting is simple and easy-going.  3. Fish And Seafood Restaurants In Cape Town  Oysters, Yellowfin Tuna, and Kingklip are the stars of the seafood scene in Cape Town. The flavors are subtle, and the texture is firm.   These are some of the best restaurants Cape Town has for trying seafood and coastal cuisine.   • Sea Breeze Fish & Shell  You know what to expect when a restaurant has “Fish & Shell” in its name. The various oysters on a platter and the mussels in Cape Malay sauce make you smell the sea in every bite. The ceviche, served with crackers here, also deserves a big shoutout!   If the wind is not too strong, you must sit outside. Also, for the most immersive experience, you must explore their “MCC & Oyster Bar.”  • Harbour House V&A Waterfront  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harbour House (@harbourhouseza) I know the prices are high. However, it’s a standard for all V&A Waterfront restaurants. The dining room downstairs is huge. However, the deck upstairs is great for some sushi and chilled rosé.   Enjoy the sunshine kissing your face.   The fish served here is the best. You will love kingklip, salmon, and swordfish here, and it also has a cool sushi bar.   4. Fine Dining Restaurants In Cape Town  Cape Town caters to foodies from all over the world. Here are some fine dining restaurants that serve you the best Cape Town has to offer.   • Terrarium  View this post on Instagram A post shared by TERRARIUM (@theterrarium_restaurant) V&A Waterfront restaurants are great, but the price is always very high. Terrarium, the newest to join the brigade, however, is looking to change things.   The food at this restaurant, located at the Queen Victoria Hotel, under the leadership of chef Chris Erasmus, brings out the best of the local and seasonal ingredients.   It has distinct flora and fauna menus. So, vegetarians and vegans? You know where to be in Cape Town for fine dining.   The roasted Venison loin is an absolute delicacy here from the Fauna menu. I also loved the oysters with pickle juice mignonette. Furthermore, from the Flora menu, you must try the crispy fried artichoke hearts and charred cauliflower parfait.   Also, one silent favorite! Whatever you have for the mains, you must start your day with the mushroom starters.   I will always drool over the red blends and Pinot Noir here. Try some Shiraz, Cassis, and Cabernet Fragrant here.   • Salsify at the Roundhouse  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salsify at The Roundhouse (@salsify_at_the_roundhouse) Salsify at the Roundhouse, formerly the Roundhouse, stands out for me for its incredible setting. And also, the Pinot Noir I had there will always be the benchmark for me.   It is not just one of the best restaurants Cape Town has. It is also a placeholder in the list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. And anyone who has tried the deep-fried octopus or the buttermilk curd with leeks here would know why there is so much craze around this restaurant.   I found a table by the windows to enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, its setting in an old hunting house with an adjacent garden creates a perfect nostalgic ambience.   Furthermore, the winner of the Luxe Restaurant Awards 2025, Salsify, has crayfish, celery and tomato, Karoo lamb rib and loin, and trout. You can pair your food with the signature wine or the collector’s wine.   Moreover, it is the winner of 3 stars from the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards for its oceanfront foraging.   • FYN Restaurant  View this post on Instagram A post shared by FYN Cape Town (@fynrestaurantcpt) Jane Broughton reviews the FYN Restaurant for Conde Nast Traveler. And Jane reviews  “A little piece of Manhattan in Cape Town, Fyn is a cutting-edge space on the fifth floor of a repurposed building just off historic Church Square. A glass wall ensures that views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are sensational.”  Also, FYN has risen above the label of a Cape Town restaurant by making it to the list of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants.” However, the restaurant bears Cape Town in its heart as it is heavily inspired by the fynbos, a biodiverse plant kingdom in the Cape region.   Furthermore, it has won three stars from the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards for its wonderful Japanese and Asian fusion.   Here is a contemporary presentation and feel. Try specialties such as Cape Point Tuna Fin-to-Tail, garlic buchu, sea lettuce, and octopus, and amazake are the stars of the menu here.   And guess what? It’s great for solo diners.  • La Colombe  View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Colombe Restaurant (@lacolombect) La Colombe is the place for ultimate indulgence in Cape Town. Between Constantia and Hout Bay, it is at the Silvermist Estate.   The setting is sleek, and the menu is diverse, including various vegetarian options.   And everything else is just as the Executive Chef, James Gaag, says, “Food is our Theatre/We hope you enjoy the show.”  From Bacon Chawanmushi and smoked boar to coal-fired lamb and Namibian red crab! The menu is eclectic, and the Chef's special vegetarian section has Smoked porcini broth, beet root “La Colombe,” tandoori cauliflower, and whatnot!  5. Out-Of-Town Restaurants That Are Worth The Trip  Good food is not just in Cape Town. Also, it’s important to give the neon energy of the city to give a miss to immerse oneself into the culinary soul and beautiful landscapes.   Furthermore, when local sourcing and sustainability are the philosophies you believe in, the food landscape of Cape Town CBD is made possible by out-of-town restaurants that embrace a Farm-to-Fork culture.   For example, restaurants such as Babel at Babylonstoren have their own pantries, and the restaurant is located in the middle of the pantry.   More, you can really have a long and lazy lunch here. Start at 12 PM, gossip your heart out, and it’s 4 PM in a blink. Nobody is going to tell you to get up.   Here are a few of my favorites.  • The Beach House Restaurant  You will find this newbie on the block on the way from Cape Town to Kraalbai in the West Coast National Park.   The team behind the fine-dining excellence at Dusk runs the Beach House Restaurant. It overlooks the Yzerfontein Beach, and among the guests, you will see a mix of guests in their wetsuits, lines, and loafers.   Also, you will find all the beach classics here. You will love the fish and chips, fish ceviche, fresh oysters, and amazing seafood platters.   To savor your food better, you can have it with a margarita or a chilled rosé.   The service here is great. However, if you are visiting on weekends or need the patio for you and your friends, you must reserve early.  • Babel At Babylonstoren  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Babylonstoren (@babylonstoren) Babel at Babylonstoren is THE best in the winelands. Everything on the menu is from the Babylonstoren gardens, and the restaurant is in the middle of the garden.   Vegetable dishes are the stars of the menu here. The meat and fish delicacies are equally good. My experience was exactly what Sarah Khan of Bon Appétit had to say about the restaurant.   "Eat, drink, and garden your heart out at Babylonstoren, one of the great food lover's vacations in the world right now."  Obviously, you must try their herbal and non-alcoholic mix and wine. You can even take a tour of the cellar.   Overall, Babel at Babylonstoren is not a restaurant; it is a wholesome experience. However, pre-booking is essential.  • The Foodbarn Café & Tapas  The Foodbarn is a quiet presence in the list of the best restaurants Cape Town. It is in a quaint barn in Noordhoek. Also, it never hogs the publicity.  Furthermore, the food here is amazing. I have never (and I mean it!) been to any restaurant that turns simple oysters into something magical on a plate.   Equally good was the mushroom ravioli, and the baked cheesecake was the chef’s kiss. Each time I mention it, I crave it.  Summing Up With The Ultimate Cape Town Culinary Cheat Sheet  Category Restaurant Best For Must-Try Dish Lekker & Local Seebamboes Sustainable Surf & Turf Abalobi Sashimi  Upper Union Stylish small plates Urfa Biber Kingklip  Chefs Warehouse Modern tapas energy Pork Dumplings  Hemelhuijs Artful, chic lunches Rice paper summer rolls  ëlgr Nordic-SA fusion Boquerones & Nduja  Blondie Bar Effortless vibes & drinks Stuffed Lamb Pita  Pot Luck Club Rooftop views & tapas Fish Tacos / Small Plates  Massimo’s Family & pet-friendly Any Specialty Pizza Best International Cuisines In Cape Town     Nikkei Japanese-Peruvian fusion Tuna Ceviche  Scala Pasta Bar The "Ultimate Foodgasm" Carbonara / Negronis  Ouzeri Authentic Greek/Cypriot Pork Belly Skewer  Carne Serious carnivores Chocolate Fondant  Curry Club Soulful Punjabi curries Goat Curry  El Burro Taqueria Fresh, hand-pressed tacos Tacos & Margaritas  Tjing Tjing Torii Japanese street food Gyoza & Bao  Bao Down Intimate Asian fusion Korean Fried Chicken Bao Fish And Seafood Restaurants Sea Breeze Oysters & bubbly Mussels in Cape Malay sauce  Harbour House V&A Waterfront views Fresh Kingklip Fine Dining Restaurants In Cape Town Terrarium Plant-forward luxury Mushroom Starters  Salsify Historic oceanfront dining Deep-fried Octopus  FYN Restaurant Manhattan-style Kaiseki Cape Point Tuna  La Colombe The "Theatre" of food Smoked Boar / Tuna "Can" Out Of Town Restaurants That Are Worth The Trip Beach House West Coast relaxation Seafood Platter  Babel Farm-to-fork royalty Seasonal Garden Salads  The Foodbarn Noordhoek hidden gem Mushroom Ravioli 

BY  Sibashree Aug 17, 2026

A City transforms into a giant shared heartbeat during major cultural festivals. It is no longer a collection of streets, buildings, or turns for a few days or weeks.  A few years ago, I was in Spain, standing in a crowd, all soaked in tomato pulp. Also, I have seen hundreds of hot air balloons filling the sky of a New Mexico desert.  These cultural festivals are like the oldest party invitation of humanity. The open call goes beyond centuries and borders and asks people to join and celebrate.  In this guide, I take a closer and more personal look at the festivals that have shaped how the world comes together, laughs, dances, mourns, and starts over.  I have been to some of these festivals across continents, and the experience is the biggest intangible asset I have earned as a traveler.  I will share where these festivals come from, who started them, and what they mean economically and culturally. Also, I will discuss how they have been celebrated in movies and books.  As a traveler, I think these cultural festivals matter more than ever. Why Are These Cultural Festivals Important For Humanity?  Cultural festivals are like living archives. These show how communities pass down their belief, memories, and identity without a textbook or museum.  For example, a Mexican grandmother teaches her granddaughter how to make a Día de los Muertos altar.  Also, strangers in Munich link arms and sway to a brass band under a beer tent.  When people visit these festivals and travel to attend them, it becomes more than tourism. It is like the transmission of culture, from one generation to another and from one hand to another.  Also, these festivals are the best for the first interaction with a different culture. You do not need to think much, and you get to know the people through their food, dance, and music.  That splash of these festivals helps break down barriers that documentaries and lectures often fail to.  For example, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, promotes international artist exchanges and organizes many international cultural festivals in India.  Also, on 10th August, 2026, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced that India is going to strengthen its ties with 98 countries through cultural diplomacy. The cultural festivals of India will have a significant role to play in this.  As a result, UNESCO has recognized several of the festivals below as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a designation that acknowledges that these traditions are valuable to preserve humanity's shared story.  As a traveler, for me, these festivals are all the more important because we are in an age when most travel has been flattened into checklists and photo ops. However, these festivals still demand something real from you. Patience! Curiosity! Also, the willingness to be a little uncomfortable for a lot of fun!  A World Tour Of Iconic Cultural Festivals  I have had the chance of experiencing seven of the biggest cultural festivals firsthand.  Also, I come from the land of one such cultural festival having the laurel of intangible heritage of humanity.  Each of these festivals carries its own history and a strange, specific magic. These festivals also have a distinct economic role to play for the city or the country.  So, let’s get to know them.  1. Rio Carnival, Brazil Brazil experiences the ultimate civic transformation during the Rio Carnival. For around five weeks, the city becomes a big samba school.  Also, the street "blocos" and a spectacle at the Sambadrome take an entire year to build.  The history of this festival goes back to the European pre-Lenten masquerade balls. The Portuguese colonizer brought it in the 1700s.  With time, it picked up the African rhythms and Indigenous influences to create something entirely, unmistakably Brazilian.  I once got swept into a bloco in Santa Teresa. I was in the country for the first time, and I had just stepped outside my guesthouse to find coffee.  Then, I ended up dancing through cobblestone streets for two hours. The brass band and the crowd treated me like an old friend by the second song.  How The Rio Carnival In Brazil Has Become A Part Of Pop Culture?  The Rio Carnival has inspired the 1959 film Black Orpheus and appeared in the James Bond film Moonraker.  It has also lent its spirit to Pixar- and DreamWorks-style animated depictions of Rio's rhythm and color in the movie Rio. The Rio Carnival and Its Economic Contribution  The 2026 season of Rio Carnival was projected to add around R$5.9 billion (roughly $1 billion USD) to the city’s economy.  This data from Rio's municipal tourism agency, Riotur, describes why this festival is so important for the locals.  Also, according to a Rio Times report in 2026, the hotel occupancy in Rio tops 98 percent during the festival on a regular basis.  2. Songkran, Thailand Songkran is the New Year celebration of Thailand, and it takes place every April. It is famous as the largest water fight in the world.  However, beneath the soaked T-shirts and squirt guns is a deeply spiritual observance rooted in Buddhist temple rituals. These rituals include cleansing Buddha statues, pouring scented water over the hands of elders, and starting the year with a literal and symbolic washing-away of the old. I was in Chiang Mai during the Songkran celebration, and an elderly shopkeeper once pulled me gently by the wrist.  Then, he dabbed cool water infused with jasmine on my forehead. He murmured a blessing before soaking me completely with a bucket a moment later. He had the most pleasant smile on his face all the time.  This festival has also influenced the pop culture of the country. It has featured in the Songkran (2020) short film and the groundbreaking interactive short film, Songkran Stranger (2021).  Moreover, UNESCO inscribed "Songkran in Thailand, Traditional Thai New Year Festival" onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.  3. Oktoberfest, Germany Oktoberfest began its journey as a royal wedding celebration. It was never a beer festival initially.  In October 1810, Munich threw open its gates to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The event included a public horse race on a meadow that later got the name Theresienwiese, or "Therese's Meadow." However, the following year, Bavarian farmers turned it into an agricultural showcase, and the tradition never stopped growing. My first proper Maß (that giant liter beer mug) at Oktoberfest arrived alongside an entire table of strangers from four different countries, and within the hour we were all singing along to a brass band none of us understood a word of. Oktoberfest has shown up everywhere from The Simpsons to How I Met Your Mother to the comedy EuroTrip, usually as shorthand for beer-hall chaos and lederhosen-clad revelry. Moreover, this festival draws more than six million visitors to Munich each year, making it the largest folk festival in the world and a major annual driver of Bavarian tourism revenue. (Source: Oktoberfest Magazine.) 4. Holi, India Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and it is a festival that comes with the arrival of spring. So, it also indicates new beginnings.  This festival has a deep religious significance, especially for the devotees of Lord Vishnu.  The legend of Prahlada and Holika makes it a celebration of eternal love and the journey to burn the evils inside us. At the same time, the playful divine love between Krishna and Radha turns it into a celebration of youthfulness and eternal love.  I was lucky enough to spend Holi in Vrindavan. At the Gopinath Temple, I saw the courtyard dissolve into a blur of pink, yellow, and green powder. The priests were laughing and flinging color right alongside pilgrims and wide-eyed tourists. Bollywood movies celebrate Holi like no other festival, and who can forget the iconic "Rang Barse" song from Silsila or “Holi Khele Raghuvira” from Baghban?  Also, the Directorial Debut of the celebrated chef Vikas Khanna, The Last Color (2019), also had a poignant Holi sequence. This Neena Gupta starrer was eligible for the Oscars also.  5. Día De Los Muertos, México Pixar's Coco introduced a generation to this Mexican festival’s warmth and symbolism.  Furthermore, James Bond film Spectre opened with a fictional Día de los Muertos parade through Mexico City.  The sequence became so popular that Mexico City began organizing a real annual parade the following year to match it. Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is never a somber affair as it may sound. It is a colorful and joyful invitation for the deceased kith and kin to return home for a night. I spent one November 1st in Oaxaca sitting in a cemetery lit entirely by candlelight.  There, a family invited me to share pan de muerto at their relative's graveside as if I had known the person myself. To celebrate the day, families build ofrendas. These are altars piled with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and a departed relative's favorite foods. They believe that the scent and warmth guide spirits back across the divide. In 2008, UNESCO inscribed the "Indigenous Festivity Dedicated to the Dead" onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 6. Durga Puja, India Every autumn, Kolkata transforms into what UNESCO has called the world's largest public art festival. It is Durga Puja, and I am proud that I belong to the city the festival calls home.  Elaborate pandals, or temporary temple structures, double as art installations around the clay idols of the goddess Durga sculpted by generations of artisans in the Kumartuli potters' quarter.  Also, I must say that this is a festival that opens its arms to everyone regardless of caste or class. Everyone eats khichuri off paper or sal leaf plates handed out by volunteers at a community kitchen. The air is something else, filled with the whiff of fast food, incense sticks, and coral jasmines. We observe Durga Puja every year at our ancestral house, and I know what this festival brings.  Beyond the mythological and spiritual significance of Devi Durga killing the demon Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil, the most palpable emotion is the homecoming of a beloved daughter, Uma.  Presence In Pop Culture And Designation Durga Puja has been the backdrop of the Aparna Sen classic, Parama, and the Rituparno Ghosh Multistarrer, Utsab.  Recently, Durga Puja has provided the tense, atmospheric backdrop for the 2012 Bollywood thriller Kahaani, set almost entirely amid Kolkata's festival crowds. Also, Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake has a beautiful account of the festival's rituals and family gatherings.  UNESCO inscribed "Durga Puja in Kolkata" onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2021. It is the first festival from Asia to receive the designation. The Economic Contribution Of Durga Puja  A 2019 British Council study mapped the creative economy surrounding Durga Puja at roughly ₹32,377 crore (about $4.5 billion USD). This gave us an estimate that the festival contributes around 2.58 percent of West Bengal's entire GDP. In 2025, the Durga Puja economy in West Bengal hit ₹65,000 crores, and pujas in Kolkata contributed around 65-70% of it. (Source: The Times of India).  7. La Tomatina, Spain La Tomatina began in 1945, and it happened due to a scuffle among young men at a local parade in Buñol, Spain. They spilled a nearby vegetable stand into the street, and a spontaneous tomato fight broke out. Authorities had earlier banned it. However, the locals brought it back in the q950s.  Nothing quite prepares you for the sensory chaos of standing knee-deep in crushed tomatoes with strangers from a dozen countries, all of us laughing too hard to properly aim. Famous 2011 Bollywood Movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) have La Tomatina in important sequences.  It was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 2002. Since then, La Tomatina has become a significant driver of tourism revenue for the small town of Buñol. It draws roughly 20,000 visitors for a single hour-long event each August. 8. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA This festival began in 1972 as a modest publicity stunt.  Only 13 hot air balloons were launched from a shopping mall parking lot to celebrate a radio station's 50th anniversary. Over time, it has become the largest ballooning event on Earth, with hundreds of balloons filling the New Mexico sky each October. Watching the pre-dawn "Dawn Patrol" balloons glow silently against a still-dark sky, before the mass ascension of hundreds more at sunrise, is one of the few travel moments that has left me completely speechless. The Fiesta's balloon-filled skies over Albuquerque have become visually synonymous with the city itself. It is echoed in the hot-air-balloon imagery woven throughout the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, which was set and filmed in Albuquerque. More Cultural Festivals You Must Know About  Apart from the eight cultural festivals I have been to, here are 15 more celebrations that are worth traveling for.  Burning Man, USA This is a festival of radical self-expression. It also fosters community-building in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The festival culminates in the ceremonial burning of a giant wooden effigy.  Larry Harvey and Jerry James started this festival on a San Francisco beach in 1986 before relocating to the desert. Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Thailand This is a festival where people release glowing paper lanterns into the night sky over Chiang Mai on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually alongside the water-based Loy Krathong festival. It is one of the most photographed nights in Southeast Asia. Fuji Shibazakura Festival, Japan Each spring, hundreds of thousands of pink and purple moss phlox blossoms carpet the foothills of Mount Fuji. This spectacle draws visitors for a quieter cultural celebration. Chinese New Year, China and worldwide The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar. It is marked by the following activities. Parades Red Lanterns Family Reunion Dinners Fireworks to welcome a new zodiac year Hundreds of millions of people across China and its diaspora celebrate this festival.  Black-necked Crane Festival, Bhutan The Black-necked Crane Festival takes place in November in the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba monastery. This festival celebrates the arrival of the endangered, sacred black-necked crane, tying conservation directly into cultural ritual. Naadam Festival, Mongolia Naadam is the national festival of Mongolia. It is built around the "Three Games of Men,” wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It has its roots tracing back roughly 800 years to the era of Genghis Khan. Timket Festival, Ethiopia It is an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian celebration of Epiphany. In this, the priests re-enact the baptism of Jesus, blessing water at dawn and sprinkling it over gathered crowds in a moving, deeply spiritual public ritual. Vodun Festival, Benin Held annually in the coastal town of Ouidah, once a major slave-trading port, this festival honors West African Vodun spiritual traditions. It also celebrates the resilience of the communities shaped by that painful history. St. Patrick's Day, Ireland Dublin's parades and citywide celebrations on March 17 honor Ireland's patron saint. It has grown into one of the most widely celebrated cultural exports in the world, marked by Irish communities on every continent. AgitÁgueda, Portugal Every July, the small town of Águeda transforms its streets into a canopy of colorful umbrellas, turning a simple art installation into a beloved, Instagram-famous summer festival. Inti Raymi, Peru The Inca "Festival of the Sun," held in Cusco each June 24 at the winter solstice, reenacts ancient rituals honoring the sun god Inti with music, dance, and elaborate historical costume. Honolulu Lantern Floating Festival, USA On Memorial Day, tens of thousands gather on Oahu to float lanterns out to sea in memory of loved ones who have passed. It is one of the most moving public displays of collective remembrance in the United States. Gathering of Nations, USA The Gathering of Nations is held annually in New Mexico since 1984. It brings together Native American and Indigenous performers, dancers, and artisans from hundreds of tribal nations. Toronto International Film Festival, Canada Founded in 1976, TIFF has grown into one of the world's most influential film festivals.  It draws global audiences and premieres award-contending films from every corner of the industry each September. Mardi Gras, USA The Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans starts on Twelfth Night in January and continues to Fat Tuesday.  It blends Catholic tradition, Creole culture, and unmistakably Louisianan revelry into parades, parties, and king cake. Festival Comparison At A Glance FestivalCountryBest Time to VisitSignature ExperienceGlobal RecognitionRio CarnivalBrazilFebruary/MarchSambadrome parades, street blocosMajor economic driver, with a R$5.9B+ impactSongkranThailandMid-AprilCitywide water fights, temple blessingsUNESCO Intangible Heritage (2023)OktoberfestGermanyLate September–Early OctoberBeer tents, Bavarian folk traditionsWorld's largest folk festivalHoliIndiaMarch (spring)Smearing colors and folk traditionsCelebrated across 40 countries worldwide.Día de los MuertosMexicoNovember 1st–2ndOfrendas, candlelit cemetery vigilsUNESCO Intangible Heritage (2008)Durga PujaIndiaSeptember-OctoberClay idols and temporary pandal installationsUNESCO Intangible Heritage (2021)La TomatinaSpainLast Wednesday of AugustWorld's largest tomato fightFestival of International Tourist Interest (2002)Albuquerque Balloon FiestaThe USAEarly OctoberMass hot air balloon ascensionsWorld's largest ballooning eventBurning ManThe USALate August–Early SeptemberDesert art city, effigy burningN/AYi Peng Lantern FestivalThailandNovember (Full Moon)Sky lanterns over Chiang MaiN/AFuji Shibazakura FestivalJapanApril–MayPink moss phlox fields at Mt. FujiN/AChinese New YearChinaJanuary–February (Lunar)Parades, lanterns, family reunionsUNESCO Intangible Heritage (2024)Black-necked Crane FestivalBhutanNovemberSacred crane celebration at Gangtey GoembaN/ANaadam FestivalMongoliaJuly 11–13Wrestling, horse racing, archeryUNESCO Intangible Heritage (2010)Timket FestivalEthiopiaJanuaryOrthodox Epiphany water blessingN/AVodun FestivalBeninJanuaryWest African Vodun spiritual ritesN/ASt. Patrick's DayIrelandMarch 17Parades honoring Ireland's patron saintN/AAgitÁguedaPortugalJulyUmbrella-canopied streetsN/AInti RaymiPeruJune 24Incan Festival of the SunN/AHonolulu Lantern Floating FestivalThe USAMemorial Day (May)Lanterns floated out to seaN/AGathering of NationsThe USAAprilLargest powwow in North AmericaN/AToronto International Film FestivalCanadaSeptemberPremieres of major global filmsN/AMardi GrasUSAJan–Feb/March (Fat Tuesday)Parades, Creole Carnival traditionN/A Origins At A Glance: Who Started These Festivals, And When FestivalStarted ByYear FoundedRio CarnivalPortuguese colonial settlers (Entrudo tradition), later shaped by Afro-Brazilian communities18th century; modern form from the 1930sSongkranTraditional Thai/Buddhist communities (based on ancient solar calendar rituals)Ancient tradition; UNESCO-listed in 2023OktoberfestCrown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, in honor of his wedding to Princess Therese1810HoliRooted in Hindu mythology and traditionAncient (over 2,000 years old)Día de los MuertosIndigenous communities of Mexico (Aztec, Nahua, and other groups), later blended with Catholic traditionPre-Hispanic origins; UNESCO-listed in 2008Durga PujaLakshmikanta Majumdar (Lakshmikanta Gangopadhyay) of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family Lakshmikanta Majumdar (Lakshmikanta Gangopadhyay) of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family first started the household Puja in 1610. The first community celebration, or Barowari Puja, was started by the Bhowanipore Sanatan Dharmatsahini Sabha.La TomatinaLocal youths in Buñol, Spain (spontaneous origin)1945Albuquerque Balloon FiestaBalloonist Sid Cutter and KOB Radio, for the station's 50th anniversary1972Burning ManLarry Harvey and Jerry James1986Yi Peng Lantern FestivalTraditional Lanna (Northern Thai) Buddhist communitiesCenturies-old traditionFuji Shibazakura FestivalModern tourism initiative around a natural bloom cycleContemporary festivalChinese New YearRooted in ancient Chinese agrarian and lunar calendar traditionThousands of years old.Black-necked Crane FestivalLocal Bhutanese monastic and conservation communitiesModern annual traditionNaadam FestivalTraditional Mongol nomadic culture, tied to the era of Genghis KhanRoughly 800 years oldTimket FestivalEthiopian Orthodox Church traditionAncient Orthodox Christian originVodun FestivalWest African Vodun spiritual communities of BeninTraditional, formalized as an annual festival in 1992St. Patrick's DayRooted in the feast day of Ireland's patron saintCenturies-old; Dublin's modern parade dates to the 20th centuryAgitÁguedaLocal artists and the Águeda town communityEarly 2000sInti RaymiThe Inca Empire15th century (revived as a public festival in 1944)Honolulu Lantern Floating FestivalNa'alehu Anthony and the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order1999Gathering of NationsFounder Derek Mathews1984Toronto International Film FestivalBill Marshall, Dusty Cohl, and Henk Van der Kolk1976Mardi GrasFrench colonial settlers in Louisiana18th century A Traveler's Final Word On The Cultural Festivals In The World  Once again, these cultural festivals have very little to do with tourists.  The moment someone makes you join the samba groove or smears the colors of Holi on you, you become a part of the culture.  That is the real gift the cultural festivals bring for travelers. It is not a photograph, but a few hours of genuine belonging in a place that was, until recently, a stranger to you.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 20, 2020

Are you looking to start a new hobby, to help keep you engaged but also allow you to learn a new skill? Do you know what are some of the coolest things men in different parts of the world are doing as a hobby? Have you tried getting excited by the prospect of sailing on the open seas, setting up your own grill, or creating a sculpted physique? We all know how the monotony of everyday life can take a toll on even the best of us. In order to ensure that we perform to our highest levels, many of us have taken to hobbies to keep ourselves engaged and break the monotony of everyday lives. In this article, we are going to look at five top hobbies for men. These hobbies will not only keep you engaged but also allow you to pick up a new skill, which you can impress when your friends and family members are over. However, before we begin, let us look at why hobbies are important for everyone, especially for men. The Importance of Having a Hobby for Men According to health experts, normal professionals are living 80-100 hours per week. Many experts state that it is essential for human beings to enhance the quality of their lives. Hobbies are a great way to do that. Not only do they distract us, but also allow us to do something, which we are interested in. Hobbies allow an escape from something you are doing to pay your bills, to something you are doing for your heart. This doesn’t mean that hobbies are not good for people and individuals who love their normal 9-5 jobs. However, if you want to improve your income, pick up a new skill, or contribute to your personal branding, hobbies can be pretty productive. For example, many adults are looking at opportunities to buy virgin galactic shares as a way to generate some income from a side hobby. Learning about the stock market is great and can allow you to open up a steady second source of revenue. Many doctors are of the opinion that hobbies have a great effect on promoting better health. Mental health counselors state that spending a couple of hours on your hobby per week can reduce the risks of depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. It can also promote better sleep. When people start hobbies, they also get to know other people who pursue them. This not only helps them socialize but also allows them to become part of a community. You feel more attached, valued, and special when you become part of a group that shares similar interests as you do. Once you start a hobby, you normally become more patient. It also helps you clear your head and arrange your thoughts in a logical fashion. Not to mention how a hobby can help you improve your self-esteem and gain respect from certain quarters. List of 5 Top Hobbies for Men 1. Sailing- If you love adventure, the open seas, and being independent, then sailing is the best hobby for you. There is something magical in setting off on a sailboat into the vastness. It is highly intoxicating, captivating, and allows you to explore nature at its supreme best. You can buy a sailboat, pick up the basics in a course and make sailing a weekend activity. If you have kids, you can teach them the ropes of sailing. This is also a great bonding activity, which can help you get close to your son or your daughter. 2. Grilling- If you are someone who loves cooking and entertaining, then you should pick up grilling. There are many men who are taking to grilling in the last few years. If you think that this hobby requires you to learn a lot about cooking, you are wrong. Grill cooktops and stations are becoming more evolved every day. They are technologically advanced and do not require you to do everything manually. All you need to do is season your meat, invite some friends over, and have a great weekend grill session. 3. Fitness- Many of us tend to ignore our health and fitness because of work pressure and other engagements. If you have been thinking about starting a fitness regime, complete with the best weight loss supplements for men, the upcoming holiday season can be a good opportunity to start. Looking after yourself is a great personal hobby. Whether you want to create a home gym or start at a fitness center is entirely your own personal preference. If you are fit, you will keep always be in a better position to ward off illnesses and diseases. Working out also allows you to improve your productivity in different professional commitments. 4. Brewing- We all love to consume alcoholic beverages of different kinds. However, there are many times when brands let us down when it comes to flavor, prices, and availability. How brewing is a great hobby to take up as it allows you to pick up a great new skill. Brewing will also enable you to showcase your new-found brewer skills in front of your friends and family members. It is true that you will need to invest in some high-end equipment. In addition, you will also need to learn about the entire brewing process. 5. Investing- According to the top financial experts, many people who do not have any prior experience in investing are the ones who are most successful. If you are looking to learn a new skill or improve your financial earnings, maybe you can start learning to invest. You can start small by investing in some blue-chip stocks just to get the hang of it, or consider fractional shares from https://www.sofi.com/invest/fractional-shares/. In addition, you could try the virtual stock market, there's no money to be gained but it is a perfect platform to learn with. Once you start gaining slowly, you can move on to cryptocurrencies or real estate. Investing is a great productive hobby, which can allow you to open up a decent side income. The Final Word You can pick up any of the hobbies mentioned in the list, or pick up a new one. Depending on your personal area of interest. Do not be afraid to invest in a hobby of your choice. Once you start relaxing and learning, you will realize that the investment was worth it. Can you help add to the list by stating some other hobbies men can pick up in their adult lives? Let us know in the comments section below. Read Also: How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips Tips To Help You Plan Your Holidays To Morocco