Travel Begins at 40 rounds up the best festivals in May 2023 from around the Globe, from Cuba to Australia, so wherever you are join in the celebrations.
Cultural Festivals in May
Romerias de Mayo, Holguin, Cuba – 2-8 May
One of the biggest cultural festivals in Cuba, Romerias de Mayo is a week of colourful parades and musical acts. Sample music ranging from Cuban to traditional, classical, jazz and acoustic. Participate in workshops or watch dance and art performances. But most of all enjoy the brightly coloured street processions.
Vivid Sydney, Australia – 26 May to 17 June
One of the biggest light, music and ideas festivals in the South, Vivid Sydney will light up the city’s opera house and surrounding harbour area. This year the festival, which is divided into three segments: Vivid Light, Vivid Ideas and Vivid Music.
Music Festivals in May
Tallinn Music Week, Estonia – 10-14 May
Tallinn with its stunning medieval centre and thriving galleries, restaurants and bars will host one of Europe’s most eclectic contemporary music festivals – the Tallinn Music Week. The festival consists of a music festival, a Creative Impact Conference and a city festival. The 2023 festival will include 150 artists.
Food Festivals in May
Alresford Watercress Festival, UK – 21 May
Food fans shouldn’t miss one of Travel Begins at 40’s favourite festivals, the Alresford Watercress Festival held in New Alresford, Hampshire. Dubbed the ‘capital of watercress’, the town will see food demonstrations, 120 food stalls displaying local produce as well as the World Watercress Eating Competition.
Film Festivals in May
Cannes Film Festival, France – 16-27 May
The red carpet will be rolled out in the South of France once more for the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. In addition to the Official Selection films competing for the Palme d’or.
Flower Festivals in May
Chelsea Flower Show, London, UK – 23-27 May
Spring may be in the air, but it is also in west London for the annual Chelsea Flower Show, the most famous horticultural show in the world. Originally called the Great Spring Show, it is now held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. See the best spring flower displays in the world.
And Now For Something Completely Different …
Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling, UK – 29 May
The UK is full of quirky traditions, but few can compare with the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling held each year in Gloucestershire. A round of Double Gloucester cheese weighing 3 to 4 kilos is rolled down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, pursued by competitors aiming is to catch the cheese, which can reach a speed of 70mph.
More Festivals in May 2022
For a full list of May festivals around the World, visit our Events and Festival page.
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