February is often associated with Valentine’s Day, but it’s more than just flowers and chocolates or grand gestures of showing love and affection to one another. The month offers a variety of activities and celebrations to experience from across the world. It might be the shortest month of the year, but it’s definitely not short on recreational and exciting things to do, especially for “hodophiles” (Greek, noun, one who loves to travel) and travel nomads.
From dazzling light displays to vibrant street parades, here are five places to visit this February as you celebrate all kinds of love:
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
When: February 4-11, 2025
What started as a small snow sculpture activity among high school students in the 1950s has evolved into one of Japan’s largest and most famous winter festivals, attracting millions of visitors each year. This year’s 75th Sapporo Snow Festival is set on three locations: the Odori Site, Susukino Site, and Tsu Dome Site.
What to expect:
- Massive Ice and Snow Sculpture: Intricate carvings, some towering over 15 meters high, depicting famous landmarks, anime characters, and mythical creatures.
- Snow and Ice Activities: Ice skating, snow slides, and even snow rafting for thrill-seekers.
- Night Illuminations: At dusk, the sculptures are lit up, creating a magical and romantic ambiance.
- Local Delicacies: Warm up with a bowl of miso ramen, Sapporo’s specialty, or indulge in crab hotpot and Hokkaido dairy treats.
Perfect for couples, families, and winter lovers, the Sapporo Snow Festival offers an unforgettable icy adventure.
Taiwan Lantern Festival
Where: Taiwan
When: February 12, 2025
The Taiwan Lantern Festival marks the grand finale of the Lunar New Year celebrations, filling the skies with thousands of glowing lanterns. Rooted in tradition, this festival symbolizes hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.
What to expect:
- Sky Lantern Release in Pingxi: Watch as people write their wishes on paper lanterns before releasing them into the night sky—a scene so enchanting, it would feel like a scene straight out of Disney’s Tangled.
- Traditional Performances: Lion dances, acrobatics, and folk music performances to highlight the festive ambiance.
- Local Street Food: Savor Taiwanese night market favorites like bubble tea, oyster omelets, and sticky rice dumplings (tangyuan).
Whether you seek spiritual reflection or dazzling visual spectacles, the Taiwan Lantern Festival is a must-experience event in Asia.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Where: Sydney, Australia
When: February 14 – March 2, 2025
More than just a parade, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the largest and most spectacular LGBTQIA+ celebrations in the world. What started as a protest in 1978 has transformed into a festival of pride promoting love, acceptance, and equality.
What to expect:
- The Grand Parade: A colorful explosion of extravagant displays and performances across Oxford Street.
- Fair Day: A massive outdoor festival featuring live music, community stalls, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
- Parties and Drag Shows: From glamorous rooftop parties to electrifying drag performances, Sydney’s nightlife thrives through Mardi Gras.
- Harborfront Celebrations: Take in the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbor, illuminated in rainbow lights, while enjoying fireworks and live performances.
Whether you’re part of the queer community or an ally, this festival is all about love, self-expression, and inclusivity.
Venice Carnival
Where: Venice, Italy
When: February 14 – March 4, 2025
A timeless tradition dating back to the 12th century, the Venice Carnival is a celebration of elegance, mystery, and extravagance. Famous for its ornate masks and grand masquerade balls, this festival transports visitors to a world of historical charm and artistic splendor.
What to expect:
- Masquerade Balls: Exclusive costume parties like Il Ballo del Doge offer an evening of music and dancing.
- Canal Festivities: Enjoy a gondola ride across the Grand Canal as performers reenact significant processions during the historic day.
- Delectable Italian Treats: Savor traditional carnival delicacies like fritole or frittelle (Venetian doughnuts) as you stroll along the festivities.
Rio Carnival
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: February 28 – March 8, 2025
A fusion of Afro-Brazilian culture, samba rhythms, and electrifying energy, this festival transforms Rio into a non-stop party.
What to expect:
- Sambadrome Parade: Top samba schools compete in features of massive floats, elaborate costumes, and dance performances.
- Street Parties: Also known as ‘blocos’, are large street events offering live music to spontaneous samba dancing.
- Copacabana Beach Festivities: sun, sand, and non-stop celebrations make Rio’s beaches a carnival hotspot.
- Traditional Brazilian Cuisine: indulge in feijoada (black bean stew), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail) as you immerse in Rio’s music, dance, and cultural experiences.
If you’re reading this, it’s a sign for you to book that flight and hop on the plane to your next destination and celebrate love, life, and culture with your lover or loved ones.
