8 Incredible Festivals to Attend in April 2023
April is a wonderful month to travel and experience some of the world's most fantastic festivals. Whether you're looking for music, culture, nature or spirituality, there is something for everyone in this list of eight amazing festivals that you can attend in April 2023.
AfrikaBurn – Tankwa, South Africa
AfrikaBurn is an art, creativity, and self-expression festival that takes place in the Tankwa Karoo National Park in South Africa. Inspired by Burning Man, it has its own unique African flavor and identity. Participants create temporary artworks, installations, performances, and campsites that reflect their passions and visions. The festival culminates with the burning of several large sculptures on the final night.
When: 24-30 April 2023
Where: Tankwa Town, Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa
Website: https://www.afrikaburn.com/
BaliSpirit Festival – Ubud, Bali
BaliSpirit Festival is a celebration of yoga, dance, music, and wellness that attracts thousands of people from all over the world. The festival offers a variety of workshops, classes, concerts, and events that aim to inspire and empower people to live more consciously and harmoniously. You can also enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Ubud, Bali's cultural and spiritual hub.
When: 3-9 April 2023
Where: Ubud, Bali
Website: https://www.balispiritfestival.com/
Bisket Jatra – Bhaktapur, Nepal
Bisket Jatra is a traditional New Year festival that takes place in Bhaktapur, one of the ancient cities of Nepal. The festival involves a series of rituals and ceremonies that symbolize the death and rebirth of the god Bhairab. The highlight of the festival is the chariot procession of Bhairab and his consort Bhadrakali through the streets of Bhaktapur. The chariots are pulled by hundreds of devotees who compete to tug them to their respective temples.
When: 13-20 April 2023
Where: Bhaktapur, Nepal
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisket_Jatra
Photo: Nirik Karan
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, featuring famous artists from different genres such as rock, pop, hip hop, electronic, indie, and more. The festival also showcases various art installations, exhibits, and interactive experiences that enhance its creative vibe. The festival attracts celebrities, influencers, and fans who enjoy its eclectic lineup, fashion trends, and desert scenery.
When: 14-16 April 2023 (Weekend One) | 21-23 April 2023 (Weekend Two)
Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
Website: https://coachella.com/
Earth Day – Worldwide
Earth Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness and action for environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and more. The theme for Earth Day 2023 is "Restore Our Earth," which focuses on natural processes, green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore ecosystems around the world. Earth Day encourages people to participate in various activities such as cleanups, plantings, demonstrations, educational programs, campaigns, and more that support its mission.
When: 22 April 2023
Where: Worldwide
Website: https://www.earthday.org/
Kings Day - Amsterdam, Netherlands
King's Day is a day-long festival in the capital of the Netherlands, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Locals, expats, and tourists wear orange to honor the Dutch royal family, who visit a different municipality each year. Amsterdam sees between 600,000 to a million people during King's Day, where the celebrations start the night before and continue until the eve of King's Day. The canals are filled with boats, and dance parties are held in the city center. It also features the world's largest flea markets where people of all ages trade second-hand goods.
When: 27 April 2023
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/kings-day
Image from Koen Smilde
Tulip Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulip Festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beauty of tulips, which are one of the Netherlands' most famous exports. The festival takes place across the country, but Amsterdam's Keukenhof Gardens is the best place to experience the colorful fields of tulips in bloom. The gardens feature over seven million tulips, as well as other flowers, sculptures, and events such as flower shows, concerts, and treasure hunts.
When: 24 March - 16 May 2023
Where: Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/
Songkran – Bangkok, Thailand
Songkran is the Thai New Year festival that is celebrated with water fights, street parties, and religious ceremonies across the country. The festival marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, and is a time to pay respect to elders, cleanse oneself of bad luck, and have fun. In Bangkok, the festival is particularly lively, with locals and tourists alike taking to the streets with buckets, water guns, and hoses to drench each other with water.
When: 13-15 April 2023
Where: Bangkok, Thailand
Website: https://everythingbkk.com/event/songkran-festival-2023/
photo by MohithAgadi
Conclusion
April is a great month to travel and experience some of the best festivals around the world. From the art and creativity of AfrikaBurn to the beauty of the tulips at the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking to connect with nature, immerse yourself in different cultures, or simply have fun, attending one of these festivals is an excellent way to do it.
So why not start planning your next adventure today?