There is an aura of magnetism in the whole of festivals in South America – a continent where colour is not only worn but lived. Where every street spills music and traditions blossom in full spectacle, festivals are not events; they are electric explosions of identity and joy. Whether you are a backpacker on a rhythm trip or a cultural traveller tuned into stories, South American festivals are meant not just to be watched from the sidelines – they're meant to be lived.
Quite currently, bustling with 100% energy, the continent is showcasing a few of the best cultural festivals and celebrations from festivals in South America that you cannot afford to miss. So, circle the date on your calendar, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to lose yourself in traditions, music, and magic.
When: February
Where: Rio de Janeiro (and beyond)
There’s no talking about South American festivals without starting with the mother of all parties—Carnival in Brazil. Held just before Lent, Carnival transforms Brazil into a kaleidoscope of sequins, samba, and soul. Think parade floats taller than buildings, costumes that defy imagination, and an energy that’s nothing short of euphoric.
While Rio de Janeiro is the most iconic host, cities like Salvador and Recife offer equally wild (and sometimes even more local) versions of the celebration. From beach parties to dance-offs, this is not just a festival—it’s a rite of passage.
When: June 24
Where: Cusco
Festival of the Sun: This is an event that is imbibed with a very great spirit and weight of history and has existed since the time of the Inca Empire itself. It is held at the very heart of Cusco, the former capital of Peru, during the time of the winter solstice in honour of Inti, the sun god of the Incas. It is a South American cultural festival that celebrates the very heart of Peru during times of such important climatic change.
And the main event? A large reenactment at Sacsayhuamán, where thousands come to watch the actors dressed in traditional attire resurrect ceremonies once held only for royalty. The music, the fire, the chants – it is an occasion that sends goosebumps down the spine, connecting ancient rituals with modern-day awe.
When: February
Where: Oruro
UNESCO designates the Carnaval de Oruro a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. A Bolivian masterpiece, it marries Andean folklore, Catholic rituals, and mind-blowing costumes in a multi-day disenchantment: heavy with choreography and spiritual significance.
Expect dancing devils, feathered angels, and brass bands that’ll have your heart beating in rhythm. If you’re seeking festivals in South America that blend myth, faith, and artistry, Oruro is calling.
When: March
Where: Mendoza
For the wine lovers, cast your eyes upon Mendoza, Argentina. It is the Festival de la Cosecha (Harvest Festival), and it is heaven on Earth for connoisseurs of wine. Toast to the grape harvest at this event and prepare to see the locals twirling, singing, and crowning queens of harvest in brazenly extravagant outdoor shows.
Expect vineyard tours, gaucho shows, and wine flowing like poetry. Not a mere festival and celebration; it's a way of life.
When: September
Where: Rio de Janeiro
Festivals in South America, such as music festivals in 2025, nothing can compare to Rock in Rio. Considered one of the biggest music festivals in the world, Rock in Rio has always offered something for everyone, genre-wise or generation-wise, or where the artist is from. Past lineups have included the likes of Beyoncé and Queen, as well as great local samba legends and up-and-coming indie stars.
The stage setups are colossal, the crowd electric, and the location—Rio’s golden beaches and mountains—an absolute dream.
When: March
Where: Colchagua Valley
One of the most important countries in Latin America, it celebrates grape harvest with the Fiesta de la Vendimia. The Colchagua Valley is regarded as the most beautiful of the wine regions of this country and the focal point of this beautiful festival. Cueca dancing, colorful flea markets, and, of course, gourmet tastings of world-class wines- this festival has it all. To simplify, this festival is for mother earth and her heritage.
For those wanting to dive into South America’s festivals and traditions, Vendimia offers a delicious and authentic slice of Chilean culture.
When: July
Where: Northern Chile
Taking place in the small desert town of La Tirana, this spiritual festival honours Our Lady of Mount Carmel but with a uniquely Andean twist. Over 200,000 pilgrims gather for a vibrant mix of indigenous rites, Catholic devotion, and hypnotic dance battles between devils and angels.
It’s one of South America's most fascinating cultural festivals—an unmissable fusion of faith and folklore.
With so many South American festivals and celebrations, you’re not just planning a holiday—you’re curating a story. A narrative filled with rhythm, soul, flavour, and passion. These festivals aren’t passive experiences; they’re living, breathing moments where you don’t just observe—you become part of the pulse.
Time to plan that dream early: "Paris might be the first city that comes into your mind when thinking about travelling. If you're stirring for wanderlust, you're probably imagining parading through Rio, wine sipping in Mendoza, or dancing beneath the stars in Cusco."
For On the Beach, it does have smooth edges when it comes to booking festival adventures. Curated holiday packages, affordable flights, and dreamy accommodations keep it all easy so that you have less to think about while enjoying the beats, sips, and sunsets. On the Beach gets you started on the trail—whether chasing music, mythology, or a glass of Malbec under the Andes—before experiencing the flavour of soul-rich festivals in South America the way it was designed: alive, colourful, and unforgettable. For more travel tips and travel guides with our personalized resources and tools, visit our official website OrganizeTrip!
