6 Amazing Animal Festivals Around the World

The Alpabzug, or Désalpes, is a traditional autumnal event celebrated in the Alpine regions of Europe, particularly Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, where it is known as the Almabtrieb. During the summer months, farmers and their herds ascend to the high-altitude Alpine pastures for grazing. In late September or early October, the Alpabzug marks the ceremonial return of the livestock to the valleys for the winter. The event is characterised by a colourful procession of cows, adorned with floral headdresses and large, ornate bells. Children and cowherds, dressed in traditional regional attire, lead the descent. The return of the herds is accompanied by festivities, including traditional music such as yodeling and alphorn playing. Local communities often organise accompanying events, such as farmers' markets showcasing regional crafts and culinary specialties, including cheeses produced from the summer's milk yield. The Alpabzug is a significant cultural event that celebrates the close relationship between the local communities and their agricultural heritage.

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

Festival de Aves de Chile (Birds of Chile Festival) – Chile

Chile boasts an exceptional avian diversity, with over 500 bird species, including 11 species found nowhere else on Earth. The Festival de Aves de Chile, an annual event held in Viña del Mar, was established in 2008 by Rodrigo Tapia, a member of the Chilean Ornithologists Union. Inspired by his dedication to raising public awareness about Chilean birds, Tapia's vision has materialised into a significant celebration of bird life. Organised by the city's Heritage Unit, the festival serves as a platform for both avid birdwatchers and the general public to deepen their understanding of Chile's avian wealth. A diverse range of activities, including guided tours and excursions—such as kayaking on the Pacific Ocean—offer unique opportunities for close encounters with the country's remarkable birdlife.

Image via Ninara on Flickr. CC BY 2.0.

Pushkar Fair – India

The annual Pushkar Fair, held in Rajasthan, India, is renowned as one of the largest and most celebrated festivals in the country. A significant draw for pilgrims, Pushkar Fair centers around Pushkar Lake, a sacred site believed to have been consecrated by every Hindu deity on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. Considered one of Hinduism's five holiest pilgrimage sites, the lake is revered for its purifying waters, believed to wash away sins and possess healing properties. Beyond its religious significance, the Pushkar Fair is globally recognised as the world's largest camel fair. This aspect evolved from its origins as a gathering for camel and cattle traders, coinciding with Kartik Purnima, a festival dedicated to the Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva. The fair features a vibrant display of camel beauty, with animals adorned in exquisite jewelry, colourful saddles, and intricate hair designs. Camels participate in a range of activities, including beauty pageants, races, parades, and dances, creating a spectacle of colour and movement.

Image via Unwild Planet on Flickr. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival –Thailand

Every year, on the final Sunday of November, the ancient city of Lopburi in Thailand plays host to a unique spectacle: the world's largest monkey buffet. This extraordinary event, conceived in 1989 by hotelier Yongyuth Kitwattananusont, serves as an expression of gratitude to the city's most famous residents – over 3,000 long-tailed macaques. Recognised as descendants of Hanuman, the monkey king in Hindu mythology, these primates are believed to bring good fortune to Lopburi. To honor their presence and the significant role they play in the city's tourism industry, an 8,800-pound feast is prepared for them by skilled chefs. The banquet unfolds amidst the captivating backdrop of the ancient San Phra Kan and Phra Prang Sam Yot temples. Long tables laden with an array of delicacies are set up, featuring a predominantly vegetarian menu with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. However, the menu also includes sticky rice, cakes, desserts, and even soda, catering to the varied tastes of these discerning guests. This unique event is a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in this fascinating corner of Thailand.

Image via Rostyslav Kudlak on Flickr. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kattenstoet - Belgium

On the second Sunday of May since 1955, an unusual procession marches down the streets of Ypres, a small town near the French border of Belgium. This, is the Kattenstoet. Kattenstoet literally translates to 'the Cat Parade' and it is a fantastic parade that is fully dedicated to felines. This unique festival occurs once every three years. The parade commemorates a rather unpleasant Middle Ages tradition in which cats were thrown from the belfry tower of the Cloth Hall into the town square below. The last cat reportedly survived the fall and scampered off as fast as it could before it could be caught again. From then on until the First World War, Cats' Wednesday was celebrated simply by ringing of the church bells. Want to learn more? Click here to read our previous post about this fascinating festival.

Image credit: Wolf Gordon Clifton / Animal People, Inc.

Kukur Tihar - Nepal

This annual Hindu festival originated in Nepal falls on the second day of the festival of Tihar. During the festival of Tihar, many animals including cows and crows are also worshipped, but Kukur Tihar is all about our canine companions. On this day, people worship dogs to please Yama, the god of death. Dogs are decorated with tilaka (a traditional marking on their foreheads) and wear flower garlands around their necks. People also offer them various foods including meat, milk, eggs, and dog food. You can read more about Kukur Tihar here.