7 of the world’s quirkiest coastal celebrations

There’s no better way to tap into the soul of a destination than by diving headfirst into a local festival, when communities come alive in the most joyous ways — be it dancing, feasting or honouring a time-old tradition. Throw in a coastline, and the magic multiplies: the tang of salt in the air, the lure of the day’s catch and a backdrop of shifting seascapes all heighten the atmosphere.

1. Fête du Citron, Menton, France

When: February
Locals in the French Riviera town of Menton have been cultivating citrus trees since the 16th century and, each February, they honour their beloved fruit with a two-week carnival. The entire town transforms into a surreal citrus wonderland, as giant sculptures fashioned from 150 tonnes of lemons and oranges are erected in the streets, depicting everything from sea creatures to historic monuments. As well as parades, there are visits to local producers and a host of citrus-centric dishes to try in Menton’s restaurants. At the festival’s end, any leftover lemons are turned into jam.

2. Fiesta de la Candelaria, Puno, Peru

When: February
Set on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Peru’s Fiesta de la Candelaria is a blend of Indigenous rituals and traditions. During this two-week celebration, the town of Puno echoes with the competing sounds of folkloric bands who drum, dance, drink, sing and celebrate from morning until nightfall, when fireworks illuminate the skies. This is also a time of reverence, with homage paid to the Virgin of the Candelaria and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Festivities culminate with la diablada, the devil dance, performed by panpipe-playing dancers in Andean costumes and masks.

3. Tremor, The Azores

When: April
Crank up the sound system — there are few neighbours to disturb at this music festival on the island of São Miguel, far out in the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Azores archipelago, the volcanic island’s untouched beauty feels in keeping with the festival’s underground, artsy vibe. The line-up includes both homegrown talent and experimental artists from abroad playing an eclectic medley of genres, from folk and jazz to psychedelic and rock. Performances and installations take place in unusual spots around the island, like churches and abandoned quarries, as well as beside thermal springs and volcanic lakes.

4. Songkran Festival, Thailand

When: April
Thailand’s festival marking Buddhist New Year is a moment to cleanse and rejuvenate for the year ahead — locals clean their houses, offer scented waters to religious shrines and children wash the hands of their elders. On the streets, Songkran’s traditions take on a more playful tone, in the form of an almighty water fight. Coastal areas like Phuket and Krabi turn into epic battlegrounds as locals use high-powered super soakers and water bombs to target passersby, including tourists. Aside from the waterworks, there’s also music, traditional parades and temple ceremonies.

5. Trænafestivalen, Norway

When: July
Get ready for around-the-clock revelry at Trænafestivalen, a boundary-pushing music festival that makes the most of the 23 hours of daylight of Norway’s summertime. Set on the isolated Træna islands, accessible only by ferry from mainland Norway, this festival promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to party in the Arctic Circle. A cutting-edge roster of world-class DJs and musicians perform in unforgettable locations, from dense forests to the cathedral-like cave of Kirkehelleren. While this year’s line-up is still under wraps, past acts have included Charli xcx, Manu Chao and Damien Rice.

6. Ocean Scilly Festival, Isles of Scilly, UK

When: August
The crystal-clear waters and white-washed beaches of Cornwall’s Scilly Isles are the closest thing to paradise in the British Isles — no wonder its Ocean Festival, now in its third year, is already making waves. With events held across all five islands of the archipelago, some 30 miles off the Cornish coast, the festival celebrates the islands’ rich maritime heritage. Expect rock pool safaris, gig (rowing boats) racing, shipwreck tours, sunset swims, seal-spotting and kayaking. Above water, the islands offer beautiful coastal walks and a bounty of wildflowers.

7. Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa

When: September
After months in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, hundreds of majestic southern right whales make their way to the warmer shores around Hermanus, a coastal spot 75 miles west of Cape Town, renowned as one of South Africa’s best whale-watching locations. Its three-day, late September festival combines opportunities for whale sightings with an eco-minded programme of talks and exhibits that tell the story of local marine life and conservation efforts. Live music, seafood trucks and local arts and crafts fairs add to the festival’s credentials.