Discover the most unique winter festivals around the world - Mytour.vn

Ice bathing is considered a soul-cleansing ritual in Russia. It translates to 'immersing oneself in water'. The Epiphany Ice Bath Festival is held after Christmas, on January 6th in countries following the Roman Catholic Church, or January 19th in Russia and many Orthodox countries.

Even in temperatures as low as minus ten degrees Celsius, people in Russia enthusiastically participate in the festival. Communities gather at a nearby location and perform the ice bathing ritual. Afterwards, they carry the 'blessed' water back home in cans or large containers because they believe it is sanctified by God on this day and can heal illnesses. They keep some of the water at home to protect their families from dangers.

The significance of the ice bathing ritual lies in viewing water as the source of life, of purity, so immersing oneself in water is akin to cleansing all sins, purifying the soul. The ritual also tests human courage.

Considered the world's largest winter festival held in Quebec, Canada, this festival usually takes place at the end of January and extends into February for 17 days.

For the past 50 years, during the coldest days of winter, Quebec has always welcomed a special guest. That's the “goodwill ambassador” of winter – Bonhomme. Many locals as well as Santa Claus himself attend the festival as an integral part. The festival is held right on the Abraham Plains with a series of exciting activities such as the international snow sculpture competition, showcasing the creativity and skill of participants on intricately sculpted ice structures.

When you travel to Canada in winter, you can also participate in activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sled rides, ice fishing, designing snow products, engaging in other fun programs, and exploring, enjoying what winter brings. Snow bathing will be an incredibly fun activity, symbolizing human endurance against the harshness of winter cold. Each activity carries specific meaning, so come to Canada to immerse yourself in this lively festival.

When you attend the Brits Winter Festival, you'll immerse yourself in the largest music space of the year in Switzerland. Many famous DJs will be present at the festival and deliver the greatest music performances. The festival is also a destination attracting many famous singers from all over the world and Switzerland to sing and participate in various activities.

If you're a skilled snowboarder or skier, test your skills with the expanded UK snowboarding championship. You'll witness daring and breathtaking snow races. Only in countries with cold winters and thick snow cover can such exciting competitions be organized.

The Grand Winter Music Festival has become a meaningful annual activity in Switzerland.

The Bon Soo Challenge Festival is a unique festival held annually in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. The Bon Soo Festival was first organized in February 1964 and has since been held once every year. This is the second largest winter festival in Canada after the Montreal festival in Quebec.

The festival takes place over 10 days from the 7th to the 16th of February. The hallmark of the festival is the diverse indoor and outdoor sports activities along with cultural activities such as concerts, viewing stone sculptures, and watching polar bears swim.

A unique activity at the festival is 200 brave souls plunging into the icy waters of Lake Superior in a polar bear dip. The main purpose of the festival is to challenge the perseverance and bravery of participants in the harsh cold weather.

Nice Carnival is one of the world's most famous costume festivals in France, starting from February 17th and continuing until March 4th this year. The festival is formed by both religious and secular trends, as 'carnival' means the shedding of flesh.

Each year, the festival unfolds with different themes, featuring parades of thousands of costumes of various styles, colors, and sizes, creating a more dazzling spectacle than ever. The event gathers over a thousand performers to don costumes of cartoon characters.

One of the most important and unique events of the festival is the flower throwing along the Promenade des Anglais. Dancers sit on beautifully decorated floats and throw flowers, coins, mimosa, etc., towards the crowd.

The Riviera River is also a highly attractive spot with flower-decorated boats, skillfully crafted by talented hands, creating a dreamy floral river.

Winter is typically the most dull season of the year, but in Ontario, the Winterlude Ice Festival aims to create a lively atmosphere, with vibrant decorations and brightly colored clothing against the backdrop of white snow, dispelling the boredom and coldness of winter. The winter festival is an annual destination for all Ontarians.

This winter festival runs from January 31st to February 17th every year. The highlight of this festival is the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest skating rink. It is also where the artistic skating cup competition takes place.

The most attractive feature for tourists is the beautifully crafted and intricate ice sculptures. These unique sculptures are created by locals. In the evening, the sculptures sparkle with multiple colors as hundreds of lights shine upon them, attracting attention. Additionally, the festival features numerous games, concerts, and delicious food. It's the perfect winter destination this year.

Fuyu Matsuri is the annual cosplay festival eagerly anticipated by many cosplayers and anime manga fans in Ho Chi Minh City. The festival is held in February every year and is an opportunity for cosplayers to interact and showcase their cosplay costumes prepared in advance. With ticket prices ranging from 60,000 to 90,000 dong, cosplayers and fans arrive early in the morning to queue up to buy festival tickets.

Entering the festival, you'll find a cosplay atmosphere, with a multitude of cosplayers in vibrant costumes stepping out from various manga, anime, and game titles, creating a lively atmosphere.

This is a very enjoyable playground for those who love and are passionate about characters in movies, comics, as well as those who love dancing. Many characters and scenes will be recreated at the festival, almost identical to the works that have been released. However, there is no snow in Ho Chi Minh City during winter, which also provides favorable conditions for organizing enjoyable activities more easily.

Europe's largest fire festival, Up Helly Aa, held annually at the end of January in Scotland, attracts a large number of tourists. With this rather unusual name, the festival has been held since 1880 to honor Viking culture, which once thrived and left a significant impact on the Northern European region.

Over 1,000 Guizers – the name given to local volunteers dressed as Vikings – participate in the procession. Since 1956, even younger volunteers have been allowed to join in to add to the festivity. The young Guizers also own and participate in experiencing their own boat. A 9.2-meter long boat, replicating the Viking style, is meticulously crafted by volunteers. Despite the intricate craftsmanship, the fate of this boat is to be set ablaze every year.

The most anticipated performance is the burning of the boat, with over 1000 torches illuminating the river, creating a spectacular scene, with the Guizers' winged helmets standing out under the flames. To welcome this special event, the city will turn off the lights early. After the boat has been set alight, the festivities begin anew. The people of Scotland drink, dance, and celebrate until 8 o'clock the next morning, as the following day is considered an official holiday nationwide.

Contrary to its usual serene beauty, Saranac Lake in winter comes alive with winter sports competitions and special activities like concerts, fireworks, and parades. This festival has been running for 118 years and is held annually from January 31st to February 9th. The highlight of the festival includes intricately carved ice sculptures.

A standout is the magnificent ice palace built by volunteers using ice from Flower Lake, with its unique architectural style transformed each year. Additionally, festival sports activities such as snowshoe racing, winter volleyball, along with dazzling fireworks displays, will bring you moments of relaxation and joy.

The festival takes place from February 18th to March 4th annually at locations including Minato Koen, Chuo Koen, Hamaichi Kanko, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, and other spots in Nagasaki.

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is usually held over a 15-day period to celebrate the lunar new year in Nagasaki's Chinatown district and has since become the city's largest festival. During the festival days, you'll be dazzled by the shimmering light of 15,000 lanterns hung throughout the city.

It's worth noting that participants in the festival often wear Chinese attire. This is a special festival rooted in the Chinese community in Nagasaki at that time. The festival lasts for two weeks, typically spanning late February to early March, and is warmly welcomed by the people of Japan.